The fantasy football playoffs are in full swing, and this weekend has been a rollercoaster of emotions for managers everywhere. If you started Cooper Kupp on Thursday night, you know exactly what I mean. Despite being a big-name wide receiver, Kupp fell flat, leaving many fantasy teams searching for answers.
Unfortunately, the woes didn’t stop there. Sunday’s slate was riddled with injuries, including a significant one to Patrick Mahomes, who is now listed as week-to-week with an ankle injury. Adding to the drama, several top running backs delivered disappointing performances, leaving fantasy managers frustrated. However, amidst the chaos, we witnessed some remarkable performances, including a legendary quarterback-wide receiver duo rekindling their magic and a top-tier quarterback helping his team advance in the postseason.
That said, let’s dive into the standout storylines from Week 15 that you need to know. For all the latest news and fantasy advice, be sure to check out Fantasy Dirt five days a week!
Fantasy Football Playoff Highlights
Wide receivers put up huge numbers in Week 15
Besides Adams, the wide receiver position was strong for fantasy managers this week. Amon-Ra St. Brown had an impressive 14 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown, racking up 37.3 points. Mike Evans also shined with nine catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with 36.9 points. Brian Thomas Jr. went off for 10 catches, 105 yards, two touchdowns, and 32.5 fantasy points.
The rest of the standout wide receivers, all scoring at least 21 points, included DeVonta Smith, CeeDee Lamb, Terry McLaurin, A.J. Brown, Malik Nabers, Rashod Bateman, Jerry Jeudy, and Jalen Coker. All but Bateman and Coker were likely starters for fantasy teams, showcasing the depth and talent at the wide receiver position this week.
Lamar Jackson throws for five touchdown passes
In a dazzling display against the Giants, Lamar Jackson put up a jaw-dropping stat line. He completed 21 of 25 passes for 290 yards and five touchdowns, achieving a passer rating of 154.6. Not only that, but he also rushed for 65 yards, finishing with a season-high 36.1 fantasy points. His touchdowns were distributed among several targets, including a 13-yard pass to Mark Andrews and a couple of long connections to Rashod Bateman.
Jackson has been on fire, scoring 22 or more fantasy points in all but one of his last eight games. And guess what? The only team that managed to contain him, the Steelers, is who he will face off against in the fantasy semifinals. Are you ready for that matchup?
Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams turn back the clock
Rodgers and Adams were once a formidable fantasy duo in Green Bay, and they reminded us of their prowess in a thrilling victory over the Jaguars. Rodgers threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns, scoring a season-high 30.1 points. Adams was the star of the show, racking up 198 receiving yards and two touchdowns, leading to a staggering 42.8 points. This marked the fifth time in Adams’ illustrious career that he scored over 40 PPR points in a game, three of which came while playing alongside Rodgers.
Adams had a rocky start after his trade to the Jets, but he’s been on fire lately, averaging 28.8 points over his last three games. With the Rams coming to town for the fantasy semifinals, can they keep this momentum going?
Josh Allen, Jared Goff go nuclear in barnburner
In a thrilling contest against the Lions, Josh Allen delivered another incredible performance. He threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 68 yards and two more scores, finishing with a whopping 41.3 points. Allen is on pace to break the all-time record for fantasy points scored in a season, previously set by Patrick Mahomes in 2018.
Jared Goff wasn’t far behind, throwing for 494 yards and five touchdowns, scoring 41.1 points. This was Goff’s first 40-point fantasy game and showcased his ability to perform under pressure. If you started either Allen or Goff, chances are you’re feeling pretty good about moving on to Week 16.
Saquon Barkley headlines long list of RB duds
Now, let’s talk about the disappointments. Saquon Barkley, a top MVP candidate in both real and fantasy football, fell short in the first round of the playoffs. Despite touching the ball 21 times, he only managed 74 total yards and failed to find the end zone, scoring just 9.4 points. This is a significant drop from his average of 23.1 points per game, and many managers likely felt the sting of his underperformance.
Barkley wasn’t alone in his struggles. Derrick Henry, despite a favorable matchup, only managed 67 yards and finished with 6.7 points. Other running backs like Isiah Pacheco (5.7 points) and David Montgomery (7.5 points) also underperformed, leaving fantasy managers scrambling for alternatives. The pain continued with Joe Mixon and Jonathan Taylor, who scored just 10.6 and 10.1 points, respectively. Taylor’s fumble before crossing the goal line was a brutal blow, costing his managers precious points.
As we move into the next round of the playoffs, it’s crucial to assess your lineup and make strategic decisions. With injuries and unexpected performances shaking things up, every point counts. Will you be able to navigate the challenges and secure your spot in the championship? Only time will tell!
