Can Week 15’s Surprise Stars Keep Scoring in Fantasy Football Playoffs?

In the world of fantasy football, surprises are always welcome, especially during the playoffs. Week 15 of the NFL season brought a slew of unexpected stars who scored significantly more points than anticipated. But can these surprise performances be sustained, or were they mere anomalies?

Analyzing the Numbers

We’ll take a closer look at 10 players who scored 20+ points in Week 15 to determine which side they fall on – sustainability or one-time flukes.

1. Kyle Pitts (ATL) – 45.6 Fantasy Points

Pitts’ breakout performance against Tampa Bay can be attributed to his increased slot usage, which has been a recent trend. In Weeks 14 and 15, Pitts lined up in the slot 42.1% and 36.5% of the time, respectively. With Arizona ranking 29th in fantasy points per game (FPPG) allowed on passes to slot receivers over the past four weeks, Pitts is a strong candidate for Week 16 starting lineups.

2. Trevor Lawrence (JAX) – 44.3

Lawrence’s 44.3-point game is tied for the 11th-highest single-game point total by a quarterback dating back to 1950. His red zone and vertical pass production were key factors in his success. With the Broncos ranking 29th in vertical FPPG and 21st in red zone FPPG since Week 12, Lawrence is a strong QB1 candidate next week.

3. TreVeyon Henderson (NE) – 30.1

Henderson’s two rushing touchdowns of 52+ yards against Buffalo were a significant contributor to his breakout performance. The Ravens have allowed four rushes of 52+ yards this year, tied for the highest number in 2025. Henderson’s potential for one long scoring play makes him an upside candidate for Week 16.

4. Bo Nix (DEN) – 29.08

Nix’s clean pocket production was a key factor in his breakout performance. With Jacksonville ranking 19th in pass pressure rate over the past four weeks, Nix is a borderline QB1 in Week 16.

5. Kirk Cousins (ATL) – 26.92

Cousins’ favorable matchup against Tampa Bay in Week 15 allowed him to post 373 passing yards and three touchdowns. With the Week 16 matchup against Arizona potentially being the most favorable on the QB board, Cousins is a strong consideration for Week 16 lineups.

6. Dallas Goedert (PHI) – 25

Goedert’s red zone usage was a significant contributor to his breakout performance. With Washington ranking dead last in FPPG allowed on red zone targets to tight ends since Week 12, Goedert is a potential tight end scoring powerhouse in Week 16.

7. Tyrone Tracy (NYG) – 24.7

Tracy’s favorable matchup against Washington in Week 15 allowed him to score 16+ points for the third time in four games. With Minnesota ranking 24th in planned rushing FPPG since Week 12, Tracy is a strong consideration for Week 16 lineups.

8. C.J. Stroud (HOU) – 23.4

Stroud’s production on short- and medium-length passes was a key factor in his breakout performance. With the Raiders ranking 12th in FPPG allowed below the stretch vertical level over the past four weeks, Stroud is a strong contender for a second straight 20+ point game.

9. DJ Moore (CHI) – 22.9

Moore’s end zone targets were a significant contributor to his breakout performance. With Green Bay ranking 27th in FPPG allowed on end zone targets in Weeks 12-15, Moore is a strong consideration for Week 16 lineups.

10. Dalton Schultz (HOU) – 21.6

Schultz’s short passes were a key factor in his breakout performance. With the Raiders allowing 9.2 FPPG on TE short passes since Week 12, Schultz is a high percentage, high-floor player with a solid ceiling in Week 16.

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