| | Wednesday, December 15, 2021 | COVID-19 has become something of a fact of life during this NFL season, but we've managed to not have any games postponed despite regular additions to the reserve/COVID list throughout the season. However, the NFL's nightmare scenario may be coming to a head, as 68 players -- including 51 on active rosters -- were added to the COVID list between Monday and Tuesday. That's about 3% of the total active players added in just the past two days, and that doesn't include players who were already on the list from last week. | There's no sign that this is going to lead to any postponements as of now, but it's obviously got to be a concern if current trends continue. And, either way, the list of Fantasy relevant names whose status for Week 15 is now in question has grown a lot. You would hate to see your Fantasy team's chances of advancing in the playoffs impacted by this, but that's the risk we're currently facing. | Here are the Fantasy relevant players who are presently on the COVID list -- to see the full list, head here for the CBS Sports NFL team's full tracker: Odell Beckham, Darrell Henderson, Myles Gaskin, Phillip Lindsay, Salvon Ahmed, Alexander Mattison, Jamaal Williams, Baker Mayfield, Jarvis Landry, Austin Hooper, David Njoku, Mark Ingram, Ty Montgomery, Kadarius Toney, and Quez Watkins. The Browns, Rams, and Lions are seemingly dealing with outbreaks, with the Rams and Browns entering the NFL's intensive protocols Tuesday, limiting their in-person contact and practice opportunities. And, obviously, the spread may not yet be contained, so don't be surprised if we see a bunch more names added tomorrow. | We'll also need to wait to find out which of these players still have a chance to play in Week 15. Vaccinated players simply need to return two negative tests 24 hours apart to be cleared, which while unlikely given what we've seen this season, isn't impossible. Unvaccinated players who test positive are required to quarantine for 10 days, ruling them out for this week at least. Yeah, there are a lot of moving parts right now, and it comes at the absolute worst time possible. | And, of course, that's not even accounting for injuries which are a constant issue. There are going to be a lot of absences this week, and tomorrow's newsletter will keep you updated on everything you need to know. And, you'll surely need some lineup help this week too, so email me at Chris.Towers@ViacomCBS.com with the subject line "#AskFFT" to get included in a mailbag column tomorrow. | The rest of today's newsletter is all about the rankings for Week 15. I updated my rankings for each position, with my thoughts on dozens of the most interesting players of the week, and I've collected thoughts on the 10 toughest players to rank for this week a little lower: | QB Rankings | RB Rankings | WR Rankings | TE Rankings | Hopefully, that helps you get an understanding of what to expect for this week. Here's what the rest of today's newsletter has in store to help you get ready for Week 15: | 📈The toughest players to rank📉🔍Position Previews | | 📈The toughest players to rank📉 | | Look, I don't want to be seen as complaining. As far as jobs go, this one's pretty fun. I'm not complaining. | But doing rankings this week for Fantasy football is really, really hard, OK? There are so many different moving parts right now that we're really going to need up until Sunday morning to be able to lock anything in. Players will be moved in and out of the rankings based on availability, and with so much still fluid, just understand that the way things look right now are not at all how they will look come the weekend. More than any other week, you'll need to make sure you're up on Sunday to check the latest news updates before you lock in your lineup. And I'll have my updated rankings available Sunday morning right here in your inbox, so make sure you're looking out for that. | As for now, I wrote several thousand words about my quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end rankings Tuesday, with explanations and notes for dozens of players at each position, and I figured it makes sense to highlight some of the players I had the toughest time figuring out where to slot in this week and why: | QB8: Dak Prescott @NYG -- Add Prescott to the list of quarterbacks who have seen their production take a nosedive of late, as he has just four touchdowns to five interceptions over the past four games, while averaging 6.2 yards per target. However, he had 302 yards and three touchdowns the last time he faced the Giants, so I don't think you can just sit him. It's not like there are many QBs I feel more confident in. RB11: James Conner @DET -- It's going to be really interesting to see what happens with Conner's role when Chase Edmonds returns, which is expected this week. Conner has been excellent as a pass catcher in Edmonds' absence, with 24 catches for 269 yards and two touchdowns over his past five games. It's not even clear based on their respective careers if Edmonds is actually a better pass-catcher than Conner. What if he doesn't cede as much of his role to Edmonds? Conner is always a threat to score in this offense, but if he's still getting passing downs work, he could remain an elite Fantasy option. However, Conner did leave Monday's game with an ankle injury that required an MRI, so there's a chance he won't be able to play -- in which case Edmonds wouldn't rank too much lower than this.RB14: Ezekiel Elliott @NYG -- Elliott is such a tough player to rank right now, because I don't think there's any question his role is still extremely valuable, even if it isn't what it once was. He got 12 carries and six targets last week and has a clear goal-line role on a good offense, which should be enough to make just about any RB a must-start. And, with Tony Pollard dealing with his foot injury, I'm not sure there's much risk for Elliott losing that role. The problem is he's just been so ineffective of late that he hasn't been able to take advantage of that role. It's a tough spot to be in, but I think you probably have to start him.RB19: Javonte Williams vs. CIN -- You've gotta admit, it's pretty funny that one week after Williams was dominant in Melvin Gordon's absence, Gordon had eight more touches than Williams. It doesn't mean anything, other than that the pre-injury status quo reigns in Denver. Both Williams and Gordon are viable starting options, and with Williams seemingly having more of a role in the passing game, I'll rank him just a little ahead of Gordon.RB20: Aaron Jones @BAL -- I really don't know what to do with Jones and Dillon. Dillon had a much bigger role in the offense in terms of touches in Week 14, but Jones still got the touchdowns, and I think that'll continue to tip in his direction, given how good he's been near the end zone in his career. However, I thought he might return to being the 1a in this offense, and that clearly didn't happen last week. Both are low-end RB2s with upside, but this is a tough matchup. It is worth noting that Jones out-snapped Dillon 23-8 in the first half last week before the Packers went run-heavy in the second half. A game script that is more balanced could benefit Jones.RB24: James Robinson vs. HOU -- Honestly, I don't know. Robinson got benched two weeks ago and then had just six carries and played just half of the team's pass plays in Week 14. He has an uncertain role in a miserable offense, but he has a dream matchup against the Texans. I'm ranking him this high because the potential for a big week is obviously there, but you can't trust it'll come true. He's one of the most frustrating players to try to figure out right now.WR12: Deebo Samuel vs. ATL -- Samuel had just one catch in Week 14, but I wouldn't overreact to that. He still has his very valuable rushing game role and also still ran a route on 83% of Jimmy Garoppolo 's pass attempts, so let's not foreclose on the possibility that he will remain a part of the passing game. The 49ers will find ways to get the ball in Samuel's hands in ways that make him worth relying on, even if he may not be an elite Fantasy WR anymore.WR16: Mike Evans vs. NO -- Since the start of 2017, Evans has played nine games against the Saints with Marshon Lattimore active, and he's averaging just 10.3 Fantasy points per game. The matchup always seems to frustrate Evans, and he had just two catches for 48 yards in their earlier matchup this season. He did salvage that one with a touchdown, and given his history here, you're hoping for the same this week. WR18: D.K. Metcalf @LAR -- I think I'm going to be out on an island with this ranking. I can understand why people are frustrated with DK Metcalf , but the question nobody has really been able to answer is whether they just think Metcalf is bad now. He's got eight targets in four of the past five games but is averaging just 4.81 yards per target overall. If you think he's just bad now -- or just doesn't have a good connection with Russell Wilson and won't moving forwards, which is effectively the same thing-- then it's fine to sit Metcalf. However, I think the track record with those two speaks for itself, and while I'm obviously not viewing Metcalf as a top-12 WR right now, I think you'd have to have multiple really convincing options to sit him. So, not the likes of KJ Osborn or Amon-Ra St. Brown. At least, not for me. TE5: Dallas Goedert vs. WAS -- The top four here are no-doubt starters. Everyone else is negotiable, including Goedert, who had 0 yards in the game just before his 105-yard, two-touchdown game in Week 13. His upside makes Goedert one of the best tight ends out there, but he also plays in a low-volume passing attack that creates plenty of downside risk, too. | | 🔍Week 15 Position Previews | Every Tuesday, Heath Cummings previews each position, providing injury insights, key stats to know, the best waiver-wire adds, DFS targets, and more for quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. Here's a brief rundown of each position, along with some key details you need to know about and our expert consensus top-12 rankings before you go read Heath's full breakdowns: | QB Preview | | Injuries: Lamar Jackson (ankle), Josh Allen (toe), Aaron Rodgers (toe), Jalen Hurts (ankle), Taylor Heinicke (knee), Justin Fields (hand) and Daniel Jones (neck) Number to know: 0.1 -- Justin Fields has scored at least 20.1 Fantasy points in each of his last three complete gamesMatchup that matters: Tua Tagovailoa vs. NYJ (31st in points allowed to QB)Top streamer: "Tagovailoa. You can start just about anyone against the Jets, but especially a quarterback like Tagovailoa. The Dolphins running back room is almost entirely on the COVID IR, so they may be even more pass happy than normal. I would start Tagovailoa over Matthew Stafford, Kirk Cousins, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts amongst others." Top DFS play: "Josh Allen. As long as Allen's foot is okay by the end of the week, he's my No. 1 quarterback this week. He's the entire Bills offense right now and I would expect them to bounce back in a big way against the Panthers." | My Top 12 | Josh Allen vs. CARKyler Murray @DETTom Brady vs. NOJustin Herbert vs. KCJalen Hurts vs. WASAaron Rodgers @BALLamar Jackson vs. GBDak Prescott @NYG Patrick Mahomes @LACTua Tagovailoa vs. NYJMatthew Stafford vs. SEARussell Wilson @LAR | | RB Preview | | Injuries: Austin Ekeler (ankle), D'Andre Swift (shoulder), Kareem Hunt (ankle), Darrell Henderson (COVID-19), Elijah Mitchell (concussion), Alexander Mattison (COVID-19), Damien Harris (hamstring), Melvin Gordon (thumb), Miles Sanders (ankle), Jordan Howard (knee), Tony Pollard (foot), Jamaal Williams (COVID-19), Michael Carter (ankle), J.D. McKissic (concussion), Chase Edmonds (ankle), Mark Ingram (COVID-19), Myles Gaskin (COVID-19), Salvon Ahmed (COVID-19), Phillip Lindsay (COVID-19), Malcolm Brown (quad), Derrick Henry (foot), Rex Burkhead (hip), Tevin Coleman (concussion), Austin Walter (illness), Adrian Peterson (back) and Travis Homer (calf) Number to know: 17.3 -- Michael Carter averaged 17.3 PPR FPPG from Weeks 4-10. He's expected back for Week 15. If he's a full go, he's a No. 2 running backMatchup that matters: A.J. Dillon/Aaron Jones @BAL (6th in points allowed to RB)Stash: "Ameer Abdullah. Abdullah could be a good PPR flex in Week 16 against a Tampa Bay defense that has allowed at least six catches to running backs in seven straight games." Top DFS play: "Devonta Freeman. It is a weird week at running back with none of my top-seven backs in half PPR are on the main slate. But the difficult matchup has cut into Freeman's pricing and I'll play just about any back with his workload at a discount. | My Top 24 | Jonathan Taylor vs. NEDalvin Cook @CHIAustin Ekeler vs. KCLeonard Fournette vs. NOAlvin Kamara @TBNajee Harris vs. TENJoe Mixon @DEN Cordarrelle Patterson @SFNick Chubb vs. LVJosh Jacobs @CLEJames Conner @DETSony Michel vs. SEAAntonio Gibson @PHIEzekiel Elliott @NYGDavid Montgomery vs. MINSaquon Barkley vs. DAL Devonta Freeman vs. GBClyde Edwards-Helaire @LACJavonte Williams vs. CINAaron Jones @BALAJ Dillon @BALMelvin Gordon vs. CINRashaad Penny @LARJames Robinson vs. HOU | WR Preview | | Injuries: Terry McLaurin (concussion), Jarvis Landry (COVID-19), D.J. Moore (hamstring), Keenan Allen (COVID-19), Mike Williams (heel), Adam Thielen (ankle), A.J. Brown (chest), Elijah Moore (quad), Emmanuel Sanders (knee), Calvin Ridley (personal), Kadarius Toney (COVID-19), Will Fuller (finger) and Randall Cobb (groin) Number to know: 7 -- Deebo Samuel has only seen seven targets in his past three games combined. Matchup that matters: Brandin Cooks @JAX (24th in points allowed to WR)Stash: "Robby Anderson. I can't trust Anderson in my lineup yet, but he's worth a stash because one more good week and I'll be OK with him as a No. 3 receiver against Tampa Bay in Week 16." Top DFS play: "Davante Adams. Adams is $500 less than Kupp on FanDuel, and I wouldn't mind playing both. But the tiebreaker is the current state of the Ravens secondary. They haven't been able to cover anyone lately, so they certainly can't cover Adams." | My Top 24 | Cooper Kupp vs. SEADavante Adams @BALJustin Jefferson @CHIStefon Diggs vs. CARKeenan Allen vs. KCDiontae Johnson vs. TENChris Godwin vs. NO Tyler Lockett @LARTyreek Hill @LACCeeDee Lamb @NYGJaylen Waddle vs. NYJDeebo Samuel vs. ATLTee Higgins @DENJa'Marr Chase @DENHunter Renfrow @CLEMike Evans vs. NO Amari Cooper @NYGD.K. Metcalf @LARBrandin Cooks @JAXD.J. Moore @BUFDeAndre Hopkins @DETCole Beasley vs. CARMarquise Brown vs. GBBrandon Aiyuk vs. ATL | TE Preview | | Injuries: Darren Waller (knee), Austin Hooper (COVID-19), T.J. Hockenson (hand), Tyler Higbee (COVID-19), Jared Cook (quad), Foster Moreau (undisclosed) and David Njoku (COVID-19) Number to know: 30.7% -- Kyle Pitts leads all tight end with a 30.7% share of his team's air yards. Matchup that matters: Tyler Higbee vs. SEA (29th in points allowed to TE)Streamer: "Tyler Higbee. 30.7% -- Kyle Pitts leads all tight end with a 30.7% share of his team's air yards." Top DFS play: "George Kittle. Kittle is red hot and I don't think the Falcons defense is going to be the one to stop him." | My Top 12 | Mark Andrews vs. GBTravis Kelce @LACGeorge Kittle vs. ATLRob Gronkowski vs. NODallas Goedert vs. WASKyle Pitts @SFAustin Hooper vs. LVMike Gesicki vs. NYJ Dalton Schultz @NYGFoster Moreau @CLERicky Seals-Jones @PHITyler Conklin @CHI | | | | | Drop In. Ride On. | | Coppa Italia on Paramount+ | Tune into PBR RIDEPASS, exclusively on Pluto TV. Download the Pluto TV app to watch thrilling western sports, plus over 200 channels of movies, TV shows, news, sports and more, all 100% free. Watch Free | | Coppa Italia continues! Italy’s Premier Soccer Cup returns this week, as the Second Round of the tournament gets under way. Don’t miss any of the action live on Paramount+! 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