Fantasy Football News
Blake Grupe Unappealing In Week 16
New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe went 2-for-2 on field goal attempts and converted his sole extra point try in Week 15. Grupe was good from 41 and 51 yards away and he is now 14-for-16 from 40 or more yards out. It was an encouraging effort after his 0-for-2 showing in Week 14. Despite the rebound, Grupe is not a recommended start in Week 16 when the Saints take on the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. The weather at Lambeau Field is expected to be wet, windy, and cold, which is far from ideal for a kicker used to kicking in the optimal conditions provided by a domed stadium. Pass on Grupe this week but keep an eye on his availability as he may be useful in Week 17 when New Orleans faces the Las Vegas Raiders.
1 hour ago
Juwan Johnson Off Injury Report For Week 16
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) was limited in practice to start the week but participated in full on Saturday. He carries no designation going into the team's game against the Green Bay Packers on Monday. Chris Olave (concussion), Bub Means (ankle), and Alvin Kamara (groin) are out and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest/illness) is listed as questionable, leaving the Saints light on offense. This could translate to a bigger day than usual for Johnson. The Packers' defense ranks in the bottom ten in receptions, receiving yards, and fantasy points per game allowed to opposing tight ends. Unfortunately, Johnson's upside is in doubt with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler filling in for Derek Carr (hand). When Carr missed three weeks earlier this season, Johnson averaged 4.3 targets, three catches, and 38 yards per game with Rattler under center. Johnson projects to be a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE2 for Week 16.
1 hour ago
Kevin Austin Jr. May See More Action On MNF
With so many injuries to the New Orleans Saints wide receiver room, Kevin Austin Jr. might be the team's next primary pass-catcher. Chris Olave (concussion) has yet to clear the concussion protocol and Bub Means (ankle) is facing a potentially season-ending setback, both of whom have been listed as out. Joining them on the injury report this week is Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest/illness), who is questionable for Monday's game against the Green Bay Packers. This leaves Austin, along with Cedrick Wilson Jr., Dante Pettis, and Mason Tipton as the only healthy wide receivers on the Saints. Over the Saints' last four games, Austin has been second in snaps at the position only to Valdes-Scantling. Unfortunately, Austin's ascension up the depth chart coincides with a Spencer Rattler start due to Derek Carr's (hand) Week 14 injuries forcing him out for another game, which will limit Austin's already low ceiling. In five games on the Saints' active roster, Austin has eight catches for 98 yards on 15 targets.
1 hour ago
Chris Olave Out For Week 16
The New Orleans Saints have decided to keep wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) on the sidelines for at least one more week. New Orleans opened his window for activation from injured reserve on Thursday but Olave has yet to complete his progress through the league's concussion protocol. He is listed as out on the team's official injury report ahead of their Week 16 game against the Green Bay Packers. Olave was placed on injured reserve after suffering his second concussion of the season in Week 9, which took place just three weeks after his previous concussion. It was the fourth such injury in the 24-year-old's three years as a pro. In comments to the media, interim head coach Darren Rizzi said of Olave's potential return, "If he can make it back for the end of the year, great. If he doesn't, he doesn't," indicating the team is in no rush to bring him back in 2024.
2 hours ago
Marquez Valdes-Scantling Questionable For Week 16
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is listed as questionable for the team's Monday night matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Valdes-Scantling did not practice all week. Originally sidelined on Thursday with a chest injury, he was also dealing with an illness that kept him out of the subsequent practices. With Rashid Shaheed (knee) on injured reserve, Chris Olave (concussion) not yet ready to return, and Bub Means (ankle) facing a potential shutdown, the Saints are already thin at wide receiver. If MVS can take the field, fantasy managers cannot expect more of the big plays that made him an alluring flex over the last few weeks. With Derek Carr (hand) nursing injuries of his own, rookie Spencer Rattler will take over under center, downgrading the entire New Orleans offense. Should Valdes-Scantling sit for Week 16, the team will turn to Kevin Austin Jr., Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Dante Pettis to step up.
2 hours ago
Jamaal Williams Still A Fade With Kamara Out
Running back Jamaal Williams could see more time on the field when the New Orleans Saints face the Green Bay Packers on Monday. Alvin Kamara (groin) has been declared out after suffering an injured adductor in Week 15. Fellow backup Kendre Miller shouldered the backfield load for the rest of the way in that game and is expected to start against Green Bay. Even with the plethora of injuries dealt to the Saints all season, the team has been reluctant to work Williams into the mix. Williams has been on the field for a total of 13 offensive snaps since the Saints' Week 12 bye. With Kamara out, Williams may step in more frequently though his body of work in 2024 offers little hope for fantasy managers. In 11 games, Williams has averaged 3.7 yards per carry on 35 rushes and has seen only nine targets. He is an easy fade in Week 16 against a Packers defense that has allowed a league-best 3.46 yards per carry over the last four weeks.
2 hours ago
Kendre Miller Set Up For Lead Role
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller should operate as the team's primary option out of the backfield in Week 16. Lead running back Alvin Kamara (groin) exited last week's game against the Commanders and was later diagnosed with an adductor injury and did not practice at all this week. After Kamara's early departure in the fourth quarter, Miller took over the backfield getting eight carries before the end of the game. He finished with a total of nine rushes for 46 yards. The second-year man out of TCU appears to have leapfrogged veteran Jamaal Williams, who saw just four offensive snaps against Washington. Even though Miller is suddenly the top dog in New Orleans, it may not translate to fantasy success on Monday night when the Saints face Green Bay. Over the last four weeks, the Packers have held opposing running backs to the eighth-fewest rushing yards and a league-leading 3.46 yards per carry. Miller projects as a high-end RB3 in Week 16.
2 hours ago
Zach Ertz "Trending Toward Playing" In Week 16
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (concussion) is expected to play in Sunday's NFC East clash with the Eagles. The veteran suffered a concussion in Week 15 against the Saints. As a result, he didn't practice on Wednesday. While Ertz logged limited sessions on Thursday and Friday, it wasn't enough to avoid a questionable tag. The 34-year-old found the end zone in each of the three games leading up to Week 15. But with a difficult matchup versus a tough Philadelphia defense on the agenda, Ertz will have his work cut out for him, assuming he is cleared to suit up. With that in mind, he deserves some consideration for most fantasy lineups, even more so for multi-tight end setups.
4 hours ago
Jalen Coker, David Moore Expected To Play On Sunday
Carolina Panthers wide receivers Jalen Coker (quadriceps) and David Moore (concussion) are expected to play in Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. They were listed as questionable heading into this contest. However, it appears they will both be out there, which is good news, considering the Panthers won't have Xavier Legette (hip). With that in mind, Adam Thielen should consume most of the targets in Week 16. There should be room for both Moore and Coker to be involved. But with only three touchdowns on the year between the duo, neither should have a spot in fantasy lineups. Still, they at least have value potential for DFS managers.
5 hours ago
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Expected To Get On The Field Against Atlanta
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) is anticipated to play versus the Falcons in Week 16. The rookie was limited at practice throughout the week. However, he appeared to trend in a favorable direction heading into the weekend. The Giants' season has been a disaster. But Tracy at least has had a quality inaugural campaign, with the 25 year-old amassing 695 yards and five touchdowns off 151 carries. With that type of production, he deserves a spot in most fantasy lineups despite a difficult matchup against an Atlanta defense that has played well against the run. With that said, Tracy's likely availability will mean Devin Singletary will lose most of his streaming potential.
5 hours ago
Tyreek Hill Likely Good To Go Versus The 49ers
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the 49ers. He practiced in full on Thursday. However, the wideout logged only a limited session on Friday due to a nagging wrist injury, resulting in a questionable designation. With the Dolphins still in the hunt for a playoff spot and Jaylen Waddle (knee) unlikely to play, the Dolphins need Hill on the field. Unfortunately, his production is down significantly from the 2023-24 campaign. While Hill is always a must-start, he could have a tough time getting it done for fantasy managers with a challenging matchup versus San Francisco on the horizon.
5 hours ago
Tony Pollard Anticipated To Suit Up In Week 16
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is anticipated to play in Sunday's game versus the Colts. The 2019 No. 128 overall pick has played through an ankle injury over the last few weeks. However, it appears he'll get out there on Sunday after not practicing during the week and carrying a questionable designation. With the Titans eliminated from postseason contention, Pollard has little incentive to play other than being 18 yards shy of his third-consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. Although the 27-year-old will likely hit that mark in Week 16, it's unknown how much of a factor he will be for the offense. With that in mind, Pollard is a risky option against Indianapolis despite the favorable matchup. Tyjae Spears, who scored twice in the loss to the Bengals, may still have a role. But Pollard's expected presence, even if he's limited, will likely cap Spears' volume and fantasy potential.
5 hours ago
Isaiah Likely Finds Paydirt In Week 16
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely corralled all three of his targets for 29 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The third-year pro scored his fifth TD of the season -- matching his career-best mark from a year ago. His score was a nine-yard walk-in off a nifty misdirection in the first quarter. With quarterback Lamar Jackson brandishing low passing volume again, Likely was stuck with another low target-total outing. However, his yardage mark, target, and reception total were third most on the offense behind wide receiver Zay Flowers and fellow tight end Mark Andrews. While the 24-year-old is tough to trust for fantasy, he's flashed his upside when called upon in a featured role. Likely and the Ravens will square off against the Houston Texans next Wednesday in a road tilt.
7 hours ago
Mark Andrews Scores Another Touchdown
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews brought in 4-of-6 targets for 37 yards and a touchdown in his team's 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The seventh-year veteran again put together a low yardage total but saved his day with another TD -- his fourth game in a row crossing the goal line. While his reception target and yardage output were mediocre, they were good enough for second on the team to wide receiver Zay Flowers. With the Ravens' rushing attack leading the way in this one, quarterback Lamar Jackson need only attempt 23 passes. Still, a 26.1% target share is nothing to scoff at, and Andrews has been a monster in the red zone, converting 11 of his team-leading 13 red area targets for all nine of his scores. He'll get a tough draw on Christmas Day against the Houston Texans on the road.
7 hours ago
Zay Flowers Racks Up 100 Yards In Week 16
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers reeled in five of eight targets for 100 yards in Week 16's 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He added three yards on his lone carry. The 24-year-old was quiet for most of the contest but salvaged his day late with a field-flipping 49-yard grab. It was the first time that Flowers had reached the century mark since way back in Week 9, and just the third time in that stretch he's recorded at least five receptions. Despite the boom-bust nature of his game, the second-year wideout is far and away quarterback Lamar Jackson's No. 1 target and a dynamic player when in space with the ball in his hands. The former first-round pick will get a favorable matchup in Week 17 against a Houston Texans defense that's allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers through 15 weeks (36.0).
7 hours ago
Derrick Henry Rumbles For 189 Yards In Win Over Pittsburgh
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry handled 24 carries, rushing for 162 yards in his team's 34-17 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The bruising back added another 27 yards through the air, hauling in both of his targets. Henry was a force on Saturday, swatting Steelers defenders to the ground en route to a robust 6.75 yards per carry. The only thing missing from his line was a score -- something he has not done since Week 12. Still, the 30-year-old put together his sixth performance of the season with more than 130 rushing yards, gashing the Steelers' defense for chunk gains whenever he touched the rock. It was a nice bounce-back effort after he put up a dud against the Giants in Week 15. Henry will get another stiff test in Week 17 against a tough Houston Texans team.
8 hours ago
Lamar Jackson Tosses Three TDs In Week 16 Win
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 15-of-23 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday's 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also threw an interception and rushed nine times for 22 yards. The 27-year-old got one over on Pittsburgh in their rematch after scoring just once in the two teams' first meeting, an 18-16 loss. It was Jackson's sixth outing of the year with three or more TD passes. With his total on Sunday, he's up to 37 passing scores on the year -- a career-high -- opposed to just four interceptions -- two of which have come against the Steelers. The MVP candidate will get another tough matchup in championship week when he squares off against the Houston Texans on the road. Still, he'll be a high-end QB1.
8 hours ago
Ben Skowronek Returns On Saturday
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) has returned to action for Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Skowronek exited in the second quarter due to a hip issue, but was able to get back on the field shortly after halftime. He hauled in both his targets for 25 yards before exiting the contest. He's mainly a special teams player, but is seeing more chances as a wideout with George Pickens (hamstring) still out. However, Skowronek remains behind Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, and Mike Williams in the pecking order.
10 hours ago
Joey Porter Jr. Won't Return In Week 16
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joey Porter Jr. (calf) has been ruled out for the rest of Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Porter exited in the first quarter following a tackle on Derrick Henry. He was tagged as questionable to return, but Porter has now been ruled out for the rest of the game. Yikes, the Steelers are already without Donte Jackson (back) for this game. James Pierre and Cory Trice Jr. should see increased snaps with the Steelers down two defensive backs right now.
10 hours ago
Tank Dell Suffers Dislocated Kneecap
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) was carted off the field during Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. It was an ugly scene that had many players in tears on the sideline. After further evaluation, Dell has reportedly suffered a dislocated knee cap. It sounds like the doctors are still determining the next step, but Dell could be forced to undergo surgery. If that happens, Dell could be sidelined for the beginning of next season, which would certainly be a bummer. Dell already suffered a season-ending injury last year, so this would be two years in a row for the young wideout. He hauled in six receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown before exiting the contest. The absence of Dell should mean increased roles for Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson.
10 hours ago
Blake Grupe
• K
•
Saints
