Studs and Duds: Week 18

Mon Jan 9 10:17am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Williams scores two more times


This last week showed why you should end your fantasy seasons in Week 17. This last week was a bit of a mess. Some players were benched after just a few series and some didn’t play at all. And many of the big performers were guys that weren’t on any radars. It was a really tough week to figure out for fantasy owners. 

Chiefs 31, Raiders 13

Fantasy Stud: Hunter Renfrow. Renfrow had a disappointing fantasy season after his breakout year, but at least finished on a high note. He had seven receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. His reception total tied a season high and his yards was a season high. He scored 19.3 fantasy points, giving him double-digit fantasy points two of his last three games.

Fantasy Dud: Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes played fine but three rushing touchdowns really limited his fantasy numbers. He was not much of a help to fantasy teams, going 18-of-26 for 202 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Mahomes had his lowest fantasy total of the season, scoring just 17 fantasy points. He had 20-plus fantasy points all but a game before this one.

Game Notes: Jarrett Stidham had another decent start for the Raiders. He was 22-of-36 for 219 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He also led the team in rushing, running seven times for 50 yards. 

Kadarius Toney found the end zone. He ran three times for 26 yards and a score. He also caught two passes for 18 yards. 

Jaguars 20, Titans 16

Fantasy Stud: Christian Kirk. Kirk had a huge game, helping the Jaguars clinch their playoff spot. He had six receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. Kirk topped 20 fantasy points for the first time since Week 10. It was the fourth time he went over 20 points for the season, though. He had a big first year in Jacksonville, finishing with over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns.

Fantasy Dud: Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence did not have much of a showing for fantasy teams in Week 18. He was 20-of-32 for 212 yards and a touchdown with a lost fumble, scoring just 13.6 fantasy points. He missed on a few throws that likely would have led to scores. He still had a great year overall and seems destined for stardom after his strong second season in the NFL. 

Game Notes: Joshua Dobbs played pretty well once again but a couple turnovers did him in during the game. He was 20-of-29 for 179 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He also lost a fumble, which was returned for a touchdown. 

Derrick Henry got a huge workload, rushing 30 times for 109 yards. He averaged just 3.6 yards per carry but topped 100 yards because of the volume. Henry had four straight 100-yard games to end his season. 

Panthers 10, Saints 7

Fantasy Stud: Chris Olave. The offenses were awful in this one, but Olave was a bright spot. He had five receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. Olave scored 16 fantasy points in the game, his highest total since Week 11. Olave had a fine rookie season despite getting erratic quarterback play. He topped 1,000 yards for the season. 

Fantasy Dud: Sam Darnold. The Panthers might have won, but Darnold had an awful game. He was 5-of-15 for 43 yards with two interceptions. He played pretty well since taking over as starter, but his finish didn’t help matters for his value going forward. This was a brutal showing for Darnold. 

Game Notes: Alvin Kamara hit the 100-yard rushing mark, running 23 times for 107 yards. He also caught a pass for three yards. This was just his second 100-yard game of the season. 

Falcons 30, Bucs 17

Fantasy Stud: Drake London. London finished his rookie season on a high note. He had six receptions for 120 yards. This was his first 100-yard game of his career. He had at least 13 fantasy points four of his last five games. London is a fantasy player on the rise, especially if the Falcons can figure out their quarterback situation this offseason. 

Fantasy Dud: Mike Evans. Evans was active but didn’t get a catch and missed about the entire game because he was sick. It was a risk to play him to begin with, but Chris Godwin was active and had six catches for 55 yards. Evans had a good finish to this season, but fantasy owners weren’t happy with him this last week.

Game Notes: Desmond Ridder had his best showing as a pro. He was 19-of-30 for 224 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. 

Tyler Allgeier had 24 carries for 135 yards. Allgeier had a great finish to his rookie year, getting 15-fantasy points four straight. 

Vikings 29, Bears 13

Fantasy Stud: Alexander Mattison. Mattison got to carry the load with Dalvin Cook getting banged up. He took advantage, rushing 10 times for 54 yards and two touchdowns. Mattison has shown he can carry the load when give the chance and could be looking for a starting job somewhere next season. 

Fantasy Dud: David Montgomery. Montgomery played but didn’t do much. He seven carries for just 21 yards and didn’t catch a pass. He took a backseat toe Khalil Herbert much of the game. Montgomery had a solid season, but his status with the team is a little up in the air going forward. 

Game Notes: K.J. Osborn had his second 100-yard game of the season. He had five receptions for 117 yards. He has at least 14 fantasy points four of his last five games.

Cole Kmet scored a touchdown for the second straight game. He had four receptions for 57 yards and a  score. 

Dolphins 11, Jets 6

Fantasy Stud: Garrett Wilson. Wilson was about the only offense in this game. He had a great game, carrying the offense for the Jets. He has eight receptions for 102 yards. This was his fourth 100-yard game. He finishes his rookie year with more than 1,100 yards. He has a really bright future. 

Fantasy Dud: Zonovan Knight. Knight carried the most work at running back but didn’t do anything. He has 12 carries for just 22 yards. He also didn’t catch a pass in the game. Knight showed well with his chances this year, but is likely playing for a top backup role next year for the Jets. 

Game Notes: Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert split the work at running back again and produced well. Wilson had 16 carries for 72 yards while Mostert had 11 carries for 71 yards. 

Tyreek Hill was banged up in the game, hurting his ankle. He had just two catches for 23 yards. He was in and out of the game. 

Steelers 28, Browns 14

Fantasy Stud: Nick Chubb. Chubb continued his fine season with another good game. He had 12 carries for 77 yards. He also caught five passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. Chubb topped 20 fantasy points in the game for the sixth time this year. He had more than 1,500-rushing yards in the game. 

Fantasy Dud: Diontae Johnson. Johnson had two receptions for just 38 yards. He failed to score a touchdown, meaning he was shutout of the end zone the entire season. Johnson got his catches, but couldn’t find the end zone and his yardage totals were just so so.

Game Notes: Najee Harris scored his 10th touchdown of the season. He had 23 carries for 84 yards and a score. He had double-digit fantasy points all but three games. 

Bills 35, Patriots 23

Fantasy Stud: Nyheim Hines. It was pretty unbelievable but Hines returned to kicks for touchdowns, including the opening kick of the game. This put the Bills home crowd in a frenzy and was a fitting start to the game after the Damar Hamlin tragedy. The Bills defense/special teams scored 19 fantasy points in the game because of the big showing from Hines. 

Fantasy Dud: Devin Singletary. Singletary had seven carries for just 29 yards. And he caught just a pass for three yards. He also lost a fumble, finishing with just 3.2 fantasy points. Singletary had another up and down season as the Bills starter, finishing with just more than 800-rushing yards. 

Game Notes: Josh Allen had another three-touchdown game, going 19-of-31 for 254 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. He scored 25-plus fantasy points for the third straight game.

Stefon Diggs enjoyed his seventh 100-yard game of the season. He had seven receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. 

Texans 32, Colts 31

Fantasy Stud: Zack Moss. Moss continued his strong showing as the starting back for the Colts. He had 18 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown. He also had three catches for seven yards. Moss topped 20 fantasy points, giving him double-digit fantasy points for the first time all year. He did have 70-plus rushing yards three of his last four games. 

Fantasy Dud: Chris Moore. Moore was starting to emerge late in the year, but was quiet in this favorable matchup. He had two receptions for just 22 yards. Moore finishes the season with fewer than 30 yards three straight games. He got quiet in a hurry after looking like a big help to fantasy teams.

Game Notes: Jordan Akins was a big bright spot for the Texans, catching four passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns. He also converted a two-point try to win the game for the Texans. 

Brandin Cooks had his first 100-yard game of the season. He has five receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown, topping 20 fantasy points for the first time this year. 

Bengals 27, Ravens 16

Fantasy Stud: Ja’Marr Chase. Chase had eight receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. Chase scored 22.6 fantasy points. Chase had a big second season, topping 1,000 yards while scoring nine times despite missing four games because of injury. He can challenge for top fantasy receiver in the game next year. 

Fantasy Dud: Joe Burrow. Burrow played the whole game but was held in check pretty well. He was 25-of-42 for 215 yards and a touchdown. He also lost a fumble. Burrow failed to hit 15 fantasy points in the game, which was his lowest total of the entire season. 

Game Notes: Isaiah Likely had his first 100-yard game as a pro. He had eight receptions for 103 yards, taking advantage of starting with Mark Andrews a healthy scratch. 

Gus Edwards was hurt early in the game and unable to return. Kenyan Drake ended up carrying the load most of the game and had 16 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown. 

49ers 38, Cardinals 13

Fantasy Stud: Brock Purdy. Purdy just keeps getting it done for the 49ers. He was 15-of-20 for 178 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. Purdy has multiple touchdowns six straight games. He is just a great fit for the offense, having 20-plus fantasy points two straight and three of five games.

Fantasy Dud: Greg Dortch. Dortch had been on a pretty good run lately, so he got some play this week. He had just four catches for 40 yards, though, with the entire Cardinals passing game struggling. He had 21 largest his last two games before getting just four in this one. Dortch could be a big part of the offense going forward, though, after his strong showing down the stretch. 

Game Notes: Elijah Mitchell returned this week and ran five times for 55 yards and two touchdowns. He looked good in his first game back from a knee injury. 

In what might have been his last game of his career, A.J. Green had a strong showing. He had three receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. 

Eagles 22, Giants 16

Fantasy Stud: Davis Webb. There was not much good offense in this game, but Webb produced decent numbers for fantasy teams. He had two scores and didn’t turn the ball over. He was 23-of-40 for 168 yards and a touchdown. He also ran six times for 41 yards and a score. Webb scored 22.5 fantasy points in his first NFL start. 

Fantasy Dud: Jalen Hurts. Hurts returned from his shoulder injury and played the entire game. He played alright, but didn’t help fantasy owners at all. He failed to score a touchdown. He was 20-of-35 for 229 yards with an interception. He also ran nine times for 13 yards. The best news was he made it out of the game healthy and will be ready to go for the playoffs.

Game Notes: Kenny Golladay finally did something for the Giants in his last game of the year and likely last as a Giant. He had two receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. This was his first score of the season. 

Commanders 26, Cowboys 6

Fantasy Stud: Sam Howell. Howell had a solid game in his first NFL start. He topped 20 fantasy points in the game, doing a lot better than a lot quarterbacks from around the NFL in Week 18. He was 11-of-19 for 169 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He also ran five times for 35 yards and a score. Howell could make a case to be the starter in Washington next season. He showed some promise. 

Fantasy Dud: Tony Pollard. Pollard had a dreadful game. He ran seven times for 19 yards and led the team in rushing. He also didn’t catch a pass. Pollard didn’t even hit two fantasy points, breaking a streak of at least 14 fantasy points four straight games. His point total was his second lowest of the season. 

Game Notes: Dak Prescott had an awful game, going 14-of-37 for 128 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He scored just 11 fantasy points. 

Terry McLaurin had three receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown. He had another fine season despite quarterback issues. He was able to top 1,100-receiving yards. 

Broncos 31, Chargers 28

Fantasy Stud: Russell Wilson. Wilson played a good game, going 13-of-24 for 283 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. This gives him two straight games with 26-plus fantasy points. Maybe a new coaching staff will get Wilson’s career going in the right direction again. He showed much better late in the year. 

Fantasy Dud: Austin Ekeler. Ekeler played most of the game but couldn’t get it going. He had 11 carries for 34 yards and four catches for 36 yards. His 10 fantasy points was a season low. It broke a streak of four straight games finding the end zone. 

Game Notes: Mike Williams appeared to injure his back in the game and had to be carted back to the locker room. He had four receptions for 32 yards before the injury. 

Jerry Jeudy had a huge game, catching five passes for 154 yards. His receiving yards was a season high. He has 100-yard games two of his last three. 

Seahawks 19, Rams 16

Fantasy Stud: Tyler Lockett. Lockett was one of the few offensive stars in this one. He had five receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown. He went over 1,000 yards for the season in the game and scored his ninth touchdown. Lockett was much more consistent this year, having double-digit fantasy points all but three games. 

Fantasy Dud: DK Metcalf. Metcalf had just three catches for 40 yards. Jalen Ramsey did a good job of slowing down Metcalf in this one. Metcalf had his usual big season, but did have fewer than eight fantasy points two straight to end his year. 

Game Notes: Cam Akers hit the 100-yard rushing mark for the third straight game. He had 21 carries for 104 yards and three receptions for 24 yards. He had quite the finish to his season, topping double-digit fantasy options six straight games. 

Kenneth Walker topped 100-rushing yards for the third straight game. He ran 29 times for 114 yards and caught a pass for 10 yards. He went over 1,000-rushing yards for the year in the game. 

Lions 20, Packers 16

Fantasy Stud: Jamaal Williams. Williams scored two more touchdowns, adding to his already big total. He ran 16 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Williams finishes the season with 17 touchdowns and also topped 1,000-rushing yards for the year. He had his best season as a pro and probably earned a big contract from some team this offseason. 

Fantasy Dud: Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers didn't come up big for his team in a must-win game. He was 17-of-27 for 205 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Rodgers scored just 14.3 fantasy points. He had more than 20 fantasy points just two times all season. It was a really disappointing season for Rodgers. Will he continue to play going forward? That will be the big question this offseason. 

Game Notes: Christian Watson had his third 100-yard game of the season. He had five receptions for 104 yards. He has 100-yard games three of eight. 

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
CeeDee Lamb Dec 11 1:50pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (concussion) was on the practice field on Thursday for a second straight day as he works his way back from a concussion that he suffered in last Thursday night's loss to the Detroit Lions, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Barring a setback, it looks like Lamb will be able to play on Sunday night versus the Minnesota Vikings. The 26-year-old was limited in Wednesday's practice and still needs to gain clearance from an independent neurologist, but that should come later this week. Lamb has been outproduced by George Pickens this year, but he had a season-high 121 receiving yards on six receptions last week before suffering a concussion in the second half, showing that he still has plenty of big-play upside when he actually catches the ball. If Lamb is cleared for Week 15, he needs to be in all fantasy football lineups.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 11 1:40pm CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) was back on the field for practice on Thursday after putting in a limited session on Wednesday. Higgins slammed his head down hard on the turf towards the end of the Week 14 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and was put in the concussion protocol for the second time in the last couple of weeks. The 26-year-old pass-catcher also suffered a concussion in the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots and was forced to miss the Thanksgiving night win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13. He is trending in the right direction, but Higgins still has boxes to check and must be cleared by an independent neurologist later this week to play on Sunday against the division-rival Ravens. Higgins, who has 667 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on the year, is a must-start in fantasy if he's active. If he's ruled out, Andrei Iosivas will be a touchdown-dependent WR4/flex option in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Dec 11 1:10pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is back at the team's practice on Thursday, as expected, according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun. Jackson missed a few games early this year with a hamstring injury, and he's been listed on the injury report for several weeks with various lower-body injuries. The 28-year-old has played through an ankle issue of late and should do so again this weekend in another crucial divisional matchup against the hosting Cincinnati Bengals. The 28-year-old two-time MVP hasn't looked quite like himself in 2025, and he probably hasn't been 100% healthy. The good news is that Jackson had seven carries for 43 yards and his second rushing touchdown of the year in last week's loss to the Steelers. Although Jackson didn't throw a touchdown pass two weeks ago in the loss to Cincy, he did throw for 246 yards. Fantasy managers need to stick with him in Week 15 as a midrange QB1 in a good matchup.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 11 1:00pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) is missing another day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. Harrison will need to return to practice on Friday to avoid missing a second straight game with a heel injury that he suffered in Week 13. Before that, the 23-year-old missed two games following an appendectomy. He's very much in danger of missing a fourth game in the last five weeks. It's been that kind of disappointing year for the former first-rounder. Harrison has a 40-594-4 line on 69 targets in his second year in the NFL. If Harrison misses another contest, receiver Michael Wilson will be a must-start as a target hog, while tight end Trey McBride will also continue to have a crazy-high floor in fantasy. In the three games that Harrison has missed, Wilson has a ridiculous 36 receptions on 49 targets for 445 yards and two touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Dec 11 12:50pm CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion, ribs) is missing a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Tillman is in the league's concussion protocol and is also dealing with a rib injury, making it unlikely that he'll be able to play this weekend on the road in Chicago against the Bears. The 25-year-old sustained both injuries in the Week 14 loss to the Tennessee Titans, when he caught just one of three targets for 23 yards. Tillman hasn't made much noise in 2025 and has dealt with injuries that have limited him to nine games. The former third-rounder hasn't had more than three catches in a game since Week 1, and he hasn't had more than one reception since Nov. 16. Overall, he has an 18-197-2 line and is not worth rostering right now in 12-team fantasy leagues. Rookie Isaiah Bond could see more looks deep down the field in Chicago if Tillman is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 11 12:40pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) missed a second straight practice this week on Thursday due to a knee injury, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Njoku was also on last week's injury report with a knee injury, but he was active in Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans. The 29-year-old aggravated his knee injury on a touchdown grab versus the Titans, and now he's on the wrong side of questionable to play in Week 15 against the hosting Chicago Bears. He will need to return to practice on Friday to have a chance of playing this weekend. Njoku has taken a back seat to impressive rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr. this year, making him a weekly TE2 streaming option in fantasy. He has caught 33 passes on 48 targets for 293 yards and four touchdowns through 14 weeks. Fannin will be an even more attractive TE1 if Njoku is ruled out against Chicago.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Sampson Dec 11 12:40pm CT
Dylan Sampson

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf, hand) is missing from practice on Thursday for a second straight day this week, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. The Browns placed RB Jerome Ford (shoulder) on season-ending Injured Reserve this week, so Cleveland's backfield could be thin behind rookie starter Quinshon Judkins on Sunday against the Chicago Bears if Sampson is unable to play. Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams would likely split backup duties behind Judkins if Sampson cannot go. Sampson, a fourth-round pick out of Tennessee, had five catches on six targets for a season-high 64 receiving yards in Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans, and he will have a bigger role in the Browns' backfield the rest of the year if he's healthy. He's worth stashing in PPR leagues despite his status being up in the air for Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Dec 11 12:30pm CT
Nick Chubb

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (ribs) is missing another day of practice on Thursday due to a rib injury, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Rookie RB Woody Marks (ankle) also missed practice on Wednesday, but he has returned to the field on Thursday. The 29-year-old Chubb is in real danger of missing the Week 15 contest on Sunday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals. He has already lost lead-back duties to Marks, with Chubb not seeing double-digit carries in a game since back on Nov. 2 against the Denver Broncos. With Chubb getting injured in the Sunday night win over the Kansas City Chiefs, Marks saw a season-high 26 carries for 68 yards while also catching two passes for eight yards and a touchdown. Marks should have an even bigger workload in a plus matchup this Sunday if Chubb is ruled out, with Dare Ogunbowale jumping into the RB2 role for Houston.

From RotoBaller

Woody Marks Dec 11 12:30pm CT
Woody Marks

Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (ankle) returned to the practice field on Thursday, according to KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson. Marks was held out of Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury, but his return to the field on Thursday suggests he should be fine to play this weekend in a strong matchup versus the Arizona Cardinals. The 24-year-old fourth-rounder has been the Texans' lead back for most of the year, with Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) never able to make it back. He has seen double-digit carries in each of the last eight games, culminating in a season-high 26 rushing attempts in the Week 14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Nick Chubb (ribs) was injured in that game, and he's in danger of missing Week 15 after having not practiced yet this week. Marks will be a high-volume RB2 in fantasy football, regardless of whether Chubb is active this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Dec 11 12:20pm CT
Justin Fields

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (knee) is missing a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Fields came down with a sore knee last week and was held out of the Week 14 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 26-year-old has yet to practice this week and appears headed for another missed game this Sunday versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fields lost the starting gig under center to veteran Tyrod Taylor (groin), but Taylor injured his groin last weekend and might also be in danger of being ruled out this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If neither QB gains clearance this weekend, rookie Brady Cook would likely be forced to make his first NFL start. It's really bad news for fantasy managers who were planning on starting any of New York's offensive skill players.

From RotoBaller

Tyrod Taylor Dec 11 12:10pm CT
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor (groin) wasn't seen at practice on Thursday, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. Taylor also missed practice on Wednesday, so he's currently on the wrong side of questionable to play this weekend in Jacksonville against the Jaguars in Week 15. The 36-year-old veteran took over the starting QB duties from the struggling Justin Fields (knee), but he injured his groin early in Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins and is now in jeopardy of missing time. Fields missed the Week 14 game due to knee soreness and hasn't practiced this week either. If neither Taylor nor Fields can play this weekend, rookie Brady Cook would be forced into his first NFL start. It's shaping up as a situation to avoid for fantasy managers heading into the first week of the playoffs in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Dec 11 12:00pm CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee), who sat out of practice on Wednesday with a sore knee, is doing positional drills at practice on Thursday, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Hall will most likely be listed as limited on Thursday's final injury report. Either way, it's a good sign that he's back at practice after picking up a DNP tag to begin the week. The 24-year-old could still be questionable for the Week 15 game this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, so his status to close out the week will be worth monitoring. If Hall is out or limited in any way this weekend, it would open up more playing time for Isaiah Davis. However, fantasy managers may want to avoid the Jets' entire offense this week, with it looking more likely that Brady Cook will start at quarterback. Both Tyrod Taylor (groin) and Justin Fields (knee) have not practiced this week.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Watt Dec 11 11:50am CT
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) is currently in a local hospital with a lung issue and is undergoing medical evaluation, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. Watt will not practice on Thursday and could miss the Monday night game against the visiting Miami Dolphins. The 31-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro has an extra day to recover this week, but his status is firmly up in the air in Week 15. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues will need to have a backup plan in place in case it's not looking good for Watt to play on Monday night. The former first-rounder is the heart and soul of a Pittsburgh defense that has been a disappointment this year. Through 13 games, Watt has 53 tackles (22 solo), only seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, an interception, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Dec 11 11:40am CT
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) has had two of his best games of the season in the last two weeks with wide receiver Drake London (knee) sidelined, catching 13 of his 18 targets for 172 yards while playing over 90% of the offensive snaps. Pitts is considered questionable to play on Thursday night versus the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he's expected to suit up. Meanwhile, London will be missing a fourth straight game. Pitts has only found the end zone one time in 2025 (back in Week 4), but he should be more involved once again on Thursday night if he's active in the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has used Pitts as a safety blanket of sorts with London out of the picture since spraining his PCL in Week 11. Fantasy managers should consider the former fourth overall pick to be a midrange TE1 for at least one more week.

From RotoBaller

Travis Jones Dec 11 11:30am CT
Travis Jones

The Baltimore Ravens reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension with nose tackle Travis Jones on Thursday, sources told Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. The deal will keep Jones under contract with Baltimore through the 2028 season and continues the Ravens' focus on rewarding its own players before they can hit the open market. The 26-year-old defensive tackle is having a fine season in 2025 in his fourth year in the league, recording 34 tackles (16 solo), a career-high-tying 1.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, five QB hits, two pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 12 starts. The former third-rounder in 2022 out of Connecticut will now be sticking around with the Ravens long term as a building block on the interior of their defensive line.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson Dec 11 11:20am CT
Trey Hendrickson

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have officially placed defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson (hip) on IR. The move comes as the 31-year-old underwent hip/pelvis surgery this week, effectively ending his time in the regular season. Per Schefter, he's expected to be sidelined for six weeks as he recovers. It's a disappointing end to a disappointing season for Hendrickson, who could only amass 16 tackles, four sacks, and a fumble forced in seven appearances following a hold-in amidst a contract dispute with the team this summer. In his stead, teammates Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai (shin) should continue leading Bengals' edge rushers in snaps, with Cedric Johnson and Cam Sample mixing in behind them on occasion.

From RotoBaller

Jason Sanders Dec 11 11:20am CT
Jason Sanders

Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders (hip) will not have his 21-day practice window opened this week, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. Sanders suffered a hip injury during the preseason and has been on Injured Reserve all year. With only three regular-season games left after this week, there's a good chance we won't see the 30-year-old placekicker at all this year. In his absence, Riley Patterson has filled in nicely for Miami, making 23 of his 25 field-goal attempts (92 percent) and 28 of his 29 extra-point opportunities. Patterson has been solid, but he's only made one field goal beyond 50 yards on just two attempts. He has been under the radar in fantasy football and is currently the No. 10 kicker in terms of overall fantasy points. Patterson will be on the streaming radar in deeper fantasy leagues for Miami's Week 15 matchup versus the Steelers on Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Dec 11 11:10am CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that running back Josh Jacobs (knee) will likely miss a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, and the team will see where he's at on Friday. "He's been battling through it. We'll see," LaFleur said. This is a situation worth keeping a close eye on going into the weekend. Jacobs has been a must-start fantasy RB this year with 12 rushing touchdowns in 12 games, but he could be questionable going into a bad matchup on the road against one of the better defenses in the league in the Denver Broncos. The 27-year-old initially suffered a knee contusion in Week 11 and was held out in the Week 12 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs only missed one game, though, and handled his normal heavy workload the last two weeks. If he's in danger of missing Sunday's game in Denver, Emanuel Wilson would once again become a plug-and-play fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Chimere Dike Dec 11 11:00am CT
Chimere Dike

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike's yardage total in last Sunday's 31-29 victory over the Cleveland Browns may not have been what fantasy managers expected. Still, he should be on fantasy managers' radars considering his role in the offense. Dike and the Titans' air attack struggled through poor weather in Week 14, as he posted just 24 yards on 5-of-8 receiving against a tough Cleveland defense. However, the former fourth-round pick was the only Tennessee pass-catcher to eclipse four targets and two receptions on the afternoon. Moreover, he punched in his third receiving score of the campaign, and fifth total TD since Week 7. Dike's ceiling might be capped in a volatile Titans' passing game, but he's been the most consistent option of that bunch by far, and has a fine floor as a low-end asset in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Dec 11 10:50am CT
Devon Achane

According to head coach Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ribs) will kick off this week as a limited practice participant as they gear up for a Monday night matchup with the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers. McDaniel also notes that the 24-year-old will wear a red non-contact jersey at least for Thursday's session. Achane exited Sunday's 34-10 win over the Jets in the second quarter with a rib injury, although he apparently could have reentered the contest if necessary. Fortunately, it appears he's avoided a significant issue, but Miami will be cautious with him as they prep for Monday Night Football. As it stands, it doesn't seem that Achane will be in danger of missing Week 15, though fantasy managers should closely monitor his status throughout the week.

From RotoBaller