It’s time for the main event and I’m back bringing you another edition! Week 14 lived up to the name “Fantasy Whiplash!” with high-flying scorers and just as many head-scratching curveballs. It’s time more than ever to stay abreast of all the fantasy football news and notes as the postseason commences. I’m here to guide you through the twisting roads ahead as we hug the turns and digest everything that happened last week and what to watch for going forward.
Many fantasy football managers expect to be able to let their foot off the pedal at this point. I’m here to tell you that’s untrue and a potentially grave mistake. Now is the time to keep one’s head on a swivel and attack by any means necessary. Whether it be following trends on the hottest players or making that well-timed free agent grab, it could mean the difference in putting together a league-winner!
Pile in, fantasy football degenerates. Let’s fly around the league, reminiscing on Week 14 and looking ahead to Week 15 with our eyes squarely on the prize. Hold on tight as we blow the stop signs in another edition of “Fantasy Whiplash!”.
Away we go.
Fantasy Football News & Notes for Week 15
Fantasy Football News
Looks Like We Made It
YES JIM MORA SR. PLAYOFFS. pic.twitter.com/NkHzf9K6h9
— a. (@kaweef_) December 2, 2024
The 2024 NFL fantasy season has flown by in a blink. There were any number of wrong turns, speed bumps and 22-player pileups, but against all odds, here we are in the postseason. “Playoffs? PLAYOFFS?” For some, yes… for others, they were not quite so lucky.
Whichever “Looney Tunes” escalator you’re on, going up to the promised land or down into the fiery depths, the ride continues. Be it the “Stairway to Heaven” or “Highway to Hell,” almost everyone still has something to play for. The adage that “anyone can get hot at the right time” seems so cliche that many attempt to disprove it. But after years of watching top seeds fall in the playoffs time and again, I’ve never found it to be more true. Every season has ups and downs, and they grow in number seemingly every year. That’s what makes years like this one both maddening and gratifying, but it’s only just begun.
There are players catching fire right now who could be a fantasy boon in the playoffs, like Jordan Addison, Courtland Sutton and Jonnu Smith, among others. There are also a lot of lineup stalwarts if you’re lucky enough to roster on contending teams. Arguably, the most important piece of your roster at this point is balanced depth. You just do not know when a team may decide to start limiting snaps for certain players in preparation for the playoffs. Just because you’re cruising along with George Pickens and Justin Jefferson now doesn’t mean they can’t have their workload managed depending on standings.
You can’t expect to run to the waiver wire and get the same production out of Van Jefferson and Trent Sherfield. Be prepared.
The Outsiders
Fantasy managers have clamored for rookie running backs they expected to wrestle away starting jobs to take that step all season. Miraculously, James Conner, Points Per Reception (PPR) RB13, has remained healthy enough to stave off touted rookie Trey Benson. Likewise, in Miami, De’Von Achane (RB6) has been healthy enough to render Jaylen Wright a temporary afterthought.
In Los Angeles, Kyren Williams has yet to break down en route to 14 dances in the painted area. That leaves Blake Corum responsible for a few “catch-your-breath” touches each game. On the opposite side of the country, perhaps the odds-on favorite to take a starting job and run with it was Jonathon Brooks. The highest-drafted (No. 42 overall) running back in the 2024 NFL Draft was delayed in being activated as he recovered from a torn ACL to end his collegiate career. Then, in just his third game this season, the unthinkable happened, and he re-tore his ACL. We likely won’t see him now until at least the very end of next season, and 2026 is even more likely.
The Outliers
If Breece Hall has to sit week 14 from a knee injury with season gone there’s no need to bring him back this year. Rest up B!
Braelon Allen Szn has begun. pic.twitter.com/yTxIiL44Zb
— PortaRickun (@mrdomrivera) December 6, 2024
Not one but two New York Jets’ rookie running backs made their debut on Sunday. Neither was expected to have much of an impact beyond a handcuff to Breece Hall this season.
Braelon Allen has been somewhat anticipated as at least being a complimentary back at some point; he’s been stashed by innumerable fantasy managers all season long. Finally, the waiting paid off with the announcement that Hall would miss Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. Allen stepped into the starting role and delivered 15 touches and 81 all-purpose yards, including four catches.
More impressive was fifth-round pick Isaiah Davis, who cashed in 13 touches for 67 total yards and a ground score. These performances came right on time for many fantasy squads suffering another “Bye-Pocalypse” for the second time in three weeks.
Another player few expected to see break through the depth chart was San Francisco’s Isaac Guerendo. The third running back to start in the 49ers backfield paid off. Guerendo’s final line: 15 carries for 78 yards and a pair of trips to the promised land. The Louisville product also chipped in two catches for 50 yards and single-handedly helped a lot of clubs book their tickets to the fantasy playoffs.
However, Guerendo suffered a sprained foot on Sunday, and with the quick turnaround to “Thursday Night Football,” there are questions. It’s unlikely managers will find a slam dunk in the backfield; the options are a dart throw for the week.
Should We Talk About the Weather?
Listen, I’m not here to judge, so use the following talking points however you like. If you didn’t make the playoffs this season, the temptation to change every subject is real when it comes up in conversation. Or worse, some auto-pick savant who likes the Raiders is in the playoffs and wants to blather on about his six-team league.
Hear me out, and use the following tips to create a “fantasy” fantasy team. They always do well. Go ahead and try it on at a party. Fits like a turtleneck, which – much like the Raiders – is like being constantly strangled by a really weak person.
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- Brian Thomas Jr. is getting more looks with the train wreck that is Mac Jones at quarterback. Did you know that “Mac” comes from his middle name, McCorkle? You can’t make this shit up. Anyway, Thomas has his most targeted three-game stretch this season with 29 and caught 17 for 244 yards. He’s bordering on must-start status if he can keep it up.
- The Steelers are 10-3 with a two-game lead over Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. They’ll be without George Pickens again when they take on the 11-2 Eagles in the “Battle for Pennsylvania.” The Eagles are all must-starts, per usual, but the question remains: Which Steelers can you trust in your fantasy playoffs? With the total set at 42.5 points, it’s a slippery slope without their No. 1 wideout.
- The Miami offense is getting back into form just in time. Specifically, the offense and De’Von Achane. Even coming off the field to be tested for a concussion (negative), he hit 75% of snaps on offense for the first time.
- No Jonathon Brooks is breathing down the neck of the newly re-upped Chuba Hubbard, so the latter is poised to only add to his already surprising 1,011 yards and eight touchdowns for las Panteras Carolina. Hubbard also ranked third in missed tackles forced by running backs in Week 14 against the Eagles.
What to Watch for Around the NFL in Week 15
Cloudy With a Chance of Advancing
The Buffalo Bills-Detroit Lions matchup in Week 15 could determine who moves on in fantasy leagues. No less than eight players (and probably more) are must-starts in a game with one of the year’s highest totals at 55 points as the opening line.
I detest the overused phrase “Possible Super Bowl Preview,” but unfortunately, if you’re like me, buckle up. We’ll hear it ad nauseam through Sunday. How the committee left this game on Sunday afternoon when there are two Monday night games is beyond me. The Atlanta Falcons at the Las Vegas Turtlenecks in prime time? Yes, please! Does the fun ever stop start?
As long as your fantasy teams didn’t use Buffalo and Detroit to achieve a first-round fantasy bye, you’ll be tuned into CBS at 4 p.m. EST, as it’s a nationally broadcasted game. You paid for the entire seat, but you’ll only need the edge.
Loveable Losers?
Chase Brown since Zack Moss went on IR…
▪️ 19.5 Fantasy PPG (RB3 over that span)
▪️ 100 yards and/or TD every week
▪️ Top-12 finish every week17 game pace of…
299-1278-7 rushing // 95-819-7 receiving pic.twitter.com/HZQyd79opq— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) December 10, 2024
As I alluded to last week, at this point, it’s so important to have players that have reason to keep after it. Whether it’s the coach’s jobs, record-setting seasons, pride or bonuses, they are still playing for you. It feels that way, doesn’t it? And yet, I can’t call Ja’Marr Chase on the phone and be like, “Hey, I know you’ve already checked out, but a lot of us are still counting on you.” To that end, the Bengals are a great example.
Quarterback Joe Burrow currently holds the NFL lead in touchdown passes (33), passing yards (3,706) and passing yards per game (285.1). He also has just six interceptions. He’s on an MVP pace and would be one of the favorites if Cincinnati were playoff-bound. Ja’Marr Chase leads all receivers in the “triple-crown” categories. He has a lead in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, most catches of 40-plus yards and total first downs. Fantasy hopefuls desperately need those trends to continue in addition to the emergence of Chase Brown.
Luckily, the Bengals don’t quit until they’re completely out of it. Fantasy teams would blossom if they were to go on a winning streak. Similar cases can be made for whoever falls out of the NFC West race, as well as the Cleveland Browns (keep throwing it, Jameis Winston!) along with “Dem Boyz” and someone from the NFC North.
RELATED: Between Bets: 2024 College Football Playoffs First-Round ATS & Total Picks
Fantasy Football Quick Hits for Week 15
- Take your best guess in the San Francisco backfield and believe no one in the media or Kyle Shanahan. Choose your fighter: Patrick Taylor Jr., Ke’Shawn Vaughn or Israel Abanikanda. Obviously, if Guerendo can go, ride with him.
- Kenneth Walker‘s status (calf) is unclear at this point. Going back to last year, Zach Charbonnet always eats when the lead dog is out. If Walker misses more time down the road, Charbonnet is a must-start regardless of the defense Seattle is facing.
- The Arizona Cardinals are jeopardizing an awesome fantasy schedule thanks to their inefficiency on offense, even when trailing. At this point, Conner at running back and Trey McBride at tight end are the only sure-fire starts. Kyler Murray has the upside, and if you’ve been riding with him, there are likely no better options. Marvin Harrison Jr. seems to be a lost cause for 2024.
- Aaron Rodgers is still at quarterback for the New York Jets of New Jersey (Central Park adjacent). Kirk Cousins received the dreaded “vote of confidence” from head coach Raheem Morris. If he lays a big ol’ Amber Heard on “Monday Night Football” against the Raiders, Michael Penix Jr. and his rushing floor could become a league-winner.
- Kendre Miller should be a popular add in New Orleans for a team with a dearth of weapons. The Saints also desperately need a back to spell a banged-up Alvin Kamara. On Sunday, Miller stepped up to the tune of 10 rushes for 32 yards and a trip to the end zone.
- The Bengals mercifully caught their first break of the season on Monday night in “Jerry World” and halted the Cowboys’ winning streak. All is right with the world.
- How many different ways can the Chiefs keep cheating losses? How will they do it this week? They’ve won enabled by penalties, 0:00 turnovers, made field goals, missed field goals, last-second touchdowns, etc. Sunday took the cake as Matthew Wright, a journeyman – to put it mildly – kicker “doinked” a game-winning field goal off the left upright as time expired.
“Sunday Best”
There you have it! That’ll do it for the fantasy football news this week, so get to work on your plan, fellow degenerates. Championships are won and lost starting again now. Two or three straight wins, and you bring back the hardware. Hit that waiver wire and strengthen your bench with handcuffs or high-upside players. As always, sometimes the best move is no move at all.
Get your Thursday players into your positional slots, and leave the flex open for unforeseen circumstances. Start your studs that got you there. If you’re making changes now you wouldn’t have made three weeks ago, that’s “tinkering.” If it ain’t broke… As always, trust your gut and have fun.
As Lemmy Kilmister so eloquently said, “The only card you need is The Ace of Spades.” Who will be yours?
I’ll be back for another “Whiplash!” ride delivering all the fantasy football news next week. If you need last-minute help, I’ll see you on Twitter/X from 10 a.m. ET until the games start on Sunday to answer your start/sit questions, or Saturday night for “Sleepers and Streamers.” You can also find me here at In-Between Media (IBT) again on Friday with player prop bets for Sunday’s games!
Check out all of our Week 15 fantasy football content:
- Fantasy Football Whiplash! | Week 15 News & Notes (2024)
- Week 15 Fantasy Football Advice Mailbag (2024)
- Week 15 NFL DFS Picks & Lineup Advice (2024)
- Week 15 Shore Thing Sleepers (2024)
- Week 15 In the Scope Targets (2024)
- PropKings: NFL Week 15 (2024)
Thanks for checking out my Week 15 fantasy football news and notes! Track me down on Twitter/X @BuyAndSellYou for more redraft and dynasty fantasy football content.
*Photo Credit: Joseph Maiorana – USA TODAY Sports*
