Fantasy Football News
Jaylen Warren Limited On Tuesday
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (ribs) was limited on Tuesday due to a rib injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week in case he remains limited during practice. During their Week 17 tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs, Warren logged 11 attempts and brought in five passes for 112 total yards. This was his second straight game, logging at least double-digit rushing attempts. In addition, Warren saw more offensive snaps than Najee Harris for the second straight contest as well. Before this two-game stretch, Warren averaged 8.6 attempts per game since Week 6, while Harris dominated the snaps. Going forward, fantasy managers should expect Warren to have a slightly higher ceiling than Harris, especially in PPR formats, given his elite pass-catching abilities.
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Jets Place Greg Zuerlein On Injured Reserve
The New York Jets announced on Tuesday that they placed kicker Greg Zuerlein (knee) and safety Chuck Clark (undisclosed) on Injured Reserve, so they will not be available to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The team also signed defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis and linebacker Jamin Davis to the active 53-man roster, signed offensive lineman David Sharpe to the practice squad, signed kicker Greg Joseph to the active roster and released kicker Anders Carlson. The Jets activated Zuerlein from IR last week, but he didn't attempt a kick in the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and apparently had a setback with his left knee. The 37-year-old veteran made only nine of his 15 field-goal opportunities and went 13-for-14 on extra points when healthy, so he'll likely be cut this offseason.
1 hour ago
Cardinals Place Trey Benson On Injured Reserve
The Arizona Cardinals placed rookie running back Trey Benson (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, so he will not be available to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. The third-rounder from Florida State will end up missing the final three games of his rookie season. As James Conner's primary backup in his first year in the NFL, Benson finished with 63 carries for 291 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and a touchdown while catching six passes for 59 yards. Conner was pulled from last week's loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night due to a knee injury and could also be rested in a meaningless game this weekend, which would put DeeJay Dallas and Michael Carter in line to split the backfield workload for Arizona. Benson is a solid hold in keeper leagues, although he could be in line for a backup role again in 2025 if Conner stays healthy.
1 hour ago
David Njoku Doesn't Practice On Tuesday
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) was listed as a non-participant on the team's estimated practice report on Tuesday. The Browns didn't actually hold a full practice. Njoku injured his knee in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals and didn't practice at all last week before being ruled out of the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The fact that the 28-year-old still isn't able to practice is not a good sign for his availability for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, although he still has two more days to get back on the field. Still, the Browns have nothing left to play for but pride, so it would not be a surprise to see them hold Njoku out to end the season. Akins set season-highs in catches (six), targets (eight) and receiving yards (49) in the loss to Miami, but he'll be nothing more than a TE2 sleeper in Week 18 if Njoku is out again.
1 hour ago
Chase Brown Held Out Of Walkthrough Practice
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) was listed as a non-participant during Tuesday's walkthrough practice as the team begins preparing for a big must-win Week 18 showdown against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Brown suffered a mild right high-ankle sprain in Saturday's overtime victory over the Denver Broncos. The Bengals are hopeful that the 24-year-old will be available as their lead back in the regular-season finale, but there's no guarantee that will happen if Brown can't practice much this week. Through 17 weeks, Brown has been the RB11 in half-PPR scoring thanks to 990 rushing yards and seven rushing scores on 229 carries. He's added 54 receptions for 360 yards and another four TDs through the air, making him a must-start in fantasy on a weekly basis. If he cannot go this Saturday in a tough matchup, Khalil Herbert would be Cincy's RB1.
1 hour ago
Cowboys Release Ezekiel Elliott
The Dallas Cowboys released running back Ezekiel Elliott on Tuesday, according to a NFL insider Josina Anderson. Elliott asked for the Cowboys to release him before the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders. After a year with the New England Patriots, Elliott returned to Dallas in 2024 but was a shell of his former self in Dallas' backfield. Rico Dowdle eventually took over lead-back duties, as expected, and Zeke had a career-low 3.1 yards on his 74 rushing attempts as he nears the end of his NFL career. In addition to his 74 carries (also a career-low), he had 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns while adding 12 receptions for 69 yards in 15 games in his ninth year in the league. It's been several seasons now that Elliott has lacked any real kind of burst on the ground. If he lands with a team for the playoffs, he's likely to serve as RB depth.
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Rams Likely To Rest Matthew Stafford, Other Starters In Week 18
Despite the fact that the Los Angeles Rams could fall from the No. 3 seed to the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoff picture with a loss in the Week 18 regular-season finale to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, head coach Sean McVay said that resting starters this weekend is "probably the direction that we'll go." The Rams have rested their starters with a playoff berth already secured throughout McVay's tenure as the head coach. McVay said he's looking forward to getting players like quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie running back Blake Corum extended playing time. It means that fantasy managers still playing for a championship shouldn't be counting on Rams players like quarterback Matthew Stafford, receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams in their lineups in Week 18.
3 hours ago
Jake Moody Will Kick For 49ers In Season Finale
San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody will assume his placekicking duties in the Week 18 season-finale against the Arizona Cardinals, according to David Lombardi of The Athletic. The 25-year-old has struggled since returning from the Injured Reserve list and missed three of his seven kicks in Week 17's loss to the Detroit Lions. Moody has not lived up to his third-round price in the 2023 NFL Draft, so the organization could add kicking competition heading into next season. However, he'll keep his job for at least one more week. It's tough to trust him in DFS or fantasy football based on his recent struggles.
4 hours ago
Brock Purdy Unlikely To Play In Week 18, No Long-Term Issues Expected
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) suffered a right-elbow contusion in the Monday Night Football loss to the Detroit Lions. The 2022 seventh-round pick is unlikely to play in the team's season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, but no long-term issues are expected. Purdy regressed this season after a fantastic 2023 campaign, throwing for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions en route to the 49ers missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. After Purdy exited the Week 17 game, backup Joshua Dobbs completed three of his four passing attempts for 35 yards and rushed for a seven-yard touchdown. He'll likely draw the start in the Week 18 finale and could have fantasy or DFS upside if key 49ers' pass-catchers are active.
4 hours ago
Roman Wilson Designated To Return From Injured Reserve
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) was designated to return from Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. The rookie third-round selection has been out of action since late October due to a hamstring injury. However, he did not catch a pass this year and only played in one game before being sidelined. The team could get him back for the playoff push, but it would be a surprise if he makes an impact despite the lackluster Pittsburgh wide receiver room. Wilson can continue to be stashed in deep dynasty leagues, but his fantasy outlook moving forward is not looking promising.
4 hours ago
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Bailey Zappe Could Both Play In Week 18
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Tuesday that he might play both quarterbacks Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Jameis Winston (shoulder) is likely to serve as the emergency third QB for the third straight week. The 25-year-old Thompson-Robinson struggled in his second straight start in the 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17, going 24-for-47 for 170 yards with an interception. He also carried the ball four times for 10 yards and lost a fumble. DTR is not the future at the position in Cleveland, so the Browns could get Zappe a little run as the team limps to the finish line in 2024. Obviously for fantasy purposes, nobody should have either Thompson-Robinson or Zappe in their starting lineups in Week 18.
6 hours ago
Bills Hoping To Get Curtis Samuel Back In Week 18
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that the team is hoping to get wide receiver Curtis Samuel (ribs) back for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New England Patriots on Sunday. Samuel was inactive for the second straight game in the team's blowout win over the division-rival New York Jets this past weekend, but his injury obviously isn't too serious, and he'll have a shot to play in the final regular-season game of the year. However, with the Bills expected to rest most of their starters against New England, it would be a surprise if the 28-year-old saw extensive run on offense this weekend. When healthy, Samuel has had a tough time standing out in 2024 in a crowded receiving corps that also includes Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, rookie Keon Coleman and Mack Hollins. He has only 24 catches, 201 yards and one TD in 13 games in his first year in Buffalo.
6 hours ago
Mitchell Trubisky Should See Plenty Of Work Against Patriots
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that the team plans to use a blend of starters and backups in a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots. The Bills locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC with their win over the division-rival New York Jets in Week 17. Quarterback Josh Allen will start the game but will only play for a very brief time, which means backup Mitchell Trubisky should see most of the snaps this weekend. Allen holds the longest active streak among NFL QBs with 114 consecutive starts, dating back to 2018. Trubisky has played only 53 offensive snaps all year and will get a little run in the regular-season finale against the Pats. The 30-year-old veteran and former first-rounder has gone 4-for-5 for 78 yards and a TD in parts of eight games in 2024. We hope fantasy managers in superflex leagues don't have to rely on him in Week 18.
6 hours ago
Diontae Johnson Practices With Texans
New Houston Texans wide receiver Diontae Johnson practiced with the team for the first time on Monday since being claimed off waivers last week from the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson was acquired by the Ravens from the Carolina Panthers at the trade deadline, but things didn't exactly work out in Baltimore. Johnson was unhappy with his role -- he caught just one of five targets for six yards in four games played -- and was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team right before the Ravens cut him. He's happy to turn the page and join a Texans team that was looking for depth after a devastating knee injury to receiver Tank Dell. Johnson has 31 catches for 363 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 with the Panthers and Ravens. His time in Houston to close out the year will be an audition of sorts, but his path to fantasy relevance in playoff leagues will be an uphill battle.
6 hours ago
Greg Joseph To Kick For Jets In Week 18
The New York Jets are signing kicker Greg Joseph from the practice squad to their 53-man active roster on Tuesday, according to Joseph's agent. The seven-year veteran was signed to New York's practice squad last week and will serve as the kicker for their Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday. It will be the fifth different kicker that the Jets have used in 2024 in yet another disappointing season that will end with no playoff appearance. Greg Zuerlein (knee) came off Injured Reserve last week but didn't attempt a kick in the blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills. In seven games this year with the New York Giants and Washington Commanders, the 30-year-old Joseph went 15-for-18 on his field-goal tries while making all eight of his extra points. Fantasy managers still playing for a title should look to avoid Joseph in Week 18.
6 hours ago
Jameis Winston Likely To Be Emergency Third QB In Week 18
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that he's going to work through the team's quarterback situation this week as they head into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. There's a chance that both Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe could play this Saturday. Veteran Jameis Winston (shoulder) is likely to be the emergency third QB for the third straight week as he battles through a shoulder injury. The 30-year-old Winston gave the Browns offense an initial spark when he took over for Deshaun Watson (Achilles) midway through the year, but his turnover issues became too much and he was benched in Week 15 in favor of Thompson-Robinson. DTR hasn't looked very great in his two starts under center, but the Browns have to play out the string. None of the three QBs figure to be the answer for Cleveland going forward into 2025.
6 hours ago
Cedric Tillman Placed On Injured Reserve
The Cleveland Browns placed wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, meaning he will not be able to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Tillman suffered a concussion in the Week 12 upset win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and was never able to make it back onto the field to close out his second year in the NFL due to his head injury. It's a shame, too, since the 24-year-old wideout had just been coming into his own as a big part of Cleveland's passing attack at the time when quarterback Jameis Winston was giving a spark to an offense that looked dead in the water with Deshaun Watson (Achilles). From Weeks 7-11, Tillman caught 24 passes on 40 targets for 302 yards and three TDs. He should be fully ready for next year, but his fantasy value will all hinge on what Cleveland does at QB.
6 hours ago
Jake Moody Struggles On Monday Night
San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody went 0-for-2 on field goal attempts and 3-for-4 on extra points during Monday evening's loss to the Detroit Lions. Moody missed field goals from 51 and 58 yards out. This was also his first missed extra point of the campaign. Entering Monday night, he had held a disappointing 76.7% FG conversion rate. He has struggled from 50+ yards out all season, as he has gone 3-for-8 from this range. However, Moody has been perfect from within 40 yards out. This is a stark drop in production compared to the 84.05% FG conversion rate he posted in his rookie campaign last season. Given his struggles, fantasy managers should not view Moody as a viable streaming option in Week 18.
9 hours ago
Allen Robinson II Makes One Catch On Monday
Detroit Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson II brought in his lone target for 21 yards during their victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday evening. Robinson's lone reception came in the third quarter. While the vast majority of the passing opportunities went to Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, it is a positive sign for Robinson to see more targets than the presumed No.3 option, Tim Patrick. Robinson has now seen at least one target in two of his past three contests. However, given how often Jared Goff looks to his top pass-catching options, Robinson may only see a handful of targets in each game moving forward. As a result, fantasy managers should not view Robinson as a viable play in Week 18 and in any postseason competitions.
9 hours ago
Joshua Dobbs Sharp In Relief On Monday
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs was sharp in relief on Monday evening. He went 3-for-4 with 35 yards and added seven yards and a score on his lone rushing attempt. Dobbs came in to relieve Brock Purdy (elbow), who suffered an injury on their final offensive drive of the game. Dobbs connected with Jauan Jennings twice, once on a 15-yard strike, and the other on a nine-yard pass. His other completion went to his tight end, George Kittle, for 11 yards. Dobbs would then rely on his legs to punch in the seven-yard score in the red zone. When Purdy missed time earlier this season due to a shoulder injury, Brandon Allen was given the No.2 role; however, it appears that Dobbs now holds that spot on the depth chart. If Purdy cannot play in Week 18, Dobbs will likely get the starting nod and could be worth a look as a deep league streaming option and a value play in DFS against the Arizona Cardinals.
9 hours ago
Jaylen Warren
• RB
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Steelers
