Considering the injury report as you address the Week 15 fantasy waiver wire

A few key starters have suffered injuries in Week 14 that could keep them out for at least a game. Their absences could change the fantasy football landscape significantly in Week 15 and we’ve identified some players you should keep an eye on when evaluating who the top waiver-wire targets should be for next week,

WR DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins

Parker went down with a leg injury against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday after notching four catches for 35 yards. His performance has suffered since Tua Tagovailoa took over the starting job in Miami but not having him out wide could deal a significant blow to the potency of the offense. He’s just one of the three pass-catchers who suffered injuries in the contest, so Miami’s receiving corps doesn't have the best fantasy outlook. Jakeem Grant also suffered a leg injury.

TE Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins

Gesicki caught five passes for 65 yards and two scores on Sunday but was forced to leave the game with a shoulder injury that could take a while for him to recover from. It seems like he’s in real danger of missing Week 15 at the very least. It looks like Durham Smythe and Adam Shaheen will be getting a boost in playing time.

WR Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers

Samuel came up lame on Sunday after getting his first touch on a run play. This is the latest in a long list of injuries he's dealt with this season. Samuel will get an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. It appears like Brandon Aiyuk could continue to lead the receiving corps moving forward if Samuel misses time.

TE Noah Fant, Denver Broncos

Fant didn’t even log a target before getting sick and leaving Sunday’s game early but still leads the Broncos in catches. It’s unclear whether his illness will carry into next week but Tim Patrick, Jerry Jeudy, and K.J. Hamler could all benefit from his absence in Week 15 if he's unwell.

QB Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Stafford took a shot to the chest late in the fourth quarter and left the game with a rib injury. He went to the locker room and returned to do some warming up, but Chase Daniel took over for the Lions last drive. Stafford did not speak to the media after the game, so we’ll see what Darrell Bevell has to say on Monday. Daniel is a capable quarterback, but is still a downgrade for the Lions skill position players in Week 15 against the Titans.

QB Alex Smith, Washington Football Team

Smith tripped over an offensive lineman on a scramble attempt late in the second quarter. Dwayne Haskins took over as we saw Smith getting his right leg worked on. He did not return to the game and after the game Ron Rivera said it was soreness and tightness, and the team was being cautious. Smith and Haskins are not worth starting in fantasy football.

QB Brandon Allen, Cincinnati Bengals

Allen got hurt for a second straight week and left Sunday's game with a leg injury. Ryan Finley was only 1-of-2 passing for five yards after replacing Allen and could be under center for a tough Week 15 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bengals skill players could really struggle in their next game if Finley is the starter.