The Loop Fantasy Football Update Week 15: Last-minute moves
UPDATE: 10:36 a.m. Sunday
The big news this morning is the illness that has stricken fantasy’s top-scoring quarterback. The Eagles’ Jalen Hurts is now questionable to play Monday night in Seattle. Fantasy mavens will have to decide if they want to take a chance on his availability, or start a QB that is playing later today.
The news is worse for those depending on Miami’s Tyreek HIll. The star wide receiver is inactive today because of his ankle injury. On the plus side for the Dolphins, RB De’Von Achane is active.
Other players ruled out include Packers RB A.J. Dillon, Saints WR Chris Olave, Houston WR Nico Collins and Rams WR Tutu Atwell.
Those cleared to play include Green Bay RB Aaron Jones, Chicago WR D.J. Moore, Tampa WR Chris Godwin and Houston WR Noah Brown.
UPDATE: 8:35 p.m. Saturday
A very familiar face to Minnesota football mavens is suddenly moving back into the spotlight, and the AFC playoff chase.
Multiple media reports out of Houston say that Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud will not play Sunday because he is still in the concussion protocol. And it appears former VIkings QB Case Keenum may get the start against Tennessee instead of the other backup, Davis Mills.
The biggest name in doubt for Week 15 is Miami wideout and MVP candidate Tyreek Hill. He will reportedly be a gametime decision Sunday when the suddenly sliding Dolphins play the New York Jets.
Also ruled out this weekend are three noteworthy running backs: the Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco, the Patriots’ Rhamondre Stevenson and the Commanders’ Brian Robinson.
Players considered doubtful include Green Bay WR Christian Watson and Houston receiver Nico Collins. Those listed as questionable include Saints WR Chris Olave, Bucs WR Chris Godwin and Seattle quarterback Geno Smith.
One last note: ESPN is reporting that Jets QB Aaron Rodgers could be cleared to play this week. And if you believe that …
ORIGINAL POST: 11:59 a.m. Wednesday
When running down the list of candidates for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player of 2023, it doesn’t take long to get to the name of Rayne Dakota Prescott.
Dallas’ quarterback has had a banner season for the Super Bowl contenders. He has 3,500 passing yards and has accounted for 30 touchdowns for the 10-3 Cowboys.
But it’s fantasy playoff time, and No. 4 is facing one of the toughest schedules over the next three weeks.
The Cowboys will be at Buffalo, at Miami and will play host to Detroit in Weeks 15 through 17.
Three strong defenses. And two of those games on the road, where the Dallas attack has been much less prolific than at home in Jerryworld.
Dak’s team lost two of its first three road games, against the Cardinals and the 49ers. And he was mediocre at best in those games.
With all the quarterback injuries there’s almost no chance any fantasy mavens will bench Prescott these next three weeks, nor should they. But they should not assume he will produce gaudy numbers in enemy territory.
Here are more notables who have tough slates. Again, we’re not saying you should bench them. But keep these schedules in mind.
RUNNING BACKS
Saquon Barkley (Giants) – Saints, Eagles, Rams
Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss (Colts): Steelers, Falcons, Raiders
James Cook (Bills) – Cowboys, Chargers, Patriots
James Conner (Cardinals) – 49ers, Bears, Eagles
PASS CATCHERS
Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins) – Jets, Cowboys, Ravens
Odell Beckham Jr. (Ravens) – Jaguars, 49ers, Dolphins
D.J. Moore (Bears) – Browns, Cardinals, Falcons
Terry McLaurin (Commanders) – Rams, Jets, 49ers
Dalton Schultz (Texans) – Titans, Browns, Titans
QUARTERBACKS
Jared Goff (Lions) – Broncos, Vikings, Cowboys
Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins) – Jets, Cowboys, Ravens
Sam Howell (Commanders) – Rams, Jets, 49ers
Sitting stars
Cincinnati RB Joe Mixon might not be a good bet against the Vikings, in part because of the rise of our Deepest Sleeper you’ll meet in a few paragraphs. … Philly RB D’Andre Swift has been struggling like the rest of the Eagles, so don’t count on him against Seattle. … The Chargers are such a mess now that you might have better RB options than Austin Ekeler against Las Vegas. … But Pittsburgh RB Najee Harris would NOT be a better option vs the Colts. … Houston QB C.J. Stroud is the rookie of the year, but he’ll struggle without Tank Dell and (maybe) Nico Collins against the Titans who shut down Miami’s offense Monday night. … And Arizona QB Kyler Murray will be mostly running for his life against the mighty 49ers.
Matchup game
The Dolphins completely blew the game Monday night against Tennessee, but RB De’Von Achane will bounce back against the Jets. … New Orleans RB Alvin Kamara may have his best game of the season against the now-almost-overconfident Giants. … Denver WR Courtland Sutton will continue his strong play in Detroit. … Tampa Bay will need WR Mike Evans to shine against Green Bay in order to keep their unlikely playoff hopes alive. … Seattle WR D.K. Metcalf is due for a big game against the suddenly very vulnerable Eagles defense. … Which 49er will post the biggest numbers in Arizona? How about WR Brandon Aiyuk? … Two quarterbacks we particularly like this week are Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson against Jacksonville and Cleveland’s ageless Joe Flacco against Chicago.
Injury watch
The Vikings top this list with WR Justin Jefferson questionable with a chest injury, and RB Alexander Mattison’s ankle injury likely putting Ty Chandler in the spotlight. … Chargers QB Justin Herbert is done for the season, but Easton Stick is not an adequate replacement for fantasy or anything else. … Raiders RB Josh Jacobs could be out, and Zamir White in. … Questions surround the following noteables: Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill, Cincinnati WR Ja’Marr Chase, Chargers WR Keenan Allen, Jacksonville WR Christian Kirk, Green Bay WR Christian Watson, Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco and Seattle QB Geno Smith.
Deepest sleeper
Cincinnati rookie running back Chase Brown saw little action before December, but the former Illinois standout has been a holiday season surprise for the revitalized Bengals. In the past two games, Brown has 20 touches for 166 yards and a touchdown, providing a nice complement to Joe MIxon in the now-Jake Browning-led offense.
The Thursday-Saturday picks
Vikings at Bengals (-3½):
Pick: Bengals by 7
Chargers at Raiders (-2½):
Pick: Raiders by 7
Steelers at Colts (-2½):
Pick: Colts by 7
Broncos at Lions (-4½):
Pick: Lions by 3
You can hear Kevin Cusick on Wednesdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on Twitter — @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.
