Fantasy Football Panic Meter: Week 14 Review and Week 15 Outlook

The fantasy football playoffs are finally here in Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season. With that in mind, this week’s Panic Meter is going to focus on players performing well, but in tough matchups for this week.

We’re looking at players who may disappoint this week based on matchup. After reading, you’ll have a better sense of whether you should bench these players for this pivotal week.

With that in mind, find out who fantasy managers are panicking on after Week 14.

Key Resources Mentioned

  • Waiver wire pickups tools and assistants for roster upgrades.
  • Weekly fantasy football expert rankings for positional guidance.
  • Fantasy football start/sit advice for difficult lineup calls.
  • Fantasy football trade tools for leagues that still allow movement.

Jacoby Brissett (QB – ARI)

Jacoby Brissett has been a godsend off the waiver wire, performing like a high-end QB1 since taking over for Kyler Murray. During this stretch, Brissett has averaged 21.1 fantasy points per game in eight games. That ranks as QB5.

However, up next is the worst possible matchup for quarterbacks, as the Cardinals are taking on the Texans. Houston is allowing only 15.6 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, which is the fewest in the NFL.

Verdict: 10 out of 10 on the Panic Meter

Michael Wilson (WR – ARI)

Michael Wilson has been the waiver wire add of the year after exploding with Marvin Harrison Jr. out of the lineup. However, with the Cardinals’ passing game expected to struggle against the Texans, there is concern about him this week.

Houston is allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game vs wide receivers. With left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. out, Brissett can be expected to be under constant duress in this one. In some leagues, managers may even consider benching Wilson for alternatives like Emeka Egbuka.

Verdict: 8 out of 10 on the Panic Meter

Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)

Now, obviously, fantasy managers are not benching Jonathan Taylor. However, with Daniel Jones out for the season, expectations on his production moving forward have to be adjusted.

The hope here is that Philip Rivers is able to start this week, but even with that, it is against a Seahawks defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season.

Verdict: 6 out of 10 on the Panic Meter

Tyler Warren (TE – IND)

Like Taylor, Tyler Warren needs Rivers to be under center for the Colts if he is going to make an impact. The good news is that the Seahawks are more vulnerable against tight ends, tied for 28th in fantasy points per game allowed.

Warren could act as Rivers’ safety valve in this one, so concern largely disappears if Rivers is able to start. There is hope that this comeback story begins immediately.

Verdict: 5 out of 10 on the Panic Meter

Justin Herbert (QB – LAC)

There is little justification to start Justin Herbert as he plays through a hand injury against a Chiefs defense that ranks 14th in fantasy points per game allowed to quarterbacks.

The Chargers are expected to continue leaning on the running game by feeding Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal. With quarterback such a robust position, fantasy managers can turn to streamers over Herbert, including options like Trevor Lawrence.

Verdict: 9 out of 10 on the Panic Meter