Week 15 Fantasy Football Inactives: Key Updates and Reactions

Week 15 Inactives: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

Fantasy football managers, it’s crunch time! With Week 15 upon us, every lineup decision could make or break your playoff hopes. Injuries, suspensions, and last-minute game-time decisions are throwing curveballs left and right. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with the latest updates on who’s suiting up and who’s sitting out. Let’s dive into the key inactives and their fantasy impacts for this week’s matchups.

1 p.m. ET Games

• Diontae Johnson, WR, BAL: Suspension
  Impact: Rashod Bateman (knee) is ready to play, but Johnson’s suspension stems from his refusal to sub in for Bateman during Week 13. Fantasy managers relying on Johnson will need to pivot quickly.
• Raheem Blackshear, RB, CAR: Questionable (Chest)
  Impact: If Blackshear is active, he’ll serve as the primary backup to Chuba Hubbard. Keep an eye on his status before kickoff.
• David Njoku, TE, CLE: Questionable (Hamstring)
  Impact: Njoku didn’t practice all week, making him a true game-time decision. If he’s out, Jordan Akins will likely step in as the Browns’ starting tight end.
• Cedric Tillman, WR, CLE: OUT (Concussion)
  Impact: With Tillman sidelined, expect Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore to dominate the Browns’ WR targets.
• Evan Engram, TE, JAX: OUT/IR (Shoulder)
  Impact: Engram’s season is over following surgery. Brenton Strange will take over, but he’s a significant downgrade for fantasy purposes.

And that’s just the start! Here are a few more notable updates from the early slate:

• Harrison Butker, K, KC: Questionable (Knee)
  Impact: Butker was activated from IR and is expected to play, leading to the release of Matthew Wright.
• Breece Hall, RB, NYJ: Questionable (Knee)
  Impact: Hall is expected to play and handle lead-back duties, but keep an eye on his workload.
• Derek Carr, QB, NO: OUT (Concussion)
  Impact: Jake Haener will start in Carr’s absence, which is a clear downgrade for the Saints’ passing game.

4 p.m. ET Games

The later games bring their own set of challenges for fantasy managers. Here are the key updates:

• Emari Demercado, RB, ARI: OUT/IR (Back)
  Impact: James Conner and Trey Benson will handle all the RB touches for Arizona.
• George Pickens, WR, PIT: OUT (Hamstring)
  Impact: The Steelers’ passing game takes a hit with Pickens out. Don’t expect a high-volume air attack.
• Bucky Irving, RB, TB: Questionable (Back)
  Impact: Irving is expected to play, but fantasy managers should temper expectations. Rachaad White and Sean Tucker could see increased workloads if Irving is limited.

Sunday Night Game

Finally, let’s talk about the primetime showdown. The Seahawks’ backfield is in the spotlight:

• Kenneth Walker III, RB, SEA: Doubtful (Calf)
  Impact: Zach Charbonnet has been holding down the fort while Walker recovers. Fantasy managers should feel confident rolling with Charbonnet this week.

As always, stay glued to the latest updates as kickoff approaches. Official inactives will start rolling in around 11:30 a.m. ET for the early games and 2:30 p.m. ET for the late-afternoon matchups. Refresh often and make those last-minute adjustments to keep your fantasy playoff dreams alive!