Unlock Fantasy Football Success with These Week 15 Smash Starts
Quarterback
Justin Herbert (QB – LAC) vs. Tampa Bay: The uncertainty of rookie wideout Ladd McConkey being available this week might make fantasy managers hesitant. However, Herbert has a favorable matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who rank in the bottom 10 in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Herbert still has Josh Palmer, a resurgent Quentin Johnston, and a surprising tight end in Stone Smartt to throw to in a back-and-forth contest with Baker Mayfield and the Bucs' offense. You'll want to be involved in this game with plenty of offensive fireworks.
Deshaun Watson (QB – CLE) vs. Kansas City: Watson is back and looking to make an impact. The Chiefs' defense is tough, but Watson has the skills to exploit their weaknesses. He has a talented receiving corps with Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones, and he'll be looking to lead the Browns to victory. Watson's experience and leadership will be crucial in this matchup.
Running Back
Aaron Jones (RB – MIN) vs. Chicago: Aaron Jones has been an inconsistent fantasy producer this season due to injuries and fumbles. But he's starting to heat up, with scores in three consecutive games, including a top-10 finish against the Bears. The 11-2 Vikings are on a six-game winning streak, and the Bears' run defense has been leaky in their last three games. Jones should at least match his Week 12 production and could explode into a multi-score affair if the Bears' offense can keep it close.
Sincere McCormick (RB – LV) vs. Atlanta: Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce announced that undrafted free agent Sincere McCormick will be the starting running back for the rest of the season. McCormick is averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry over the past three weeks and rushed for a career-high 78 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons rank 17th in opposing rush yards per game, so McCormick has a good chance to produce this week.
Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC) at Cleveland: Isiah Pacheco is back and looking to find his groove. The Browns are surrendering 127.9 rushing yards per game, and the Chiefs need Pacheco to be a central cog in their offense. Look for Pacheco to get a heavy dose of carries and produce 100+ rushing yards and a score or two.
Wide Receiver
Jerry Jeudy (WR – CLE) vs. Kansas City: Jerry Jeudy's fantasy stock is rising, especially since Jameis Winston took over. He's leading the league with 17 yards per reception and is close to achieving his first 1,000-yard season. Jeudy has scored in three of the last four weeks and will have plenty of opportunities against the Chiefs. Winston will look to him as a primary target, and Jeudy could have a big game.
Jaylen Waddle (WR – MIA) at Houston: Since Tua Tagovailoa's return, the Dolphins have focused on increasing their passing volume. Waddle has been a key part of that, with 21 receptions on 25 targets for 296 yards and one touchdown over the past three weeks. The volume is there, and we should see more of the same against the Texans. The Dolphins need to score to continue their win streak, and Waddle will be a big part of that.
DeAndre Hopkins (WR – ARI) vs. Seattle: Hopkins is a veteran receiver with a lot of experience and talent. The Seahawks' defense has been vulnerable at times, and Hopkins could take advantage of that. He has a good connection with Kyler Murray and could have a big game in this matchup.
Tight End
Tucker Kraft (TE – GB) at Seattle: Tucker Kraft has stepped up lately, with seven receiving touchdowns this season. The Packers are fighting for playoff positioning, and Kraft could be a key part of their game plan. Watch for Jordan Love to look for him on play-action plays as the Seahawks try to slow him down.
Mark Andrews (TE – BAL) vs. Cincinnati: Andrews is one of the top tight ends in the league and has been consistent all season. The Bengals' defense has been solid, but Andrews has the skills to make plays. He'll be a key target for Lamar Jackson, and he could have a big game in this matchup.
Defense
Atlanta Falcons D/ST at Las Vegas Raiders: The Falcons' defense has struggled this season, but this is a good matchup for them. They'll be facing a Raiders team with a new quarterback, and the negative game script could lead to plenty of throws. The Falcons' defense could pile on sacks and provide fantasy managers with a smash start.
Philadelphia Eagles D/ST vs. New York Giants: The Eagles' defense is one of the best in the league, and they'll be facing a Giants team that has struggled offensively. The Eagles could force turnovers and create scoring opportunities for their offense, making them a great fantasy defense option.