Week 16 MNF: 49ers-Colts Preview, Props, Prediction

Mon Dec 22 1:48pm ET
Field Level Media

Several NFL teams will be watching in earnest when the San Francisco 49ers travel to take on the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night in a game chock full of playoff implications for both conferences to close out Week 16.

The 49ers (10-4) have clinched a playoff spot, but they also sit in third place in the NFC West, looking up at the Seahawks (12-3) and Rams (11-4). Seattle pulled out a 38-37 overtime win against visiting Los Angeles on Thursday night.

The Colts (8-6) find themselves in a more precarious situation in the other conference, sitting as the "last team out" of the seven-team AFC playoff picture. They are 1 1/2 games behind the Houston Texans (10-5) and 2 1/2 back of the Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) in the South.

ODDS AND TRENDS

The 49ers are a consensus 5.5-point favorite. That includes at BetRivers, where they have been backed by 74% of the spread-line money. San Francisco's -275 moneyline has drawn 80% of the money and 84% of the total bets.

The 49ers have covered the spread in five consecutive road games in which they entered as the favorites.

The 46.0 total points line has seen the Under draw big wagers with 81% of the money wagered, although the Over has been backed by 67% of the total bets.

PROP PICKS

--49ers RB Christian McCaffrey Anytime TD (-205 at BetRivers): McCaffrey has scored at least one touchdown in each of San Francisco's past six games as favorites. He also has reached the end zone at least once in seven of his past nine games overall.

--49ers TE George Kittle 50+ Receiving Yards (-266 at DraftKings): Kittle has benefitted with Brock Purdy back under center and has hauled in at least 67 receiving yards in each of his past five games. That includes 88 yards on nine targets last week. This has been the most popular player prop at the book.

INSIDE EDGE

Purdy leads the NFL with a 54% completion rate on passes thrown 20+ yards this season, according to Inside Edge's Remarkable engine. Meanwhile, McCaffrey leads all NFL running backs with an average of 58.6 receiving yards per game.

THE NEWS

A win over the Colts would serve three purposes for the 49ers: It would clinch a playoff spot, move them into a tie for second place in the division with the Rams and keep them within one game of the West lead.

While watching the competition beat up on each other is fun, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan assured this week that earning a fifth straight win is the top priority.

He recognizes that doing it even against a 44-year-old starting quarterback -- Colts substitute starter Philip Rivers -- won't be easy.

"You don't out-athletic a really good defense," Shanahan said. "You've got to be able to get rid of the ball. Some people have it and some people don't. Whether it's vision, whether it's arm-throwing angles, whether it's mental processing or whether it's just your feel and clear mind in the pocket, when things are moving fast at an elite level, athletically, it's really hard to get away from (athletic defenders).

"It's about getting rid of the ball and letting someone else do it."

Indianapolis finishes its regular season with matchups against the Jaguars (home) and Texans (road), giving the Colts -- like the 49ers -- an opportunity to make the playoffs. However, their margin for error is zero as they must win their three remaining games and receive some help.

The Colts managed just one touchdown last week in an 18-16 loss at Seattle as Rivers started in place of injured Daniel Jones. Even so, Indianapolis offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter believes the veteran's impact on the attack should increase on a week-to-week basis.

"It was really fun to talk about different concepts with him and different ways to attack a defense, different ways he saw (the Seattle game) and how we could sort of build that into the weekly game plan as we got going with our weekly planning (for the 49ers)," Cooter said. "Real fun to be able to talk ball with him."

The interconference matchup is also a rare head-to-head between two of the league's most productive running backs -- San Francisco's McCaffrey and Indianapolis' Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor leads the NFL with 1,443 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. McCaffrey has 14 total TDs and he is just 19 yards behind Taylor (1,761-1,742) when rushing and receiving yards are combined. They rank second and third in the league in yards from scrimmage, trailing only the Atlanta Falcons' Bijan Robinson.

Taylor carried a heavy load (25 carries, three catches) in Rivers' first start last week. He hasn't topped 87 rushing yards in the Colts' past four games (all losses) after going for 102 or more five times as the team got off to an 8-2 start.

McCaffrey, meanwhile, has rushed for touchdowns in four straight games, which coincides with Purdy's return from a toe injury. They connected through the air a total of 16 times in wins over the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns before hooking up just once in a 37-24 blowout win over the Tennessee Titans last week.

INJURY REPORT

The 49ers will not have receiver Ricky Pearsall available on Monday after he sustained knee and ankle injuries last week. Pearsall sat out practice on Thursday, as did offensive lineman Spencer Burford (knee/ankle), defensive lineman Jordan Elliott (knee) and linebacker Nick Martin (concussion).

The Colts had three players miss the Thursday practice because of injuries who have now been listed as out for Monday night: cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf), wide receiver Anthony Gould (foot) and tackle Bernhard Raimann (elbow).

PREDICTION

While Rivers immediately brought a firm grasp of reading defenses and a competitive fire to the Colts' fledgling offense last week, his lack of arm strength was also readily apparent. With little threat of being beat vertically, San Francisco's defense can focus its attention on Taylor. Indianapolis' strong defense can keep the game interesting for a while, but the 49ers will steadily pull away by the second half. --49ers 27, Colts 16

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The Paur Report

Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 16

Player Notes
Juwan Johnson Dec 22 10:10pm CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson has been a steady producer for most of the 2025 season, recording 70 receptions for 733 yards and three touchdowns on 93 targets across 15 games. Johnson posted one of his better performances in Week 16 against the New York Jets, hauling in eight catches for 89 yards on nine targets. The Saints placed wideout Devaughn Vele (shoulder) on Injured Reserve leading into the game, which cements Johnson's status as the number two pass-catcher in New Orleans behind star wideout Chris Olave. While Johnson may not have major upside, he's recorded just one game with fewer than four receptions since Week 6. Behind rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, the Saints are playing some of their best football of the season in recent weeks and face another favorable matchup in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable viewing Johnson as a high-floor streamer option off the waiver wire at the tight end position.

From RotoBaller

Colston Loveland Dec 22 10:00pm CT
Colston Loveland

Across 14 games this season, Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland has recorded 42 receptions for 528 yards and four touchdowns on 58 targets. The 21-year-old has provided remarkably consistent production in the second half of the year. Loveland has recorded no fewer than three and no more than four receptions in each of his last seven games. In that stretch, he's also logged between four and six targets and between 29 and 63 receiving yards in every outing. With Bears wideouts Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden III (ankle) potentially set to miss the team's Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Loveland could finally see a production spike. Even if his role remains the same, he's a good bet to continue to provide around 10 PPR fantasy points. In leagues where he remains available, Loveland should be viewed as a low-end TE1 option for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Brenton Strange Dec 22 9:50pm CT
Brenton Strange

Across 10 games in 2025, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange has hauled in 37 catches for 434 yards and two touchdowns on 49 targets. The 24-year-old had his season interrupted by a hip injury that sidelined him from Week 6 through Week 11, but he's stayed healthy since then, and his production appears to be trending in the right direction. Strange tied his season high with seven targets in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos, recording five catches for 39 yards and a touchdown. Between wide receivers Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington, the Jaguars have other capable pass-catchers who could steal opportunities away from Strange. However, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has thrown for 609 yards and eight touchdowns over the last two weeks and appears to be leading the Jacksonville offense to new heights. Strange carries streamer appeal in deeper leagues heading into his Week 17 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Dec 22 9:43pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (ankle) limped off the field in the third quarter of the Week 16 game against the Indianapolis Colts due to an ankle injury. He is questionable to return.

Fantasy Spin: Kittle has been ripping it up on Monday night, going for seven receptions, 115 yards and a touchdown before the injury. If he cannot make it back, at least he posted a tremendous stat line for fantasy managers. When his status is updated, we'll pass it along. Kittle and the Niners have a titanic matchup in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.

From TheHuddle

Dalton Schultz Dec 22 9:40pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz has been a steady contributor throughout the 2025 season, recording 75 catches for 685 yards and three touchdowns on 98 targets across 15 games. While he may not be the most explosive player at the tight end position, Schultz provides a relatively stable production floor. Entering his Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the 29-year-old has earned at least five targets and recorded at least 10 PPR fantasy points in six out of his last eight games. Outside of star Texans wideout Nico Collins, Schultz may be the most trusted pass-catching option for Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud. In leagues where he remains available, Schultz can be viewed as a viable streamer at the tight end position for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire heading into Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Isaac TeSlaa Dec 22 9:30pm CT
Isaac TeSlaa

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa had the best game of his young career in Week 16, recording four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown on seven targets against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While TeSlaa has hauled in just 12 receptions on the season, the 23-year-old has turned five of those catches into touchdowns. Most encouragingly, TeSlaa's playing time has spiked in recent weeks. After failing to play more than 28 offensive snaps in any game from Week 1 through Week 12, TeSlaa has now played at least 41 offensive snaps in each of Detroit's last four contests. He's been a favorite end-zone target of Lions quarterback Jared Goff in that stretch, recording three touchdown catches. Additionally, top Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's injury report ahead of the team's Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day. Based on his touchdown potential and emerging role in Detroit, TeSlaa could be worth targeting on the waiver wire for deep-league fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Olamide Zaccheaus Dec 22 9:20pm CT
Olamide Zaccheaus

Across 15 games this season, Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus has hauled in 39 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns on 65 targets. While his numbers don't jump off the page, Zaccheaus has moved into a more prominent role in the Chicago offense in recent weeks, thanks to injuries to Bears wideouts Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden III (ankle). With both Odunze and Burden III sidelined in Week 16, Zaccheaus played 86% of his team's offensive snaps and was targeted five times. Odunze is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot that has held him out since Week 13 and may keep him on the shelf through the end of the regular season. Since Odunze went out, Zaccheaus has played at least 79% of Chicago's offensive snaps in every game. While it has not led to big production yet, Zaccheaus may be in line for another game of significant playing time in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. He could be a viable injury replacement for deep-league fantasy managers off the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Marcedes Lewis Dec 22 9:13pm CT
Marcedes Lewis

Denver Broncos TE Marcedes Lewis might be promoted to the 53-player roster ahead of Week 17 if TE Nate Adkins (knee) cannot go. Lewis has reached his limit of three practice-squad elevations.

From TheHuddle

Evan Hull Dec 22 8:10pm CT
Evan Hull

New Orleans Saints running back Evan Hull is coming off a very disappointing performance against the New York Jets. As a result, he can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues ahead of his Week 17 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Although there had been some speculation that Hull would lead New Orleans' backfield on Sunday with Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) sidelined, that never came to fruition. Instead, he handled just five carries for three rushing yards on a 21% snap share. Audric Estime (three catches) was far more productive than Hull in the receiving game, and veteran playmaker Taysom Hill (12 carries) handled the bulk of the volume on the ground. If Kamara misses another game, Hill is the early favorite to lead the team in carries while Estime gets involved in the passing game. That leaves Hull as the odd man out, despite facing a Titans defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Dec 22 8:00pm CT
Adonai Mitchell

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell has been heavily targeted lately, but he's a risky fantasy option heading into a tough matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 17. To his credit, Mitchell has enjoyed a career resurgence since being traded to the Jets, commanding at least six targets in each of his last six games. However, he has caught just 45.6% of his targets since the trade, averaging a modest 8.6 full-PPR points per game during that span. This week's matchup is far from ideal for Mitchell, especially as he adjusts to the quarterback play of inexperienced rookie Brady Cook, who will earn another start on Sunday. The Patriots have allowed the seventh-fewest catches and ninth-fewest receiving yards to wide receivers in 2025. Mitchell has a high ceiling and low floor, which makes him a risky option as the fantasy playoffs continue. He's only worth adding off the waiver wire in leagues with at least 12 teams.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Dec 22 8:00pm CT
Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has strengthened his status as a must-add player on the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 17. The rookie enjoyed another dominant performance against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, catching four passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. He handled an 86% target share in the loss, largely due to the continued absence of fellow tight end David Njoku (knee). Fannin now has 22 catches, 239 yards, and three touchdowns over his last four games, ranking as the overall TE3 in fantasy football during that span. His upside depends on whether Njoku is in the lineup, but even if the veteran tight end returns to action this week, Fannin should remain a top-five fantasy tight end while operating as Shedeur Sanders' favorite target. He'll now be tasked with facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points, fourth-most catches, fourth-most receiving yards, and second-most receptions to opposing tight ends in 2025. Fannin is a priority addition who should be rostered and started in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Dec 22 7:50pm CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. has been a consistent target on offense, and his steady role should make him a priority waiver wire target for Week 17. Godwin has 24 targets, 17 catches, 183 yards, and one touchdown over his last four games. He has tallied double-digit fantasy points in three of those four contests, and he ranks as the overall WR31 in half-PPR leagues during that span. Although Godwin remains the No. 2 option behind Mike Evans, he has been able to carve out solid volume in all of his games. He should continue to handle plenty of targets as this Baker Mayfield-led offense pushes for a playoff berth. The 29-year-old receiver ranks as a strong WR3 option ahead of Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the 10th-most touchdowns to wide receivers in 2025. The struggling Dolphins just allowed Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to combine for 162 yards and a touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Konata Mumpfield Dec 22 7:30pm CT
Konata Mumpfield

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Konata Mumpfield took on a larger role last Thursday, and he continues to trend up ahead of Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons. Mumpfield has earned more targets lately with Davante Adams (knee, hamstring) sidelined. While the door remains open for Adams to face the Falcons, he faces an uphill battle to suit up. Therefore, Mumpfield has an opportunity to produce once again. Last week, as Matthew Stafford's No. 2 option in the passing game, the rookie caught three of his eight targets for 40 yards while handling a 46% snap share. His target share might regress this weekend, but his overall production should benefit from a matchup against the Falcons, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points and fourth-most catches to wide receivers in 2025. Mumpfield is a potential WR3/flex this week, and he's an intriguing waiver wire target, especially in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Dec 22 7:10pm CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson remains a top target on the waiver wire heading into Week 17. Although Parkinson let down his fantasy managers with just two catches for 21 yards last Thursday against the Seahawks, this game was likely an outlier and can be attributed to a tough matchup. Prior to that subpar outing, he had put together an impressive six-game stretch with 22 catches, 230 yards, and six touchdowns. He's a particularly appealing option given that Davante Adams (knee, hamstring) is trending toward missing Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons. Adams has been a major threat in the red zone this year, scoring 14 touchdowns. Given Parkinson's success around the goal line lately, he should take over as one of Matthew Stafford's favorite red-zone targets in Adams' absence.

From RotoBaller

Tyquan Thornton Dec 22 6:50pm CT
Tyquan Thornton

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice report. The Chiefs did not practice on Monday, so this designation is based on an estimation from the team. Thornton missed Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans, and it now appears that he's at risk of missing a second consecutive game, albeit on a short week. Kansas City faces the Denver Broncos on Thursday, giving Thornton just a few days to clear the NFL's five-stage concussion protocol. The 25-year-old hasn't been a major contributor this year, catching just 19 passes for 438 yards and three touchdowns. However, with Rashee Rice (concussion) also sidelined, Kansas City's receiving corps needs all the help it can get. Managers invested in Thornton's availability should stay tuned for additional updates when the Chiefs publish their subsequent injury reports on Tuesday and Wednesday. Chris Oladokun will quarterback Kansas City in Week 17, lowering the floors of all Chiefs pass-catchers in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Dec 22 6:40pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice report. The Chiefs conducted a walk-through on Monday, so this designation is based on an estimation from the team. Rice missed Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans, and it now appears that he's at risk of missing a second consecutive game, albeit on a short week. The 25-year-old's absence will be felt, given that he had been averaging 6.6 catches, 71.4 yards, and 0.6 touchdowns per game when healthy. Managers invested in Rice's availability should stay tuned for additional updates when the Chiefs publish their subsequent injury reports on Tuesday and Wednesday. If he can't suit up, Xavier Worthy will remain in the No. 1 role while catching passes from third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Flournoy Dec 22 6:30pm CT
Ryan Flournoy

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (knee) has been diagnosed with a knee sprain, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. The 26-year-old receiver said he feared that he might have suffered a significant knee injury, so he's relieved that additional testing revealed only a sprain. With that being said, Flournoy isn't sure if he'll be able to play in Thursday's Week 17 contest against the Washington Commanders. He was estimated as limited following Monday's walkthrough, and he now has three days to get healthy before the Cowboys' divisional contest on Christmas Day. Flournoy has impressed with 18 catches, 207 yards, and two touchdowns over his last two games, but as long as CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are healthy, he's stuck in the No. 3 receiver role and isn't a consistent option for fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Jordan James Dec 22 6:20pm CT
Jordan James

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James is active for Monday's Week 16 contest against the Indianapolis Colts and is on track to make his NFL debut. The rookie had previously been a healthy scratch, but he's getting a chance to play on primetime television, perhaps in a mix of special teams and offensive depth roles. He's taking the spot of fellow rookie Isaac Guerendo, who is a healthy scratch for the first time in his young career. Guerendo has contributed on special teams this year, but he doesn't have an offensive snap yet. Both running backs remain buried on the depth chart behind Christian McCaffrey and Brian Robinson Jr.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 22 6:10pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Monday's practice report. The Vikings conducted a walk-through on Monday, so this designation is based on an estimation from the team. Jones and fellow running back Jordan Mason (ankle) both exited during the first quarter of Sunday's win over the New York Giants, but unlike Mason, Jones was able to return. The veteran ball-carrier is trending in the right direction for Week 17 against the Detroit Lions, but fantasy managers should still monitor the Vikings' upcoming practice reports for additional updates. Jones could actually take on a slightly larger role this week if Mason, who was estimated as a non-participant on Monday, doesn't suit up. As it stands, he ranks as a mid-to-low RB2.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Dec 22 5:50pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice report. The Vikings conducted a walk-through on Monday, so this designation is based on an estimation from the team. Hockenson handled 75% of the snaps in the Vikings' Week 16 win over the New York Giants, but he wasn't a major receiving threat with just one catch for two yards. The 28-year-old doesn't have much time to get healthy before the Vikings' Week 17 contest on Thursday against his old team, the Detroit Lions. Josh Oliver would earn additional volume if Hockenson doesn't suit up, but he could be catching passes from Max Brosmer after J.J. McCarthy (hand) was also estimated as a non-participant.

From RotoBaller