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 I’m panicking on after Week 14.
Fantasy Football Panic Meter: Week 14
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, I’m worried about him this week.
Houston is allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game vs wide receivers. With left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. out, expect Brissett to be under constant duress in this one. In one league where I have Wilson, I’m benching him for Emeka Egbuka.
Verdict: 8 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)
Now, obviously, you’re not benching Jonathan Taylor. However, with Daniel Jones out for the season, you have to adjust your expectations on his production moving forward.
The hope here is that Philip Rivers is able to start this week, but even with that, it’s 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’s 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.
We could see Warren act as Rivers’ safety valve in this one, so my concern goes out the window if he’s able to start. Let’s hope that this insane comeback story starts immediately.
Verdict: 5 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Justin Herbert (QB – LAC)
There’s no way that you can 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.
Expect the Chargers to continue to lean on the running game by feeding Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal. With quarterback such a robust position, you can fire up streamers over Herbert, like Trevor Lawrence.
Verdict: 9 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
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