Key injuries and COVID-19 have run rampant through the NFL and it just so happens to be the first round of the 2021 fantasy football playoffs. With a new player landing on the COVID list or missing practice every few minutes it seems, fantasy managers are scouring for the perfect fantasy football Week 15 streamer or sleeper to fill a pivotal hole in their respective lineups.
Per PFF’s Ari Meirov, the COVID-19 list exceeded 135 players as of 7:30 PM Thursday night, with a handful of players having fantasy relevance.
QUARTERBACKS
Notable quarterbacks whose Week 15 statuses are in doubt or declared out: Lamar Jackson (ankle), Baker Mayfield (COVID-19), Taylor Heinicke (COVID-19)
JUSTIN FIELDS (23%)
Don’t look now, but Justin Fields is on a fantasy heater. Having eclipsed 20 fantasy points in three of his last four starts, the Konami Code quarterback is finally showing his full fantasy potential in the Bears offense. Fields only completed 18 of 33 passes for two touchdowns and two interceptions on Sunday Night Football against the Packers, but he also added a team-high 74 yards on the ground.
The former Buckeye is as dynamic as they come and that should continue in Week 15 against the vulnerable Vikings defense. Minnesota’s defense has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this year and gave up 120 rushing yards to Lamar Jackson in Week 9. Starting Fields is risky, but it’s a risk that Jackson’s fantasy managers should take.
Other streamers: Tua Tagovailoa (45%), Mac Jones (33%), Ben Roethlisberger (25%)
TIGHT ENDS
Notable tight ends whose Week 15 status is in doubt or declared out: Darren Waller (knee/back), TJ Hockenson (thumb), Austin Hooper (COVID-19)
DAVID NJOKU (11%)
The Browns are a COVID-riddled mess right now. As noted, they will be without Mayfield, Keenum, Hunt, Landry, Hooper, and potentially Harrison Bryant, which will give David Njoku a chance to smash on Saturday night. Njoku, who is returning from his own battle against the virus, will likely be the only viable tight end in the lineup. Earlier this season, the athletic specimen secured all seven of his targets for 149 yards and a score in a game against the Chargers. The talent has always been there, but the lack of snaps has kept Njoku off fantasy radars.
Njoku could be the man for Mullens against a Las Vegas Raiders team that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
Other streamers: Tyler Conklin (44%), Gerald Everett (34%), Foster Moreau (13%)
RUNNING BACKS
Notable running backs whose Week 15 statuses are in doubt or declared out: James Conner (ankle), Leonard Fournette (ankle), D’Andre Swift (shoulder), Tony Pollard (foot), Kareem Hunt (ankle), Alex Collins (COVID-19)
Check out our friends at The 33rd Team for our Week 15 running back and wide receiver streamers.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Notable receivers whose Week 15 statuses are in doubt or out: DeAndre Hopkins (MCL), Odell Beckham Jr. (COVID-19), Tyler Lockett (COVID-19), Jaylen Waddle (COVID-19)
Check out our friends at The 33rd Team for our Week 15 running back and wide receiver streamers.
