Raiders QB Geno Smith back as starter vs. Texans

Fri Dec 19 8:03pm ET
Field Level Media

Quarterback Geno Smith will return to the starting lineup for the Las Vegas Raiders after a one-game absence, coach Pete Carroll said Friday.

Smith missed last Sunday's 31-0 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles due to shoulder and back injuries. He returns to face the Houston Texans, who feature the NFL's top defense.

Smith sat out the final quarter of a 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos on Dec. 7 due to the right shoulder injury and a cut on his throwing hand.

Kenny Pickett replaced Smith in the Denver contest and started against the Eagles. Things didn't go well against Philadelphia as Las Vegas managed just 75 total yards and seven first downs. Pickett was 15-of-25 passing for 64 yards and one interception and he was sacked four times.

Smith has thrown for 2,648 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also has been sacked 49 times in 13 games.

The Texans feature two of the best pass rushers in the NFL in defensive ends Danielle Hunter (12 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (10.5). Houston leads the league in scoring defense (16.3 points per game) and total defense (269.2 yards per game) and also has intercepted 16 passes.

The Raiders (2-12) have lost eight straight games while Houston (9-5) has won six in a row.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 16

Player Notes
A.J. Brown Dec 19 8:50pm CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown saw a sizable dip in looks last week, being targeted just twice after reaching double digits in the previous four games. It wasn't a pass-heavy day for the Philly offense, as Jalen Hurts threw the ball just 15 times in a blowout victory. Brown did make up the slack by catching a touchdown-his fourth in the last four weeks. This Saturday, the Eagles travel to Washington where Brown will look to continue his hot back half of the season. The Commanders allow the ninth-most fantasy points to WRs this year, but the main concern is another early Philadelphia lead causes another run-heavy offense. Regardless, Brown has shown consistency lately, and deserves a high-end WR2 nod in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Dec 19 8:50pm CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams enters Week 16 with a lot on the line as they face division rival Green Bay Packers. Williams is in the midst of a breakout season, throwing for 3,150 yards, adding 21 touchdowns, and throwing six interceptions in 14 games. The 2024 first overall pick has averaged 18.7 fantasy points per game, ranking him QB9 on a per-game basis. This Packers defense has been strong all year, allowing the tenth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Injuries will factor for both sides as well, with the Bears down two key receivers in Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden III (ankle), while the Packers are without star Micah Parsons, who tore his ACL last week. Once again, volume will be the question surrounding Williams' fantasy stock this weekend, as he provides QB2 value against the Packers.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Dec 19 8:30pm CT
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is coming off a productive performance in Week 15's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers, tallying 92 yards and a touchdown on the ground with an additional 82 yards gained through the air. After scoring just two touchdowns via rush through the season's first nine games (and two via pass), the 23-year-old has four rushing scores in the last five games, which is a welcome turn of events after Tyler Allgeier seemed to be eating into his goal-line opportunities. Allgeier was limited to just two rushes last week, his fewest touches since Week 9. Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals is a favorable one for the Atlanta backfield, with Arizona yielding the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, including letting the Texans' Jawhar Jordan gain 101 yards on the ground in his first career game last week. Robinson projects as one of the top options at running back this week, with the likely return of Drake London (knee) elevating the offense as a whole.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Dec 19 8:30pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has now scored touchdowns in consecutive games for the first time since the first two weeks of the season. Barkley's 22 carries were also his most attempts in a game since Week 11. The star RB was able to capitalize on the favorable matchup against the Raiders, and will look to do the same in his upcoming meeting with the Commanders. Washington's defense allows 136.3 rushing yards per game-fifth-most in the league-and has let up 14 rushing touchdowns-good for 12th-most in the NFL. It's also encouraging that Barkley had his most red zone rushing attempts in a game this season last week, getting the ball 10 times inside the 20 against Las Vegas. He's had a general uptick in touches and has returned to his scoring ways, so there's no doubt he's a solid RB1 this week.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Dec 19 8:10pm CT
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai has struggled to produce in back-to-back weeks and has become hard to trust as a starting option. Monangai has totaled 26 attempts for 90 yards and no touchdowns in the last two weeks, while starter D'Andre Swift has succeeded in both games. However, the RB by committee in Chicago has been electric this season. The Bears' rushing attack has been elite, ranking second in the NFL in rushing yardage, trailing only the Buffalo Bills. Swift has played 57% of the snaps, while the rookie has played only 42%. They face the Green Bay Packers in Week 16, who have given up the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. If Swift is active in Week 16, Monangai is a low-end RB3 in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Dec 19 8:10pm CT
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal led the backfield, playing 63% of snaps and handling 100% of the two-minute offense last week against the Kansas City Chiefs. While he struggled with efficiency, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry, he remains the team's primary receiving and pass-blocking option. This week, Vidal faces a Dallas Cowboys defense that has allowed 19 rushing touchdowns, tied for second-most in the NFL. Unfortunately, Dallas defensive end Quinnen Williams (concussion) is off the injury report and will look to shut down lanes for the run-heavy Chargers. Rookie Omarion Hampton's efficiency continues to threaten Vidal's effectiveness on early downs, limiting his upside. Fantasy managers should view Vidal as a low-end RB3 who needs to secure red-zone touches or PPR volume to be a reliable starter. He is a risky FLEX play this week.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Dec 19 8:00pm CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco played his highest snap count since returning from injury in Week 15. He led the Chiefs in carries last week but was inefficient, totaling just 21 yards on 11 carries. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes done for the season with a torn ACL, the Chiefs' offense could struggle, making it even more difficult for Pacheco to be a consistent fantasy starter. The Chiefs rank 15th in scoring offense with the two-time MVP as their quarterback. Now, they switch to Gardner Minshew, which is a clear downgrade from Mahomes. While an easy matchup against the Tennessee Titans could catapult Pacheco to FLEX territory, he's still tough to trust with Kareem Hunt in the picture and the Chiefs' offense likely to regress.

From RotoBaller

Omarion Hampton Dec 19 8:00pm CT
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton is beginning to assert himself in the backfield, leading the team with 15 carries and 54% of the rushing attempts last week. Even though Kimani Vidal ran the majority of routes and handled 100% of the two-minute offense, Hampton looked more explosive, averaging 4.1 yards per carry compared to Vidal's 2.8 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is promising, as Dallas is tied for second in rushing touchdowns allowed. However, star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (concussion) is off the injury report and is expected to play, adding an extra challenge for the backfield. As Hampton moves further away from his IR stint, his role in this run-heavy scheme could grow. RotoBaller projects him as the RB23 this week. He is a high-upside RB2 who could deliver a big performance if he maintains the lead in carries.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Dec 19 8:00pm CT
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for three touchdowns in a game for the first time since Week 8 in his most recent outing against the Raiders, and his 39 rushing yards were his most since Week 4. As fantasy playoffs continue, Hurts has another exciting matchup with the Commanders coming up on Saturday. Washington allows the fourth-most passing yards per game this season (246.3) and is tied for the third-most passing touchdowns given up (28). This contest has a very similar feeling to the Raiders game-one that the Eagles should win with ease and could quite possibly put up more than 30 points in. And if this offense moves the ball like they did against Las Vegas, Hurts is in for another big day. He's a high-end QB1 in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 19 7:50pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert enters Week 16, more than two weeks removed from successful hand surgery, and was a full participant in practice all week. While the Chargers' offense has recently shifted to a low-ADOT, run-heavy approach due to a decimated offensive line that has surrendered 27 sacks in six games, the matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is a significant get-right opportunity. Dallas ranks 30th in EPA/Pass and has allowed the most passing yards and touchdowns in the league this season. With Trey Pipkins (ankle) questionable but potentially returning to stabilize the league's worst PFF-graded unit, Herbert should have more time against a Dallas defense that is just 25th in sack percentage. Despite the team's recent conservative nature, Herbert remains a high-upside play against a defense allowing elite production to opposing signal-callers. He is a low-end QB1 this week.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Dec 19 7:40pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been in an awful slump over the last few weeks. In the previous three games, Jefferson has been held to six receptions for 37 yards and hasn't scored a touchdown during that span. The 26-year-old clearly isn't on the same page as quarterback J.J. McCarthy right now. The upside is too high for fantasy managers to keep Jefferson on the bench this weekend. He has a favorable matchup against the New York Giants in Week 16. A secondary that has allowed the fifth-most yards to wideouts this season. The duds aren't due to a lack of ability, but because of inconsistent quarterback play. Despite the rough stretch, Jefferson comes in as RotoBaller's WR22 in the latest rankings and will try to break out of his slump in a plus matchup vs. the Giants in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Dec 19 7:40pm CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had his worst game of the season in Week 15, where he totaled 20 yards on seven attempts against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hunt was on a hot streak before last week, where he had a touchdown in five of his previous six games. The veteran running back played 49% of the snaps in Week 15, while Isiah Pacheco played 46%, which is his highest mark since injuring his knee in Week 8. While Hunt remains the lead back heading into Week 16, the injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes may deteriorate his fantasy value moving forward. With Mahomes out, the Chiefs will likely struggle to move the ball, which will limit Hunt's goal-line attempts that have propelled his fantasy stock this season. Despite the easy matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Hunt is a risky FLEX at best in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Dec 19 7:30pm CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas has been a non-factor on offense over the last three games. The 26-year-old gave fantasy managers a goose egg last week with zero receptions in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Iosivas hasn't finished with more than 30 receiving yards in a single game since Week 12. The Bengals were without Tee Higgins (concussion) last week, and Iosivas still only saw one target. It doesn't look like the Bengals view Iosivas as an essential piece of the offensive gameplan right now. Even if Higgins sits in Week 16, Iosivas is avoidable in most formats for the Week 16 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Dec 19 7:30pm CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington has seen his role in the Jaguars' offense reduced recently. Washington was playing a bigger part while Brian Thomas Jr. was injured. Now with Thomas back in the picture, Washington has fallen to the third option in this passing attack behind Thomas and Jakobi Meyers. Last week, Washington hauled in all three of his targets for 53 yards during the win over the New York Jets. His snap count has taken a hit over the last two weeks, and he has been playing less than 50 percent of the offensive snaps. Washington shouldn't be counted on as anything more than a deep league option for the Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Dec 19 7:30pm CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker gave fantasy managers a goose egg as he failed to haul in any of his three targets during last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Tucker wasn't offering much fantasy value before Week 15. Over his last four games, Tucker has been held to under 30 receiving yards in all of those contests. The Raiders' offense has been unwatchable throughout most of the season, so it's not all Tucker's fault. At the moment, Brock Bowers seems to be the only playable pass-catcher on this offense. It's unlikely Tucker will get things going against the Houston Texans' elite secondary. A unit that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wideouts this season. Tucker hasn't given fantasy managers any reason to trust him at the moment and is an option in deep leagues at best.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Dec 19 7:30pm CT
Jared Goff

Across 14 games this season, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has completed 69.3% of his passes for 3,672 yards, 29 touchdowns, and five interceptions. The 31-year-old has thrown for at least 255 yards in seven straight games and has topped 300 passing yards in each of his last two contests. With the Lions' defense struggling, Goff has been forced into more pass-heavy game scripts in the second half of the season. After attempting more than 29 passes in just one of Detroit's first seven games, he's thrown fewer than 33 passes in the team's last seven games. Goff and the Lions have a favorable matchup on paper in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Entering Sunday, Pittsburgh ranks 29th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (3,649). The Steelers' pass rush also looks a little less fearsome this week, as star edge rusher T.J. Watt (lung) will miss a second straight game while recovering from surgery to repair a collapsed lung. Given his recent pass volume trends and the opponent, Goff profiles as a low-end fantasy QB1 in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Dec 19 7:30pm CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught his only target for 16 yards in the 18-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Last week marked the first game Pierce has played without Daniel Jones, who tore his Achilles in Week 14. His connection with Jones was exceptional, as Pierce was having the best season of his career before the injury. Now, 44-year-old Philip Rivers is the starting quarterback for the Colts, and his showing against the Seahawks didn't offer any relief for Pierce and his fantasy outlook. Rivers averaged 4.4 yards per attempt and only had two completions over 10 yards last week. Not ideal for Pierce, who currently leads the NFL in yards per completion this season. The fourth-year receiver is better left on the bench than in starting lineups this week, as he looks to overcome the lack of deep-passing ability that Rivers has.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Dec 19 7:20pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs has been an inconsistent fantasy option for over a month now. Doubs was offering decent fantasy value mid-season, but is becoming unusable in fantasy formats late in the season. The return of Jayden Reed has undoubtedly contributed to Doubs' downfall. The Packers also have a ton of mouths to feed with Reed, Christian Watson (chest), Dontayvion Wicks (ankle), and Matthew Golden all fighting for targets with Doubs. The 25-year-old has seen four or fewer targets in four straight games. It's unlikely that Doubs gets more involved unless Watson or Wicks sit out. At the moment, both players are questionable for the Week 16 matchup versus the Chicago Bears. If they play, Doubs will remain a low-floor option for Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Dec 19 7:20pm CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright followed up his explosive campaign with a dud in Week 15, totaling only two rushing yards on one carry against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wright totaled 107 yards on 24 carries against the New York Jets in Week 14, but was phased back to his reserve role with De'Von Achane playing through his rib injury. Wright dropped from a 52% snap share to an 8% snap share last week. Wright appears to be the direct handcuff to Achane, and with two weeks left in the fantasy season, it's hard to fathom that Wright will be fantasy relevant for the remainder of the 2025 season. While he faces the worst run defense in the NFL in the Cincinnati Bengals, he doesn't carry enough volume to be worth rostering.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Dec 19 7:20pm CT
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Despite a strong showing in Week 15, Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt appears to be heading back to his reserve role in Week 16. Chris Rodirguez Jr. was sidelined last week against the New York Giants, and Croskey-Merritt took advantage, totaling 96 yards on 18 carries. Unfortunately for the 2025 seven-round pick, Rodriguez is off the injury report and good to go for Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Since Week 11, Rodriguez has played 44% of the snaps, while Croskey-Merritt has played 20%. While a strong showing in Week 15 could close the gap between the two, both backs are extremely risky against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller