Any given Sunday in the NFL gives us a whole new set of fantasy football trends each week. We have organized some of the big trends here in order to help you answer some of the questions you may have about these trending fantasy football players for NFL Week 15.
Nick Mullens Becomes Vikings’ 4th Starting QB | Fantasy Football Trends
The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a situation like the Cleveland Browns. They are hoping for the same luck, as they are set to start their fourth different quarterback this week. The saga began with Kirk Cousins tearing his Achilles, prompting Jaren Hall to start the next game. However, Hall’s time on the field was cut short after just one drive due to a concussion. Enter Joshua Dobbs, who stepped in admirably, but his Cinderella story fell flat as he recorded back-to-back starts with fewer than 10 offensive points and under 200 scrimmage yards. This sequence of events has now led to Nick Mullens getting the nod as the starter.
The name Nick Mullens might ring a bell, having been thrust into the starting role as a rookie for the San Francisco 49ers in 2018. He returned to that role in 2020 and made his last start in 2021 for the Browns when COVID-19 disrupted the team. He can sling the ball, as Mullens has thrown for over 250 yards in 11 of his 15 starts (excluding games where he left early due to injury). In six starts, he showcased this gunslinger mentality, attempting 38 or more passes. While a level of caution is warranted, considering the unpredictability of quarterback performances, Mullens does enjoy a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have surrendered the 10th-most fantasy points to the quarterback position this season.
Over the past seven games, the Bengals have allowed quarterbacks to amass over 245 total yards, with four of the last six games witnessing multiple touchdown performances by opposing quarterbacks. Furthermore, in three of the last four games, the Bengals failed to intercept the quarterback. Notably, they’ve conceded a 20+ fantasy point quarterback in five of the last seven games.
Even though Mullens may not have complete fantasy confidence as a starting quarterback, especially during fantasy playoffs, his performance could significantly impact other Vikings fantasy players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson. They would benefit from a potential resurgence in the passing game.
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Can Jared Goff Fantasy Owners Trust Him? | Fantasy Football Trends
This season’s Jared Goff fantasy football performance can be characterized as a tale of two halves. During the initial first seven weeks, Goff showcased impressive numbers, averaging 273.2 total yards, 1.7 touchdowns, 0.5 interceptions and 18.5 fantasy points, earning him the QB7 ranking. However, the second half of the season, spanning Weeks 8 to 14, presents a different picture. Goff is averaging 258.8 total yards, 1.6 touchdowns, an interception and 15 fantasy points, landing him as QB15.
Despite the statistical decline, it’s crucial to note that Goff remains a reliable option. Over his last five games, he has thrown for two touchdowns in four of them and has managed a clean slate with no interceptions in the last three games, excluding matchups against the Bears. You might think the decline is attributed to the dynamic running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Shockingly, it’s not. Although Jared Goff‘s passing attempts see a decrease when both Gibbs and Montgomery are on the field for the majority of the game (33 attempts), compared to games when either one of them is absent (41 attempts). However, this decrease in pass attempts appears to be beneficial for Goff’s fantasy performance. In games with both running backs, he averages more touchdowns, fewer interceptions and higher fantasy points. The reduced pass attempts have contributed to increased efficiency and ball security but fewer total yards.
I think the Bears had Jared Goff’s number, as those are the only two games in the last five weeks that Goff has scored under 15 fantasy points. As you assess Goff’s matchup against the Broncos this week, there is optimism. The Broncos have consistently allowed quarterbacks to score 14 or more fantasy points in every road game this season when the starter played most of the game. Therefore, Goff’s recent dip in rankings might not necessarily signal a decline in his fantasy value, and he could present a reliable option, particularly given the matchup against the Broncos.
Start Antonio Gibson Following Brian Robinson Injury | Fantasy Football Trends
Brian Robinson’s hamstring injury has ruled him out for the upcoming game against the Rams after being sidelined in the second half of Week 13. This absence opens up an opportunity for Antonio Gibson to take the spotlight, and his recent performances in PPR formats make him an intriguing option.
Gibson has quietly emerged as a PPR standout, showcasing consistency over the past five weeks. In four of his last five games, he has posted 9.2 or more PPR fantasy points, and that has been with Robinson in the lineup. Gibson hasn’t just been effective rushing. It’s also in the receiving game, with Gibson totaling 37 receiving yards three times in the past four games.
The matchup against the Rams further enhances the Antonio Gibson fantasy football outlook. The Rams have been vulnerable to running backs, allowing them to accumulate at least 52 scrimmage yards and 22 receiving yards, resulting in 12.9 or more PPR fantasy points in three of their last five games.
Considering Gibson’s upward trajectory and the favorable matchup against the Rams, start him in Week 15 as an RB2 or Flex option. I believe Gibson will provide fantasy managers with a safe floor of fantasy points and contribute to help you in the playoffs.
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