Fantasy Football News
Justin Jefferson Still A Top Option In Difficult Matchup
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson gets another challenging outing this Sunday when he takes on the Chicago Bears in a road tilt. The fantasy stalwart had an unfavorable matchup in Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans but still came away with a solid six receptions and 81 yards. Despite just three top-ten weekly finishes at his position, he's still the overall WR3 in PPR formats -; speaking to his consistency. Jefferson has registered less than five receptions twice in ten appearances and has one game all season with less than 50 receiving yards. Chicago is letting up an average of 15.4 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position and even less to quarterbacks (12.2). However, look for the superstar wideout to find a way to get it done for fantasy managers. He ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR2 in this week's rankings.
Yesterday
Cam Akers In Play As A Low-End Flex
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers has a road matchup against their division-rival Chicago Bears on tap this Sunday. Akers has been far from efficient with his rush attempts over the last two weeks (23/63[2.74 YPC]), but he had at least 12 touches in each appearance and got into the end zone for the third time this season in Week 11's victory over the Tennessee Titans. It's unclear whether his workload has been due to backfield mate Aaron Jones (ribs) and his injury. Still, he's seen his snap share rise in each of the previous three contests. Chicago has been a decent matchup for fantasy running backs, allowing 17.4 points to the position -; a bottom-half of the league number. The 25-year-old's workload could be spotty, but he has a good shot at being effective with his touches against a unit allowing 4.8 yards per carry on the season. He's RotoBaller's PPR RB34 in this week's rankings.
Yesterday
T.J. Hockenson Expects To Be More Involved In Week 12
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson said he "would expect things to go up" in Week 12 against the division-rival Chicago Bears and for the rest of the season in terms of his offensive snaps. Fellow TE Josh Oliver (ankle) has already been ruled out, so Hockenson should be on the field more in his fourth game of the season on Sunday. The 27-year-old has seen his snap percentages slowly increase since Week 9, as he played 45% of the snaps in Week 9, 46% in Week 10 and 48% last week. While Hockenson hasn't been amazing in his first three games, he hasn't been invisible, either, catching 13 of his 16 targets for 112 yards, including an eight-catch, 72-yard performance in the Week 10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bears defense isn't an ideal matchup, but Hockenson should have a higher fantasy ceiling and floor as at least a low-end TE1 this weekend.
Yesterday
Alexander Mattison, Zamir White Doubtful To Face Broncos
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that running backs Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps) are both doubtful to play in the Week 12 divisional tilt on Sunday against the visiting Denver Broncos. The Raiders are extremely banged up on both sides of the ball heading into this weekend's game against the upstart Broncos. With Mattison and White unlikely to suit up, expect the Raiders to use a combination of Ameer Abdullah and rookie Dylan Laube, who fumbled on his lone rushing attempt this year, in their backfield. Abdullah is probably the better bet for fantasy managers in a pinch at the RB position with six teams on bye in Week 12, but you shouldn't expect much from this lackluster offense against a top-five defense. In deeper leagues, Abdullah could pass as a low-upside RB3/flex.
Yesterday
Aaron Jones An Intriguing Play Vs. Bears
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (ribs) will look to bounce back in Week 12 when his team squares off against the Chicago Bears in a divisional clash. The 29-year-old had a tough go last Sunday in the Vikings' 23-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans -; putting up his worst fantasy performance thus far in 2024 (5.3 PPR points). However, Chicago presents as a solid opportunity to put the subpar outing behind him. The Bears defensive unit is affording their opponent's rushing attack 4.8 yards per carry this season and allows an average of 17.4 fantasy points per game to the running back position. With Minnesota's division rivals being staunch against the pass, they could be in store for a heavy dose of Jones. The veteran ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB16 for Week 12.
Yesterday
Nico Collins Set For Increased Workload Against Titans
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is expected to have a bigger workload in Week 12 on Sunday against the division-rival Tennessee Titans in his second game back from a hamstring injury that kept him out for five games. Collins looked explosive on a long touchdown catch on the first play of the game in Monday's win over the Dallas Cowboys that was called back due to a penalty, but he ended up playing only 47% of the offensive snaps to finish with four catches for a season-low 54 yards. "I'm feeling good, man," Collins said. "I can't wait for it. We've got to keep building. It felt good to be back out there with the guys. Another week under my belt and I keep working." Collins leads the Texans with 621 receiving yards and has 36 receptions, three touchdowns and is averaging 17.3 yards per catch. He's a must-start for fantasy managers in Week 12 against the Titans.
Yesterday
Mike Evans Officially Listed As Questionable
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was listed as limited in practice on Friday and has been given a questionable tag for the Week 12 game on Sunday against the New York Giants. Evans, who has missed the last three games with a right-hamstring injury, was also limited in practice on Wednesday but was able to put in a full session on Thursday. The full expectation is that the 31-year-old veteran will play this weekend, with head coach Todd Bowles saying Evans will play "as long as he's healthy and fresh." The future Hall of Famer should be returned to starting fantasy lineups everywhere if he's active, but he'll also have more bust potential against the G-Men if he doesn't see his usual workload as Tampa's WR1. The Giants defense hasn't been the greatest matchup for opposing pass-catchers, but they have allowed 10 TDs to the position through 10 games in 2024.
Yesterday
Darius Slayton Cleared To Play In Week 12
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) has been removed from the final Week 12 injury report and will return on Sunday to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Slayton has officially cleared the league's concussion protocol coming out of the bye week and will play this weekend for the first time since suffering a concussion in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old could return to a substantial role, too, with rookie Malik Nabers (groin) being questionable to play against Tampa. However, the move to quarterback Tommy Devito as New York's starter could also limit the fantasy upside of all of the Giants' pass-catchers the rest of the season. The biggest beneficiary for the G-Men if Nabers is inactive on Sunday will likely be receiver Wan'Dale Robinson.
Yesterday
Malik Nabers Questionable For Week 12, Intends To Play
After coming down with a groin injury in Friday's practice, New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 12 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he told ESPN New York's Jordan Raanan in the locker room that he intends to play. While it's good news that the 21-year-old is feeling good enough to say he intends to play this weekend, the ultimate decision on Sunday will come down to the coaching staff. Nabers' fantasy value could also be taking a pretty big hit with quarterback Tommy Devito taking over under center moving forward. The bottom line is that fantasy managers need to have a plan in place in case Nabers is ruled out Sunday morning. In his last four games, Nabers has 26 catches on 42 targets for 221 yards and no scores. If he's unable to go or is limited, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton (concussion) would see more work.
Yesterday
Sam Darnold Cleared For Sunday
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (foot) is ready to go ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Darnold was limited by a foot injury to begin the week. However, Darnold appears to be fine now after back-to-back full practice sessions. Fantasy managers should expect Darnold to be a full-go for Sunday's important divisional game. Darnold has cooled off a bit since his hot beginning to the season, but is still a viable fantasy option. Fantasy managers should treat him as a low-end QB1 for this weekend.
Yesterday
Josh Oliver Won't Play In Week 12
Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Oliver hasn't been able to practice all week due to a lingering ankle issue. His absence won't mean too much for the Vikings offense. Oliver has taken a backseat with T.J. Hockenson back in the mix. Last week, Oliver hauled in all three of his targets for 34 yards in the win over the Tennessee Titans. The absence of Oliver means that Hockenson should see a full-time role and could be an uptick for his value. However, Hockenson should already be treated as a TE1 heading into this game.
Yesterday
D'Andre Swift Gets Questionable Tag For Week 12
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (groin) has been tagged as questionable ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Swift has been progressing throughout the week as he sat out of Wednesday's practice. Swift was limited on Thursday and was able to get through a full practice session on Friday. The fact that Swift was able to get through a full practice session on Friday should mean that he'll be ready to go this weekend. If he sits, Roschon Johnson figures to become the lead back and would see an increase in snaps. Swift should be considered a RB2 for this tough matchup against the Vikings rush defense.
Yesterday
Keenan Allen Lands On Injury Report, Questionable For Week 12
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (ankle) popped up on Friday's injury report, which now gives him a questionable tag for the Week 12 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Allen appears to have suffered an ankle injury during Friday's practice. The severity of the injury is unknown, but now the oft-injured wideout is uncertain for Sunday. Fantasy managers should get a backup in place considering this injury happened late in the week. If Allen sits, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze figure to have increased roles in the offense. UPDATE: Allen rolled his ankle on Friday and was pulled halfway through, according to head coach Matt Eberflus. However, the Bears are "hopeful" that Allen will be available on Sunday.
Yesterday
Jaycee Horn Cleared For Sunday
Carolina Panthers defensive back Jaycee Horn (calf) will be available ahead of Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Horn has been limited in practice all week due to a calf issue. Despite that, Horn appears to be feeling good enough to play this weekend. He has been a key defender for the Panthers this season. Horn has 44 tackles, 10 passes defended, and one interception through 10 games. His presence on the field is a plus for the Panthers, but this defense isn't worth streaming against the Chiefs offense.
Yesterday
Isiah Pacheco Ruled Out For Week 12
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Pacheco was designated to return from the injured reserve last week. He has been able to get through some limited practice sessions, but Pacheco isn't quite ready for game action. The Chiefs have decided to hold him out for at least one more game. Kareem Hunt will continue working as the lead back and should have RB1 value for this favorable matchup against the Panthers defense. Fantasy managers can be hopeful to get something out of Pacheco next week.
Yesterday
CeeDee Lamb Practices Friday, Expected To Play Sunday
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (back, foot) was able to return to the practice field on Friday and is expected to play on Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders in Week 12. Lamb is dealing with multiple injuries this week. He practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday before being downgraded to a DNP on Thursday. While he could be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report, fantasy managers should leave the team's WR1 in their starting fantasy lineups for this weekend with a favorable matchup on tap. Lamb's fantasy upside the rest of the year took a hit with the season-ending injury to quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring), but Lamb was able to catch eight of 12 targets for 93 yards in last week's loss to the Houston Texans with Cooper Rush leading the offense. Treat Lamb as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 moving forward.
Yesterday
Titans Placing L'Jarius Sneed On Injured Reserve
The Tennessee Titans are placing cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (quadriceps) on Injured Reserve on Friday due to a quadriceps injury that has already kept him out of action for the last five weeks. The Titans acquired Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs in the offseason and signed him to a four-year, $76.4 million deal. Tennessee's secondary has surprisingly been pretty good without the 27-year-old defensive back in the fold lately, but he'll certainly be missed. At this point in the year, it might be more of a long shot that he'll be able to make it back before the end of the season. Sneed will now have to miss at least four more games and he won't be eligible to come back until Week 16 versus the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. In his first five games with the Titans earlier this year, Sneed recorded 23 tackles (19 solo) without an interception.
Yesterday
Tyjae Spears Ruled Out For Week 12
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) will not play in Week 12 against the division-rival Houston Texans on Sunday after missing practice all week. Spears suffered a concussion in the Week 11 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and was unable to clear the league's concussion protocol in time to play this weekend. His absence means that lead runner Tony Pollard will have some more fantasy upside in a bad matchup against Houston. Meanwhile, Julius Chestnut will have a more substantial role as the change-of-pace option behind Pollard in Tennessee's backfield. It remains to be seen if Spears will be able to clear the concussion protocol next week in time to play the Washington Commanders in Week 13. The 23-year-old has mostly taken a back seat to Pollard in 2024, seeing 43 carries for 161 yards and a TD while catching 17 passes for 88 yards.
Yesterday
Brandon Aubrey Looks To Bounce Back From 40-Yard Miss
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has been one of the lone bright spots for the team this season. The 29-year-old did miss a 40-yard kick on Monday night, but he drilled a 53-yarder and a 64-yarder that was wiped off of the board due to an unnecessary roughness penalty. Aubrey's leg has arguably been Dallas' best offensive weapon this year. The star kicker faces a solid matchup this week against Washington although with the way Dallas' offense is trending, he is a tough start. He can be considered for lineups but there are better options out there, especially with CeeDee Lamb (back, foot) potentially missing this weekend's contest.
Yesterday
Mike Evans Will Return In Week 12
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) will return to face the New York Giants in Week 12 this Sunday after missing the last three games with a right-hamstring injury. When asked how much the Bucs will use Evans in his return this weekend, head coach Todd Bowles said, "We'll play him as long as he's healthy and fresh. If he needs to be in there, he'll be in there, but we'll get him out when we have to." It sounds like the future Hall of Famer could have his reps capped somewhat, depending on how he's feeling during the game, but fantasy managers will want to throw him back into their lineups in all leagues. Chris Godwin (ankle) is out for the season, which means Evans could handle even more targets than he did before his injury. Before getting hurt, Evans was averaging 11.8 half-PPR fantasy points a game, ranking him 21st among all wideouts.
Yesterday
Justin Jefferson
• WR
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Vikings
