NFL Reactions: Week 15

Last week I wrote about the precarious situation that I and countless others found ourselves in entering the fantasy playoffs. Lamar Jackson, as expected, was out Week 15 and fantasy managers were left to make the next move — the right move — to keep their playoff hopes alive. I even gave a suggestion to those scrambling for a new fantasy quarterback. With conviction, I added Jimmy Garoppolo knowing that his favorable matchup and solid performances recently would give me the edge I needed while Jackson healed.

Yeah … not so much. 

Jimmy G. was efficient through the air, but the 49ers leaned heavily on their running game, especially when in scoring position. It wasn't a recipe for complete disaster, but it left a bad taste in my mouth regardless. What's worse is that my answer for replacing Jackson was right under my nose the whole time. Say hello to the QB1, so far, in Week 15: Tyler Huntley.

That's right. I didn't need to look any further than Jackson's backup to help me continue a playoff push. Huntley scored twice through the air and twice on the ground, passing for 215 yards and rushing for 73 yards. If I only knew …

It's crazy to think that starting Kyler Murray in a matchup against the Lions could tank your fantasy week and possibly slam the door on the playoffs, while playing Huntley against the Packers would give you the best advantage at quarterback. Fantasy football can be funny like that, though funny is likely not the f-word coming to the minds of those who confidently started Murray this week. 

In these instances, it's important to remember that you need to trust your process. The right decision doesn't always lead to the right results. That's what makes fantasy football so great. The variance week-to-week is what makes the game so challenging. Otherwise, we would just determine wins and losses based on your fantasy platform's projections and call it a day before kickoff. Boring …

If you started Murray, I hope you still have a shot going into the rest of Week 15 with four more games on Monday and Tuesday. 

If you started Huntley — nice work. I wish it was me — but no time to think — my playoff life hangs in the balance.

Sunday Takeaways

• Gabriel Davis played an increased role in the Bills' win over the Panthers with Emmanuel Sanders sidelined with a knee injury, and in doing so, proved to be a fantasy gem. Davis led the team in receiving, catching five balls for 85 yards and two touchdowns. If Sanders misses Week 16, Davis could be an interesting start in the fantasy playoffs as the Bills take on the Patriots.
• Here's a sentence you thought you wouldn't read in 2021: Duke Johnson had himself a great fantasy day. Johnson was the Dolphins' lead dog in a win over the Jets, carrying 22 times for 107 yards and two scores. He also caught his only target for 20 yards. Myles Gaskin's lackluster performance — 54 yards on 10 carries — was not all that surprising after his time on the COVID list, and it would be even less surprising if Johnson earned a solid role in a committee with Gaskin to close out the season.
• D'Onta Foreman led the Titans in rushing attempts for the third straight game, carrying 22 times for 108 yards against the struggling Steelers rush defense. With another impressive outing, it's likely that Foreman cemented himself as the Titans' best back for fantasy purposes until Derrick Henry returns. He'll take on the 49ers in Week 16.
• Brandin Cooks waited until Week 15 to have his best game of the season, rewarding fantasy managers who started the Texans wideout in a big spot. Cooks caught seven of 10 targets for 102 yards and two touchdowns, all team highs for the Texans. It's important to remember that this was against the lowly Jaguars secondary. Things will be much more difficult for Cooks when the Chargers come to town Week 16.
• Although the Jaguars lost, Urban Meyer's firing was a win for James Robinson. His 18 carries for 75 yards and a score made for a great bounce-back performance. Assuming the current coaching staff realizes that it should feed Robinson the ball, he has the potential to blow up in a great matchup against the vulnerable Jets rush defense.
• The Cardinals lost DeAndre Hopkins for the rest of the regular season. They then went out and lost to the Lions. It's been a rough week, but Christian Kirk made the most of his opportunities and emerged as the Cardinals' No. 1 receiver. Kirk caught nine of a team-high 12 targets for 94 yards and a touchdown. One should expect his high target volume to sustain in the coming weeks, starting with Week 16 against the Colts.
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling had a fantastic fantasy day, catching five balls for 98 yards and a touchdown. He's always a deep threat, but his target share in Sunday's win over the Ravens is promising. It's never a bad thing to roster a pass catcher targeted often by Aaron Rodgers. Next up, the Packers play host to the Browns on Saturday night.
• Mark Andrews had a monster day, catching 10 of 13 targets for 136 yards and two touchdowns. No matter who is at quarterback, Andrews is the Ravens' most reliable receiver and continues to prove he is one of the best tight ends in football — both fantasy and reality. He is getting hot at the right time and gets a matchup with the Bengals in Week 16.
• The Ravens were without Lamar Jackson against the Packers …or were they? Tyler Huntley filled in admirably in Jackson's absence, throwing for 215 yards and two touchdowns. He was also the team's leading rusher, carrying 13 times for 73 yards and two scores. A healthy rushing floor can make any quarterback an attractive option for fantasy. If Jackson is forced to miss next week's game against the Bengals, is it possible that Huntley could be worth a start in the fantasy playoffs? Yes.
• The Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard committee was back in session in a win over the Giants. Elliott handled 16 carries for 52 yards and a score, while Pollard rushed 12 times for 74 yards. Pollard looks like the more explosive back, but the Cowboys are still committed to giving Elliott high-value touches when in scoring position. No matter how you shake it, the Cowboys' backfield has a chance to be frustrating for fantasy managers down the stretch with both players limiting the other's full potential.

Injury Notes

• Pat Freiermuth exited the Steelers' win over the Titans in the third quarter with a concussion. If the rookie misses time, Zach Gentry will handle duties at tight end against the Chiefs in Week 16.
• Teddy Bridgewater suffered a head injury at the end of a scramble in the Broncos' loss to the Bengals. Although coach Vic Fangio said Bridgewater, who was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, appears to have avoided a major injury, it's unclear if he'll be available for the Broncos' next game against the Raiders. If he's out, Drew Lock will start.
• Julio Jones left Sunday's loss to the Steelers with a hamstring injury. The veteran wideout returned from injured reserve last week after dealing with the same injury. If Jones is sidelined, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Chester Rogers will be the Titan's top two receivers.
• Sterling Shepard suffered a torn Achilles' during the Giants' loss to the Cowboys. Shepard's season is over, leaving Kenny Golladay and Darius Slayton as the top two options at wideout until Kadarius Toney returns.
• Rondale Moore left the Cardinals' loss to the Lions with an ankle injury. His usage has been inconsistent all season, but the rookie figured to be more involved with DeAndre Hopkins out. Whether Moore misses time, Christian Kirk and A.J. Green likely will continue to operate as Arizona's preferred options at wideout.