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Week 15 Recap

Top Performers

Leon Washington's 140 kickoff return yards for the Titans were enough to lead the league in Week 15 in both kickoff returns and total return yards, but Washington added 18 punt return yards just for good measure. Bengals returner Brandon Tate was second in both kickoff and total yards with 131.  Chicago's elite returner Devin Hester was sixth in kickoff return yards, but added enough yards from punt returns to finish with the 3rd best return total.

Trindon Holliday's 108 kickoff return yards for the Broncos was matched by Dennis Johnson of the Texans as the two players tied for 3rd best amongst kickoff returners this week.

Antonio Brown topped all punt returners with 2 returns for 78 yards including the only return touchdown of the week in the Steelers' division win over Cincinnati. Golden Tate amassed 73 punt return yards for Seattle, though required 7 returns to do it.

All Week 15 Returners

Here are all returners for Week 15 sorted by total return yards:

Top THIRTY to Date

Here are the top thirty returners for the year based on total return yards. 

Week 16 Outlook

Job Changes

Felix Jones was back to work handling kickoff returns for the Steelers after Emmanuel Sanders had gotten a chance at them last week.

The Saints are using Darren Sproles on fewer offensive snaps, but moved him back to handling both kickoff returns and punts. Sproles had lost the kickoff returns to Travaris Cadet briefly.

Darius Reynaud was left inactive for the Jets, who turned to Kyle Wilson to handle almost all the return duties. Though Wilson does not show on the stat sheet with any kickoff returns, he was sent back to handle the majority of kickoffs. Antonio Cromartie was given one opportunity when the Panthers kicked off from the 20-yard line.

Jordan Todman of the Jaguars was pressed into service on offense, so the team turned to receiver Kerry Taylor to handle kickoff returns.

Do not worry about Cordarrelle Patterson losing kickoff returns as his role on offense increases. His lack of returns in Week 15 was due to the Eagles kicking the ball away from him every time. More opponents showing Chip Kelly's wisdom and kicking away from Patterson the rest of the season is, however, something to worry about.

In the wake of the Gary Kubiak firing, the Texans changed special teams coaches, and as it turned out, kick returners. Keshawn Martin continued to handle punt returns, while running back Dennis Johnson took over kickoff returns.

Griff Whalen was active for the Colts and handled punt returns well enough that he might hold on to the job even if LaVon Brazill is active.

INJURIES OF NOTE

Cowboys standout returner Dwayne Harris's hamstring kept him out this week. Terrance Williams was called on to handle kickoff returns, while Cole Beasley handled returns on punts.

Tavon Austin missed the Rams' Week 15 game with an ankle injury. The team activated wide receiver Justin Veltung from the practice squad to hand punt returns with Austin out.

Dexter McCluster did not play in Kansas City's shoot out with Oakland. Chad Hall handled punt returns in his absence.

Week 16 Team Return Projections

Week 16 Player Return Projections