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FFL: Playoff Week 1 | NFL: Week 15

Raiders' Kenny Pickett, an ex-Eagle, to face former club

Fri Dec 12 9:51pm ET
Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders made it official Friday, naming backup Kenny Pickett the starting quarterback for their Sunday game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Pickett played for the Super Bowl champion Eagles in 2024, backing up Jalen Hurts and starting one game, a 41-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17.

Regular starter Geno Smith has been nursing a right shoulder injury and couldn't practice this week after sustaining the injury in the Raiders' 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Pickett, 27, received first-team reps in practice this week after relieving Smith in the Broncos game, going 8 of 11 for 97 yards with a touchdown pass.

The Raiders (2-11) acquired Pickett from the Browns after training camp was completed in August. Cleveland previously acquired Pickett from the Eagles but ran out of room at the position.

Pickett has completed 481 of 769 passes (62.5%) for 4,870 yards, 16 TDs and 14 picks in 33 games (25 starts) for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2022-23), Eagles (2024) and Raiders. He is 15-10 as a starter.

The Steelers selected him 20th overall in the 2022 draft out of the University of Pittsburgh.

The Raiders have lost seven straight heading into Sunday against the Eagles (8-5).

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
Tyler Warren Dec 13 1:10am CT
Tyler Warren

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren is only 13 games into his career at the professional level. However, he's already established himself as one of the top tight ends in the National Football League. The 2025 No. 14 overall pick has had a few rough showings, although he still ranks among the top names at the position in several statistical areas, including receptions (60), receiving yards (699), and touchdowns (four). With Indy hoping to remain in the playoff picture, the team will need a win over Seattle on Sunday. Without question, the Seahawks have one of the most imposing defenses in the NFL, meaning it could be a difficult day for the Colts offense, especially with Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard under center in place of Daniel Jones (Achilles), who is done for at least the remainder of the 2025 campaign. Still, there aren't many tight ends with as high of a ceiling as Warren, so fantasy managers should keep him starting and hope for the best. It's also worth noting that Seattle has struggled against opposing tight ends throughout the season, giving fantasy managers a reason to stay optimistic.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Dec 13 12:50am CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (rib) practiced in full all week and doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Sunday's clash with the Seahawks. Pierce finished the 2024 campaign with seven touchdowns, a career-high. However, he has only scored twice this season. While the decline in trips to the end zone is a significant concern, he at least appears well on his way to having his best year in terms of receptions and receiving yards. With Indy desperately trying to remain in the postseason conversation, the team will look for a win over Seattle on Sunday. The Seahawks have one of the most formidable defenses in the National Football League, which would make life difficult for anyone. Yet, it may be an even tougher week for Pierce and the rest of the pass-catchers, considering Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard (knee) will take over in place of Daniel Jones (Achilles), who will miss the remainder of the year. With that in mind, Pierce isn't the safest fantasy option by any means in Week 15, so managers might want to consider other options, especially with Jonathan Taylor rumored to be more involved than usual.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Dec 13 12:10am CT
Raheem Mostert

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert has spent most of this season backing up rookie Ashton Jeanty, and he should remain in that role ahead of Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 33-year-old battled a knee injury during practice this past week but has been removed from the injury report and will play on Sunday, barring a setback. He has been held to just one touch in each of his last two games, and he ranks as the overall RB75 in PPR leagues this season. On one hand, the Eagles present a favorable matchup for any running back. After all, Philadelphia has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points, fifth-most receiving yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2025. On the other hand, though, the Purdue product is clearly nothing more than a change-of-pace back behind Jeanty in this Vegas offense. He's averaging just 3.1 touches per game and has played fewer than one-third of the snaps in each of his last eight contests. Mostert ranks as the overall RB72 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, and he can be left on waivers in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Dec 13 12:00am CT
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has been a terrific fantasy football contributor lately. In six weeks since returning from injury, Bowers is averaging 5.7 catches, 65.7 yards, and one touchdown per game, and he ranks as the overall TE2 in half-PPR leagues during that span. He has posted double-digit fantasy points in five of those six contests, and he has found the end zone in each of his last two games. All in all, Bowers has been one of the few bright spots in Las Vegas' otherwise bleak offense. Because of that, we expect that he'll continue to thrive as a strong fantasy option when quarterback Kenny Pickett replaces Geno Smith (back, shoulder) in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Bowers should serve as a dependable high-volume target in this Pickett-led offense despite the Eagles allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2025. Bowers has shown that he is matchup-proof and should be started in all leagues, regardless of opponent. That's why he ranks as the overall TE3 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy football rankings.

From RotoBaller

Jack Bech Dec 12 11:50pm CT
Jack Bech

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech is coming off the best game of his rookie season. He caught all six of his targets for 50 yards while playing 82% of the snaps last Sunday against the Denver Broncos. He's certainly trending up in fantasy football after his big game, but his floor will take a hit this week with Kenny Pickett starting at quarterback over Geno Smith (back, shoulder) in Week 15. He could also suffer from a difficult matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points and second-fewest touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in 2025. Bech could certainly replicate last week's strong showing, but he could also struggle to develop any sort of rapport with Pickett while playing against a very solid Eagles secondary. As a result, the rookie ranks as the overall WR69 in RotoBaller's Week 15 fantasy football rankings, and he can be benched or dropped in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Dec 12 11:50pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett remains a somewhat risky fantasy option heading into Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Lockett had 12 catches and 139 yards from Week 10 through Week 12, but his productivity has dwindled over the last couple of weeks. He has just four catches and 55 yards over his last two games. Now, heading into Week 15, Lockett faces signification competition for targets from Tre Tucker and Jack Bech -- not to mention superstar tight end Brock Bowers. The 33-year-old receiver has played through inconsistent volume and will now head into a tricky matchup against the Eagles, who have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points and second-fewest touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in 2025. He will also deal with a quarterback downgrade this week as Kenny Pickett takes over for Geno Smith (back, shoulder). Although Lockett is a talented veteran receiver, his difficult matchup and unfortunate quarterback change have left him ranked as the overall WR87 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings. He can be left on waivers in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Isaac TeSlaa Dec 12 11:40pm CT
Isaac TeSlaa

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has recorded eight catches for 120 yards and four touchdowns on 14 targets across 13 games so far this season. The 23-year-old's most productive stretch has been over the last two weeks, where he's hauled in four receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns on five targets. The Lions have played each of their last two games without wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle), which has opened the door for TeSlaa to fill the team's WR3 role alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. However, Raymond returned to practice in a limited capacity this week and is officially listed as questionable for Detroit's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. If Raymond returns, it could significantly impact TeSlaa's playing time. Should Raymond remain sidelined, TeSlaa could have flex appeal as a touchdown-dependent dart throw for deep-league fantasy managers in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Kenny Pickett Dec 12 11:30pm CT
Kenny Pickett

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett will earn a spot start against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 with teammate Geno Smith (shoulder, back) sidelined. While Pickett should offer a nice change from Smith, who has 16 touchdowns, 15 turnovers, and 49 sacks this year, he likely won't be a reliable fantasy starter. Pickett went 8-for-11 with 97 yards and a touchdown in relief of Smith last week, and he hasn't finished any of his four seasons higher than the QB28 in fantasy football. He could struggle against an Eagles defense allowing the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns and 14th-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Pickett ranks as the overall QB31 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, which means that he can be benched in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Dec 12 11:30pm CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has been a consistent fantasy superstar all season. This year, McBride has only finished outside of the Top-12 tight ends twice in weekly finishes and is the TE1 overall by a healthy margin in PPR leagues. Entering Week 15, McBride is RotoBaller's No. 1 tight end in all formats in a difficult matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans' defense has allowed the fewest receiving touchdowns and the fourth-fewest receptions this season. The Cardinals' offense will be forced to funnel their targets to McBride and Michael Wilson on Sunday, with Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) ruled out for a second straight week. In the last three games Harrison has missed, McBride and Wilson have been targeted on just over 52 percent of Jacoby Brissett's passing attempts. Despite a tough matchup, McBride remains a set-it-and-forget-it TE1 heading into Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Dec 12 11:30pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) did not practice on Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It's never a good sign when a player appears on the injury report late in the week, suggesting an injury occurred during practice. Johnston has struggled to produce in the Chargers' injury-riddled, quick-passing offense, catching two passes for eight yards on three targets last week. If he is cleared to play, he faces a tough Kansas City Chiefs defense that has allowed the ninth-fewest passing yards this season. Although the potential injury to Chiefs defensive back Trent McDuffie (knee) offers a slight hope, Johnston's role as a downfield threat is being limited by the team's injured offensive line and quarterback Justin Herbert's tendency for short throws. The game is once again expected to be run-heavy. RotoBaller ranks Johnston as WR44 this week. Considering the tough matchup, the limited passing game, and his low floor, Johnston remains a touchdown-dependent WR4 who should only be started in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kalif Raymond Dec 12 11:30pm CT
Kalif Raymond

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle) has missed each of his team's last two games after suffering an ankle injury in Week 12. However, the 31-year-old was able to log three limited practices this week and is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Across 11 games this season, Raymond has hauled in 15 catches for 150 yards on 19 targets. Still, he's worked as Detroit's WR3 alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams when healthy. In his absence, Lions rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa has stepped up and recorded touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. TeSlaa's recent surge could mean fewer reps for Raymond, even if he's healthy enough to play. Raymond should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Tre Harris Dec 12 11:30pm CT
Tre Harris

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Tre' Harris caught one pass for 18 yards on two targets in last week's overtime win against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although he has been on the field for about 50% of snaps recently, his route rate remains low at 38%, limiting consistent production. Harris's outlook improves slightly this week because teammate Quentin Johnston (groin) is questionable, and Harris had his most targets and receptions of the season when Johnston previously missed a game in Week 6. However, overall passing production stays limited due to Justin Herbert's hand injury, the league-worst offensive line, and the team's run-first approach against the Kansas City Chiefs' top-10 pass defense. Harris's only potential for fantasy relevance is if the Chiefs jump out to an early lead, leading to a pass-heavy game script. Even with more targets, Harris is mainly a deep-league stash for this week.

From RotoBaller

Ashton Jeanty Dec 12 11:30pm CT
Ashton Jeanty

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty could handle increased volume in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he should benefit from this favorable matchup against a below-average run defense. The Raiders will be starting quarterback Kenny Pickett over Geno Smith (back, shoulder) this week, and this quarterback downgrade could prompt Las Vegas to throw the ball less and run the ball more. It could also lead to more checkdowns and fewer passes deep downfield. All of this bodes well for Jeanty, who is averaging 14.7 carries and 3.5 catches per game while ranking as the overall RB14 in PPR leagues. Not only do we think he could handle more than 20 touches in an offensive game plan centered around rushing attempts and short passes, but Jeanty should also benefit from a favorable matchup. Philadelphia has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points, fifth-most receiving yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2025. This promising opportunity gives Jeanty top-12 running back upside for Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Dec 12 11:20pm CT
Jameson Williams

Across 13 games this season, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has recorded 45 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns on 72 targets. While the 24-year-old's full-season numbers are more good than great, he's been coming on very strong of late. Across six games since Detroit's Week 8 bye, Williams has hauled in 28 receptions for 513 yards and four touchdowns on 42 targets. With Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve, Williams has stepped in as the unquestioned number two option in the Detroit passing game alongside wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions have a tough matchup in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams, who currently rank seventh among NFL defenses in fewest yards per pass attempt allowed (6.5). The Rams have also allowed just two pass plays of 40 or more yards all season long, which is tied for the second-fewest in the league. For a player like Williams, who is reliant on big plays, that should give fantasy managers some pause. Still, Williams has earned 19 targets over the last two weeks, and it seems likely that the Lions will continue to try to scheme up ways to get him the ball. Williams profiles as a high-end fantasy WR2 in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Dec 12 11:20pm CT
Jared Goff

Across 13 games this season, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has completed 70.1% of his pass attempts for 3,334 yards, 26 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Entering Week 15, the 31-year-old has thrown for at least 255 passing yards in six straight games. In Week 15, Goff will face a difficult matchup on the road against the Los Angeles Rams. Through 14 weeks, the Rams' defense is allowing the seventh-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.5) in the NFL. The Rams have also excelled at forcing turnovers, as they rank sixth in the league with 13 interceptions. With the Lions' defense struggling and their interior offensive line dealing with injuries, Goff has been forced into more pass attempts in recent weeks. After topping the 30-pass-attempt mark just once over the season's first seven weeks, he's attempted at least 33 passes in five out of his last six games. If that trend continues, Goff could have a chance to put up some numbers against Los Angeles, even without high-end efficiency. He profiles as a low-end fantasy QB1 in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Dec 12 11:20pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey participated in limited practices this week due to a foot issue but does not carry an injury designation and is expected to remain the primary target in the passing game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Last week, McConkey led the team with five targets and 144 air yards but caught only one pass for 12 yards as the Philadelphia Eagles effectively shut down the Chargers' pass attack. Facing a Chiefs defense that has surrendered the ninth-fewest passing yards this season, McConkey will likely draw slot coverage from Chamarri Connor, who allows a high 85.4% catch rate but a low 7.8 aDOT. This points to the Chiefs being vulnerable to volume underneath, which is exactly where McConkey excels when Justin Herbert is under pressure. If fellow wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) misses the game, expect even more targets and usage. RotoBaller ranks McConkey as WR24 this week, making him a risky low-end WR2 with upside thanks to his high air yard share and red zone looks, despite the tough matchup and offensive struggles.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 12 11:20pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown gritted through an ankle injury in Week 14, recording six catches for 92 yards on nine targets. The 26-year-old has avoided the injury report this week, so it appears he's feeling much better heading into his team's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have been a stingy pass defense so far this season, allowing the seventh-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.5) among all NFL defenses. However, St. Brown has been one of the NFL's most consistent target-earners in 2025. He's recorded at least eight targets in 11 out of 13 games this season and hit the double-digit target mark seven times. Fantasy managers should view St. Brown as a must-start wide receiver in Week 15 against the Rams.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 12 11:20pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen enters the Week 15 road game against the Kansas City Chiefs on a decline, having caught all three of his targets for just 22 yards last week. Since Week 7, Allen has only caught 19 passes compared to 44 in the first seven weeks. The Chiefs, who have allowed the ninth fewest passing yards this season, are a tough matchup, though the potential questionable status of their top defensive back, Trent McDuffie (knee), could slightly help the passing game. However, with the offensive line battered, Justin Herbert playing injured, and the team leaning on the run, Allen's floor and ceiling are considerably lower. RotoBaller ranks Allen at WR53 this week. Unless the Chargers fall behind early by multiple scores or if fellow wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) is ruled out, Allen remains an unreliable WR5 who should only be started in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 12 11:10pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) enters Week 15 facing a tough Kansas City Chiefs defense while still managing a fracture in his non-throwing hand. Last week's 22-19 overtime win over the Philadelphia Eagles saw Herbert complete just 12 of 26 passes for 139 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, along with losing one of his two fumbles and taking a record seven sacks. His passing volume is considerably limited, forcing him to rely on his legs, where he led the team with 66 rushing yards. The Chiefs are a top-10 defense, tied for third in allowed aDOT and third in passing touchdowns allowed, though they rank 24th in sack percentage. With offensive tackle Trey Pipkins doubtful with an ankle injury, the already-battered offensive line faces a significant challenge. Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo should look to exploit the Chargers' weak offensive line, stack the box, and force Herbert to pass under pressure. RotoBaller ranks Herbert as QB22 this week. Given the injury, reduced passing volume, and tough road matchup, fantasy managers should temper expectations and consider Herbert a low-end QB2 for the week.

From RotoBaller

Omarion Hampton Dec 12 11:10pm CT
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton returned from IR last week after missing seven games with a fractured ankle. He carried the ball 13 times for 56 yards (4.3 YPC) and scored a receiving touchdown in the team's overtime win against the Philadelphia Eagles. The carries were split almost evenly with Kimani Vidal, and it's uncertain if this division will continue or if the Chargers are still gradually reintegrating Hampton into his starting role. OC Greg Roman recently said he prefers a hot-hand approach, but right now is "seeing two guys with the hot hand," which is "a good problem to have." Hampton faces the Kansas City Chiefs, who are among the top teams in rushing yards allowed. Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo will aim to shut down the run and force the injured Justin Herbert to pass. Considering Herbert's recent limitations and the team's reliance on the ground game, Hampton will be a crucial part of the offense. RotoBaller ranks him as RB27 this week. Hampton is a strong, albeit volume-limited, high-end RB3 with touchdown potential in a run-heavy game plan.

From RotoBaller