NFL Fantasy 2025 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Wide receivers for Week 15

Waddle has averaged 14.3 fantasy PPG since Tyreek Hill's season-ending injury. That makes him a high-end WR2 with a weekly WR1 ceiling. Even with the Dolphins relying heavily on their rushing attack, Waddle has remained highly effective. That should continue this week against the Steelers, who have allowed the second-most yards to receivers this season. They've given up the fourth-most yards to out-wide receivers, and Waddle runs 80 percent of his routes from that alignment. With both teams fighting for a playoff spot, these offenses could be aggressive. Waddle is a safe play this week with upside.

Since returning from injury two weeks ago, McLaurin's had a ceiling game and a floor game. I am willing to give him a pass for last week's 7.1-point dud against Minnesota -- a very tough team on receivers -- considering Jayden Daniels left early and the game quickly turned into a blowout. Things get better this week against the Giants, who have allowed the third-most fantasy PPG to WRs. They've given up the eighth-highest passer rating on targets to out-wide receivers, which is where McLaurin runs 88 percent of his routes. Since returning, he's been the first read on 28 percent of targets, per Fantasy Points Data. He had 14 targets and was the WR6 in Week 13 with Marcus Mariota at quarterback. Lastly, Scary Terry vs. the Giants is a real thing, as he has averaged 15.5 fantasy PPG in 12 career games against this division rival. 

Certain players just get better late in the season, when it gets cold outside. Wan'Dale Robinson may just be one of those players. He has been balling since the start of November. In that span, he's averaged 10.6 targets per game, with at least eight every time out. He's put up 14.9 fantasy PPG in that span. He also gets a great matchup this week against the Commanders, who are top 10 in most fantasy points, yards and touchdowns allowed to receivers. They've given up the third-most yards specifically to slot receivers. Given the volume and matchup, Wan'Dale is in play in the opening round of the fantasy playoffs.

I will take the L for imploring everyone to start Jefferson last week. I did not envision the Vikings winning 31-0 and only throwing 23 times. Jefferson is now coming off the two worst games of his career. The beautiful part about fantasy football, though, is it is a week-to-week game -- what someone did last week does not impact this week. If you have survived this far with Jefferson, he is worth sticking with in this one. The Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy PPG, yards and touchdowns to receivers this season. They have yielded the most yards and touchdowns to out-wide receivers -- where Jefferson runs 80 percent of his routes -- and they've allowed the most of each to receivers on deep passes, as well. And while Dallas has been tougher to run against lately, they are still top four in fantasy PPG allowed to WRs over the last month. I expect the Vikes to be chasing points and having to throw in this one. So, I am once again willing to bet on Jefferson's immense talent, especially in the best matchup a WR could have. 

In the three games without Marvin Harrison Jr., Wilson has averaged 16 targets, 12 catches, 148 yards and 30.8 fantasy PPG. Those are absolute video game numbers. But as much as I may like the third-year pro, he is a clear regression candidate. Now, I know some will think you ride the hot hand, and if you do not have the ability to get away, I understand rolling the dice. I am also very fearful of the Texans' defense. They have allowed the fewest fantasy PPG to WRs and just shut down Rashee Rice. Houston has allowed a 52 percent completion rate on passes to out-wide receivers, the second-lowest percentage in the NFL. Jacoby Brissett and Wilson have been amazing for fantasy, but there is a big risk it comes crashing to a halt this week. 

I was willing to sit the Colts receivers when I thought it would be Riley Leonard starting at quarterback. Now it might be Philip Rivers?!? Regardless, I would look to get away, with Indianapolis going against a Seattle defense that has given up the fourth-fewest yards to receivers since Week 10. In that span, they've allowed a 49.7 passer rating and 46 percent completion rate on passes to receivers -- both tops in the NFL. Pierce had a fun run, but given that his best feature is downfield usage, it becomes way too volatile to trust him in the fantasy playoffs. Pittman did see 10 targets from Leonard, but no way I want to put my season on the line in this matchup. 

I am waving the white flag when it comes to Chicago's passing attack. As of this writing, it is unclear if Odunze will play in Week 15, but I am looking to avoid this receiver room regardless. Ben Johnson's Bears have featured a run-heavy offense -- and when they do throw, they spread it out at a high rate. This has led to Odunze having a low floor. Meanwhile, Moore just finished last week with -4 yards -- in a game the Bears never led, with Odunze on the sideline. Moore has fewer than 20 receiving yards in three of the last four. Burden has a bright future, but right now, the rookie's ceiling has been too low to risk starting him. Plus, the Browns have allowed the second-fewest yards to receivers since Week 10. In that span, they've posted a 40.8 completion percentage against on passes to out-wide receivers. Odunze is the only one you can use in a pinch -- if he does indeed return -- but I would look to get away. 

Worthy has one touchdown this season and it came in Week 6. He has not topped 65 yards since Week 4. It has just been a down second year for the speedy receiver. The floor is in the single digits, and we haven't seen much upside, yet he remains highly rostered and is often asked about. The Chargers have been one of the toughest WR matchups, allowing the second-fewest fantasy PPG to the position. They have been highly effective against the deep ball, as well. This risk is not worth the potential reward in elimination games.