Your weekend fantasy playbook for Week 15

The latest fantasy football news, rankings, start/sit advice, and more to help you avoid misery on Sunday.

Hey folks,

Given that we’re in fantasy playoff territory now, I’m going to slim down the next few playbooks to free up more of my time to focus on rankings and injury updates, which I think are the two things that’ll be of most use to those of you still in the hunt.

I’ve put even more time into my rankings these last couple of weeks, and it seemed to pay off, as FantasyPros rated my Week 13 rankings #1 and Week 14’s #16 (out of 160+) in terms of accuracy and on the season I’m currently #21 out of 159 (#11 for QBs; #2 for RBs). Do with that what you will — I can’t pretend I fully understand their methodology, but let’s just assume they know what they’re doing.

Anyway, I just wanted to give a heads-up so you don’t think I’m slacking off, though I am running on fumes, to be honest.

I’m always happy to get feedback from you, so if you have any thoughts, please share, and best of luck in Week 15!

Warm regards — Justin

---

🤕 Fantasy pain index

🚫 Nope: Derek Carr (hand, concussion), Tyler Higbee (knee), Evan Engram (shoulder), Roschon Johnson (concussion), George Pickens (hamstring), Cedric Tillman (concussion)

🏴‍☠️ Not bloody likely: Bucky Irving (back, hip), Drew Lock (elbow, heel), Kenneth Walker III (calf)

🫤 Looking iffy: Ladd McConkey (knee, shoulder), David Njoku (hamstring), Aidan O'Connell (knee), D'Andre Swift (groin)

🙏 Cautiously optimistic: Josh Downs (shoulder), Breece Hall (knee), Dalton Kincaid (knee), Jakobi Meyers (ankle), Tony Pollard (ankle)

✅ Looking good: Romeo Doubs (concussion), Aaron Jones (back), Alvin Kamara (illness), Alexander Mattison (ankle), Trey McBride (knee), DK Metcalf (shoulder), Darnell Mooney (foot, rest),

Note: The above are estimates based on the latest news and injury reports. Always double-check your own rosters before Sunday kickoff!

Notes on key injuries

Bucky Irving (back, hip) - The latest is that he’s expected to play, but he only had four carries last week after a similar situation where he was Questionable heading into the game. It’s a shame, as Irving has outplayed White pound for pound when healthy, but Irving can’t be trusted in Week 15.

Breece Hall (knee) - ESPN reports that Hall is “expected to play.” He’s a risky play in fantasy, as who knows if he’ll make it through four quarters, and with the Jets having nothing to play for but a better draft pick, it’s hard to see why they’d push him.

D'Andre Swift (groin) - Roschon Johnson (concussion) has already been ruled out, so if Swift doesn’t go, Travis Homer seems like he could get the most backfield work. I think the Vikings put the Bears behind big and early, just like the 49ers did last week, so it’s best to avoid this backfield regardless.

Ladd McConkey (knee, shoulder) - “The Chargers are optimistic he'll be able to play,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports (via CBS Sports). It’s a game-time call, as was last week when he ultimately was held out, so keep tabs on this one.

---

📋 Weekend update: Latest player rankings

🚨 My Week 15 fantasy football rankings for PPR, Half-PPR, and Standard scoring formats will be updated throughout the weekend.