Going into the weekend, the NFL players on this list are suffering from some type of injury. Excluding Carson Wentz, who is officially out for the year, each player on this list’s status for Week 15 is up in the air. See what injuries are impacting fantasy and NFL betting the most in Week 15 and what players will see the biggest benefit, if they cannot go come game time.
Carson Wentz, QB
Philadelphia Eagles
Although, his status is not in doubt, it is important to talk about Carson Wentz and what his absence will mean for the Eagles moving forward. The Philadelphia Eagles lost their star quarterback for the season in Week 14. Wentz tore his ACL late in the third quarter against the Rams. The Eagles will now turn to Nick Foles to carry their team into the playoffs.
Who Benefits: Jay Ajayi. While Foles has proven to be a competent starting quarterback in the past, the Eagles are likely to employ a more conservative approach on offense as they adjust to life without Wentz. This method should lead them to run the ball more frequently, increasing the fantasy potential for Jay Ajayi. Ajayi topped double-digit carries for the first time as an Eagle last week. Expect to see his total touches rise again this week, making him a potential top-12 back in Week 15 against the Giants.
Leonard Fournette, RB
Jacksonville Jaguars
Leonard Fournette is dealing with a quad injury, with has caused him to miss time in practice this week. The Jaguars have been taking a cautious approach this season with Fournette, who has previously missed time in his rookie season due to injuries.
Who Benefits: T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory. Without Fournette, the Jaguars are likely to use a running back committee against the Houston Texans. In the two games this season, Fournette did not play, both Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon filled in, putting up respectable numbers in the process. Yeldon had 189 yards total and a touchdown in the two game. Ivory was not far from him, with 151 yards gained and a touchdown. Both present themselves as interesting flex options this NFL weekend.
Kelvin Benjamin, WR
Buffalo Bills
After scoring his first touchdown as a Buffalo Bill last week, Kelvin Benjamin re-aggravated a knee injury, which had sidelined him for the previous two games. Benjamin was moving around well in practice this week, but the fact this is a reoccurring injury should have fantasy owners concerned.
Who Benefits: Deonte Thompson. If Benjamin cannot play on Sunday, Deonte Thompson should benefit the most from his absence. Thompson had a 107-yard game and an 81-yard, one touchdown game before the arrival of Benjamin. Without Benjamin and Jordan Matthews (who is officially ruled out of the season), Thompson could have another big game for the Bills.
Kyle Rudolph, TE
Minnesota Vikings
An ankle injury has limited Kyle Rudolph in practice this week. The Vikings may see fit to rest Rudolph this week against the Bengals, to avoid aggravating the injury any further.
Who Benefits: Jerrick McKinnon. Typically, when a tight end is ruled out, the logical choice to benefit would be the next tight end on the depth chart. However, the Vikings use their backup tight ends so infrequently in the passing game (with the two backups combining for eight receptions this season), that it will be Jerrick McKinnon who will be the largest beneficiary of a Kyle Rudolph absence. McKinnon will become the Vikings top short-yardage passing option. This will help McKinnon, as his role in the run game has dwindled over the last few weeks.
Bobby Wagner, LB
Seattle Seahawks
Bobby Wagner’s status is in doubt for the Seattle Seahawks game in Week 15. The lack of Wagner will impact, an already injury-ravaged defense. Without Wagner, the Seahawks will struggle to contain the Los Angeles Rams high-flying offense
Who Benefits: Todd Gurley. Without Wagner, the middle of the Seahawks defense will open up for Todd Gurley. Gurley’s worst game of the season came in Week 5 when the Wagner and the season held Gurley to a season-low 43 yards rushing. Without Wagner, the Gurley should easily improve on those numbers.
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