Fantasy Football Playoffs Week 15: Booms and Busts
Welcome to the first week of the fantasy football playoffs, folks! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve made it to the postseason and are ready to make some tough roster decisions. Whether you’re cruising in with a loaded lineup or trying to make the most of a few questionable starters, we’ve got your back with some key booms and busts for Week 15.
Booms: Players to Start
Rico Dowdle (RB, Dallas Cowboys)
If you picked up Uncle Rico earlier this season, now’s the time to cash in. Dowdle has been quietly emerging as a major contributor in the Cowboys’ backfield, and with Tony Pollard’s struggles, he’s starting to look like a better, cheaper version of Pollard. This week, Dallas faces the Carolina Panthers, who have been solid against the run recently but still remain a favorable matchup for fantasy running backs. Dowdle has been handling the bulk of the touches, and with Cooper Rush at the helm, Dallas may lean even more on their running game. If you’ve got him, plug him into your lineup—he’s primed for a solid Week 15 performance.
Isaiah Pacheco (RB, Kansas City Chiefs)
After a slow start to the season, Pacheco is rounding into form and taking over as the Chiefs’ lead back. He saw a major uptick in carries last week and has looked more explosive in recent games. With a favorable matchup against the Cleveland Browns, who have struggled to contain opposing running backs, expect Pacheco to continue his upward trend. The game script should work in his favor as the Chiefs are likely to play with a lead, giving him plenty of chances to pound the ball. He’s an easy start this week, especially in non-PPR formats where his rushing volume can really boost his fantasy value.
Adam Thielen (WR, Carolina Panthers)
Thielen is having a comeback season in Carolina and is now facing the Dallas Cowboys, who have struggled against wide receivers. After posting a solid 9 catches for 100 yards against Philly last week, Thielen is primed for another big game. Dallas just allowed Ja’Marr Chase to go off, and while Thielen isn’t Chase, he’s a target magnet and is playing at an elite level right now. With a solid 11 targets last week, expect Thielen to see plenty of action against a Dallas defense that has shown vulnerabilities to wideouts. He’s a top-15 wide receiver play this week and could even crack the top 10 depending on the matchup.
Patrick Taylor (RB, San Francisco 49ers)
If Christian McCaffrey‘s injury is significant, then Patrick Taylor might be the next man up in San Francisco. The 49ers have a history of getting solid production out of their running backs, and even if Taylor is only starting due to injury, he could have a big Week 15 against a generous defense. If you’re desperate for a spot start, Taylor is a solid gamble. He’ll benefit from the 49ers’ high-powered offense and an easy matchup, so if he’s the starter, don’t hesitate to get him in your lineup. Just be aware that the 49ers have a short turnaround this week, so you might have to make a quick decision on Thursday.
Busts: Players to Avoid
DeAndre Swift (RB, Chicago Bears)
Swift has been a bit of a disappointment in recent weeks, and with the Bears’ run game not clicking as it did earlier in the season, you might want to keep him on your bench for Week 15. Swift has struggled against worse defenses, and his production has taken a dip since the bye week. While he had a decent showing against Minnesota earlier in the season, Swift’s inconsistency makes him a risky play in the first round of the playoffs.
Nick Chubb (RB, Cleveland Browns)
It’s a sad day for Chubb owners. He’s been one of the most consistent backs in fantasy football, but this week’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs is a tough one. Kansas City has been brutal against opposing running backs, and with Chubb splitting carries with Jerome Ford, it’s hard to see him putting up a big game. Additionally, Chubb isn’t a major receiving threat out of the backfield, which further limits his fantasy ceiling. Unless you have no better options, you might want to keep him on the bench this week and look elsewhere for a more favorable matchup.
Rashad White (RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
White’s fantasy stock has been shaky all season, and it’s not getting any better this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. While the Chargers’ defense has been up and down, they’ve been solid against the run, and with Sean Tucker reportedly getting more involved in the backfield, White’s touches are likely to be limited. Tampa Bay has struggled to move the ball, and with a questionable offense, White’s potential for a breakout performance in the playoffs feels unlikely. There are safer options out there, so if you can, leave White on the bench this week.
Cade Otton (TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Cade Otton seemed like a promising tight end earlier this season, but with Mike Evans back and the rise of Jalen McMillan, his fantasy stock has dropped significantly. This week, the Bucs face the Chargers, who have been one of the toughest teams against tight ends in 2024. With his targets shrinking and the emergence of other playmakers in the Tampa Bay offense, Otton is a risky start in the first week of the fantasy playoffs. If you can stream a different tight end or have a better option, Otton is best left on the bench for now.
Conclusion
The first week of the fantasy playoffs can be nerve-wracking, but with a little research and the right lineup decisions, you can advance to the next round. Remember to trust your instincts and make adjustments based on matchups, recent performances, and injuries. Good luck to all fantasy managers in Week 15—may your rosters explode with points!
And hey, if you’re still on the fence about some tough decisions, don’t hesitate to reach out for last-minute advice. The stakes are high, but with the right moves, your fantasy football season could be going from playoffs to championships in no time!
