Injuries have been a problem plaguing the NFL all season, but fantasy football owners have a glimmer of hope heading into Week 15. While Christian Watson, Demario Douglas, and Marquise Brown will have some level of impact on the weekend, it's not the league's biggest stars who are clouding crucial lineup decisions heading into the fantasy playoffs.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these key WRs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 15 fantasy landscape.
For updates on banged-up QBs Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud, click here. For news on ailing RBs Alexander Mattison, Jerome Ford, and Josh Jacobs, go here. For the latest on injured WRs Justin Jefferson and Nico Collins, click here. For more on injured TEs Darren Waller, Taysom Hill, and Dalton Schultz, go here. For more on injured RBs Jonathan Taylor, Isiah Pacheco, Brian Robinson Jr., Rhamondre Stevenson, and Aaron Jones, click here.
WEEK 15 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB budget planner
Christian Watson injury update, Week 15 fantasy outlook
Watson (hamstring) fell victim to a familiar fate after playing his best game of the season against the Chiefs in Week 13. The receiver went down with a hamstring injury, something that already cost him the first three games of the season. As expected, Watson didn't participate in the Packers' loss to the Giants on Monday Night Football, leaving his status uncertain going forward. Green Bay hasn't provided any further updates or a potential timeline for return, meaning we'll be waiting for some clarity when official reports trickle out on Wednesday.
Injuries have been a problem for Watson throughout his young career, but for all the criticism he's received, it's become apparent just how important the second-year player is to this offense. When healthy and on the field, Watson has an extremely high ceiling, one that could be a league winner. He's also helped his team enter the playoff picture. Without him, the Packers are left spinning their tires and possess an offense that suddenly struggles to move the ball. Jayden Reed projects as the best fill-in option for Watson if he's out again in Week 15, but the low yardage totals need to start catching up to the target share for him to make a true fantasy impact.
WEEK 15 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Demario Douglas injury update, Week 15 fantasy outlook
Douglas (concussion) missed a second straight game and remains in the league's protocol ahead of Week 15. The rookie suffered the concussion in Week 12 and hasn't been able to practice since. A quick turnaround to Thursday night in Week 14 likely didn't help, but Douglas' continued presence in the protocol doesn't seem to be a good sign. Injuries are piling up for New England in a lost season, one that likely ends with them drafting in the top five when April rolls around. There's no sense in rushing Douglas back, even if reps would help the rookie continue to develop. The Patriots only seem to be in a hurry to finish the season, and we can continue to use that approach with evaluating their roster for fantasy purposes.
Until Douglas gets back on the practice field, he can't clear the protocol. His first crack at doing so will come on Wednesday when the official reports are released. JuJu Smith-Schuster made the most of his opportunity, bringing in four catches for 90 yards against Pittsburgh. We should expect more of the same with Bailey Zappe under center, making Smith-Schuster an intriguing flex option once again, especially if Douglas sits out.
WEEK 15 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Marquise Brown injury update, Week 15 fantasy outlook
Brown (heel) was unable to haul in any of his three targets in Week 13 after battling an injury in the lead-up to the game. The bye week came at a good time for the Cardinals receiver, who has missed five of the team's past six practices while battling the heel issue. An official update will be released on Wednesday when the team begins practice for their matchup against the 49ers on Sunday.
It's been a tough season for Brown, playing for a team that lacks a ton of talent. Arizona is often outmatched because of that and doesn't have other threatening receivers to take some of the attention away from Brown. That leaves the WR as a flex option at best, especially with TE Trey McBride assuming the role of Kyler Murray's favorite pass-catcher now.
