Fantasy football live rankings Week 15: Latest injury news, updates impacting start-sit decisions today

Four games are in the books in what’s already been a wild Week 15 (condolences to anyone who faced the Raiders’ D/ST or Sam LaPorta), and Sunday’s action figures to be just as crazy thanks to the usual array of late-season factors (injuries, bad weather, and unpredictable usage). 

A host of key players have already missed their games, and more have been ruled “doubtful” or “out” for Sunday (Rhamondre Stevenson Isiah Pacheco, Brian Robinson Jr., Christian Watson, C.J. Stroud). Even more worrisome for fantasy owners is all the key “questionable” players (Geno Smith, AJ Dillon, De’Von Achane, Aaron Jones, Chris Olave, Tyreek Hill, DJ Moore, Hollywood Brown, Chris Godwin, Nico Collins, Noah Brown, Brandin Cooks, Darren Waller), who will cause plenty of headaches throughout the day. 

Fortunately, we’ll be here to help all morning, reacting to injury news, monitoring the active/inactive lists for any surprises, watching the weather, and providing start ’em, sit ’em advice based on all the latest developments. 

Fantasy football live news for NFL Week 15

Live updates will begin at 9 a.m. ET.

Injury updates for NFL Week 15

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday night that Tyreek Hill (ankle) will be a game-time decision, with the receiver getting the final call on his availability. If he can’t go, look for Cedrick Wilson and Braxton Berrios to see bumps in targets, but neither would be worth using in fantasy leagues. Tua Tagovailoa’s value would also take a serious hit, relegating him to low-tier starter status, at best, in 12-team leagues.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Aaron Jones (knee) is expected to play against Tampa. With AJ Dillon (thumb) iffy to play, Jones could return to a big workload, making him a low-end RB2/high-end flex in PPR leagues.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Chris Godwin (knee) is expected to play against Green Bay. He’s best suited as a flex in 12-team leagues at this point, but the upside is there for more.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Nico Collins (calf) is not expected to play against Tennesse. However, Noah Brown (knee) is expected to play. Brown, Robert Woods, and John Metchie III will split targets in a favorable matchup against Tennessee, but with Case Keenum starting for an injured C.J. Stroud (concussion), it’s tough to count on any to produce with your season on the line. Brown has the highest ceiling based on what we’ve seen from these receivers this season.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that DJ Moore (knee) is expected to play against Cleveland. Despite the tough matchup and potentially wet and windy conditions, Moore is still a must-start in all but the shallowest leagues.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Darren Waller (hamstring) is expected to play against New Orleans. He’s unlikely to play a full complement of snaps, making him tough to trust with your season on the line, but it is a favorable matchup. Consider Waller a boom-or-bust option in 12-team leagues.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Chris Olave (ankle) will test his ankle in pre-game warmups to determine whether he can play against the Giants. If Olave is out, look for Rashid Shaheed to be the biggest beneficiary, making him WR3/flex in 12-team leagues. 

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Marquise Brown (heel) and Michael Wilson (neck) are both expected to play against San Francisco. Neither has a particularly high ceiling or floor given the matchup, but Brown has some deep-league PPR appeal flex appeal.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Brandin Cooks (illness) is expected to play against the Bills. He remains a high-ceiling flex.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Tutu Atwell (concussion) is not expected to play against Washington. Atwell would’ve had some deep-league flex potential because of the matchup, but Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are now the only Rams’ WRs worth considering.

(UPDATE 9:00 a.m. ET): NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that AJ Dillon (thumb) is not expected to play against Tampa. Patrick Taylor will work as a change-of-pace back behind Aaron Jones, but he’s not worth using in any format.

(UPDATE 11:13 a.m. ET): Saints’ beat writer Nick Underhill reported Sunday morning that Chris Olave (ankle) won’t play against the Giants. Look for Rashid Shaheed to see more targets and function as a WR3/flex in fantasy.

(UPDATE 12:00 p.m. ET): The Eagles downgraded Jalen Hurts (illness) to “questionable” for Monday night. His sickness apparently worsened overnight, prompting Philly to fly him out separately. We still expect Hurts to play, but if you’re going to wait for him, make sure you have Marcus Mariota stashed on your roster as an insurance policy.

NOTABLE OFFICIAL EARLY INACTIVES: Chris Olave, AJ Dillon, Nico Collins, C.J. Stroud, Christian Watson, Tyreek Hill, Rhamondre Stevenson, Isiah Pacheco, JuJu Smith-Schuster

NOTABLE OFFICIAL EARLY ACTIVES: Aaron Jones, Chris Godwin, DJ Moore, Noah Brown, Darren Waller, De’Von Achane, Jamaal Williams

WEEK 15 INJURY UPDATES: RBs | WRs/TEs | Geno

Weather updates for NFL Week 15

For a full breakdown of all of the Week 15 weather worries, click here. 

Heavy rain and wind are going to affect several games, with Falcons-Panthers possibly getting the worst of both. Bears-Browns will also see steady rain all game, but winds aren’t expected to be quite as bad (gusts to around 20 mph instead of 25). Cowboys-Bills will also play wet thanks to steady rain, but the rain likely won’t be as heavy. Jets-Dolphins, Chiefs-Patriots, and Ravens-Jaguars will all see winds in the 15-25-mph range, while Texans-Titans and Eagles-Seahawks could both see a little rain. 

It’s tough to trust the kickers and many of the pass-catchers in Falcons-Panthers or Bears-Browns, but all the key players from the other games should remain in lineups unless the forecasts worsen.

UPDATE: The winds in Jacksonville for Ravens-Jaguars could gust up to 40 mph. Don’t take any chances with the kickers.

Who should I start in fantasy football today?

Advice based on 12-team, half-point PPR leagues

The recommendations below are from Vinnie Iyer’s Week 15 start ’em, sit ’em column.

Must-starts

QB: Jalen Hurts, Eagles (at SEA), Dak Prescott, Cowboys (at BUF), Josh Allen, Bills (vs. DAL), Lamar Jackson, Ravens (at JAX), Brock Purdy, 49ers (at ARI), Justin Fields, Bears (at CLE)

RB: Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (at ARI), Alvin Kamara, Saints (vs. NYG), Bijan Robinson, Falcons (at CAR), Austin Ekeler, Chargers (at LV), Rachaad White, Buccaneers (at GB), Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (vs. DEN), David Montgomery, Lions (vs. DEN), Raheem Mostert, Dolphins (vs. NYJ), Kyren Williams, Rams (vs. WAS), Zack Moss, Colts (vs. PIT), Saquon Barkley, Giants (vs. GB), Joe Mixon, Bengals (vs. MIN), Travis Etienne, Jaguars (vs. BAL), Derrick Henry, Titans (vs. HOU), Breece Hall, Jets (at MIA), Tony Pollard, Cowboys (at BUF), Ezekiel Elliott, Patriots (vs. KC), James Cook, Bills (vs. DAL), Javonte Williams, Broncos (at DET)

WR: CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (at BUF), Deebo Samuel, 49ers (at ARI), DK Metcalf, Seahawks (vs. PHI), Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals (vs. MIN), Cooper Kupp, Rams (vs. WAS), Puka Nacua, Rams (vs. WAS), Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers (at ARI), Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions (vs. DEN), Courtland Sutton, Broncos (at DET), A.J. Brown, Eagles (at SEA), DeVonta Smith, Eagles (at SEA), Justin Jefferson, Vikings (at CIN), Stefon Diggs, Bills (vs. DAL), DJ Moore, Bears (at CHI), Mike Evans, Buccaneers (at GB), Davante Adams, Raiders (vs. LAC), Garrett Wilson, Jets (at MIA), Keenan Allen, Chargers (at LV), Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins (vs. NYJ), Tyler Lockett, Seahawks (vs. PHI), Michael Pittman Jr., Colts (vs. PIT), Zay Flowers, Ravens (at JAX), Calvin Ridley, Jaguars (vs. BAL), Tee Higgins, Bengals (vs. MIN), Amari Cooper, Browns (vs. JAX), DeAndre Hopkins, Titans (vs. HOU), Rashee Rice, Chiefs (at NE), Terry McLaurin, Commanders (at LAR)

TE: T.J. Hockenson, Vikings (at CIN), Sam LaPorta, Lions (vs. DEN), Travis Kelce, Chiefs (at NE), George Kittle, 49ers (at ARI), Jake Ferguson, Cowboys (at BUF), Trey McBride, Cardinals (vs. SF), Dallas Goedert, Eagles (at SEA), David Njoku, Browns (vs. CHI), Evan Engram, Jaguars (vs. BAL)

D/ST: Dolphins (vs. NYJ), Browns (vs. CHI), Chiefs (at NE), 49ers (at ARI), Saints (vs. NYG), Cowboys (at BUF), Falcons (at CAR)

Smart sits

QB: Tua Tagovailoa (vs. NYJ), Baker Mayfield (at GB), Kyler Murray (vs. 49ers), Joe Flaco (vs. CHI)

RB: Kenneth Walker III (vs. PHI), James Conner (vs. SF), D’Onta Foreman (at CLE), Devin Singletary (at TEN), Gus Edwards (at JAX)

WR: Drake London (at CAR), Chris Godwin (at GB), Gabe Davis (vs. DAL), Zay Jones (vs. BAL) 

TE: Kyle Pitts (at CAR), Cole Kmet (at CLE), Hunter Henry (vs. KC)

D/ST: Ravens (at JAX), Eagles (at SEA), Packers (vs. TB), Jets (at MIA)

Read more coverage from Sporting News’ team of fantasy football experts, including Week 15 rankings for PPR and standard formats, sleepers, busts, DFS picks, and other projections below.

WEEK 15 FANTASY ADVICE: Sleepers | Busts

WEEK 15 DFS: DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks

WEEK 15 TOOLS: RotoBaller “Who To Start?” tool | Draft Sharks’ Week 15 projections

Fantasy football rankings Week 15

Below are Sporting News’ updated fantasy football rankings for Week 15. Rankings based on full-point PPR scoring.

Quarterback

Rank    Player
1    Josh Allen, Bills vs. Cowboys
2    Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ Seahawks
3    Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ Bills
4    Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ Jaguars
5    Brock Purdy, 49ers @ Cardinals
6    Matthew Stafford, Rams vs. Commanders
7    Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ Patriots
8    Jordan Love, Packers vs. Buccaneers
9    Jared Goff, Lions vs. Broncos
10    Sam Howell, Commanders @ Rams

Click here for more QBs

Running back

Rank    Player
1    Christian McCaffrey, 49ers @ Cardinals
2    De’Von Achane, Dolphins vs. Jets
3    Raheem Mostert, Dolphins vs. Jets
4    Breece Hall, Jets @ Dolphins
5    Travis Etienne, Jaguars vs. Ravens
6    Alvin Kamara, Saints vs. Giants
7    Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions vs. Broncos
8    David Montgomery, Lions vs. Broncos
9    Bijan Robinson, Falcons @ Panthers
10    Saquon Barkley, Giants @ Saints
11    Austin Ekeler, Chargers @ Raiders
12    Rachaad White, Buccaneers @ Packers
13    Tony Pollard, Cowboys @ Bills
14    Derrick Henry, Titans vs. Texans
15    Kyren Williams, Rams vs. Commanders
16    Jaylen Warren, Steelers @ Colts
17    Joe Mixon, Bengals vs. Vikings
18    Javonte Williams, Broncos @ Lions
19    Ezekiel Elliott, Patriots vs. Chiefs
20    D’Andre Swift, Eagles @ Seahawks

Click here for more RBs

Wide receiver

Rank    Player
1    CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ Bills
2    Cooper Kupp, Rams vs. Commanders
3    Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ Bengals
4    A.J. Brown, Eagles @ Seahawks
5    Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. Broncos
6    Deebo Samuel, 49ers @ Cardinals
7    Davante Adams, Raiders vs. Chargers
8    Michael Pittman Jr., Colts vs. Steelers
9    Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers @ Cardinals
10    DJ Moore, Bears @ Browns
11    Mike Evans, Buccaneers @ Packers
12    Stefon Diggs, Bills vs. Cowboys
13    Puka Nacua, Rams vs. Commanders
14    Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins vs. Jets
15    Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals vs. Vikings
16    DK Metcalf, Seahawks vs. Eagles
17    Noah Brown, Texans @ Titans
18    Garrett Wilson, Jets @ Dolphins
19    DeVonta Smith, Eagles @ Seahawks
20    Zay Flowers, Ravens @ Jaguars
21    Rashee Rice, Chiefs @ Patriots
22    DeAndre Hopkins, Titans vs. Texans
23    Drake London, Falcons @ Panthers
24    Adam Thielen, Panthers vs. Falcons
25    Courtland Sutton, Broncos @ Lions

Click here for more WRs

Tight end

Rank    Player
1    T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ Bengals
2    Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. Broncos
3    Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ Patriots
4    David Njoku, Browns vs. Bears
5    George Kittle, 49ers @ Cardinals
6    Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. 49ers
7    Isaiah Likely, Ravens @ Jaguars
8    Dalton Kincaid, Bills vs. Cowboys
9    Taysom Hill, Saints vs. Giants
10    Evan Engram, Jaguars vs. Ravens

Click here for more TEs

Defense/Special teams

Rank    Player
1    Kansas City Chiefs @ Patriots
2    New Orleans Saints vs. vs. Giants
3    San Francisco 49ers @ Cardinals
4    Cleveland Browns vs. Bears
5    Miami Dolphins @ Jets
6    Indianapolis Colts vs. Steelers
7    Atlanta Falcons @ Panthers
8    Los Angeles Rams vs. Commanders
9    Dallas Cowboys @ Bills
10    Pittsburgh Steelers @ Colts

Click here for more D/STs

WEEK 15 STANDARD RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers

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