Premium Content Sign Up

Fantasy Football Pass/Run Funnel Report: Defenses to exploit in Week 15

2T8C597 San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is congratulated by offensive tackle Trent Williams after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams Pass and Run Funnel: San Francisco can employ a balanced approach to the Week 15 game plan.

Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts Run Funnel: Indianapolis’ tackling issues create a leverage point for Denver.

Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full access to all of our in-season fantasy tools, including weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and more. Sign up now!

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes


Identifying exploitable defensive units allows for creative re-draft and daily fantasy sports (DFS) roster constructions, particularly when a plus matchup is not readily apparent. The article below breaks down three NFL defenses that profile as either a pass funnel, run funnel or both for Week 15 by using the defensive expected points added (EPA) allowed per play graphic below as a baseline. These exploitable matchups should be targeted in both half-points-per-reception (half-PPR) and PPR scoring formats unless otherwise stated.


San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams Pass and Run Funnel

PFF’s scores and schedule imply the San Francisco 49ers will score 25.5 points as a 2.5-point home favorite, taking on the Los Angeles Rams’ pass- and run-funnel defense on Thursday night. The game’s 48.5-point over/under is Week 15’s second-highest. Los Angeles’ pass defense generates middling pressure on the quarterback while regularly allowing big plays to uncovered pass catchers. Among NFL teams in Weeks 10-14, Las Angeles ranks 30th in EPA allowed per play (0.222), 27th in success rate (43.6%), 26th open targets allowed (85), 25th in explosive pass plays allowed rate (16.4%), 21st in yards allowed per coverage snap (6.52) and 14th in quarterback pressure rate (32.2%). Los Angeles’s 60.1 PFF coverage grade and 69.1 PFF pass-rush grade rank 17th and eighth, respectively. 

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2024 Fantasy Draft Kit, with Live Draft Assistant, Fantasy Mock Draft Sim, Rankings & PFF Grades

$24.99/mo
OR
$119.99/yr