Week 15 Fantasy Football Matchup Previews with Bob Harris

Footballguys Fantasy Football Show – December 12, 2025
Hosts: Dave Kluge & Alfredo Brown
Guest: Bob Harris

Overview

This episode of the Footballguys Fantasy Football Show dives deep into the pivotal Week 15 fantasy football matchups, zeroing in on the critical decisions managers face entering the playoffs. Host Dave Kluge is joined by the legendary Bob Harris, who delivers his trademark blend of actionable analysis and insider perspective. The focus this week: fringe starters, volatile options, and navigating playoff rosters amid injuries and shifting depth charts—plus a signature dose of Footballguys humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ravens vs. Bengals

Lamar Jackson’s Roller Coaster (03:00)

Despite a bumpy stretch, Jackson is still a lineup lock.
Bob Harris (03:30): “When you divorce the name from the numbers, you’re divorcing the history that goes with the name…and that’s hard to do.”
His rushing looked more confident last week, a positive trend.
Ranked as QB6 on Footballguys for the week.

Tight Ends vs. Bengals – Smashing Spot (06:00)

The Bengals are a historically bad defense against TEs:
- 24.1 PPG given up, over 7 more than the next worst team.
- Both Isaiah Likely (preferred by Bob) and Mark Andrews are legitimate TE plays.
Bob Harris (07:22): “Fifteen touchdowns the Bengals have given up to the position this year. That’s like five more than anybody else.”

Bengals Pass Catchers (09:00)

T. Higgins’ status is in doubt due to concussion. If out, Mike Gesicki is the clear target beneficiary.
Quick discussion on Samaje Perine as a stash with minimal standalone value—“he’ll help you avoid a zero,” but not an upside play (11:38).

2. Bills vs. Patriots

Bills Pass Catchers: Dalton Kincaid or Bust? (13:00)

Kincaid is the only trustworthy pass catcher, but still only seeing 40-45% of snaps.
Khalil Shakir is a desperation flex; hard to project consistency.
“It’s very hard and I guess, it’s Khalil Shakir if there is one, but I’m not eager to test that.” (13:13)

Patriots Backfield Mystery (15:47)

Henderson and Stevenson splitting work—projected as RB17 and RB37 this week, but Bob expects a convergence.
Rookies (Henderson) face classic New England trust/role hurdles.
“The expectations for Henderson are probably too high at 17, and for Stevenson, they’re too low at 37. They’re going to meet somewhere in the middle.” (17:03)

Hunter Henry – Trap in Tough Matchup (19:56)

Bills lead NFL in shutting down TEs (only 7.3 PPG allowed).
Henry is TE6 on the season but could disappoint. “There’s a lot of wins avoiding tight ends playing the Buffalo Bills this year.” (20:55)

3. Chargers at Chiefs

Justin Herbert: Sit, Seek Alternatives (21:56)

Injuries (especially to Joe Alt) have tanked Herbert’s production—he’s QB31 without Alt.
Bob Harris (24:19): “Offensive lines matter, people…you’re like walking through the dog pound with a pork chop in your pocket. [Defenses] are coming after you, man.”
Bob and Dave suggest streamer QBs like Tyler Shuck, Sanders, or even J.J. McCarthy over Herbert.

Chargers Pass Catchers: Start at Your Own Risk (25:45)

No WR is a confident-start: Ladd McConkey is WR30 in rankings, which is “far from a must-start.”
“If you’re desperate, Ladd McConkey is the one that you feel best about, but you don’t feel great there.” (27:09)

Backfield Update: Hampton vs. Vidal (27:36)

Expect Amarian Hampton's workload to increase post-injury.
Bob predicts a return to feature-back status (“We do not see this kind of split. We see Omari Hampton taking over.” 27:36), though Dave suspects a 65-70% share is more likely.
Memorable moment (28:31): Discussion of late-season “fresh legs” and playoff surges.

Chiefs Backfield: Kareem Hunt Plug-and-Play Flex (32:32)

Hunt is the goal line option, upside for weekly use. No more faith in Rashard Smith or Pacheco for fantasy.

4. Packers at Broncos

Christian Watson & Jaden Reed: Boom/Bust City (36:15)

Watson draws a tough Pat Surtain matchup; all GB WRs are volatile.
Bob Harris (38:39): “Play the one you got and hope it's that—hope it's his week... if you need to play him, I'm playing Watson over everybody else. But you’re right, the matchup does not favor him in this one.”
Dave ranks Reed over Watson this week due to slot matchup.

Broncos WRs: Untrustworthy Behind Sutton (40:57)

Troy Franklin’s usage has plummeted; "he might be WR4 or WR5 at this point."
With Pat Bryant out, Bob and Dave recommend avoiding Franklin—“We’re in the playoffs, man. No need to take chances here.” (41:38)
Devon Vele may outproduce Franklin this week.

5. Colts at Seahawks

Philip Rivers – Vintage Streamer? (43:49)

Intriguing but risky for 2QB/Superflex. Rivers’ cold start and tough defense make him “a bridge too far” (44:50), only for the most desperate.
Dave: "Pick him up if you're desperate or want to block an opponent, but don't plan on using him unless you have no other choice." (46:07)

Jonathan Taylor – Capped Ceiling (47:04)

The QB situation means more stacked boxes/precarious game script.
“He is that guy still... But obviously you should be thinking this is going to be a tougher run for him and the entire Colts offense without their frontline quarterback." (47:26)

6. Vikings at Cowboys

Justin Jefferson: Where Should You Start Him? (49:27)

“Not good”—across the last four games, he’s WR55 (6.4 PPG).
Still a WR2 due to talent and opposing Dallas defense.
Names to start ahead of Jefferson this week: Stefon Diggs, DK Metcalf, Jacoby Myers, Wandale Robinson.
Bob Harris (53:46): “He has the quarterback-proof card. I have issued a JJ McCarthy exemption. I've stamped his quarterback-proof card with an exemption for McCarthy.”

If CeeDee Lamb Is Questionable (54:34)

Most signs point to him playing, but if there’s doubt, Ryan Flournoy is the late-Sunday pivot.
Bob: “If he’s questionable, I’d want to give every chance to get CeeDee Lamb into the mix.…But probably just grab Flournoy and go from there.” (55:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Bob Harris on Lamar Jackson’s injury:
“John Harbaugh was asked, ‘Is he fully healthy?’ and the answer was ‘fully healthy to play.’ Right. So you know, that is a big fat lie.” (05:39)
Bob Harris on Patriots RB roles:
“The expectations for Henderson are probably too high at 17, and for Stevenson, they’re too low at 37. They’re going to meet somewhere in the middle.” (17:03)
Dave Kluge on Justin Herbert’s O-line splits:
“…in the games without Joe Alt, he is the QB31 on a per game basis. I mean, like, it could not be more stark how much of a difference Joe Alt made there.” (24:19)
Bob Harris on Christian Watson:
“He’s arguably the best deep threat in the league right now...but the targets are the issue….You just have to realize he’s a boom bust play, and the booms are as likely as the busts.” (37:14)
Bob Harris on the Vikings receivers:
“There are guys that become roster cloggers or lineup cloggers just based on their name alone. Again, I go back to divorce the name from the numbers.” (53:16)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Lamar Jackson outlook & injury talk: 03:30 – 06:05
Tight End discussion vs. Bengals: 06:42 – 08:51
Bills skill positions breakdown: 13:00 – 15:47
Patriots RB split: 15:47 – 18:22
Hunter Henry’s risky outlook: 19:56 – 21:43
Justin Herbert, why you must bench him: 21:56 – 25:17
Chargers pass catchers/start-sit: 25:45 – 27:09
Chargers RB split (Hampton/Vidal): 27:36 – 32:05
Chiefs RB plug n play: 32:32 – 34:43
Packers WR start/sit: 36:15 – 39:32
Broncos pass catchers w/ Bryant out: 40:57 – 43:00
Philip Rivers superflex streamer?: 43:49 – 46:07
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor impact: 47:04 – 48:41
Justin Jefferson vs. replacement WRs: 49:27 – 53:16
CeeDee Lamb concussion what-if: 54:34 – 56:09

Final Thoughts

This is a must-listen if you're facing tricky lineup decisions among fringe players for your fantasy playoff push. The episode deftly balances data-driven analysis, injury updates, deep cuts (and deep laughs), and a steady hand guiding anxious managers through the ups and downs of December football. The Footballguys crew doesn’t just tell you who to start—they tell you why, and how to manage the risk in a playoff week that promises unpredictability.

For up-to-date rankings and news:

Check out footballguys.com
Follow Bob Harris and the crew on SiriusXM and Footballguys content feeds

Week 15 Fantasy Football Matchup Previews with Bob Harris

Footballguys Fantasy Football Show – December 12, 2025
Hosts: Dave Kluge & Alfredo Brown
Guest: Bob Harris

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ravens vs. Bengals

Lamar Jackson’s Roller Coaster (03:00)

Despite a bumpy stretch, Jackson is still a lineup lock.
Bob Harris (03:30): “When you divorce the name from the numbers, you’re divorcing the history that goes with the name…and that’s hard to do.”
His rushing looked more confident last week, a positive trend.
Ranked as QB6 on Footballguys for the week.

Tight Ends vs. Bengals – Smashing Spot (06:00)

The Bengals are a historically bad defense against TEs:
- 24.1 PPG given up, over 7 more than the next worst team.
- Both Isaiah Likely (preferred by Bob) and Mark Andrews are legitimate TE plays.
Bob Harris (07:22): “Fifteen touchdowns the Bengals have given up to the position this year. That’s like five more than anybody else.”

Bengals Pass Catchers (09:00)

T. Higgins’ status is in doubt due to concussion. If out, Mike Gesicki is the clear target beneficiary.
Quick discussion on Samaje Perine as a stash with minimal standalone value—“he’ll help you avoid a zero,” but not an upside play (11:38).

2. Bills vs. Patriots

Bills Pass Catchers: Dalton Kincaid or Bust? (13:00)

Kincaid is the only trustworthy pass catcher, but still only seeing 40-45% of snaps.
Khalil Shakir is a desperation flex; hard to project consistency.
“It’s very hard and I guess, it’s Khalil Shakir if there is one, but I’m not eager to test that.” (13:13)

Patriots Backfield Mystery (15:47)

Henderson and Stevenson splitting work—projected as RB17 and RB37 this week, but Bob expects a convergence.
Rookies (Henderson) face classic New England trust/role hurdles.
“The expectations for Henderson are probably too high at 17, and for Stevenson, they’re too low at 37. They’re going to meet somewhere in the middle.” (17:03)

Hunter Henry – Trap in Tough Matchup (19:56)

Bills lead NFL in shutting down TEs (only 7.3 PPG allowed).
Henry is TE6 on the season but could disappoint. “There’s a lot of wins avoiding tight ends playing the Buffalo Bills this year.” (20:55)

3. Chargers at Chiefs

Justin Herbert: Sit, Seek Alternatives (21:56)

Injuries (especially to Joe Alt) have tanked Herbert’s production—he’s QB31 without Alt.
Bob Harris (24:19): “Offensive lines matter, people…you’re like walking through the dog pound with a pork chop in your pocket. [Defenses] are coming after you, man.”
Bob and Dave suggest streamer QBs like Tyler Shuck, Sanders, or even J.J. McCarthy over Herbert.

Chargers Pass Catchers: Start at Your Own Risk (25:45)

No WR is a confident-start: Ladd McConkey is WR30 in rankings, which is “far from a must-start.”
“If you’re desperate, Ladd McConkey is the one that you feel best about, but you don’t feel great there.” (27:09)

Backfield Update: Hampton vs. Vidal (27:36)

Expect Amarian Hampton's workload to increase post-injury.
Bob predicts a return to feature-back status (“We do not see this kind of split. We see Omari Hampton taking over.” 27:36), though Dave suspects a 65-70% share is more likely.
Memorable moment (28:31): Discussion of late-season “fresh legs” and playoff surges.

Chiefs Backfield: Kareem Hunt Plug-and-Play Flex (32:32)

Hunt is the goal line option, upside for weekly use. No more faith in Rashard Smith or Pacheco for fantasy.

4. Packers at Broncos

Christian Watson & Jaden Reed: Boom/Bust City (36:15)

Watson draws a tough Pat Surtain matchup; all GB WRs are volatile.
Bob Harris (38:39): “Play the one you got and hope it's that—hope it's his week... if you need to play him, I'm playing Watson over everybody else. But you’re right, the matchup does not favor him in this one.”
Dave ranks Reed over Watson this week due to slot matchup.

Broncos WRs: Untrustworthy Behind Sutton (40:57)

Troy Franklin’s usage has plummeted; "he might be WR4 or WR5 at this point."
With Pat Bryant out, Bob and Dave recommend avoiding Franklin—“We’re in the playoffs, man. No need to take chances here.” (41:38)
Devon Vele may outproduce Franklin this week.

5. Colts at Seahawks

Philip Rivers – Vintage Streamer? (43:49)

Intriguing but risky for 2QB/Superflex. Rivers’ cold start and tough defense make him “a bridge too far” (44:50), only for the most desperate.
Dave: "Pick him up if you're desperate or want to block an opponent, but don't plan on using him unless you have no other choice." (46:07)

Jonathan Taylor – Capped Ceiling (47:04)

The QB situation means more stacked boxes/precarious game script.
“He is that guy still... But obviously you should be thinking this is going to be a tougher run for him and the entire Colts offense without their frontline quarterback." (47:26)

6. Vikings at Cowboys

Justin Jefferson: Where Should You Start Him? (49:27)

“Not good”—across the last four games, he’s WR55 (6.4 PPG).
Still a WR2 due to talent and opposing Dallas defense.
Names to start ahead of Jefferson this week: Stefon Diggs, DK Metcalf, Jacoby Myers, Wandale Robinson.
Bob Harris (53:46): “He has the quarterback-proof card. I have issued a JJ McCarthy exemption. I've stamped his quarterback-proof card with an exemption for McCarthy.”

If CeeDee Lamb Is Questionable (54:34)

Most signs point to him playing, but if there’s doubt, Ryan Flournoy is the late-Sunday pivot.
Bob: “If he’s questionable, I’d want to give every chance to get CeeDee Lamb into the mix.…But probably just grab Flournoy and go from there.” (55:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Bob Harris on Lamar Jackson’s injury:
“John Harbaugh was asked, ‘Is he fully healthy?’ and the answer was ‘fully healthy to play.’ Right. So you know, that is a big fat lie.” (05:39)
Bob Harris on Patriots RB roles:
“The expectations for Henderson are probably too high at 17, and for Stevenson, they’re too low at 37. They’re going to meet somewhere in the middle.” (17:03)
Dave Kluge on Justin Herbert’s O-line splits:
“…in the games without Joe Alt, he is the QB31 on a per game basis. I mean, like, it could not be more stark how much of a difference Joe Alt made there.” (24:19)
Bob Harris on Christian Watson:
“He’s arguably the best deep threat in the league right now...but the targets are the issue….You just have to realize he’s a boom bust play, and the booms are as likely as the busts.” (37:14)
Bob Harris on the Vikings receivers:
“There are guys that become roster cloggers or lineup cloggers just based on their name alone. Again, I go back to divorce the name from the numbers.” (53:16)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Lamar Jackson outlook & injury talk: 03:30 – 06:05
Tight End discussion vs. Bengals: 06:42 – 08:51
Bills skill positions breakdown: 13:00 – 15:47
Patriots RB split: 15:47 – 18:22
Hunter Henry’s risky outlook: 19:56 – 21:43
Justin Herbert, why you must bench him: 21:56 – 25:17
Chargers pass catchers/start-sit: 25:45 – 27:09
Chargers RB split (Hampton/Vidal): 27:36 – 32:05
Chiefs RB plug n play: 32:32 – 34:43
Packers WR start/sit: 36:15 – 39:32
Broncos pass catchers w/ Bryant out: 40:57 – 43:00
Philip Rivers superflex streamer?: 43:49 – 46:07
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor impact: 47:04 – 48:41
Justin Jefferson vs. replacement WRs: 49:27 – 53:16
CeeDee Lamb concussion what-if: 54:34 – 56:09

Final Thoughts

For up-to-date rankings and news:

Check out footballguys.com
Follow Bob Harris and the crew on SiriusXM and Footballguys content feeds

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Week 15 Matchup Previews with Bob Harris || Fantasy Football 2025

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Summary

Week 15 Fantasy Football Matchup Previews with Bob Harris

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ravens vs. Bengals

2. Bills vs. Patriots

3. Chargers at Chiefs

4. Packers at Broncos

5. Colts at Seahawks

6. Vikings at Cowboys

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts

Summary

Week 15 Fantasy Football Matchup Previews with Bob Harris

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ravens vs. Bengals

2. Bills vs. Patriots

3. Chargers at Chiefs

4. Packers at Broncos

5. Colts at Seahawks

6. Vikings at Cowboys

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts