Fantasy Football News

Rico Dowdle • RB • Panthers

Rico Dowdle Registers 18 Carries and Two Receptions in Week 13

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle rushed for only 58 yards on 18 carries during Week 13's 31-28 upset win over the Los Angeles Rams. The Carolina RB also added 21 receiving yards on two receptions, totaling 9.9 PPR points. It was the first time since Weeks 7-8 that Dowdle ended back-to-back games with less than 12 PPR points. For the first time since being named the starting RB in Week 9, Dowdle was outplayed by Chuba Hubbard, who registered 20.4 PPR points on 124 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown. The workload between the two RBs was split, and Hubbard took the most snaps (59%). In Week 15, Dowdle and the Panthers face the New Orleans Saints for the second time this season after a bye. In the last four weeks leading up to Week 13, the Saints ranked 13th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs. During the Panthers' prior game against New Orleans in Week 10, Dowdle finished with 63 scrimmage yards and a rushing TD. With the possibility of Dowdle now being in a timeshare with Hubbard, he cannot be regarded as a must-start player regardless of matchup anymore. But he should still be a good start against the Saints, because the surprising Panthers may totally control the flow of the matchup. If Carolina rolls to a big win, you should see Dowdle get into the end zone at least once.

4 days ago

Devin Neal • RB • Saints

Devin Neal Sees 17 Touches in Week 13, Could Make More Starts

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal made the first start of his NFL career in Sunday's 21-17 loss to the hosting Miami Dolphins in Week 13. Neal handled a team-high 14 carries for 47 yards (3.4 yards per tote) while also adding three catches on three targets for an additional 22 yards through the air. The 22-year-old got the opportunity after veteran Alvin Kamara (knee) suffered an MCL sprain in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Neal played a season-high 82% of the offensive snaps, with Evan Hull seeing five rushing attempts as his backup. Although his production wasn't exactly head-turning on Sunday, Neal deserves more attention on the waiver wire this week (he's rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues) since there's a good chance Kamara will miss more time. Neal will be at least an RB3/flex in fantasy in Week 14 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers if Kamara is out again.

4 days ago

Jayden Reed • WR • Packers

Jayden Reed Worth a Pickup With Return on the Horizon

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) has been out since breaking his collarbone way back in Week 2, but he's been practicing in recent weeks and figures to be activated from Injured Reserve to make his return for a crucial Week 14 divisional clash against the Chicago Bears this weekend. The Packers will most likely ease Reed back onto the field after his long layoff due to a broken collarbone and after having surgery for a broken foot, but the 25-year-old is definitely deserving of being stashed in fantasy leagues for managers who have a shot at competing in the playoffs. Reed is widely available in Yahoo leagues, as he's only rostered in 38% of leagues heading into Week 14. Green Bay has a vast array of wideouts that they rotate on game days, but Reed has scored 18 total touchdowns in 35 career games and should have a key role once he's back up to speed following his injuries.

4 days ago

Mike Evans • WR • Buccaneers

Mike Evans Could Make an Impact in the Fantasy Playoffs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) has not played since breaking his collarbone in Week 7 and is on Injured Reserve, but he could be a factor for fantasy managers in the fantasy playoffs, which typically run from Weeks 15-17. The Buccaneers originally were optimistic that the 32-year-old veteran and future Hall of Famer would be able to return before the end of the regular season because of the fact that he suffered a clean break of his collarbone. Reports over the weekend suggested that Evans could even return as early as the team's Week 14 game on Sunday, Dec. 7, against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Evans is currently rostered in only 58% of fantasy leagues, so if your team has a shot at playing beyond Week 14, he's someone to seriously consider picking up and stashing for the stretch run.

4 days ago

Chris Godwin Jr. • WR • Buccaneers

Chris Godwin Jr. Back on the Fantasy Map?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. saw a steady increase in workload during Week 13's 20-17 win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals, reeling in 3-of-5 passes for 78 yards. The veteran saw a decent uptick in snap share this past weekend, eclipsing 50% of plays, and notching a team- and season-high with his yardage total. It's an encouraging outing for Godwin Jr., who has spent most of the season battling ankle and fibula injuries. He should continue to see his involvement rise over the coming weeks as he's further removed from the latter, and may hold some fantasy value yet down the stretch. The Penn State product's roster percentage is at one of its lowest rates in years, so now is a good time for fantasy managers to buy back in, particularly with a solid matchup in the New Orleans Saints slated for Week 14.

4 days ago

Alec Pierce • WR • Colts

Alec Pierce Rebounds in Week 13, Worthy of Waiver Consideration

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce posted a nice bounce-back effort in Sunday's 20-16 home loss to the Houston Texans, corralling four of five looks for 78 yards and a touchdown. The former Cincinnati Bearcat was a letdown in a tough Week 12 meeting with the Chiefs, but he rewarded fantasy managers who stuck with him this past weekend and remains a critical piece of the Colts' attack. Pierce's TD -- his second of the campaign -- was another impressive downfield contested catch. While it may be difficult for him to surpass his career-high in touchdowns (seven) with only five games remaining, the 25-year-old is well on his way to smashing the rest of his personal bests. Currently, Pierce is still available in over 40% of leagues, and is a top waiver-wire target for fantasy managers in need of aid at the WR position.

4 days ago

Sauce Gardner • CB • Colts

Sauce Gardner Officially Week-to-Week with Strained Calf

Indianapolis Colts defensive back Sauce Gardner (calf) is considered week-to-week after injuring his calf in Sunday's 20-16 loss to their division-rival Houston Texans, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Gardner was forced out of Week 13's home clash early due to a non-contact injury, so the fact that it's just a sprain is excellent news for the team. However, the issue is considered "mild," and the "hope" is that the fourth-year pro will be able to return by the end of the regular season, Rapoport notes. For now, teammates Mekhi Blackmon and Jaylon Jones figure to see increased playing time in Gardner's stead. While he'll miss some time, it's fortunate that the 25-year-old avoided a significant injury.

4 days ago

Jalen Coker • WR • Panthers

Jalen Coker Emerging as Second Option in Carolina's Passing Offense?

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker was a bright spot for the team in their rain-soaked 31-28 win against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, compiling a 4/74/1 line on six targets. The second-year pro was a key contributor in the upset victory, posting team-highs across the board, while snagging his first touchdown of the campaign. Since returning from a quad injury seven games ago, Coker has racked up 18 receptions and 224 yards (25 targets). The numbers are modest at best, although he's just 63 receiving yards behind teammate Xavier Legette, who is only ten catches ahead of him despite making four more appearances. Quarterback Bryce Young has been up and down, but he looked good on Sunday in a tough matchup with less-than-ideal conditions, and Coker has displayed explosiveness getting off the line. He's firmly on the fantasy radar.

4 days ago

John Metchie III • WR • Jets

John Metchie III Flirting with Fantasy Viability

New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III may have been a disappointment for fantasy in Week 13, but he's still trending positively with the team's offensive attack finally gaining some traction in the campaign. The 25-year-old continued his heavy utilization in New York's 27-24 home win over the Atlanta Falcons, nabbing 4-of-8 passes for 19 yards. It isn't what managers expected, particularly after Metchie III strung together two double-digit fantasy-point outings. Even with the down game, though, the usage was there, and veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been a decent boost for the Jets' offense, making the former Houston Texan a decent prospective waiver claim. Teammate Garrett Wilson (knee) may return in two weeks, but Metchie III looks to be carving out a solid role with his new team. He'll get the Dolphins at home in Week 14.

4 days ago

Jordan Mason • RB • Vikings

Jordan Mason Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire With Teammate Injured

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason has recorded single-digit touches in each of his last four games. However, the 26-year-old may step into a much more prominent role going forward after fellow Vikings back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) suffered a shoulder injury during the team's Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Across the four games that Jones Sr. missed earlier this season with a hamstring injury, Mason recorded 301 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 66 touches. Minnesota's offense as a whole has spiraled downwards in recent weeks, recording six points combined over its last two games. However, Minnesota could get quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) back in Week 14, and the Vikings have a far more favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders. If Jones Sr. is forced to miss time, Mason would have starting fantasy appeal in Week 14. He's worth targeting on the waiver wire even if more clarity around Jones Sr.'s status does not come until later in the week.

4 days ago

Bhayshul Tuten • RB • Jaguars

Bhayshul Tuten a High-End Handcuff Option Heading into Week 14

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten recorded his fifth touchdown of the season in his team's Week 13 win over the Tennessee Titans, but he recorded just 19 scrimmage yards on nine touches. After his breakout 74-yard game in Week 11, Tuten has now been held under 20 scrimmage yards in back-to-back weeks. The 23-year-old has flashed upside throughout the year, but he remains firmly behind Travis Etienne Jr. in the Jaguars backfield pecking order. Still, Tuten has scored three touchdowns in his last five games and would immediately profile as a must-start fantasy running back if Etienne Jr. were to suffer an injury. Tuten's standalone value is as a low-end flex, at best. However, he's worth targeting on the waiver wire as a priority handcuff option heading into Jacksonville's Week 14 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

4 days ago

Bam Knight • RB • Cardinals

Bam Knight Remains a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Heading into Week 14

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight recorded 98 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 14 touches in his team's Week 13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Knight has now recorded double-digit touches in five out of his last six games and scored a touchdown in each of the last three weeks. Arizona should get running backs Trey Benson (knee) and Emari Demercado (ankle) back from injury in the coming weeks, which will likely impact Knight's playing time. However, neither back is guaranteed to play in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. Even if one or both of Benson and Demercado return, Knight may have done enough in their absence to remain in a flex-worthy role. The 24-year-old has proven capable as both a rusher and receiver, hauling in 11 catches on 12 targets over his last three games. In fantasy leagues where he's still available, Knight is a must-add waiver-wire running back heading into Week 14.

4 days ago

Kyle Monangai • RB • Bears

Kyle Monangai Emerging as the Lead Rusher in Chicago

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai delivered a statement performance in his team's massive Week 13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, recording 130 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Monangai has been stealing touches away from veteran Bears back D'Andre Swift for multiple weeks, but Week 13 may signal a more permanent shift in the Chicago backfield. Monangai has now earned more carries than Swift in back-to-back weeks, although it's worth noting that Swift also dominated against Philadelphia with 125 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts. Monangai's ceiling is limited by his lack of receiving work, as he's failed to record a catch in three out of his last four games. Still, the rookie is averaging 4.9 yards per carry this season and appears to be emerging as the lead rusher in an increasingly impressive Chicago offense. Monangai is a must-add player off the waiver wire in fantasy leagues where he remains available heading into a Week 14 showdown against the Green Bay Packers.

4 days ago

Adonai Mitchell • WR • Jets

Adonai Mitchell a Waiver-Wire Priority Heading into Week 14

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell had a breakout game in his team's Week 13 win over the Atlanta Falcons, recording eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. Since being acquired by the Jets in early November, Mitchell has established himself as a key piece in the team's offense. Across his last three games, the 23-year-old has earned 25 targets. Mitchell has also played at least 85% of New York's offensive snaps in each of the last two weeks. With star Jets wideout Garrett Wilson (knee) on Injured Reserve through at least Week 14, Mitchell should continue to have opportunities to contribute. Mitchell should be a priority target on the waiver wire for fantasy managers heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

4 days ago

Justin Herbert • QB • Chargers

Justin Herbert Has Metacarpal Fracture in Left Hand

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) has been diagnosed with a metacarpal fracture in his left hand, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Herbert suffered the fracture during his team's Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and was able to finish the game after a brief absence. Rapoport reports that Herbert is scheduled to undergo surgery, but that the plan is for him to be active for the Chargers' Week 14 Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Herbert completed 15 of 20 pass attempts for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against Las Vegas. If Herbert were to suffer a setback or be unable to play in Week 14, backup quarterback Trey Lance would be in line to start for the Chargers against the Eagles. For now, fantasy managers should proceed as though Herbert will play, although he likely won't be at full strength.

4 days ago

Amon-Ra St. Brown • WR • Lions

Amon-Ra St. Brown's Week 14 Availability Up in the Air

Michigan Sports Writer Dave Birkett reported that Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke on Costa & Jansen with Heather on 97.1 The Ticket and said that wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown's (ankle) availability vs. Dallas probably won't be known until gameday or the day before. St Brown suffered a tough ankle injury early in Week 13's contest against the Green Bay Packers and did not return, as the Lions went on to lose 31-24 and are now a few games out of first place in the NFC North. The Lions' star receiver has been a rock for this team and city over the past few seasons, and his absence will undoubtedly hurt the team's chances of being at the top of their game. The Cowboys (6-5-1) are also coming off back-to-back wins against the Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) and the Kansas City Chiefs (6-6), and are looking to make a strong push in the NFC, so with the Lions sitting at (7-5), this matchup in Week 14 is massive between the two squads fighting for a Wild Card spot. Fantasy managers with St. Brown will want to keep their eyes on his progress throughout the week. If he can't go, Jameson Williams would operate as the Lions' No. 1 receiver, and Isaac TeSlaa could be a sneaky play in Week 14.

4 days ago

Christian Watson • WR • Packers

Christian Watson Goes Off on Thanksgiving Day, Should Not be on Waivers

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson gave his Packers fans and his fantasy managers something to cheer about on Thanksgiving Day, as he hauled in four of his 10 targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. The 10 targets were the most he has seen all season, and with the Packers desperately looking for a No. 1 wide receiver to help out sixth-year quarterback Jordan Love, Watson stepped up in a big way in Week 13. Wastson started the season on the Injured Reserve; however, since being activated in Week 8, he has produced 363 receiving yards, hauled in 21 receptions, and scored three touchdowns. As the weeks have progressed, and Watson has continued to ramp up, he has become the clear go-to target for Love with Tucker Kraft (knee) out for the rest of the season. If Watson is on your waiver wire, he is a must-add in all formats and can be started in your lineups moving forward as a low-end WR2/flex play. Outside of a Week 15 matchup with the Denver Broncos, he gets some solid matchups against the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens for the rest of the fantasy season.

4 days ago

Blake Corum • RB • Rams

Blake Corum One of Fantasy Football's Top Handcuffs, Must-Add Off Waivers

Los Angeles Rams second-year running back out of Michigan, Blake Corum, had himself a fantastic Week 13 with 81 rushing yards (11.57 YPC) on 11 carries and a touchdown. More importantly for Corum fantasy owners, Kyren Williams left the game for a bit with an ankle injury. However, he eventually returned, scored a touchdown, and finished with 13 carries on the afternoon, nearly doubling Corum in total touches. Regardless, it's difficult to ignore Corum's production on Sunday, combined with the fact that since Week 7, he has seen at least seven carries and played between 28 and 40 percent of the snaps during that stretch, which is more than last year or anytime earlier in this season. Corum remains one of, if not the best, handcuffs in fantasy football. If Williams were to miss time, Corum would immediately become a top-20 running back on one of, if not the best, offenses in the NFL in 2025.

4 days ago

Chris Rodriguez Jr. • RB • Commanders

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Continues to Showcase his Flex Appeal, Must-Add off Waivers

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. continued to lead the Commanders in running back touches in Week 13's 27-26 loss to the Denver Broncos with 11 carries. Backfield mates Jeremy McNichols had six, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt only had four. Rodriguez has clearly cemented himself as the running back to own in this Commanders backfield, as over the last two games, he has earned 26 carries, rushed for 120 yards, and scored two touchdowns on the ground. Moving forward, not only is he the only Commander running back that can be started in fantasy football, but he can confidently be started as an RB3 or flex play in deeper leagues. As we take a look at the next few weeks, Rodriguez gets matchups with the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys in three of the next four weeks, all matchups that are far better than what he faced on Sunday Night Football against the Broncos, in which he still scored over 10 fantasy points. Rodriguez is a must-add off the waiver wire and can be plugged into lineups if you have players who are going on a bye in Week 14 or are dealing with multiple injuries in your lineups.

4 days ago

Trey Benson • RB • Cardinals

Trey Benson a Must-Add Toward the End of the Fantasy Season?

Arizona Cardinals second-year running back out of Florida State, Trey Benson (knee), was close to returning in Week 13, but was ruled out on Friday after participating in practice for the second straight week. It was frustrating news for fantasy managers, as most owners were expecting Benson back by now, and had been holding him on their Injured Reserve spot since Week 5. With Week 14 being the last week of the fantasy football regular season in many leagues, fantasy managers will be tasked with the tough decision of playing Trey Benson if he's active, which most signs point to being the case. Suppose Benson has been dropped to the waiver wire in your leagues. In that case, he is a priority add heading into the last few weeks of the fantasy season, as he looked sharp before his injury (5.52 YPC) and was drafted in the third round of the 2024 draft to be James Conner's (foot) eventual replacement. Additionally, Bam Knight (3.45 YPC) and Michael Carter (3.04 YPC) haven't done enough to earn the starting role once Benson is healthy and cleared to return, making Benson a lower-end RB2 when he does return.

4 days ago

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