Welcome to Week 15, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some fantasy football Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

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Week 15 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades

Tua Tagovailoa (QB)

Tagovailoa has been dealing. Since his return in Week 8, he has been the QB9 in fantasy points per game. Among 32 qualifying quarterbacks, he has ranked fourth in passing touchdowns, second in passer rating, seventh in CPOE, and second in highly accurate throw rate. Tagovailoa should have another nice day in Week 15. Since Week 9, Houston’s pass defense has had some issues, allowing the 13th-highest yards per attempt, the sixth-most passing touchdowns, and the fifth-most passing yards per game.

C.J. Stroud (QB)

Stroud has had a challenging year. He has only three QB1 outings this season. Even in the three games since Nico Collins‘ return, Stroud has finished outside the top 24 quarterbacks in weekly fantasy scoring twice (QB26, QB25). Since Week 11, among 33 qualifying quarterbacks, he has ranked 16th in yards per attempt, 26th in passer rating, 28th in CPOE, and he’s had the second-highest off-target rate. We’ll see if Stroud can break out of the funk this week. Miami has been fielding a strong pass defense, but it has faltered in recent weeks. Since Week 9, they have allowed the seventh-highest success rate per dropback, the seventh-most passing touchdowns (tied), and the fourth-most passing yards per game. The best thing for Stroud behind his Swiss cheese offensive line is that during this span, Miami has ranked 16th in pressure rate and 15th in pressure rate over expectation.

Patrick Mahomes (QB)

Mahomes is the QB14 in fantasy points per game, with QB1 performances in three of his last six games. Since Week 9, among 36 qualifying quarterbacks, Mahomes ranks ninth in passing yards per game, fourth in passing touchdowns, 13th in passer rating, and 25th in highly accurate throw rate. He should flirt with low-end QB1 value again this week. Since Week 9, Cleveland has been a shell of their former selves as a pass defense with the second-highest yards per attempt, the eighth-highest passer rating, and the 13th-highest CPOE allowed.

Jameis Winston (QB)

Winston could put up another juicy stat line this week against what has become a mediocre Chiefs’ pass defense. Winston has been a QB1 in four of his six starts this season (QB10, QB7, QB1, QB12). Since Week 8, among 39 qualifying quarterbacks, Winston ranks second in passing yards per game, eighth in passing touchdowns, sixth in aDOT, and fourth in passing attempts. He should carve up the Chiefs’ secondary like Kansas City barbeque this week. Since Week 9, they have allowed the 12th-highest yards per attempt, the eighth-most passing touchdowns, the seventh-highest passer rating, and the ninth-highest CPOE.

Bryce Young (QB)

Young has flashed a pulse in recent weeks. It resulted in a QB8 finish in Week 13, but outside of that, he’s still living in QB2 land for fantasy. Since Week 12, among 36 qualifying quarterbacks, he has ranked 27th in yards per attempt and passer rating, 16th in CPOE, 22nd in highly accurate throw rate, and third in hero throw rate. He has put some impressive throws on tape. The consistency still needs to improve, but it has been nice to see. Young could have another nice game this week. Since Week 9, Dallas has allowed the seventh-highest yards per attempt, the sixth-most passing touchdowns, and the sixth-highest CPOE.

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Week 15 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades

Xavier Legette (WR)

Since Week 12, Legette has had an 18.3% target share, 1.24 YPRR, and a 21.5% first-read share. Legette has had three red zone targets during this stretch, but sadly, he hasn’t had more than 56 receiving yards in any game and hasn’t finished higher than WR38 in weekly fantasy scoring. Legette has a nice matchup this week, but it’s worth questioning whether he can take advantage of it. Since Week 9, Dallas has allowed the 14th-most receiving yards per game and the 10th-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Adam Thielen (WR)

Over the last two weeks, Thielen has had a 26.3% target share, a 32.1% air-yard share, 2.72 YPRR, and a 31.5% first-read share. He has two end zone targets in his last two games as he has finished as the WR6 and WR17 in weekly fantasy scoring. Thielen should have another prosperous game in Week 15. Since Week 9, Dallas has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game and the sixth-most PPR points per target to slot receivers.

Zay Flowers (WR)

Flowers is the WR30 in fantasy points per game, ranking fifth in deep targets among wide receivers. That role will come in handy this week. He has also seen his red zone usage increase recently, with four red zone targets in his last five games. Flowers has a 24.5% target share, 2.29 YPRR, and a 28.9% first-read share. Flowers should shred the Giants’ coverage this week. Since Week 7, they have utilized single high with 66.5% of their defensive snaps. Against single high, Flowers has seen his target share increase to 27.7% with 3.01 YPRR and a 31.1% first-read share. In addition to the single-high bump Flowers gets this week, he should be the preferred target for Lamar Jackson when he does deep, and the Giants have struggled to defend deep passing. Since Week 9, New York has allowed the 11th-most deep passing yards per game and the seventh-highest CPOE to deep passing. New York has allowed the eighth-most PPR points per target this season to perimeter wide receivers.

Malik Nabers (WR)

With Lock under center the last two games, Nabers has finished as the WR25 and WR26 in weekly fantasy scoring. With Lock, Nabers has had a 25.9% target share, 1.68 YPRR, and a 36.7% first-read share. Nabers doesn’t have any end zone or red zone targets over the last two games, which is more an indictment for the offense than Nabers’ role or talent. Nabers has another nice matchup through the air this week, but with this offensive ecosystem weighing him down, it might not matter. Since Week 9, Baltimore has allowed the ninth-most receiving yards per game and the seventh-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Garrett Wilson (WR)

Since Week 7, Wilson has been the WR22 in fantasy points per game with seven red zone targets and four top 24 weekly finishes. Since Week 7, Wilson has had a 25.3% target share, 2.00 YPRR, and a 32% first-read share. Since Week 11, Jacksonville has had the seventh-highest single high rate (59.6%). Since Week 7, Wilson has led the way against single-high with a 29.8% target share, 2.06 YPRR, and a 37.9% first-read share. Wilson should rip the Jaguars’ secondary apart this week. Since Week 9, Jacksonville has allowed the seventh-most receiving yards per game and the sixth-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Davante Adams (WR)

Since Week 7, Adams has been the WR20 in fantasy points per game with 11 red zone targets and three top 24 weekly fantasy finishes. Since Week 7, Adams has had a 26.6% target share, 1.94 YPRR, and a 31.4% first-read share. Since Week 11, Jacksonville has had the seventh-highest single high rate (59.6%). Since Week 7, against single high, Adams has had a 24% target share, 1.74 YPRR, and a 27.6% first-read share. He has led the way recently with the Jets facing more two high coverage, but this week, he will likely take a backseat to Wilson. Since Week 9, Jacksonville has allowed the seventh-most receiving yards per game and the sixth-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Brian Thomas Jr. (WR)

In Mac Jones‘ three full starts, Thomas Jr. has had a 25.6% target share, a 33.6% air-yard share, 2.12 YPRR, and a 30.5% first-read share. He’s had two top-36 finishes with Jones (WR30, WR20) and two red zone targets. Since Week 10, New York has utilized single high at the 12th-highest rate (57.1%). With Jones under center against single-high, Thomas Jr. has had a 28.3% target share, 2.87 YPRR, and a 32.4% first-read share. Thomas Jr. should have a rock-solid week if Jones can deliver him catchable targets. Since Week 9, New York has allowed the tenth-most receiving yards per game and ranked 17th in PPR points per target allowed to perimeter wide receivers.

Week 15 Running Back Start/Sit Grades

Isiah Pacheco (RB)

The ramp-up for Pacheco has begun. Last week, he played 46% of the snaps, finishing with 16 touches and 61 total yards. He had 70% of the running back rushing attempts while splitting the route share nearly evenly with the other backs (26.2%). He had 50% of the running back red zone rushing attempts (one). On a per-touch basis, Pacheco still looks like a player working his way back to form. Last week, he didn’t have an explosive run, managing a disappointing 7% missed tackle rate and 2.21 yards after contact per attempt. He has a wonderful matchup this week that could help boost those efficiency numbers. Since Week 9, Cleveland has allowed the ninth-most rushing yards per game, the third-highest explosive run rate, and the third-highest missed tackle rate.

Nick Chubb (RB)

Chubb is a touchdown-dependent RB3. In five of his seven games played, he has played only 30-36% of the snaps. Chubb has averaged 14 touches and 46 total yards. He’s had three games as an RB3 or higher in weekly scoring (RB26, RB20, RB8). That RB8 performance came against the Steelers when he managed two scores, which pushed him up the weekly leaderboard. Chubbs still looks like a shell of his former self, with only a 10% missed tackle rate and 1.96 yards after contact per attempt. Since Week 9, Kansas City has allowed the ninth-fewest rushing yards per game, the third-lowest explosive run rate, and the seventh-lowest yards after contact per attempt.

Chuba Hubbard (RB)

Hubbard is the RB15 in fantasy points per game, ranking seventh in snap share, opportunity share, 11th in weighted opportunities, and 12th in red zone touches. He has averaged 19.2 touches and 88.6 total yards. Among 61 qualifying backs, Hubbard ranks 15th in explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt. Hubbard should have another nice game this week as Carolina’s bellcow. Since Week 9, Dallas has allowed the 11th-most rushing yards per game, the sixth-highest explosive run rate, and the ninth-highest yards per carry to zone runs (Hubbard 66% zone).

Rico Dowdle (RB)

I just don’t get it. Where the hell was this type of usage for Dowdle earlier this year? Really? Did we really need to see slow-as-molasses Ezekiel Elliott for most of the season gumming up the works for this Dallas run game? Ok, rant over. Since Week 12, Dowdle has played at least 61% of the snaps, averaging 22 touches and 120.7 total yards. Since Week 12, Dowdle has been the RB11 in fantasy points per game. Since Week 9, among 50 qualifying backs, Dowdle ranks ninth in explosive run rate and 11th in yards after contact per attempt. Dowdle should run wild again in Week 15. Since Week 9, Carolina has allowed the most rushing yards per game, the fourth-highest explosive run rate, and the second-highest yards after contact per attempt.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB)

Over the last two games with Drew Lock under center, Tracy Jr. has averaged 16 touches and 74 total yards with RB17 and RB11 weekly scoring finishes. Last week, he saw a huge uptick in his passing game usage, with a 16.3% target share. That will come in handy this week if it continues. Among 61 qualifying backs, Tracy Jr. ranks 19th in missed tackles forced per attempt and yards after contact per attempt. Tracy Jr. will have a tough time running the ball this week. Since Week 9, Baltimore has allowed the seventh-lowest explosive run rate, the eighth-lowest missed tackle rate, and the lowest yards after contact per attempt. Tracy Jr. could get it done through the air if Lock continues checking it down to him this week, which he’ll need, considering the hit his rushing stats will likely take. Baltimore has allowed the third-highest yards per reception and the fifth-most receiving yards per game to running backs.

Breece Hall (RB)

Hall could be back this week. The latest word out of the Jets is that he is expected to play. Hall injured his surgically repaired knee against the Colts (hyperextension with MCL involvement). He rested over the bye, but he aggravated the issue against the Seahawks. If Hall is active this week, I’d expect his workload to be cut down with Isaiah Davis and Braelon Allen working in. I’d expect Hall to have 10-12 touches this week, with a slight edge for the high-leverage work over Davis and Allen. Jacksonville continues to be a rushing defense that we can take advantage of. Since Week 9, they have allowed the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the second-most rushing yards per game, and the fourth-highest rushing success rate.

Isaiah Davis (RB)

Last week, Davis played 52% of the snaps overall, 50% of the passing down snaps, and had a 75% red zone snap rate. He finished with 13 touches and 67 total yards as the RB15 for the week. It’s a small sample, but he’s posted solid per-touch numbers with a 6.7% explosive run rate and a 20% missed tackle rate. If Hall plays, this entire backfield becomes a messy situation, with possibly three backs seeing touches this week. If Hall plays, Davis and Allen are nearly unplayable as the workload and usage projections get set on fire. If Hall sits, Davis will be in the RB2/3 area code. Jacksonville continues to be a rushing defense that we can take advantage of. Since Week 9, they have allowed the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the second-most rushing yards per game, and the fourth-highest rushing success rate.

Braelon Allen (RB)

Last week, many were shocked that Allen didn’t get the bell-cow workload as he split almost evenly with Isaiah Davis. I expect that split to continue in Week 15 if Breece Hall sits. If Hall plays, this entire backfield becomes a messy situation, with possibly three backs seeing touches this week. If Hall plays, Davis and Allen are nearly unplayable as the workload and usage projections get set on fire. If Hall sits, Allen re-enters the flex conversation for Week 15. Last week, Allen played 55.6% of the snaps overall, 52.4% of the snaps on passing downs, and had only a 33% snap rate inside the red zone. He finished with 15 touches and 81 total yards. He still looked underwhelming on a per-touch basis last week, with zero explosive runs and 1.55 yards after contact per attempt. Jacksonville continues to be a rushing defense that we can take advantage of. Since Week 9, they have allowed the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the second-most rushing yards per game, and the fourth-highest rushing success rate.

Week 15 Tight End Start/Sit Grades

Juwan Johnson (TE)

Over the last two weeks, Johnson has finished as the TE24 and TE3 in weekly fantasy scoring. He has seen a 16.2% target share with 1.54 YPRR and a 24.4% first-read share. Johnson has two red zone targets in those two games. This week’s matchup isn’t great, but Johnson should see plenty of volume and high equity usage to give him a shot at finishing as a TE1 again this week. Across the last five weeks, Washington has allowed the 12th-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Zach Ertz (TE)

Ertz is the TE11 in fantasy points per game, ranking 19th in deep targets and fourth in red zone targets among tight ends. Ertz has an 18.6% target share, 1.47 YPRR, and an 18.7% first-read share. The matchup isn’t great this week for Ertz, but he should see enough volume to put him in the conversation as a fringe TE1 for Week 15. Across the last five weeks, New Orleans has given up the 14th-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Hunter Henry (TE)

In Maye’s seven full starts, Henry has finished as a TE1 five times. In those games, he has drawn nine red zone targets. Since Week 10, Arizona has utilized two high at the highest rate in the NFL (63.9%). In those seven games, against two high, Henry has had an 18.2% target share, 1.92 YPRR, and a 20.8% first-read share. Henry should see plenty of volume and red zone usage this week, which could help him overcome a tough matchup. Across their last five games, Arizona has allowed the ninth-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game.

Dalton Kincaid (TE)

Kincaid has practiced in full all week and doesn’t carry an injury designation into Week 15. Kincaid has had a massively disappointing season as the TE18 in fantasy points per game. He has only three TE1 weeks this season and none since Week 6. If we want to add a silver lining to Kincaid’s usage, he does have five red zone targets in his last four games played. Kincaid has an 18.2% target share, 1.75 YPRR, and a 19.4% first-read share. Kincaid is a possible sit candidate this week. Detroit has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game and receiving yards per game to tight ends.

Sam LaPorta (TE)

LaPorta has helped his season-long stats recently and is now the TE14 in fantasy points per game. Across the last nine games, LaPorta has finished as a TE1 six times. In that nine-game stretch, he has ten red zone targets. Since Week 4, LaPorta has had a 15.4% target share, 1.84 YPRR, and a 16.6% first-read share. This will be a tough week for LaPota, though. Buffalo has been a brutal matchup for tight ends for the last few seasons. Buffalo has allowed the lowest yards per reception, the fourth-fewest receiving yards per game, and the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Cade Otton (TE)

Since Mike Evans‘ return, Otton has had a 15.1% target share, 1.62 YPRR (40 receiving yards per game), and a 12.7% first-read share. Last week was his first time back in the TE1 good graces with Evans back (TE11). In his previous two games, he had finished as the TE28 in fantasy each week. This week will be another rough outing for Otton. Over the last five weeks, the Chargers have allowed the fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends. Sit Otton and stream a tight end.

Week 15 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades

Week 15 Kicker Start/Sit Grades