Welcome to the Playoff Push! NFL Week 15 is here, marking a pivotal moment in both the regular season and the DFS world as the main slate kicks off with all 32 teams in action. With no more byes and a packed 13-game slate, finding the perfect quarterback combination is absolutely essential for taking down a DraftKings or FanDuel tournament. In this edition of the QB Coach, we break down the entire quarterback landscape, from the elite, high-priced stars with the highest ceilings to the sneaky value plays and mid-tier options that can unlock the rest of your winning roster. We'll analyze favorable matchups, projected ownership, and the crucial factors that separate the must-start QBs from the players you should be fading this week. Let's dive in and build some championship-caliber lineups for Week 15!

 

NFL Week 15 DFS Quarterback Breakdown: Matchup and Value Analysis

This Week 15 DFS quarterback breakdown provides an in-depth, player-by-player analysis, integrating opponent points-per-game (PPG) data directly into the reasoning for high-floor and high-ceiling selections across all salary tiers.

NFL Week 15 DFS QB  Top-Tier Plays 

Matthew Stafford (LAR) vs. Detroit Lions

This revenge game is set in the slate’s highest-total contest inside a dome, creating the ideal environment for high passing volume. Stafford has been performing at an elite level since the bye week, and he draws a Detroit secondary that remains vulnerable, allowing 23.4 points per game (18th overall). This number climbs even higher on the road, where Lions opponents are scoring on nearly 40% of their offensive drives. Stafford provides the highest-projected floor and ceiling on the slate, making him an Elite Cash/GPP Staple.

Joe Burrow (CIN) vs. Baltimore Ravens

AFC North showdowns between these two rivals routinely escalate into high-scoring second-half shootouts. Baltimore's defense is stout against the run, effectively funneling all offensive focus to the air—exactly where Burrow and the Bengals want to attack. The Ravens rank 22nd in scoring defense at 24.6 PPG and have repeatedly surrendered critical big plays through the air this season. This puts Burrow in position for another 300-yard, multi-touchdown performance with a high likelihood of 40+ pass attempts, making him an excellent High-Volume GPP Stack.

Brock Purdy (SF) vs. Tennessee Titans

Purdy continues his reign as one of the NFL's most efficient quarterbacks, and he draws arguably the week’s most favorable matchup against a depleted Tennessee unit. The Titans rank 29th in scoring defense, surrendering 27.5 points per game and notably lack the personnel to contend with San Francisco's healthy skill group and Shanahan’s effective play-action scheme. At home, where Purdy averages nearly 9.0 yards per attempt, he represents the Cleanest Top-Tier Spend for high-floor Cash lineups.

 

NFL Week 15 DFS QB Mid-Tier Plays

Sam Darnold (SEA) vs. Indianapolis Colts

Darnold has experienced a rebirth in Seattle's offense and is coming off an impressive three-touchdown outing. He now faces a Colts defense that generally allows 21.9 PPG (13th) but tends to play heavy Cover-3 on the road. Critically, the Colts give up an eye-opening 3.8 points per game in the first quarter alone, suggesting a possible fast start for Seattle. With his DFS salary still lagging behind his recent production, Darnold is a definitive Elite Mid-Range Value target.

Jaxson Dart (NYG) vs. Washington Commanders

The rookie's invaluable dual-threat profile, already featuring 7 rushing touchdowns, provides a robust and reliable fantasy floor at this salary. Washington is struggling, ranking 28th in scoring defense at 27.2 PPG, and surrenders nearly four total touchdowns per contest to opponents. This creates an ideal “get-right” opportunity for Dart and the Giants, offering compelling Dual-Threat GPP Pivot upside.

 

NFL Week 15 DFS QB Value-Tier Plays

C.J. Stroud (HOU) vs. Arizona Cardinals

A recent price drop has pushed Stroud into true value territory for this home matchup against an injury-decimated Cardinals defense. Arizona ranks 26th in scoring defense, allowing 26.8 points per game, and has conceded 300+ passing yards in back-to-back weeks. Stroud possesses the passing volume and offensive scheme to break the slate at this price, making him the Highest Upside Point-per-Dollar Play.

Bryce Young (CAR) vs. New Orleans Saints

Young has shown quiet but steady improvement in his completion percentage and mobility over the past month. He faces a Saints defense that allows 24.2 PPG (21st) and has given up 20+ points in four straight contests while appearing increasingly slow in coverage late in the season. Young is an appealing, low-owned Stealth GPP Target for differentiation.

Marcus Mariota (WAS) vs. New York Giants

With Jayden Daniels sidelined again, Mariota steps in at minimum salary against a Giants defense that ranks 30th in scoring defense, surrendering 28.2 points per game (only Dallas and Cincinnati allow more). His lingering rushing ability ensures a built-in fantasy floor, giving him one of the Highest Floors Among Backup Quarterbacks.

 

NFL Week 15 DFS QB Fades

Jacoby Brissett (ARI) @ Houston Texans

Brissett's recent fantasy production is illusory, built almost entirely on garbage-time volume in blowouts. He faces the Houston Texans, who lead the NFL in scoring defense, allowing a league-best 16.0 points per game and holding every single opponent under 17 PPG at home. Given the Texans' elite pass rush and Brissett's immobile play style, this represents the Worst Possible Matchup for sustaining fantasy value.