Studs and Duds: Week 5

Mon Oct 6 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Dowdle runs wild in Week 5


Well, that was certainly an interesting week of football. There weren’t a ton of big fantasy scores but certainly some intriguing outcomes. This was a week of upsets with the Broncos and Patriots pulling off two of the biggest. You just never know what you are going to see from week to week, which is what makes this game so great to watch.   

49ers 26, Rams 23

Fantasy Stud: Matthew Stafford. Stafford had a huge game against a 49ers secondary that had played well this year. He was 30-of-47 for 389 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Stafford scored 30.45 fantasy points, giving him two straight games with 30-plus points. His back injury was a concern to start the year but hasn’t seemed to bother him at all. He is having another big season

Fantasy Dud: Demarcus Robinson. Robinson got some starts with the 49ers all banged up at receiver, but he was not a help to any fantasy teams that used him. He had three receptions for 39 yards. Robinson got some looks but showed he is going to be a risk to use for fantasy teams - even in an expanded role.

Game Notes: Kendrick Bourne had 10 receptions for 142 yards. He had a huge game, serving as the top target in the 49ers passing game.

Puka Nacua finished with 10 receptions for 85 yards. Nacua has double-digit receptions three straight and four of five games.

Vikings 21, Browns 17

Fantasy Stud: David Njoku. Njoku led the way in the passing game for the Browns. He had six receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown. These were his best numbers of the season across the board, finishing with 18.7 fantasy points. He was targeted a season-best nine times, giving him at least five targets four of five games. Njoku remains a big part of this passing game, even with the emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin

Fantasy Dud: Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy continues to do very little, catching just two passes for 15 yards. You hoped things might have changed for him with a new starting quarterback this week, but that wasn’t the case. Jeudy has not had double-digit fantasy points since Week 1 of the season. He has less than 50 yards three straight games.

Game Notes: Quinshon Judkins had his first 100-yard game as a pro. He ran 23 times for 110 yards. Judkins has double-digit fantasy points all four games he has played.

Dillon Gabriel played alright in his first NFL start. He was 19-of-33 for 190 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover.

Texans 44, Ravens 10

Fantasy Stud: C.J. Stroud. Stroud had another big game, going 23-of-27 for 244 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. He also ran once for 30 yards. Stroud scored a season-best 31.2 fantasy points. He has 20-plus fantasy points two straight games

Fantasy Dud: Derrick Henry. Henry scored a touchdown but still managed to finish with fewer than 10 fantasy points. He ran 15 times for just 33 yards and a score. He has fewer than double-digit fantasy points two straight and three of four games. He has 50 or fewer rushing yards four straight games. Henry is not having near the season fantasy owners hoped.

Game Notes: Cooper Rush had a rough first start with the Ravens. He was 14-of-20 for 179 yards with three interceptions. He failed to score a touchdown.

Xavier Hutchinson had three receptions for 18 yards and two touchdowns. He scored his first touchdown in the NFL.

Colts 40, Raiders 6

Fantasy Stud: Jonathan Taylor. Taylor continued his huge season, rushing 17 times for 66 yards and three touchdowns. He had three receptions for 20 yards. Taylor has three touchdowns in two of his last three games. He has seven total scores for the season. Taylor has 12-plus fantasy points every game

Fantasy Dud: Jakobi Meyers. You thought Meyers might have a big game with a lot of injuries at tight end for the Raiders. But that wasn’t the case, catching four passes for 32 yards. Meyers has three straight games with fewer than double-digit fantasy points. He just hasn’t gotten on the same page with his new quarterback, Geno Smith, this season.

Game Notes: Daniel Jones was 20-of-29 for 212 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. Jones has touchdowns every game this season, totaling nine total touchdowns.

Ashton Jeanty topped 100 total yards. He ran 14 times for 67 yards and caught five passes for 42 yards. He had 109 total yards in the game.

Saints 26, Giants 14

Fantasy Stud: Rashid Shaheed. Shaheed had four receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. It was his first 100-yard game of the season. Shaheed has at least four receptions every game this season. He has two games with 15-plus fantasy points

Fantasy Dud: Darius Slayton. There was hope Slayton might produce big in an expanded role but he had a rough game, catching three passes for 31 yards. He also lost a fumble. He scored just 5.1 fantasy points, his lowest total since Week 1. Slayton showed he is a tough fantasy player to trust.

Game Notes: Taysom Hill made his season debut for the Saints. He ran six times for a negative yard. He didn’t catch a pass but was 1-of-1 throwing the ball for 19 yards.

Kendre Miller led the Saints in rushing. He had 10 carries for 41 yards while Alvin Kamara ran eight times for just 27 yards.

Panthers 27, Dolphins 24

Fantasy Stud: Rico Dowdle. Dowdle got the start because of injury and responded with the best game of his career. He ran 23 times for 206 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle had three receptions for 28 yards, giving him 234 total yards. Dowdle proved that as long as Chuba Hubbard is sidelined, he might be a must-start for fantasy teams. This was quite the performance

Fantasy Dud: Tommy Tremble. Tremble looked great last week in a starting role, so he got some play this week. Unfortunately, that did not turn out well for fantasy owners. He caught just a pass for seven yards. It was a disappointing showing in what might be his last chance to start this season with Ja’Tavion Sanders back soon.

Game Notes: Darren Waller had five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. Waller has touchdowns each of his first two games this season.

Jaylen hit the 100-yard mark for the first time this year. He had six receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.

Cowboys 37, Jets 22

Fantasy Stud: Javonte Williams. Williams continued his great play. He rushed 16 times for 132 yards and a touchdown. William also caught a pass for a four-yard touchdown. Williams scored a season-high 26.6 fantasy points. He has three games with 20-plus fantasy points

Fantasy Dud: Jalen Tolbert. Tolbert was targeted just once and didn’t catch a pass. It was a really disappointing showing after getting 10.1 fantasy points the previous game. He had multiple receptions three straight games before this down showing. You just aren’t sure what Tolbert will do at this point.

Game Notes: Mason Taylor had nine receptions for 67 yards. Both totals were career highs. Taylor has at least four receptions three straight games.

Ryan Flournoy emerged as the top target next to George Pickens in the Cowboys passing game. He had six receptions for 114 yards, leading the Cowboys in both categories.

Broncos 21, Eagles 17

Fantasy Stud: DeVonta Smith. Smith had eight receptions for 114 yards. It was his first 100-yard game of the season. He did not have more than 60 yards in a game before this big performance. He has 19-plus fantasy points two of his last three games, starting to produce better for his fantasy owners

Fantasy Dud: A.J. Brown. Brown had another poor game, catching five passes for 43 yards. He failed to hit double-digit fantasy points for the fourth time in five games. The only positive was he was targeted nine times, giving him at least eight targets four straight games. 

Game Notes: JK Dobbins scored a touchdown for the fourth time in five games. He ran 20 times for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Dallas Goedert found the end zone once again, giving him touchdowns three straight games. He had three catches for 19 yards and a score on nine targets.

Bucs 38, Seahawks 35

Fantasy Stud: Emeka Egbuka. There were a lot of big performances in this one, but Egbuka gets the honor. He had another one of his huge games, catching seven passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. He scored 31.3 fantasy points in the game. Egbuka has three games this season with 20-plus fantasy points. He has touchdowns four of five games

Fantasy Dud: Chris Godwin. Godwin still hasn’t gotten into the flow of things just yet since returning from his ankle injury. He had three receptions for 26 yards in an offense that threw for nearly 400 yards. Godwin has six receptions for 52 yards on 14 targets in two games.

Game Notes: Sam Darnold had an unfortunate interception late in the game when his pass hit off a helmet but was fantastic besides that play. Darnold was 28-of-34 for 341 yards and four touchdowns with an interception.

Rachaad White handled most of the load at running back for the Bucs with Bucky Irving out. He ran 14 times for 41 and two touchdowns. White also had four receptions for 30 yards.

Titans 22, Cardinals 21

Fantasy Stud: Calvin Ridley. Ridley finally showed some signs of life, catching five passes for 131 yards. He did not have more than 60 yards in a game all season before this big game. His previous season high for fantasy points was 8.7. Ridley scored 18.1 fantasy points, showing you his potential if things start to click between him and rookie quarterback Cam Ward

Fantasy Dud: Trey McBride. McBride had a rare ho-hum performance. He caught five passes for 41 yards, finishing with fewer than double-digit fantasy points. This was his first game all season failing to hit double-digit points. He had at least 12 fantasy points before this one.

Game Notes: Tyjae Spears made his season debut and ran four times for 14 yards. He didn’t play a whole lot, watching Tony Pollard run 14 times for 67 yards and a touchdown.

Emari Demercado made a crucial mistake, letting go of the ball as he was about to cross the goal line. This pretty much cost the Cardinals the game. He ran three times for 81 yards.

Commanders 27, Chargers 10

Fantasy Stud: Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Croskey-Merritt finally got much of the run at running back and had a big game. He ran 14 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 39 yards, giving him 150 total yards. Hopefully, this is the game that gets him more consistent work in the Commanders offense

Fantasy Dud: Justin Herbert. Herbert was held in check, going 22-of-29 for 166 yards and a touchdown. The only positive was he led his team in rushing, running four times for 60 yards. But even with that said, Herbert scored just 17.3 fantasy points. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points three straight games.

Game Notes: Jayden Daniels returned from his injury and looked good, finishing 15-of-26 for 231 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. He also ran eight times for 39 yards.

Ladd McConkey found the end zone for the first time this season. He had five receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown on seven targets.

Omarion Hampton went to the locker room with an ankle injury and didn’t return. He ran 12 times for 44 yards and caught six passes for 26 yards.

Lions 37, Bengals 24

Fantasy Stud: David Montgomery. Montgomery did a little bit of everything. He led the team in rushing, running 18 times for 64 yards and a touchdown. He also threw a three-yard touchdown pass. Montgomery scored 18.15 fantasy points after having just 1.2 his previous game. It was a nice rebound performance from Montgomery

Fantasy Dud: Jameson Williams. Williams had just a catch for nine yards in a game the Lions threw for nearly 300 yards and four touchdowns. It was another disappointing game from the talented receiver. Williams had just one good fantasy showing all season. He has fewer than seven fantasy points four of five games.

Game Notes: Jared Goff was 19-of-23 for 258 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Goff has multiple touchdown passes three of four games.

Ja’Marr Chase had six receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He has 100-yard games two of four.

Patriots 23, Bills 20

Fantasy Stud: Stefon Diggs. Diggs has quickly become the go-to target for Drake Maye. He had 10 receptions for 146 yards. Diggs has two straight 100-yard games. He looks healthy and is making big play after big play for Maye. He is going to be a big-time fantasy receiver the rest of the way

Fantasy Dud: James Cook. Cook came back down to earth, rushing 15 times for just 49 yards. He didn’t catch a pass in the game. It was his first game all season without 20-plus fantasy points. Cook also failed to score a touchdown for the first time. He’ll be fine going forward, but this performance likely hurt a lot of his fantasy owners.

Game Notes: Rhamondre Stevenson lost yet another fumble but rebounded to find the end zone twice. He ran seven times for 14 yards and two touchdowns.

Dalton Kincaid hit the 100-yard mark. He had six receptions for 108 yards. Kincaid has 14-plus fantasy points three of five games.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 15

Player Notes
C.J. Stroud Dec 10 12:00am CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been solid in two games since returning from a three-game absence due to a concussion. Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs wasn't his cleanest performance statistically, as he completed just 48.4% of his passes, but he made plays for the Texans when he needed to. Before his head injury in Week 9 against Denver, the 24-year-old signal-caller was starting to get into a rhythm. In Weeks 4-8, Stroud completed 68.5% of his passes for 1,024 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 96 yards on 14 carries on the ground over four games. He averaged 21.1 fantasy points per game during that span, ranking as the QB9. Overall, the Texans' offense hasn't been efficient enough to support multiple reliable contributors in fantasy this season. Stroud profiles as a mid-range QB2 option in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Dec 9 11:50pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) has been on Injured Reserve for the entire year after suffering a serious neck injury during a preseason game in mid-August, but he seems to be getting close to a return. The second-year wideout was a limited participant every day in practice last week and has logged two limited practices on Monday and Tuesday of this week ahead of Thursday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons. His status in Wednesday's practice will likely determine if he can play on Thursday. The 24-year-old ended his rookie season on a heater, hauling in 24 of his 31 targets for 316 yards and seven touchdowns over the final five games. McMillan will be vying for targets in a crowded Tampa Bay WR room that could also be getting No. 1 receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) back in Week 15. McMillan will be an extremely volatile deep-league option if he is active on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Dec 9 11:30pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs hasn't been a big fantasy factor this season, recording 44 receptions for 393 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. After a promising sophomore campaign last year, Downs hasn't been emphasized with three other talented pass-catchers in the Colts' offense, plus a lean towards the run with a superstar back Jonathan Taylor. With quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) out for the season and 44-year-old Philip Rivers expected to be the team's starter moving forward, it's possible that Downs' opportunities will increase with Rivers primarily operating in the short area of the field. The 24-year-old's fantasy upside is still capped while being limited to routes in three-wide receiver sets. Downs still profiles as a deep-league flex option for a tough Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but his floor is probably lower now with Jones done for the year.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Dec 9 10:20pm CT
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney failed to deliver once again with fellow receiver Drake London (knee) missing Week 14's 37-9 loss to the Seahawks, logging just one catch on four targets for six yards. The 28-year-old nearly had a touchdown catch, but stepped on the sideline before coming back inbounds to make the reception, nullifying the score. After a 64-catch season in 2024, accumulating nearly 1000 yards (992) and five touchdowns, it has been a season to forget for Mooney, now with just 22 catches for 329 yards and one score with just four games to go. London was a DNP on Monday, so he could miss another contest, but it will likely be a boon to Kyle Pitts Sr.'s stats, not Mooney's. Week 15 brings a matchup with the Buccaneers on the road on Thursday night, against a Tampa Bay pass defense that is middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers. The veteran will likely be a risky WR4/Flex option in what will be the first round of the fantasy playoffs for most managers.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Dec 9 9:10pm CT
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin was inactive for nine out of his team's first 10 games of the 2025 season. However, the 25-year-old has been pressed into a more prominent role in recent weeks after Denver lost veteran running back J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending foot injury in Week 10. Across the team's last three games, McLaughlin has recorded 75 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 19 touches. Broncos rookie back RJ Harvey has taken over the RB1 in Denver, which limits McLaughlin's upside. However, McLaughlin could now be one injury away from stepping into a lead role in the Broncos' backfield. In leagues with 12 or more teams, fantasy managers should consider stashing McLaughlin in a bench spot for his handcuff upside. Over the next three weeks, Denver will take on the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Mack Hollins Dec 9 9:00pm CT
Mack Hollins

Across 13 games this season, New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins has recorded 35 receptions for 440 yards and two touchdowns on 48 targets. While New England's egalitarian passing attack has limited the production of all of its pass-catchers, Hollins has been the team's most consistent wide receiver from a playing time perspective. The 32-year-old has played at least 75% of the Patriots' offensive snaps in each of his last four games. Across his last six outings, Hollins has hauled in 24 catches for 321 yards on 34 targets. His numbers don't jump off the page, and his upside is limited, but Hollins is attached to an elite quarterback in Drake Maye and has demonstrated a safe playing time floor. In the deepest fantasy leagues, Hollins could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Michael Carter Dec 9 8:50pm CT
Michael Carter

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter has seen minimal usage as a rusher in recent weeks, as he has not recorded more than five carries in a game since Week 7. However, the 26-year-old has seen consistent work in the passing game, hauling in 15 receptions for 117 yards on 20 targets over the last four weeks. The Cardinals' backfield has been in a constant state of flux this season due to injuries. With James Conner (ankle), Trey Benson (knee), and Emari Demercado (ankle) sidelined, Carter and journeyman back Bam Knight have seen the majority of the work over the last month. Arizona could be getting Benson back in Week 15 against the Houston Texans, which may eliminate Carter's role. However, it appears the Cardinals are also considering shutting down Benson for the season due to his lingering knee injury. If Benson remains out, Carter could have some flex appeal for deep-league PPR fantasy managers thanks to his pass-catching ability.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Dec 9 8:40pm CT
Malik Washington

Across 13 games this season, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has recorded 40 receptions for 274 yards and two touchdowns on 56 targets. The 24-year-old has also earned some work as a rusher, logging 78 rushing yards on 13 carries. Washington has served as Miami's primary WR2 alongside Jaylen Waddle since star wideout Tyreek Hill (knee) went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Since that point, Washington has seen at least five targets in six out of nine games. However, he's struggled to be highly productive with his opportunities and has recorded more than 36 receiving yards in just two contests this season. Washington's lack of efficiency limits his upside. Still, Miami has continued to feed him touches, which could make Washington worth rostering in deep PPR fantasy heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Trayveon Williams Dec 9 8:30pm CT
Trayveon Williams

The Cleveland Browns have signed running back Trayveon Williams off the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim. ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi notes that Williams spent training camp with Cleveland, so he and the team have familiarity with each other. The Browns were in the market for running back help after placing veteran back Jerome Ford (shoulder) on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury. Williams appeared in just three games for the Chargers this season, recording three carries for negative one yard. The 28-year-old has played in 71 career games across seven NFL seasons, recording 280 scrimmage yards on 81 touches. In Cleveland, Williams figures to play a depth role behind Browns running backs Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, and Raheim Sanders.

From RotoBaller

Emanuel Wilson Dec 9 8:20pm CT
Emanuel Wilson

Across 13 games so far this season, Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson has recorded 438 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 101 touches. The 26-year-old has spent the majority of the season serving as the RB2 behind star Packers back Josh Jacobs. When Jacobs is active, Wilson has a very limited production ceiling. In the 12 games Jacobs has played in 2025, Wilson has recorded more than eight carries just twice. However, if Jacobs were to suffer an injury, Wilson would immediately become a starting-caliber fantasy running back. In the lone game that Jacobs missed this season in Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings, Wilson recorded 125 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 30 touches. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Wilson could be worth stashing as a handcuff option down the stretch of the season. Green Bay will face the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, and Baltimore Ravens over the next three weeks.

From RotoBaller

Philip Rivers Dec 9 7:10pm CT
Philip Rivers

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers has a "very real chance" of starting versus the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. The 44-year-old signed with the team's practice squad earlier this week after a successful workout with the organization on Monday. With Daniel Jones (Achilles) out for the year, Rivers appears to have a legitimate chance at taking snaps this upcoming weekend. Rivers hasn't played in the NFL since the 2020 season with the Colts. He threw for 4,169 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during that season while leading Indy to the playoffs. Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard (knee) would be the next man up, but he suffered a Grade 1 PCL sprain in Week 14. With his availability up in the air, Rivers and Brett Rypien are the only healthy options on the Colts' roster. Rivers is probably the preferred choice given his experience in head coach Shane Steichen's offensive scheme. This is a strange situation, but the Colts are desperate for a QB with the injuries piling up under center. Rivers would be a desperation QB2 play in superflex leagues if he makes the start.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Dec 9 7:10pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) was a limited participant in practice for the second straight day on Tuesday. The veteran wideout has been on Injured Reserve since suffering a broken collarbone in Week 7. Before that, Evans missed three games due to a lingering hamstring injury. When healthy, Evans has recorded 14 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown in four games. It appears Evans is trending in the right direction, but fantasy managers will need to check back on Wednesday for the final injury report ahead of the Thursday night matchup versus the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran pass-catcher is a future Hall of Famer, but he could be on a snap count if he returns in Week 15, which would make him a volatile fantasy option in what is the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Dec 9 7:10pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) was able to log a limited practice session on Tuesday. McMillan has now logged back-to-back limited practice sessions to begin the week. The 24-year-old appears to be almost ready to make his season debut. McMillan has been sidelined all year due to a serious neck injury that he suffered in mid-August in a preseason game. Fantasy managers will need to check back for the final injury report on Wednesday. The Buccaneers could also be getting wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) back from IR for a Thursday night matchup against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. If McMillan is active in Week 15, he won't be a recommended fantasy football option in his season debut, and he could struggle for consistent snaps to close out the regular season in a crowded WR corps that also includes Chris Godwin Jr. and rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Dec 9 6:50pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has given some underwhelming performances over the last few weeks. In fact, Tagovailoa has thrown for fewer than 200 passing yards in four straight games. The 27-year-old hasn't posted a multi-score game since Week 10 versus the Buffalo Bills, either. Tagovailoa does have a plus matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15, though. The Steelers' defense has given up nearly 250 passing yards per game this season. However, it's worth noting that Tagovailoa has notoriously struggled in cold weather. He hasn't thrown for over 200 yards in a road game since Week 8 in Atlanta, which was indoors. The sixth-year quarterback could be worth a look in two-quarterback leagues, but his ceiling for fantasy purposes remains low.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Dec 9 6:40pm CT
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) was unable to participate during Tuesday's practice. This is now back-to-back days that Otton has been sidelined due to a knee issue. There is now some doubt surrounding whether Otton will be able to suit up on a short week for Thursday's Week 15 matchup against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. If Otton sits out, Payne Durham should take over as the No. 1 tight end in Tampa Bay. Durham has been non-existent with one reception for 11 yards on the season. The third-year tight end won't be a recommended streaming option, even if Otton is inactive against Atlanta.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Dec 9 6:40pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers finally found some success through the air during last week's win over the Baltimore Ravens. Rodgers threw for 284 yards with one touchdown, which was good enough for top-10 QB value in Week 14. He also had a rushing TD. Before that, Rodgers was held to under 240 passing yards in his previous five contests. The expectation is that Rodgers will continue having success this weekend, assuming the Steelers remain aggressive through the air. He'll draw a favorable matchup against a Miami Dolphins defense that ranks 21st in fantasy points allowed to QBs. Rodgers isn't an elite option, but he should offer more streaming value than usual in Week 15. He's certainly worth a look in two-quarterback leagues, at a minimum.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Dec 9 6:10pm CT
Sam Darnold

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has had his share of ups and downs in his first year in Seattle, but overall, it's been another strong season while leading the Seahawks to a 10-3 record going into Week 15 action. Darnold had a disastrous four-interception game in the loss to the Rams on Nov. 16 and also failed to throw a touchdown in last week's shutout win over the Vikings. The 28-year-old bounced back in Sunday's 37-9 rout of the Falcons, though, going 20-for-30 for 249 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception while adding 23 rushing yards on three carries. Darnold has a 22:11 TD:INT ratio in 13 games in 2025 and ranks as the QB19 in fantasy points per game. Overall, he's the QB14, and he'll be a high-end QB2 for fantasy managers in the first week of the playoffs in most leagues. Darnold will be facing a fading Colts team that has allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game (246.3). He's rostered in only 54% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Dec 9 5:40pm CT
Jacoby Brissett

The Arizona Cardinals offense has been much more productive with quarterback Jacoby Brissett under center since Kyler Murray (foot) went down with a sprained foot back in Week 5. In terms of fantasy points per game, Brissett ranks as the QB16 in his 10 games played, with 2,459 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions on 346 attempts. Overall, he ranks as the QB20 in only 10 games played in 2025. In the blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the 32-year-old veteran went 25-for-44 for 271 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception while adding 22 rushing yards on four carries. Brissett has had at least 258 passing yards and two touchdowns in all eight of his starts, and he's tossed exactly two TDs in all but one of his starts. Before Week 14, Brissett had a three-game streak of at least 301 passing yards. He has become a strong QB2 streamer for his volume -- he's attempted 40-plus passes in five straight games -- although a Week 15 date with the Texans and their No. 1 defense will certainly be a challenge.

From RotoBaller

Jack Bech Dec 9 5:30pm CT
Jack Bech

We knew that Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Jack Bech would have a bigger role in the Week 14 game against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday, with fellow rookie Dont'e Thornton Jr. ruled out with a concussion. In the 24-17 loss, Bech played a season-high 82% of the offensive snaps and led the team in targets (six), catches (six), and receiving yards (50). Four of the 22-year-old's six targets on the day came late in the fourth quarter after quarterback Kenny Pickett had already replaced the injured Geno Smith (shoulder). Bech's day wasn't huge by any means, but it marked the best performance of his rookie season, and he could continue to stay more involved in Week 15 on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles if Thornton is forced to miss another game. The second-rounder out of TCU is rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Dec 9 5:20pm CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day this week on Tuesday, according to the team's official website. London suffered a sprained PCL in his knee back in Week 11 and hasn't practiced or played since. The 24-year-old still has one more day to get back on the practice field, but as of now, it's not looking good for his chances of returning to play in Week 15 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football. If London misses a fourth straight game, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. will maintain midrange TE1 status in fantasy football, with receiver Darnell Mooney also having more boom upside as a WR4/flex. In the last two weeks, Pitts has come on strong with London sidelined, catching 13 of his 18 targets for 172 yards as one of quarterback Kirk Cousins' top targets. London's next chance to play will be in Week 16 versus the Cardinals if he's ruled out for this Thursday night.

From RotoBaller