Week 15 Fantasy Football Reactions & Injuries + Early Week 16 Waiver Wire (Ep. 1899)

FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast - Episode 1899
Week 15 Fantasy Football Reactions & Injuries + Early Week 16 Waiver Wire
Hosts: Scott Bogman & Tara Roberts
Date: December 15, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode is a jam-packed reaction show covering all the key happenings from Week 15 of the fantasy football season. With major injuries hitting stars like Patrick Mahomes and pivotal performances affecting playoff matchups, hosts Scott Bogman and Tara Roberts offer sharp, on-the-fly analysis and look ahead to early Week 16 waiver wire adds. The show also includes “panic meter” checks on key players, advice for navigating challenging backfields, and answers to listener questions for those pushing toward their fantasy football championships.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Injury Roundup & Implications

(00:35 - 08:45)

Patrick Mahomes goes down (likely ACL):
- "Unfortunately, I think we're going to be without him remainder of the year there and it just kind of puts us in a position where we're looking ahead to next year with our Chiefs players." – Tara (02:26)
- Gardner Minshew is presumed to step in. Tara notes the situation may mirror what we saw with Marcus Mariota for Washington.
Other Major Injuries:
- Rome Odunze (DNP, close to returning?), Woody Marks, Christian Watson, Davante Adams (hamstring), Puka Nacua (late exit), Devin Neal (hamstring).
- “Which one concerns you the most?”
  - Tara points to Devin Neal:
    - “We've become very comfortable with him, especially PPR... Now, all of a sudden, we have to potentially turn to Audric Estime. I don't [feel] comfortable with this backfield now." (04:10)
Backfields in Flux:
- Jawhar Jordan solid with Woody down; Michael Carter (ARI) vs Jawhar Jordan for waiver priority.
- Tara prefers Jordan, noting:
  - “It does seem like he would have the bulk of the carries there.” (05:56)
Other Fallout:
- Rams WRs: “Parkinson and Whittington. I guess Tutu Atwell with the Rams as well.” - Bogman.
- Saints: Might have to “abandon the backfield” if Kamara and Neal are both out.

2. Week 15 Storylines: Playoff Heroes & Heartbreakers

(11:13 - 17:14)

Playoff Push Performers:
- James Cook, Trevor Lawrence (6 total TDs), Kyren Williams, Swift, Tracy, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Nico Collins, D.J. Moore, Trey McBride, Dallas Goedert, Dawson Knox all called out for monster fantasy output. (11:13)
- Tara: “Travion Henderson helped and hurt me... Amon-Ra St. Brown, would you believe that I faced Amon-Ra and Jameson stacks in multiple leagues? That's not fun.” (13:04, 13:46)
- Bogman: “James Cook got me in one, eliminated in three, pushed me in one and eliminated me in three.” (11:13)
Least Believable Breakouts:
- Tara: “It’s Tyrone Tracy. Because we have seen zero consistency with the Giants... Sometimes they get cute and switch things up.” (14:20)
- Both hosts agree D.J. Moore is more trustworthy, especially if the Bears’ WR group is depleted.
Biggest Disappointments:
- Non-performing backs: Judkins, Breece Hall, Genti, Kareem Hunt; WRs: Stefon Diggs, Lad McConkey.

3. Concern Check – RB and WR Trust Issues

(16:21 - 21:47)

Breece Hall – No Trust
- Tara: “0 trust level on Breece Hall. That’s a super easy one.” (16:21)
Quinshon Judkins – Perplexing Dud:
- “That one is the most perplexing one that was very strange in terms of him being a real dud.” (16:21)
Stefon Diggs & Lad McConkey Worries:
- Tara: “My concern level with McConkey... this is it. But Stefon Diggs... if there was a game for him to have stepped up, should’ve been this one.” (17:36)
Joe Burrow’s Remorseful Week:
- Bogman: “Joe Burrow also, miserable day... I just kept expecting him to... be fine. But they didn’t score a point.” (18:37)
- Tara on Bengals: “The only person that appears to be in a good place is Jamar Chase.” (19:16)

4. Looking Forward: Streaming, Waivers, and Panic Meter

(21:47 - 44:59)

Backfield Shakeups:
- JCM (Jakori Croskey-Merritt) gets a bump if Chris Rodriguez is out.
  - Tara: “...if Chris Rodriguez is out, he’s talented enough that he should produce. No pass-catching upside, but enough for RB2 value.” (22:38)
- Chargers RBs – Vidal vs. Hampton:
  - Committee confirmed; not much fantasy ceiling. (27:53)
- Carolina RBs – Rico vs. Hubbard:
  - Tara: “It’s weird, because Chuba had become the more productive back. I do. I still think it's committee. I still think it’s hot hand.” (28:55)
- Ricky Pearsall Bounce Back:
  - “Pierceall is apparently back on the table here... everyone did well. This was a really good, well-rounded fantasy game from all of the pass catchers there.” (30:19)
QBs & Surrounding Weapons:
- Gardner Minshew: Still trust Rice & Kelce vs TEN, but Denver in Week 17 is tougher. (24:46 - 25:33)
- Rivers (return of the old man): "Pittman and Downs are the more trustworthy options over Alec Pierce." (25:33)
- Trust level for surrounding pieces remains solid except for fringe options.
Listener Panic Meter Questions – Key Segments:
- Rashee Rice: “Panic Meter... more like a five... we're still pushing forward here.” – Tara (33:12)
- Drake London: “If they play him, then I would have to assume that he is 100% healthy.” (34:34)
- Brian Thomas Jr. (BTJ): “A flex option, low-end flex option that we can trust... trust-ish.” (35:28)
- Tyler Warren (TE): “I'm good with the matchup. I would still start him against San Francisco. I will be starting him." (37:45)
- Joe Burrow: “This one was rough, very rough. But Miami is an okay match up... it just depends who else you have.” (38:19)
- Trevor Lawrence: “If a quarterback is cooking, he’s cooking. I lean into it. I would still start him.” (42:57)
- Derrick Henry: “Panic would be more like at a four. It's on the lower end there because it's not a problem with him. He looked fine.” (40:56)
Waiver Wire Highlights:
- Jawhar Jordan, Michael Carter (lower confidence), Colby Parkinson (especially if Rams WRs are out), JCM, and Ricky Pearsall (if still available).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On dealing with big late injury surprises:
- Bogman: "I had Rome and I got a donut from him because I learned too late." (05:22)
Tara’s dynasty stress:
- “I think I just watched a catch… I'm here. No, but really I'm like here.” (00:58)
Regarding unexplainable duds:
- Tara: “That one is the most perplexing one that was very strange in terms of him being a real dud…” (16:21 on Judkins)
On sticking with your studs:
- Bogman: “You can't look yourself in the face if you bench Jonathan Taylor for anybody, really… I just can't live with myself if that's the case.” (26:31)
On old QBs returning:
- Tara: “Yeah, he's old. And I'm like, oop, I'm older. Whoops.” (43:57)

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:35] – Quick host banter, Week 15 overview, injury parade begins
[01:10] – Player injuries discussed with quick-hit analysis
[02:26] – Tara on Patrick Mahomes’s injury and KC outlook
[04:10] – Devin Neal injury: why it hurts more than you think
[05:56] – Jawhar Jordan vs Michael Carter waiver wire discussion
[07:29] – Luther Burden, Rome, and DJ Moore upside with depleted WR group
[08:30] – Davante Adams, Puka Nacua fallout; Parkinson as a TE streamer
[11:13] – Playoff stars and heartbreakers; big performances recap
[13:04] – Stacks that doom you: Facing Amon-Ra + Jameson
[16:21] – Breece Hall, Judkins, RB trust down the stretch
[18:37] – Joe Burrow’s flop and future outlook
[21:47] – Waiver wire backs: JCM, committee situations
[24:10] – How down bad do you need to be to start Adonai Mitchell
[25:33] – Life with backup QBs: Minshew, Rivers, and the value of their receivers
[27:53] – Chargers & Panthers backfield breakdowns
[30:07] – Ricky Pearsall’s return; roster % and trust level
[33:12] – Panic Meter: Rashee Rice with Minshew (vs TENN @ DEN)
[34:34] – Panic Meter: Drake London, injury/usage
[35:28] – Brian Thomas Jr. trust rest of season
[37:45] – Tyler Warren rest of season trust
[38:19] – Joe Burrow rest of season; is Miami the cure?
[42:57] – Trevor Lawrence, can you still trust him ROS?
[40:56] – Derrick Henry’s panic level
[43:57] – QB ages and self-deprecating humor

Key Takeaways for Fantasy Playoff Push

Prioritize volume and opportunity over names—especially in backfields with injuries.
Monitor injury reactivations closely—late-week reports on players like Luther Burden, Devin Neal, and Chris Rodriguez will drive waiver and start/sit decisions.
Don’t overthink your QB decisions, but have streaming backups for matchups and late-breaking news (e.g., Joe Burrow).
Trust high-floor receivers like Rashee Rice over deep-threat boom-or-busts when the QB situation is questionable.
Be aggressive on waivers where RBs/WRs have injury-clear paths, even if committees are likely.
Set your panic meter for stars lower unless there’s a multi-week injury or truly catastrophic production drop—this is not the week for heroic pivots to bench studs.

Stay tuned all week for updated rankings, injury news, and last-minute advice from the FantasyPros team!

FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast - Episode 1899
Week 15 Fantasy Football Reactions & Injuries + Early Week 16 Waiver Wire
Hosts: Scott Bogman & Tara Roberts
Date: December 15, 2025

Episode Overview

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Injury Roundup & Implications

(00:35 - 08:45)

Patrick Mahomes goes down (likely ACL):
- "Unfortunately, I think we're going to be without him remainder of the year there and it just kind of puts us in a position where we're looking ahead to next year with our Chiefs players." – Tara (02:26)
- Gardner Minshew is presumed to step in. Tara notes the situation may mirror what we saw with Marcus Mariota for Washington.
Other Major Injuries:
- Rome Odunze (DNP, close to returning?), Woody Marks, Christian Watson, Davante Adams (hamstring), Puka Nacua (late exit), Devin Neal (hamstring).
- “Which one concerns you the most?”
  - Tara points to Devin Neal:
    - “We've become very comfortable with him, especially PPR... Now, all of a sudden, we have to potentially turn to Audric Estime. I don't [feel] comfortable with this backfield now." (04:10)
Backfields in Flux:
- Jawhar Jordan solid with Woody down; Michael Carter (ARI) vs Jawhar Jordan for waiver priority.
- Tara prefers Jordan, noting:
  - “It does seem like he would have the bulk of the carries there.” (05:56)
Other Fallout:
- Rams WRs: “Parkinson and Whittington. I guess Tutu Atwell with the Rams as well.” - Bogman.
- Saints: Might have to “abandon the backfield” if Kamara and Neal are both out.

2. Week 15 Storylines: Playoff Heroes & Heartbreakers

(11:13 - 17:14)

Playoff Push Performers:
- James Cook, Trevor Lawrence (6 total TDs), Kyren Williams, Swift, Tracy, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Nico Collins, D.J. Moore, Trey McBride, Dallas Goedert, Dawson Knox all called out for monster fantasy output. (11:13)
- Tara: “Travion Henderson helped and hurt me... Amon-Ra St. Brown, would you believe that I faced Amon-Ra and Jameson stacks in multiple leagues? That's not fun.” (13:04, 13:46)
- Bogman: “James Cook got me in one, eliminated in three, pushed me in one and eliminated me in three.” (11:13)
Least Believable Breakouts:
- Tara: “It’s Tyrone Tracy. Because we have seen zero consistency with the Giants... Sometimes they get cute and switch things up.” (14:20)
- Both hosts agree D.J. Moore is more trustworthy, especially if the Bears’ WR group is depleted.
Biggest Disappointments:
- Non-performing backs: Judkins, Breece Hall, Genti, Kareem Hunt; WRs: Stefon Diggs, Lad McConkey.

3. Concern Check – RB and WR Trust Issues

(16:21 - 21:47)

Breece Hall – No Trust
- Tara: “0 trust level on Breece Hall. That’s a super easy one.” (16:21)
Quinshon Judkins – Perplexing Dud:
- “That one is the most perplexing one that was very strange in terms of him being a real dud.” (16:21)
Stefon Diggs & Lad McConkey Worries:
- Tara: “My concern level with McConkey... this is it. But Stefon Diggs... if there was a game for him to have stepped up, should’ve been this one.” (17:36)
Joe Burrow’s Remorseful Week:
- Bogman: “Joe Burrow also, miserable day... I just kept expecting him to... be fine. But they didn’t score a point.” (18:37)
- Tara on Bengals: “The only person that appears to be in a good place is Jamar Chase.” (19:16)

4. Looking Forward: Streaming, Waivers, and Panic Meter

(21:47 - 44:59)

Backfield Shakeups:
- JCM (Jakori Croskey-Merritt) gets a bump if Chris Rodriguez is out.
  - Tara: “...if Chris Rodriguez is out, he’s talented enough that he should produce. No pass-catching upside, but enough for RB2 value.” (22:38)
- Chargers RBs – Vidal vs. Hampton:
  - Committee confirmed; not much fantasy ceiling. (27:53)
- Carolina RBs – Rico vs. Hubbard:
  - Tara: “It’s weird, because Chuba had become the more productive back. I do. I still think it's committee. I still think it’s hot hand.” (28:55)
- Ricky Pearsall Bounce Back:
  - “Pierceall is apparently back on the table here... everyone did well. This was a really good, well-rounded fantasy game from all of the pass catchers there.” (30:19)
QBs & Surrounding Weapons:
- Gardner Minshew: Still trust Rice & Kelce vs TEN, but Denver in Week 17 is tougher. (24:46 - 25:33)
- Rivers (return of the old man): "Pittman and Downs are the more trustworthy options over Alec Pierce." (25:33)
- Trust level for surrounding pieces remains solid except for fringe options.
Listener Panic Meter Questions – Key Segments:
- Rashee Rice: “Panic Meter... more like a five... we're still pushing forward here.” – Tara (33:12)
- Drake London: “If they play him, then I would have to assume that he is 100% healthy.” (34:34)
- Brian Thomas Jr. (BTJ): “A flex option, low-end flex option that we can trust... trust-ish.” (35:28)
- Tyler Warren (TE): “I'm good with the matchup. I would still start him against San Francisco. I will be starting him." (37:45)
- Joe Burrow: “This one was rough, very rough. But Miami is an okay match up... it just depends who else you have.” (38:19)
- Trevor Lawrence: “If a quarterback is cooking, he’s cooking. I lean into it. I would still start him.” (42:57)
- Derrick Henry: “Panic would be more like at a four. It's on the lower end there because it's not a problem with him. He looked fine.” (40:56)
Waiver Wire Highlights:
- Jawhar Jordan, Michael Carter (lower confidence), Colby Parkinson (especially if Rams WRs are out), JCM, and Ricky Pearsall (if still available).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On dealing with big late injury surprises:
- Bogman: "I had Rome and I got a donut from him because I learned too late." (05:22)
Tara’s dynasty stress:
- “I think I just watched a catch… I'm here. No, but really I'm like here.” (00:58)
Regarding unexplainable duds:
- Tara: “That one is the most perplexing one that was very strange in terms of him being a real dud…” (16:21 on Judkins)
On sticking with your studs:
- Bogman: “You can't look yourself in the face if you bench Jonathan Taylor for anybody, really… I just can't live with myself if that's the case.” (26:31)
On old QBs returning:
- Tara: “Yeah, he's old. And I'm like, oop, I'm older. Whoops.” (43:57)

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:35] – Quick host banter, Week 15 overview, injury parade begins
[01:10] – Player injuries discussed with quick-hit analysis
[02:26] – Tara on Patrick Mahomes’s injury and KC outlook
[04:10] – Devin Neal injury: why it hurts more than you think
[05:56] – Jawhar Jordan vs Michael Carter waiver wire discussion
[07:29] – Luther Burden, Rome, and DJ Moore upside with depleted WR group
[08:30] – Davante Adams, Puka Nacua fallout; Parkinson as a TE streamer
[11:13] – Playoff stars and heartbreakers; big performances recap
[13:04] – Stacks that doom you: Facing Amon-Ra + Jameson
[16:21] – Breece Hall, Judkins, RB trust down the stretch
[18:37] – Joe Burrow’s flop and future outlook
[21:47] – Waiver wire backs: JCM, committee situations
[24:10] – How down bad do you need to be to start Adonai Mitchell
[25:33] – Life with backup QBs: Minshew, Rivers, and the value of their receivers
[27:53] – Chargers & Panthers backfield breakdowns
[30:07] – Ricky Pearsall’s return; roster % and trust level
[33:12] – Panic Meter: Rashee Rice with Minshew (vs TENN @ DEN)
[34:34] – Panic Meter: Drake London, injury/usage
[35:28] – Brian Thomas Jr. trust rest of season
[37:45] – Tyler Warren rest of season trust
[38:19] – Joe Burrow rest of season; is Miami the cure?
[42:57] – Trevor Lawrence, can you still trust him ROS?
[40:56] – Derrick Henry’s panic level
[43:57] – QB ages and self-deprecating humor

Key Takeaways for Fantasy Playoff Push

Prioritize volume and opportunity over names—especially in backfields with injuries.
Monitor injury reactivations closely—late-week reports on players like Luther Burden, Devin Neal, and Chris Rodriguez will drive waiver and start/sit decisions.
Don’t overthink your QB decisions, but have streaming backups for matchups and late-breaking news (e.g., Joe Burrow).
Trust high-floor receivers like Rashee Rice over deep-threat boom-or-busts when the QB situation is questionable.
Be aggressive on waivers where RBs/WRs have injury-clear paths, even if committees are likely.
Set your panic meter for stars lower unless there’s a multi-week injury or truly catastrophic production drop—this is not the week for heroic pivots to bench studs.

Stay tuned all week for updated rankings, injury news, and last-minute advice from the FantasyPros team!

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Summary

Episode Overview

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Injury Roundup & Implications

2. Week 15 Storylines: Playoff Heroes & Heartbreakers

3. Concern Check – RB and WR Trust Issues

4. Looking Forward: Streaming, Waivers, and Panic Meter

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Key Takeaways for Fantasy Playoff Push

Summary

Episode Overview

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Injury Roundup & Implications

2. Week 15 Storylines: Playoff Heroes & Heartbreakers

3. Concern Check – RB and WR Trust Issues

4. Looking Forward: Streaming, Waivers, and Panic Meter

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Key Takeaways for Fantasy Playoff Push