In the world of fantasy football, nothing can be more frustrating than a player who turns out to be a liability in your lineup. You can weather the storm when a superstar underperforms, but when a fringe starter contributes to your loss, it’s infuriating. As fantasy managers, we must do everything in our power to avoid these disappointments at all costs.
Last week, we highlighted players like Deebo Samuel, Isiah Pacheco, and Evan Engram as potential bench candidates. If you decided to roll the dice on any of these three, you likely found yourself regretting that choice. Fortunately, Week 15 offers a fresh start with new matchups to analyze. While it may be a new week, the goal remains the same: steer clear of lineup landmines that could sabotage your fantasy hopes.
This week, we’re taking a roundtable approach to identify the players to avoid in your fantasy lineup. Our team of analysts will cover one player to shy away from at each position. If you choose to start any of these players, prepare for a potentially frustrating Sunday afternoon.
Fantasy QB Busts Week 15
Michael O’Hara: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions — While the Bills were exposed by the Rams last week, they have generally been effective at defending the pass this season. Buffalo’s defense has only allowed more than 240 passing yards once since Week 6. The best strategy against the Bills is to attack on the ground, where they rank 26th in yards allowed per carry. With Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson likely leaning on David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, Goff may need a minimum of three touchdowns to secure a top-12 performance. Is that a risk you want to take?
Ed Williams: Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers — Wilson has enjoyed a resurgence this season, even without George Pickens last week, tossing a couple of touchdowns against the Browns. However, this week’s matchup against the Eagles poses a much tougher challenge. With Pickens doubtful due to a hamstring injury and the Eagles allowing the 5th-fewest points to wide receivers, Wilson may find it hard to replicate his recent success. The Steelers may lean more on their running game after Chuba Hubbard’s success last week.
Vinnie Iyer: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans — While Aaron Rodgers had a decent outing against the Dolphins, Stroud faces a challenging passing game matchup. With a stronger emphasis on the running game featuring Joe Mixon, Stroud may struggle to surpass 250 passing yards and could end up with one or fewer touchdowns.
Fantasy RB Busts Week 15
O’Hara: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints — Kamara’s fantasy success has been largely due to his heavy workload this season. However, with the Saints outside the playoff bubble and Derek Carr likely out for the year, Kamara’s opportunities may dwindle. Last week, he ceded 11 chances to second-year back Kendre Miller. With Jake Haener at quarterback, scoring opportunities for Kamara will be scarce, making him a risky start down the stretch.
Williams: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns — Chubb’s return to health has been encouraging, but his performance has been lackluster, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry this season. With only three rushing touchdowns in seven games, this week’s matchup against the Chiefs, who are giving up the fewest points to running backs, makes Chubb a player to avoid. Additionally, Jerome Ford is in a timeshare with Chubb, complicating matters further.
Iyer: Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — With Bucky Irving injured, White is expected to take on a larger role against the Chargers. However, the matchup is tough, as the Chargers have effectively shut down Kansas City’s running game. Don’t be surprised if White disappoints with limited touches and scoring opportunities.
Fantasy WR Busts Week 15
O’Hara: Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders — Meyers has ranked 7th among wide receivers in targets per game over the last six weeks, which is impressive. However, with Desmond Ridder likely under center, that intrigue quickly fades. Ridder’s performance last week was subpar, averaging just 5.6 yards per attempt. Relying on him during the fantasy playoffs is a gamble you may want to avoid.
Williams: Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts — Pittman has struggled all season, and facing a tough Denver secondary won’t help his cause. He has only one 100+ yard receiving game, which came back in Week 4. While he caught five passes last week, they only totaled 42 yards. With Anthony Richardson’s accuracy issues, this matchup is not favorable for Colts pass-catchers.
Iyer: DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks — Metcalf’s chemistry with Geno Smith seems off, as Smith has been favoring Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett more. This week, Metcalf faces a challenging matchup against the Packers, who have been tough on opposing receivers since Week 1.
Fantasy TE Busts Week 15
O’Hara: Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Otton has struggled to shake off his reputation as a “Cardio King,” running plenty of routes but failing to draw targets. With Mike Evans back, Otton has only seen more than four targets once in three games. He appears to be sliding back into the touchdown-or-bust tier of tight ends, making him a risky start.
Williams: Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins — This is a risky fade, as Smith has been one of the best tight ends in recent weeks. However, with Jaylen Waddle’s resurgence, Smith’s production has dipped. He finished last week with three catches for 44 yards and a touchdown, all coming in overtime. Facing the Texans, who allow the 4th-fewest points to tight ends, makes Smith a player to consider benching.
Iyer: Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers — Freiermuth has been solid in favorable matchups, but the Eagles present a tougher challenge for tight ends. This week, he may find himself in a touchdown-or-bust scenario with limited yardage and catches.
Fantasy Defense Busts Week 15
O’Hara: Houston Texans — The Dolphins have been scoring at will lately, and with Tua Tagovailoa leading the charge, they’ve put up over 30 points in three of their last four games. Facing the Texans indoors this week, the Dolphins will likely unleash their full offensive arsenal. Think twice before starting the Texans in this matchup.
Williams: Pittsburgh Steelers — The Eagles may have had a close game against the Panthers last week, but they are poised to bounce back. A.J. Brown’s recent frustrations often lead to big performances, and he has torched the Steelers in past matchups. With the Eagles looking to regain their form, the Steelers could be in for a long day at The Linc.
Iyer: Philadelphia Eagles — While the Eagles have had their moments of brilliance, they showed vulnerabilities against the Panthers. The Steelers, with Russell Wilson at the helm, have been one of the most efficient offenses. This matchup could expose the Eagles’ defensive cracks.
As we dive into Week 15, keep these potential busts in mind. With playoffs on the line, making informed decisions about who to start and who to bench could be the difference between victory and defeat. Good luck, and may your fantasy team thrive!
