NFL Fantasy Football Week 15 Preview
NFL Fantasy Football Week 15 Preview
Expert Insights & Matchups
The fantasy football playoffs are here — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Week 15 kicking off, NFL Pro has released in-depth analytics and matchup insights to help fantasy managers make smarter decisions. From Derrick Henry’s December dominance to Jordan Love’s uphill battle in Denver, here are the most crucial takeaways you need for a winning lineup.
1. Derrick Henry’s December Surge — Bengals Beware
Derrick Henry continues to prove that December is his season. Half of his six biggest career games have come this month, and the numbers back his case for Week 15 dominance. The Bengals rank 31st in run defense and have allowed the most fantasy points to running backs all year (30.8 PPG).
Henry’s 493 rushing yards after contact since Week 7 are third-most in the NFL. Facing sub-freezing temperatures in Cincinnati, Henry could be poised for his best fantasy performance of the season.
Fantasy Outlook: Henry is an elite start across all formats — DFS players should build around him this week.2. Drake Maye vs. Bills — Go Deep or Go Home
Rookie sensation Drake Maye faces one of his toughest challenges yet as the Patriots meet the Bills in a high-stakes AFC East showdown. When these teams last met, Maye posted just 12 fantasy points with no touchdowns — but this time could be different. The Bills rank 23rd against deep passes, while New England leads the league in deep-ball efficiency.
Expect Maye to test Buffalo’s secondary with aggressive throws to Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas, both of whom are attractive sleeper picks for playoff managers.
3. Jordan Love vs. Denver’s Defense — Proceed with Caution
The Packers’ No.1 passing offense will be tested this week by the Broncos’ elite secondary. Denver ranks fourth in defensive efficiency and has held most quarterbacks under 16 fantasy points — including Mahomes and Prescott. Love has struggled mightily versus top-12 defenses this season, averaging just nine points in those games.
Even Christian Watson may be a risky play outside of deep leagues, making this a matchup to avoid for most fantasy owners.
4. Lions’ RB Duo vs. Rams Defense — Clash of Titans
Detroit’s backfield duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery has combined for 23 touchdowns this season, but they’ll face a daunting challenge against the Rams’ top-tier run defense. Los Angeles allows the fewest rushing touchdowns in the league and ranks second in red-zone efficiency defense.
While Gibbs remains a must-start due to receiving upside, Montgomery is best left on the bench in standard formats. Expect more passing-heavy game scripts for Detroit this week.
📊 Week 15 Fantasy Takeaways
- Top Start: Derrick Henry (RB, BAL)
- QB to Stream: Drake Maye (QB, NE)
- Avoid: Jordan Love (QB, GB) vs DEN
- Sleeper Pick: Demario Douglas (WR, NE)
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
- When do Week 15 fantasy playoffs start? Most standard leagues begin playoffs in Week 15, lasting through Week 17.
- Who are the best streaming QBs this week? Drake Maye, Russell Wilson, and Baker Mayfield have favorable matchups.
- Which defenses should I target? The Chiefs, Ravens, and 49ers remain elite fantasy defenses heading into the playoffs.