Week 15 NFL Recap: Key Takeaways and Stats

Week 15 delivered another action-packed slate of games with big performances, critical injuries, and shifting roles that could reshape the playoff and fantasy landscapes. Rams Win Defensive Battle Against 49ers

Los Angeles edged San Francisco 12-6 in a gritty defensive showdown. Puka Nacua maintained his dominance with a 30.8% target share, continuing his streak of elite performances. The Rams consistently minimized running back usage in the passing game, keeping their league-low sub-10% RB target share intact. Isaac Guerendo led all 49ers RBs in carries while adding a 12.9% target share in a losing effort.

Cowboys Overpower Panthers

Dallas cruised to a 30-14 victory behind Rico Dowdle, who rushed for 149 yards—his third straight game over 110 yards. Carolina leaned heavily on Chuba Hubbard, who played all but three offensive snaps but managed just 8.9 PPR points, his third-lowest total of the season. Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders led the Panthers with a 33% target share, his third consecutive game with at least five targets.

Chiefs Dominate Browns

Kansas City dispatched Cleveland 21-7 in a controlled performance. Kareem Hunt handled 73.3% of the carries, including all seven red zone attempts, accumulating 20.6 weighted opportunities—fourth-most among RBs this week. Jerry Jeudy shone for the Browns, leading with a season-high 43.8% target share and averaging 24.1 PPR points per game over his last five outings.

Texans Hold Off Dolphins

Houston defeated Miami 20-12 in a defensive battle. Joe Mixon dominated red zone opportunities, securing three carries inside the 10-yard line, and has now scored at least 26 fantasy points in all three of his healthy games this season. For Miami, Jonnu Smith led the team with seven targets and 96 receiving yards, thriving in an expanded role.

Jets Prevail Over Jaguars

New York outlasted Jacksonville 32-25 in a high-scoring affair. Braelon Allen and Breece Hall split the backfield workload evenly, with Hall narrowly leading in snaps (48%). For the Jaguars, rookie Brenton Strange saw an 82% route participation rate and a 27.9% target share. Meanwhile, Calvin Ridley struggled for the Titans, recording a season-low 13.5% target share in a losing effort.

Commanders Edge Saints

Washington eked out a 20-19 victory with Brian Robinson dominating the backfield, logging an 87.5% running back rush share, a season-high. Xavier Worthy stepped up for the Chiefs in their loss, leading the team with 11 targets and a 29.6% target share. For New Orleans, Kendre Miller took over after Alvin Kamara left with a groin injury, out-snapping Jamaal Williams 26 to 6.

Ravens Rout Giants

Baltimore cruised to a 35-14 win behind Derrick Henry, who controlled 70.6% of the backfield’s carries and logged five red zone opportunities in the first three quarters. Malik Nabers dominated for the Ravens, posting a 41.2% target share, his fourth game of the season above 40%.

Bengals Outpace Titans

Cincinnati defeated Tennessee 37-27 in an offensive shootout. Chase Brown continued his streak of top-10 fantasy finishes, logging a 71.4% carry share while out-gaining the rest of the backfield 44 to 7 on the ground. For Baltimore, Calvin Ridley failed to make an impact, recording just a 13.5% target share.

Cardinals Best Patriots

Arizona toppled New England 30-17 as Kyler Murray struggled to capitalize on a favorable matchup. Kayshon Boutte led the Patriots in routes run, while Miami’s Jonnu Smith shined for the Cardinals with seven targets and 96 yards. The Cardinals’ balanced attack overwhelmed a struggling Patriots team.

Broncos Roll Over Colts

Denver defeated Indianapolis 31-13 as Javonte Williams reclaimed the lead role in the backfield, playing more than double the snaps of Jaleel McLaughlin. Jonathan Taylor had a quiet day for the Colts, with a season-low 43% route participation rate.

Bills Win Shootout Over Lions

Buffalo outlasted Detroit 48-42 in a game full of offensive fireworks. Dalton Kincaid led the Bills with a 21.9% target share, while Amari Cooper had a quiet game, failing to record a target despite a 42% route participation rate. Detroit suffered a significant setback with David Montgomery’s MCL injury, which will sideline him indefinitely. Jahmyr Gibbs stepped up after Montgomery’s exit, taking over the backfield late in the game.

Buccaneers Crush Chargers

Tampa Bay routed Los Angeles 40-17 behind Rachaad White’s efficient outing and a dominant performance from Josh Jacobs. Now with the Packers, Jacobs has been a top-10 RB in six of his last seven games, continuing his run of 20+ PPR points in seven of his last eight. Stone Smartt was a bright spot for the Chargers, running 24 routes and seeing a 19% target share.

Eagles Handle Steelers

Philadelphia downed Pittsburgh 27-13 as Jalen Hurts lit up the Steelers, becoming the first quarterback to score 20+ fantasy points against them this season. AJ Brown and Devonta Smith combined for 23 targets, while Calvin Austin led the Steelers’ WRs with a 92% route share.

Packers Roll Past Seahawks

Green Bay dominated Seattle 30-13, with Romeo Doubs leading on a 30.3% target share. Christian Watson continued his resurgence, averaging a 22% target share per game over his last seven contests. For Seattle, DK Metcalf led the team in targets for the fourth straight game but was held without a touchdown.

Fantasy Trends to Monitor

• RB Shifts: Joe Mixon (Houston) and Josh Jacobs (Green Bay) continue to dominate their backfields, while Derrick Henry’s (Baltimore) reduced workload warrants attention.
• WR Dominance: Malik Nabers (Baltimore) and Puka Nacua (Rams) remain elite, while Christian Watson (Packers) has solidified his role in Green Bay’s offense.
• Injury Impact: David Montgomery’s MCL injury allows Jahmyr Gibbs to shine as Detroit’s lead back.