The fantasy football playoffs are upon us, but that doesn’t mean managers aren’t going to be forced to take some chances in their lineups with a host of injuries to multiple fantasy contributors.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top sleeper options — like Matthew Stafford, Taysom Hill, and Jerick McKinnon — for your fantasy lineup heading into Week 15.
Week 15 Fantasy Football Sleepers | Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (vs. WAS)
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford has managed to turn back the clock with three consecutive outings with 3+ passing touchdowns.
Throwing 10 touchdown passes over a three-game span is fantastic production, no matter who the opponent happened to be. The fact that Stafford torched two of the best defensive units in the league during this stretch — the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens — makes this feat even more impressive.
This week, he’ll square off against the Washington Commanders, who are giving up an average of 266 passing yards and 20.4 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season. This is the second-highest mark in the entire NFL!
Start Stafford with confidence in Week 15.
Week 15 Fantasy Football Sleepers | Running Backs
Jerick McKinnon, Kansas City Chiefs (@ NE)
This suggestion comes with a stipulation: If Isiah Pacheco manages to return to the field this week, then I wouldn’t recommend putting Kansas City Chiefs RB Jerick McKinnon in your starting lineup.
However, if Pacheco misses a second straight game while dealing with a shoulder injury, then McKinnon is worth consideration for the Flex spot in your lineup.
He played 45% of the offensive snaps against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and managed to find the end zone on one of his season-high seven touches in the game. If you are in a tough spot at running back, then McKinnon could be a useful plug-and-play option in Week 15.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (@ BUF)
For the second time in the last five games, Dallas Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle has carried the ball 12 times and scored a rushing touchdown.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
There is no denying that Tony Pollard is still the leading man in this backfield, but the recent high-end production from this offense and consistent work for Dowdle makes him a worthy dart throw at RB if you are really in a pinch in Week 15.
Week 15 Fantasy Football Sleepers | Wide Receivers
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (vs. TB)
The fantasy options from the Green Bay Packers’ passing game continue to be an uninspiring merry-go-round in 2023. Just when WR Christian Watson appeared to establish himself as a leading man from this group, he suffered a second hamstring injury of the season, which could keep him off the field in Week 15.
If that is the case, then Romeo Doubs should be in starting consideration for a favorable matchup against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary that gives up an average of 264 passing yards per game.
If Watson misses a second straight game, Doubs is a top 35 play at the WR position with plenty of upside against a vulnerable Bucs pass defense.
Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders (vs. LAR)
Despite a rough outing against an improved Miami Dolphins defense back in Week 13, Washington Commanders WR Curtis Samuel still managed to produce his sixth double-digit fantasy performance of the season.
He has seen 17 targets over the last two games, which makes him a viable fantasy option in PPR formats. When you combine his consistent role in the slot in a pass-heavy offense with his big play ability, then you have a viable option at WR in PPR formats for Week 15.
Week 15 Fantasy Football Sleepers | Tight Ends
Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (vs. NYG)
You’ll need to keep an eye on the New Orleans Saints’ injury report while TE Taysom Hill continues to deal with a foot injury, but if he can return to the field against the New York Giants, Hill is definitely a viable starting option at TE in Week 15.
Over his last seven games, Hill has registered five double-digit fantasy performances with his Swiss Army knife versatility in this Saints offense. His rushing output has been his biggest fantasy ally, with four games this year with 50+ yards rushing.
If the Saints can get out in front of the Giants in the first half on the scoreboard, Hill could see plenty of work as a runner in Week 15.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!