As the 2025 fantasy football playoffs progress, Week 15 was marked by remarkable performances that highlighted the potential of emerging talents and established stars alike. Quarterbacks were at the forefront of the excitement, with Trevor Lawrence achieving a career-high in fantasy points, surpassing his previous record by 11. J.J. McCarthy also delivered an impressive outing against the Cowboys defense, while Jacoby Brissett became the first quarterback to score 20 fantasy points against the Texans this season. Notably, Philip Rivers made headlines as just the second grandfather to take the field in the NFL since Brett Favre.
The action wasn’t limited to quarterbacks. Rookie running back Jawhar Jordan made his NFL debut, scoring 12.8 half-PPR points after taking advantage of an injury to Woody Marks. Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Lions tied his career-high with 34.9 half-PPR points, while Kyle Pitts set a new personal best with a staggering 40.1 points. Meanwhile, Trey McBride shone with 31.4 half-PPR points against one of the league’s top defenses.
As we enter Week 16, fantasy managers are gearing up for critical lineup decisions. Familiar names are once again among the risers and sleeper candidates, particularly at the quarterback position. McCarthy is highlighted as a streamer with promising matchups, already having scored at least 16.7 fantasy points in five of eight starts. He and the Vikings face a Giants team that has struggled against opposing quarterbacks. Similarly, Tyler Shough of the Saints is making waves, consistently contributing over 18 points while preparing to face a Jets defense that recently faltered against Lawrence.
In the running back category, Blake Corum is emerging as a viable option, recording solid stats despite a crowded backfield. His recent performance included 71 yards and a touchdown, indicating his growing role in the Rams offense. Meanwhile, Michael Carter is set to take on the Falcons after stepping up significantly due to Bam Knight’s injury, demonstrating the potential for as that game unfolds.
Wide receiver prospects like Adonai Mitchell and Jalen Coker are also stepping into prominent roles, reflecting the complex dynamics of fantasy football as teams prepare to finalize their playoff rosters. With matchups favoring players such as Mitchell against the Saints and Coker against a vulnerable Bucs secondary, both are expected to provide substantial fantasy value.
As for tight ends, Darren Waller is gaining attention following strong early-season performances, making him an appealing option in a matchup against a Bengals team weak against tight ends. Colby Parkinson is another name to watch, as his recent red zone presence suggests he could be a significant contributor this week.
All in all, with the playoffs in full swing, fantasy managers have a wealth of options to consider that could influence the outcome of their matchups. The continuous emergence of new stars and reliable veterans alike creates an exciting landscape as teams head into the final stretch of their seasons.