Fantasy Football News
Decent Matchup, But Bad Circumstances For C.J. Stroud
On one hand, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has a nice matchup on Christmas Day against a Baltimore Ravens passing defense that has struggled this year. But on the other, the circumstances surrounding the second-year quarterback leave a lot to be desired. Two of his top three receivers in Tank Dell (knee) and Stefon Diggs (knee) are out for the year, his patchwork offensive line will face a Ravens unit that has the second-most sacks in the league, his running game will face the best rushing defense in the NFL, and the Texans very well could be running on fumes with a third game in 11 days. Though Baltimore ranks an attractive 27th against fantasy quarterbacks, Stroud hasn't had a top-10 finish since Week 4. He should be saved only for Superflex formats.
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Another Tough Opponent For Joe Mixon In Week 17
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon will face another difficult matchup in Week 17 when his team takes on the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day. The 28-year-old has cooled off after being one of the top-performing fantasy running backs in the middle of the season, ranking outside the top 25 two weeks in a row, and now comes a Baltimore defense that ranks eighth against fantasy running backs and has allowed the fewest yards per attempt in the NFL. With wide receivers Stefon Diggs (knee) and Tank Dell (knee) out for the year, it's possible Houston can involve Mixon in the passing game, which would be beneficial, especially in PPR formats. But given the tough matchup, the veteran should be considered a solid RB2/high-end flex this week.
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Big Target Share Expected For Nico Collins
Already his team's best wide receiver, Nico Collins of the Houston Texans could be due an even bigger target share on Christmas Day against the Baltimore Ravens. The fourth-year veteran is the lone healthy member of Houston's talented receiver trio now that Stefon Diggs (knee) and Tank Dell (knee) are both out for the year. Additionally, he'll take on a Baltimore defense that has allowed a ton of points to fantasy wide receivers, ranking 30th against the position. Although Houston added another receiver to the fold in Dionate Johnson and has struggled at times this season as an offense, Collins has been regularly productive and should be considered a WR1 again in this matchup.
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Robert Woods Not Recommended Against Ravens
Following two serious injuries ahead of him, Robert Woods of the Houston Texans could find himself as a popular, but not recommended, waiver wire addition going into a Christmas Day meeting against Baltimore. The Texans have had awful wide receiver luck, losing both Stefon Diggs (knee) and Tank Dell (knee) for the year, leading them to claim Diontae Johnson off waivers on Monday. While top target Nico Collins remains the clear No. 1 option, Woods drew a season-high six targets after Dell's injury in Week 16. Additionally, the Ravens have been one of the worst defenses in the league against fantasy receivers at 30th overall. But ultimately, starting a receiver who has just 16 catches in 15 games at this stage of the fantasy playoffs is an unnecessary risk.
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Despite Opportunity, Dalton Schultz Still In TE2 Range
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz should be considered a high-end TE2 candidate ahead of the Texans' Christmas Day game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Houston offense has seen dramatic changes to its pecking order now that wide receivers Tank Dell (knee) and Stefon Diggs (knee) are both out for the season, leaving the veteran tight end as the team's likely second option behind leading receiver Nico Collins. Baltimore ranks 22nd against fantasy tight ends, providing a solid matchup, but the former Dallas Cowboy has been reliant upon touchdowns for top-10 finishes. This year, Schultz has far more finishes outside of the top 20 (nine) than touchdowns (two), so managers should reserve him only for formats that play two tight ends.
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Great Matchup For Ka'imi Fairbairn In Week 17
An already great fantasy season for Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn has a chance to be even better with a superb matchup against Baltimore in Week 17. The 30-year-old is the overall No. 3 at his position, and in the Super Bowl week for many fantasy leagues, he'll take on a Ravens team that ranks 29th against fantasy kickers. Fairbairn has a whopping 11 top-10 finishes among kickers this year and already has set the NFL record for most made field goals from beyond 50 yards. There's never a guarantee with kickers, but managers have to like this strong matchup at a great time.
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Texans Claim Diontae Johnson Off Waivers From Ravens
The Houston Texans claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, according to sources. The move comes after the news that Texans wideout Tank Dell (knee) will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL and dislocating his knee in Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson, whose short tenure with Baltimore didn't go well at all, will now face his former team this Wednesday on Christmas Day with the Texans. While Johnson is an intriguing weapon being added to Houston's offense with both Dell and Stefon Diggs (knee) out for the year, it would be foolish to expect the 28-year-old pass-catcher to be able to come in immediately and make a fantasy-relevant impact on a short week with his new team. However, Johnson could be a nice DFS play in postseason contests if he gets up to speed quickly and sees a big enough role.
3 hours ago
Miles Sanders Going Through "Return To Play" Protocols
Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (ankle) is going through "return to play" protocols on a daily basis. Sanders was placed on Injured Reserve in late November due to a sprained ankle, but it sounds like he has a shot to return to play in one of the final two games of the season for the Panthers. However, especially at this point in the year, the 27-year-old has no business being rostered in redraft fantasy leagues. He was eligible to come off IR and play in the Week 16 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Panthers have yet to open Sanders' 21-day practice window to return from IR, but that could come on Wednesday for the team's first practice of Week 17. If Sanders is able to return in the next two weeks, he'll be a clear backup to Chuba Hubbard and will likely see a limited role on offense.
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Xavier Legette Could Be Fighting Uphill Battle To Return In Week 17
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (groin) is progressing, and head coach Dave Canales "likes the strides he's making." However, Canales also said Legette needs to make significant improvement to be ready to go for Week 17 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The Panthers want to get the rookie receiver back on the field, but they aren't going to rush him back, either. It's sounding like Legette could be fighting an uphill battle to be active in Week 17, but we'll have a better idea of his status once the team resumes practicing on Wednesday. The 23-year-old was injured in the Week 15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and was inactive for the Week 16 win over the Arizona Cardinals. If Legette is able to return in Week 17, he should be avoided in fantasy lineups in championship matchups, as he hasn't been a top-50 wideout in his first year in the NFL in 2024.
3 hours ago
Zach Charbonnet Should Be Full-Go For Thursday
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (oblique) "was limited during the (Vikings) game but signs are positive right now" that he can be a full-go in Week 17 on Thursday Night Football against the Chicago Bears, according to head coach Mike Macdonald. Charbonnet came out of Week 15 action with an oblique injury but ended up playing in the Week 16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. However, backfield mate Kenneth Walker III (calf) also returned from a two-game absence and led the backfield by a wide margin. Walker had a 59% snap share and handled 16 touches for 59 scrimmage yards, while Charbonnet played a season-low 22% of the snaps and had three touches for 13 scrimmage yards. It was a disappointing development for fantasy managers that started the 23-year-old, but the good news is Walker suffered an ankle injury, which could thrust Charbonnet back into a starting role on Thursday. UPDATE: Charbonnet was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report.
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Browns Hopeful Dorian Thompson-Robinson Can Start In Week 17
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is hopeful that quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) can start against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 on Sunday despite picking up a calf injury in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. If healthy, Thompson-Robinson remains Cleveland's starter under center despite underwhelming in his first start of 2024 against the Bengals. The 25-year-old went 20-for-34 (58.8%) for 157 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions against a defense that has been among the worst in the league this year. Jameis Winston (shoulder) was inactive due to injury, so if DTR isn't able to play this weekend, the Browns would be down to Bailey Zappe under center in Week 17. Thompson-Robinson has more rushing upside than Winston -- he ran for 49 yards against Cincy -- but he's nothing more than a desperation low-end QB2 in fantasy the rest of the way.
3 hours ago
David Njoku Undergoing MRI On His Knee
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that tight end David Njoku (knee) is undergoing an MRI exam for a knee injury that he suffered in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Njoku missed the Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to a hamstring injury he suffered the week prior, and now he could be in danger of missing Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Dec. 29, depending on the results of his MRI. In his return against Cincy on Sunday, the 28-year-old tight end picked up right where he left off in quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson's first start of the year, catching eight of 10 targets for 66 yards in the 24-6 loss. Njoku led the team in targets, catches and receiving yards, so if his knee injury isn't too serious and he's able to play against Miami, he'll be clearly in the TE1 picture in fantasy championships. Jordan Akins isn't worth streaming if Njoku misses time.
3 hours ago
George Pickens Expected To Play On Christmas Day
Pending one final health confirmation for Week 17, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is expected to play on Christmas Day on Wednesday versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens has missed each of the last three games and said himself on Monday that he hasn't been cleared yet, but apparently the Steelers are expecting him to gain clearance from the doctors before Wednesday. "I feel good, but who make the decision is the coaches and the doctors. So just whatever they tell me to do I'm doing. Whenever you guys find out is when. I'll find out," Pickens said. The 23-year-old did individual drills in practice on Monday. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday for his final designation. If Pickens returns in Week 17, he should operate as Pittsburgh's top target, giving him WR2 upside in fantasy in championship matchups.
3 hours ago
Jalen Hurts In Concussion Protocol
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said on Monday that quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol. Sirianni said he will get daily updates from the doctors on Hurts' progress throughout the week. Hurts took a hard hit in the first half in Sunday's Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and never returned. The Eagles next play on Sunday, Dec. 29, versus the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. We'll have a better idea of Hurts' status for Week 17 once the Eagles resume practicing on Wednesday, but for now, fantasy managers need to prepare for the worst-case scenario of not having the stud QB for fantasy championship matchups. Backup Kenny Pickett went 14-for-24 for 143 yards with a TD and interception in relief of Hurts. At least in single-QB leagues, Pickett won't be the answer for fantasy managers if Hurts can't clear the concussion protocol.
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Chargers Opening J.K. Dobbins' Practice Window
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced on Monday that the team is opening up the 21-day practice window for running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) to return from Injured Reserve. It means that Dobbins will be eligible to return to practice with the team this week, although it doesn't guarantee that he'll officially be activated from IR and return to the field for this Saturday's contest against the New England Patriots. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on Dobbins' practice status this week. If the coaching staff likes what they see from Dobbins from Tuesday through Thursday, they could activate him on Friday. However, if Dobbins returns, he could be at risk of being eased in and sharing valuable backfield touches with both Gus Edwards and rookie Kimani Vidal. With fantasy titles on the line this week, we're not sure we'd recommend starting Dobbins in what could be a limited role if active.
4 hours ago
Marquise Brown's Snap Count Will Continue To Increase
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Monday that wide receiver Marquise Brown's snap count will keep increasing. Brown needed surgery for a shoulder injury that he suffered in the preseason and didn't make his debut with the team until this past Saturday in the Week 16 win over the Houston Texans. In his first game of 2024, Hollywood played only 27 percent of the offensive snaps but came away with five catches on eight targets for 45 yards. The 27-year-old's line was certainly a pleasant surprise for any fantasy managers that have him stashed to close out the year, but Brown is still going to be a very risky flex play in fantasy championship matchups in Week 17 when the Chiefs take on a tough Pittsburgh Steelers defense. With that said, it was a good sign for KC's offense moving forward that Mahomes looked Brown's way eight times in his first game of the year.
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Patrick Mahomes Thinks His Ankle Will Be Better Off In Week 17
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) said he should be in a better place injury-wise with his ankle for the Christmas Day game in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers than he was in Saturday's win over the Houston Texans. The 29-year-old two-time MVP suffered a mild high-ankle sprain in the Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns but didn't miss any practice time last week and played in the 27-19 win over Houston on Saturday. Mahomes wasn't 100%, but he was feeling good enough to run the ball five times for 33 yards and a touchdown. His ankle could be something he has to manage for the remainder of the season, including the playoffs, but his performance on Saturday should make fantasy managers comfortable at least using him as a QB2 in superflex leagues. The Chiefs are still trying to lock up a bye in the first round of the playoffs, so Mahomes won't be rested on Wednesday.
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Parker Washington Snags Six Passes Sunday
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington reeled in all six of quarterback Mac Jones' targets for 54 yards in their 19-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Penn State product totaled 54 yards for the second week in a row but doubled his reception total from their loss to the New York Jets in Week 15. Despite low catch totals in his previous two outings, the 22-year-old has been decently involved in the Jags' offense -- racking up at least six targets in three of his last four contests. Jones hasn't been a world-beater but has been competent enough to support stud rookie wideout Brian Thomas Jr. and one other pass-catcher on a weekly basis. Washington will get a far tougher ask in Week 17 against the visiting Tennessee Titans. The Titans have been a chore for opposing wideouts, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to the position in 2024 (18.3).
4 hours ago
Tim Patrick Falls Flat With No Receptions In Victory
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick could not bring in his lone target in his team's 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 16. Patrick saw his snaps tick down in this one -- falling under 45 total for the first time since Week 12 (42). It was a disappointing effort from the 31-year-old in a high-scoring outing for his squad, particularly after picking up 15 targets and three touchdowns over his last two games. However, his services were not required, with Detroit jumping out to an early lead over their rivals. It's possible he'll be more involved next week in a meeting with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Still, it's fair to wonder what their starting lineup will be like with San Fran being eliminated from playoff contention. The Lions, though, are still fighting for their division and first place in the NFC. They project to be out in full force for the contest.
4 hours ago
Brenton Strange Comes Back To Earth With Minimal Production
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange hauled in 2-of-4 targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 19-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He also coughed up a costly fumble just before halftime. The second-year pro was quiet in Week 16's loss, totaling just four targets one week after he commanded a ludicrous 12. Strange led the team in receptions a week ago but was a distant third option to wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (9/132/1) and Parker Washington (6/54) on Sunday. It's a letdown for fantasy managers relying on him in the fantasy semi-finals. He was again deployed primarily in the short area of the field but could not replicate his performance from the week prior. The 23-year-old will get a stiffer test next Sunday against his division-rival Tennessee Titans. Tennessee has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2024 (10.1).
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C.J. Stroud
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Texans
