Fantasy Football News
Packers Leaving Door Open For MarShawn Lloyd To Return This Season
The Green Bay Packers are not ready to rule out the possibility of running back MarShawn Lloyd (appendix) returning to action this season. When discussing Lloyd with the media on Thursday, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "I never want to shut the door on that. ... He's just going to focus on continuing to get better and when he can go, he'll go." The 23-year-old has endured a frustrating start to his NFL career, appearing in just one game so far. The rookie played back in Week 2, rushing six times for 15 yards on the ground while adding a three-yard reception. Lloyd remains a key part of the Packers' future plans, but the chances of him getting back on the field before fantasy playoffs conclude are slim. He should be dropped in all redraft formats and stashed in dynasty leagues.
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Luke Musgrave Limited As Practice Gets Underway In Week 16
Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. The 24-year-old remains on injured reserve, but it looks like he's gradually getting closer to returning given that he was able to practice in a limited capacity. He has been sidelined since Week 4, leaving Green Bay's tight end room in the more-than-capable hands of Tucker Kraft, who is the overall TE8 in fantasy football this year. Even when he's cleared to return to play, Musgrave will be off the fantasy radar in all leagues.
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Tyler Boyd Sidelined From Practice Thursday
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) did not participate in practice on Thursday. The 30-year-old receiver will likely need to log a limited or full practice on Friday in order to have any chance of playing against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. Boyd has delivered modest production through 14 games in 2024, catching 35 passes for 356 yards but failing to find the end zone. He should be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues heading into this week's divisional battle.
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T.J. Watt Will Play In Week 16
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (ankle) has been removed from the injury report and will play in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. The 30-year-old has not yet missed a game this season, registering 54 tackles, 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries through 14 games this season. Having their star defender available will be key for the Steelers as they look to slow down an impressive Ravens offense on Saturday.
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Devaughn Vele Finds End Zone, Does Little Else Against Chargers
Denver Broncos rookie seventh-round wide receiver Devaughn Vele found the end zone for just the second time in his NFL career in Thursday night's loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16, but he didn't contribute much else. Vele was targeted only three times on the night and caught two passes for 21 yards and an easy six-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. The 27-year-old built steam in Weeks 10-12, catching 14 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown, but in three games since then, he has only three catches on eight targets for 37 yards and one score. Although the Broncos' passing game will be set up nicely against a porous Cincinnati Bengals defense in Week 17 as they look to clinch a playoff spot, Vele will still be a hard-to-trust WR4/5 in deeper fantasy leagues with limited upside as Nix continues to spread the ball around outside out WR1 Courtland Sutton.
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Courtland Sutton Goes For Five Catches In Week 16 Loss
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had a modest performance in the team's 34-27 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night in Week 16, catching five of his six targets for 50 yards. In a rare occurrence this year, Sutton didn't lead the team in targets or receiving yards. However, he was still one of rookie quarterback Bo Nix's favorite targets, as his six looks were second on the team behind running back Javonte Williams. The 29-year-old had a six-game streak of at least six receptions and 70 yards snapped in last week's win over the Colts, and his six targets on Thursday were his fewest since a zero-target game in Week 8 against the Saints. Sutton saved his fantasy day with a touchdown in Week 15, but he was unable to do so on Thursday night. Fantasy managers still playing for something in Week 17 will want Sutton in their lineups in a great matchup against Cincy.
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Cameron Dicker Has An Exciting Week 16
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker had an exciting and productive game in a Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos. Dicker made all four of his kicks, including an extremely rare fair catch free kick field goal from 57 yards out to end the first half. Dicker made both of his extra point tries, the 57-yarder, and added a 37-yard kick as well. The Bolts went for two on two of their touchdowns which limited Dicker's opportunities, but he was still nails every time he was called upon. He should remain one of the league's most consistent kickers in Week 17 as the Chargers will face the Patriots on Saturday.
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Quentin Johnston Plays An Insignificant Role In Week 16 Win
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston played an insignificant role in a Thursday Night Football win over the Denver Broncos in Week 16. Johnston tied for the team lead with six targets but made just three catches for a total of 18 yards. The biggest play of the game for Johnston was a dropped pass when he was absolutely wide open and given a perfect pass from his quarterback Justin Herbert. The same drop issues that plagued him throughout his rookie year clearly remain this season despite marked improvement in his overall game. He'll look to bounce back rather than have the ball bounce off his hands in Week 17 against the New England Patriots.
2 hours ago
Chris Boswell Still A Must-Start In Week 16
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was somewhat quiet last week but remains one of the most reliable fantasy options at his position ahead of a Week 16 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens. Back in Week 11, Boswell single-handedly defeated Baltimore on the scoreboard, nailing all six of his field goal attempts in the 18-16 victory. Saturday's contest will take place in Pittsburgh, where Boswell averages three field goals made per game. With George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined for a third straight week, the Steelers could struggle offensively and may be forced to again lean on their defense and the steady leg of Boswell. Fantasy managers should feel confident deploying Boswell in this divisional bout.
2 hours ago
Derius Davis Scores A Week 16 Touchdown
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis scored a key touchdown in a Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football. Davis appeared to be much more involved in this game, recording one carry and two targets, but shuffling around in the backfield several more times throughout the game. Davis scored his touchdown on a perfect 19-yard pass from Justin Herbert in the fourth quarter. In total, he lost three yards on the ground with his one rush but gained 31 yards through the air with his two catches. Davis was an important part of the Chargers win but is unlikely to develop much fantasy value for the remainder of the season.
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Marvin Mims Jr. Leads Broncos In Receiving Yards In Week 16
Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. caught three of his five targets on the night for a team-high 62 receiving yards in the 34-27 Thursday night loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Week 16. Mims averaged a healthy 20.7 yards per catch thanks to a nifty 53-yard reception in which he found the edge and scampered down the sideline while almost making it all the way to the end zone before a defender forced him out of bounds. His five targets ranked third on the team on a night in which rookie quarterback Bo Nix found 10 different receivers through the air. The Broncos have certainly involved the 22-year-old second-year wideout more in the second half before of his big-play abilities with the ball in his hands. Mims basically has to hit on a big play with limited opportunities each week to pay off as a boom/bust WR4/5 in deeper fantasy leagues.
2 hours ago
Stone Smartt Makes Three Catches In A Week 16 Win
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Stone Smartt made three catches on three targets in a Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football. Smartt got another start with Will Dissly (shoulder) still unavailable. The Bolts did activate tight end Hayden Hurst before this game, but Smartt was still the clear starter at the position. With his three catches, Smartt gained 37 yards with a long gain of 19. He's been a solid contributor since joining the starting lineup and should continue as a solid TE2 option as long as Dissly remains out.
2 hours ago
Javonte Williams Catches Team-High Seven Passes In Loss To Bolts
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams certainly had a bigger role in the offense with Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) out in the Thursday night loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, but not in the way that many would have predicted. Williams took a back seat to rookie Audric Estime on the ground in the 34-27 loss with only four carries for 24 yards (6.0 yards per tote), but he surprisingly led the team in targets (11), securing a team-high and season-high seven catches for 29 yards through the air. Rookie QB Bo Nix was content to check it down most of the night, with Williams benefitting. The 24-year-old came into Thursday's game with a disappointing 3.5 yard-per-carry average on the ground, although he was much more efficient on limited touches against LA. It's unlikely he'll be this involved in the passing game again, but if McLaughlin misses another game, Williams will have RB3/flex appeal in a plus matchup against Cincinnati in Week 17.
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Joshua Palmer Makes Three Grabs In Week 16
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer made three catches in a Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos. Palmer tied for the team lead in targets with six, making his three catches for 41 yards. He also made an incredible catch to score on a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. Palmer made some solid plays in this game and remains an important part of the Chargers offense on the field, but it just isn't translating to fantasy value. He and the Bolts will face the Patriots on Saturday in Week 17.
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Pat Freiermuth Worth Starting In Week 16
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has scored in three straight games and will look to take advantage of a juicy matchup against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 16. The Ravens surrender the most passing yards in the league and the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Freiermuth has seen an uptick in his opportunities lately with George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined. He should continue to get plenty of looks from quarterback Russell Wilson on Saturday as Pickens will once again be inactive. Fantasy managers who have been streaming the position or searching for a consistent option can start Freiermuth as a low-end TE1 with upside this week.
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Derek Carr Wants To Return This Season
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) wants to return before the end of the 2024 regular season, according to Matthew Paras of The Times-Picayune. Carr has been sidelined since the waning minutes of Week 14, and it appears the Saints are leaving the door open for him to start in Week 16. Even if he doesn't recover in time to suit up on Sunday, the veteran quarterback has communicated to interim head coach Darren Rizzi that he wants to play again this season. If active in time for Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Carr would rank as a mid-range fantasy QB2.
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Ladd McConkey Makes Six More Catches In Week 16
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey led the Chargers in catches again in a Week 16 win, making six catches on six targets for 87 yards. McConkey made some huge catches in this one and got some solid yardage after the catch as well. His long play was a 27-yard gain on his first target of the game. Quarterback Justin Herbert ended up targeting 10 different pass catchers in this game, but McConkey still remained the clear first look on most plays. The Bolts spreading the ball around so much limits McConkey's counting stats, but he's still a solid WR2 with a high floor week in and week out.
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Audric Estime Leads Denver's Backfield, Scores First Touchdown
With Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) out for the Week 16 contest on Thursday night against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, rookie Audric Estime was Denver's lead rusher in the 34-27 loss. Estime had team-highs in carries (nine) and rushing yards (48) while finding the end zone for the first time in his NFL career. He was not targeted in the passing game. The nine carries were the second-most that the 21-year-old fifth-rounder has seen in his first year in the NFL, and he averaged a healthy 5.3 yards per carry. The Broncos certainly have high hopes for Estime in the long term, but how big of a role he'll have in a strong matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals' porous defense in Week 17 will probably all come down to the health of McLaughlin. The fact that Estime hasn't really been utilized in the running game would also make him no better than an RB3/flex if McLaughlin misses another game.
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Calvin Austin III Should Stay Involved In Enticing Matchup
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III saw an expanded role in last week's loss and will hope to do more with his opportunities in a Week 16 clash with the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore has been decimated by wide receivers all season, surrendering the second-most fantasy points to the position. Because Pittsburgh will again be without wideout George Pickens (hamstring), Austin should operate as a top option in the passing game after playing on 81% of offensive snaps and tallying 65 receiving yards in Week 15. He certainly has upside in this matchup, but Austin's utilization has been far too inconsistent to trust in him in most fantasy formats. The 25-year-old can be viewed as a desperation flex option in deeper leagues on Saturday.
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Spencer Rattler To Start On Monday If Derek Carr Can't Play
New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler is expected to start in Week 16 if Derek Carr (hand) isn't able to play, according to ESPN's Katherine Terrell. Carr faces an uphill battle to play, but the Saints are leaving the door open for him to suit up against the Green Bay Packers. Regardless of who starts next Sunday night, neither quarterback is a reliable option for fantasy purposes in leagues with 14 or fewer teams. Carr has just one turnover over his last five games but has delivered subpar production in fantasy football. Meanwhile, Rattler came off the bench last week and went on to tally 135 passing yards and one touchdown. This news is equally noteworthy for Kendre Miller, Juwan Johnson, and Cedrick Wilson, whose fantasy values hinge on reliable production at the quarterback position.
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MarShawn Lloyd
• RB
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Packers
