Fantasy football free agents: Trevor Lawrence and Packers WRs among top options

The 14th Sunday of the NFL season showcased numerous crucial divisional matchups, with the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jacksonville Jaguars all securing victories, while significant defeats were suffered by the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs. For fantasy players, it was a day marked by the unfortunate departure of Colts QB Daniel Jones, who, after an impressive season as the No. 5 fantasy quarterback, sustained an Achilles tendon injury early in the loss against the Jaguars, managing a mere 0.8 points. His absence will undoubtedly impact the fantasy metrics of those around him.

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A variety of fantasy prospects did aid managers, including Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, Arizona Cardinals WR Michael Wilson, and Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua. However, the leading Sunday running backs aren’t widely rostered (Tennessee Titans starter Tony Pollard, Rams backup Blake Corum), and Cleveland Browns rookie Harold Fannin Jr. topped tight ends with 25.4 points. Additionally, the Seattle Seahawks D/ST maintained its dominant performance.

Each Monday, before the current NFL weekend concludes, we will spotlight players available in at least 50% of ESPN standard leagues that deserve your consideration, from standard leagues to deeper formats. The NFL operates weekly, and player values and roles frequently shift. Acquiring players for your fantasy rosters is essential, no matter how you do it!

Quarterback

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (40.3% rostered in ESPN leagues): Lawrence achieved 19.36 points during the victory over the Colts, marking seven passing touchdowns in the past three games. Additional TDs are anticipated in Week 15 against the struggling New York Jets. Despite being started only in 20.2% of ESPN leagues, Lawrence, paired with trade acquisition Jakobi Meyers, has a solid chance of finishing among the top 10 QB scorers in fantasy this year. Capitalize on his favorable matchup against the Jets.

Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (23.3%): Rodgers delivered 21.46 points in a vital road win against the Baltimore Ravens, achieving a season-high 284 passing yards and rushing for his first touchdown since 2022. The Steelers face the Miami Dolphins in Week 15, a defense allowing ample QB fantasy points. Rodgers connected with WR DK Metcalf for a 52-yard gain on the opening drive of the victory. If Rodgers continues his aggressive play, more solid fantasy outings may follow.

Deep-league options/streamers/random thoughts

• Cardinals starter Jacoby Brissett (47.3%), a top-10 fantasy QB since his promotion in Week 6, faces a challenging matchup in Week 15 against the formidable Houston Texans defense. Brissett earned 19.04 points in the defeat to the Rams. While matching that performance may be difficult, it’s hard to justify selecting other options like Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders (7.2%), New Orleans Saints rookie Tyler Shough (5.8%), Minnesota Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy (28%), or Colts new starter Riley Leonard (0.1%) over Brissett.

• Although improbable, the Colts could activate Anthony Richardson Sr. (0.6) from IR soon, creating intrigue due to his running capabilities. However, I’m not convinced – decision-making and passing are not his strengths. Seek alternatives.

• For those seeking a QB favorable matchup against Brissett, consider the controversial name of Seahawks starter Sam Darnold (43.1%). He scored 22.26 points against the Atlanta Falcons, marking his second-best performance of the season, with the Colts as the upcoming opponent. While Darnold has displayed inconsistency this season, he is unlikely to falter against the Colts, who have lost three straight games and may be without their star cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf).

• Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) is likely to face the New York Giants this week, but if unable to play, backup Marcus Mariota (11.3%) will step in again. Despite his struggles in relief during Week 14, he boasted an average of 19.1 fantasy points during Weeks 10-13 as a starter. The Commanders assert Daniels could have re-entered a competitive game, but his poor performances cannot be overlooked.

Running back

Blake Corum, Rams (22.2%): As a backup to healthy RB1 Kyren Williams, Corum flashed his skills, amassing 26.1 points in a commanding win against the Cardinals, averaging 10.7 yards per carry. Williams also contributed with 17.7 points. The Rams are expected to face a closely contested Week 15 matchup against the Detroit Lions, making Corum’s role even more critical.

Devin Neal, Saints (56.2%): Neal is slightly above the 50% threshold, but his value may increase if Alvin Kamara (knee) remains sidelined. Neal scored 15.4 points against the Buccaneers, finding success on 20 touches. He could be an enticing flex option for Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers if his workload continues.

Jaylen Wright, Dolphins (1.8%): After stepping in for the injured De’Von Achane (rib), Wright tallied 16.7 points against the Jets, converting 24 carries into 107 yards and a touchdown. With only 18 carries and 65 rushing yards prior to this game, he demonstrated his capabilities. Even if Achane is ready to return for Week 15 against the Steelers, Wright, given his size and potential, deserves more touches moving forward.

Deep-league options/streamers/random thoughts

• With bye weeks over, fantasy managers can reintegrate players like Christian McCaffrey into lineups and no longer rely on backups such as the Falcons’ Tyler Allgeier (33.3%), Titans veteran Tyjae Spears (32.8%), and Giants veteran Devin Singletary (27.8%). For desperate times, Singletary may see more touches depending on the health of Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hip). The Giants confront the Commanders and their less-utilized starter Chris Rodriguez Jr. (31.2%).

Wide receiver

Christian Watson, Packers (68.6%): While over the 50% mark, some managers may not realize that Watson is developing into a WR2 option and could still be available. Despite fewer targets, he scored 24.9 points in the win over the Chicago Bears and has five touchdowns over his last four games. Meanwhile, teammate Jayden Reed (42.2%) caught multiple passes for the first time in weeks, making him a deep-league consideration.

Mike Evans, Buccaneers (65.5%): Surprise! Evans (collarbone) nearly played last Sunday after missing time since Week 3, and he is likely to return this Sunday against the struggling Falcons. He may be residing on IR in many leagues but is still available in many others. His return bodes well for both QB Baker Mayfield and WR Chris Godwin Jr. (69.5%).

Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys (0.3%): Emerging as a surprise star, Flournoy currently ranks as the No. 5 WR for Week 14, and following a strong performance in the previous Monday game, he accumulated 26.5 points, largely capitalizing on star CeeDee Lamb’s (concussion) absence. Should Lamb miss more action, Flournoy could shine in the upcoming match against the Vikings.

Deep-league options/streamers/random thoughts

• Alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed (55.4%) had a stand-out performance against the Falcons, recording 16.7 points after scoring on a kick return, while Cooper Kupp (50.4%) added 11.5 points, his best outing since Week 6. The Seahawks are set to face the Colts, a defense that is generous to wide receivers.

• We favor Seattle’s WRs over Tennessee’s due to rookie QB Cam Ward’s ongoing development. However, for deeper formats, Chimere Dike (15.9%) and Elic Ayomanor (9.4%) both scored during the previous week, but their overall production thus far has been limited. Exercise caution when depending on Titans receivers.

• Bears starter Rome Odunze (foot) missed Week 14, while rookie Luther Burden III (16%) managed to produce his first double-digit fantasy score since Week 3. He has also been utilized in rushing attempts in consecutive weeks, showcasing his potential in deeper leagues.

• Browns starter Jerry Jeudy (62.1%) has had an inconsistent season but scored 16.6 points primarily due to one productive reception. Managers might want to consider investing again, as he has shown glimpses of talent and potential chemistry with Sanders.

Tight end

Harold Fannin Jr., Browns (54.8%): Fannin registered a record 25.4 points against the Titans, marked by his first 100-yard receiving game and fourth touchdown of his rookie season. His teammate David Njoku suffered a knee injury during the game, raising concerns about his availability for Week 15, which could further elevate Fannin’s value.

Brenton Strange, Jaguars (37.6%): Despite only scoring 5.7 points in the previous game, Strange’s performance would have been notably better had a touchdown not been nullified by a penalty. He caught half of his targets for just 27 yards, but he’s still a TE1 candidate against the Jets.

Theo Johnson, Giants (43.1%): Coming off his bye, Johnson enters a home match against the struggling Commanders. Although the stakes might seem low, he’s worth considering as he’s close to breaking into the top 10 among tight ends in scoring this season.

Deep-league options/streamers/random thoughts

• Ravens backup Isaiah Likely (8.1%) netted 12.5 points against the Steelers even with a potential game-winning touchdown reversed. He achieved the same score in Week 13 against a Bengals defense notorious for struggling against tight ends. With the Bengals and Ravens lined up again in Week 15, Likely offers streaming potential.

Defense

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• If we recommend Jaguars players due to their matchup with the Jets (and we definitely are), let’s include the Jaguars D/ST (41.2%) as well. This unit has achieved double-digit fantasy points in three of the past four games and, let’s be honest, it’s the Jets. No need for overthinking.

• The 49ers D/ST (22.9%) is returning from a bye, eager to tackle a Titans offense that has struggled this season. Although this unit has not helped fantasy managers consistently, it reached double digits in simpler matchups in Weeks 12 and 13. They can replicate that success.

• If one believes in the potential of Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders, they might hesitate in starting the Bears D/ST (13.3%). Despite Sanders’ impressive game last Sunday, this week presents another opportunity for the Bears to capture turnovers.