NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 15 – Quarterbacks and Running Backs

As far as injuries go, Week 14 was simply brutal. With so many players set to be sidelined for Week 15, we have some interesting choices to make in DFS. Let’s dive into the quarterback and running back positions and discuss some options that stand out. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NFL Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

QUARTERBACK CASH TARGETS

Deshaun Watson, HOU at TEN
FanDuel = $8,200
DraftKings = $6,800

One of the more shocking losses of Week 14 was the Texans falling to the Broncos. Watson didn’t have a great game through the air, throwing for 292 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. That was the first time that he threw multiple picks in a game since Week 7. However, he helped salvage his stat line by rushing six times for 44 yards and two touchdowns. This has the potential to be a high scoring affair against the Titans, who have allowed the eighth-most passing yards per game, so Watson could be primed for a big afternoon.

Ryan Tannehill, TEN vs. HOU
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $6,500

If you don’t want to go with Watson, but still want to target this game, look no further than Tannehill. He has rejuvenated a Titans’ passing game that was downright anemic with Marcus Mariota under center, throwing at least two touchdown passes in six of his seven starts. He steamrolled the Raiders last week, throwing for 391 yards and three touchdowns. With the Texans having allowed the fifth-most passing touchdowns and the sixth-most passing yards per game, Tannehill has an excellent opportunity to continue his recent run of success.

QUARTERBACK GPP TARGETS

Baker Mayfield, CLE at ARI
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,400

It’s likely going to be a case of too little, too late for the Browns. They have won four of their last five games, but they dug themselves such a deep hole that they are only 6-7 for the season. Even with their improved play lately, Mayfield has thrown for fewer than 200 yards in three of their last four games. He put up a dud against the Bengals last week, throwing two picks and on interceptions. So, why are we even considering him? Well, the Cardinals have allowed the most passing touchdowns and the most passing yards per game. That’s enough of a reason to deploy him in tournament play.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, MIA at NYG
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $6,200

Fitzpatrick had a quiet performance against the Jets last week, throwing for 245 yards, one interception and no touchdowns. Part of that is likely because he lost bot DeVante Parker and Albert Wilson in the game due to concussions. It will be important to monitor their status throughout the week because if they sit again, Fitzpatrick could be adversely effected. However, even if one or both of them can’t play, this might be a matchup to exploit with the Giants allowing the seventh-most passing yards per game.

RUNNING BACK CASH TARGETS

Christian McCaffrey, CAR vs. SEA
FanDuel = $10,400
DraftKings = $10,000

Another game, another loss for the Panthers. They were defeated by 20 points by the Falcons in Week 14, extending their losing streak to five games. However, McCaffrey has remained productive. His rushing numbers have tailed off with the team playing from behind so much, leaving him to carry only 11 times for 53 yards last week. However, he’s been heavily involved in the passing attack and caught 11 of 12 targets for 82 yards against the Falcons. With at least 12 targets in three of his last four games, McCaffrey still has a tremendously high floor. His price was reduced on both sites for Week 15, making him even more appealing.

Chris Carson, SEA at CAR
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $7,500

One of the big injuries at running back last week was suffered by Rashaad Penny (knee), who will now be out for the rest of the season. He was starting to cut into Carson’s workload, receiving 29 carries across Weeks 12 and 13. With Carson now the main man again for the Seahawks, the sky is the limit for him against a Panthers defense that has allowed a staggering 24 rushing touchdowns.

RUNNING BACK GPP TARGETS

Raheem Mostert, SF vs. ATL
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $5,200

I’ll start out by saying that Mostert’s price on FanDuel makes him awfully risky. However, I really like him on DraftKings. The return of Matt Breida didn’t have much a negative impact on him last week since he still finished with 10 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown. He also caught both of his targets for 40 yards and another touchdown. His upside is a bit limited with Breida and Tevin Coleman both healthy, but he’s been the more productive back lately, so he should still receive added opportunities to shine.

DeAndre Washington, OAK vs. JAC
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $4,700

The key here will be the status of Josh Jacobs (shoulder), who was unable to play last week. Washington stepped up in his place to turn 14 carries into 53 yards and a touchdown. He was also heavily involved in the passing attack, catching six of seven targets for 43 yards. If Jacobs sits again, Washington is an excellent option against a Jaguars team that has allowed the second-most rushing yards per game. If Jacobs is able to return, he then becomes the running back to target on the Raiders. UPDATE: Jacobs is expected to play, making Washington someone to now avoid.

Patrick Laird, MIA at NYG
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,500

The Dolphins’ have been a disaster at running back this season, especially after they traded away Kenyan Drake. With Mark Walton gone and Kalen Ballage on IR, Larid has taken over the starting responsibilities. Even though he didn’t provide eye-popping numbers, he did have 48 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards against the Jets last week. He received 15 carries and five targets, so he was heavily involved. With the Giants’ defense continuing to struggle and possible depth issues at wide receiver for the Dolphins, Laird might be worth taking a chance on at such a cheap price on both sites.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.