Studs and Duds: Week 17

Mon Dec 30 10:20am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Higgins comes up huge Week 17


It was a fitting end to the season with several huge performances from fantasy players once again. It made for some high-scoring fantasy championships. We had a receiver top 40 points and eight other players had 30 or more fantasy points. The only bad news with those big scorers were some of them weren’t in fantasy lineups because they were fringe players. But if you took a chance them, you likely won big! Hopefully, your championship games turned out well and you were able to take advantage of some of these big performances.

Chiefs 29, Steelers 10

Fantasy Stud: Travis Kelce. Kelce was down the last few weeks but came back in a big way in Week 17. He had eight receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. Kelce scored 22.4 fantasy points, topping 20 points for the first time since Week 10. Some might think his season is a little down, but he is three catches shy of 100 and has four games with 20-plus fantasy points.

Fantasy Dud: George Pickens. There was hope for Pickens to return to the lineup and have one of his huge games in his first game back, but that didn’t happen. He was targeted seven times but caught three passes for just 50 yards. He scored just eight fantasy points, which wasn’t a big help for fantasy owners at all.

Game Notes: Patrick Mahomes had a three-touchdown performance, finishing 29-of-38 for 320 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. He has two straight games with 26-plus fantasy points.

Xavier Worthy found the end zone for the third straight game. He had eight receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Ravens 31, Texans 2

Fantasy Stud: Derrick Henry. It was fitting for Henry to have another one of his huge performances during championship week. He ran 27 times for 147 yards and a touchdown. Henry also caught two passes for 18 yards. Henry had 24.5 fantasy points, his highest total since Week 9. It was his seventh game this season with 20-plus fantasy points. A move to Baltimore was a great one for Henry, posting huge numbers on a consistent basis.

Fantasy Dud: Joe Mixon. The entire Texans offense was a dud but Mixon led the way, considering his production throughout the season. The Ravens really held him in check, though. Mixon rushed nine times for just 26 yards and caught two passes for 13 yards. Mixon had a season-worst 5.9 fantasy points. 

Game Notes: Lamar Jackson attempted just 15 passes and ran four times but produced huge numbers once again despite his limited workload. He was 10-of-15 for 168 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. Jackson rushed four times for 87 yards and another touchdown.

Mark Andrews found the end zone for the fifth straight game. He had two receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown.

Seahawks 6, Bears 3

Fantasy Stud: Seahawks defense. The Seahawks defense had a completely dominating performance, holding the Bears to just three points and 179 total yards of offense. Seattle had seven sacks and an interception in the game. The Seahawks scored double-digit fantasy points in nearly every fantasy format. This unit has taken a huge step forward this year and becoming a top weekly fantasy starter.

Fantasy Dud: Jaxon Smith-Njigba. There were duds across the board for both teams in this one, but Smith-Njigba tops the list for us. He had been producing such great numbers lately that this performance was really unexpected. He had just three catches for 32 yards. This game broke a streak of 70-plus yards seven straight games.

Game Notes: Caleb Williams had his struggles, missing on some throws once again. He was 16-of-28 for just 122 yards and failed to score a touchdown.

D.J. Moore had six receptions for 54 yards, giving him at least six catches seven straight games.

Chargers 40, Patriots 7

Fantasy Stud: Ladd McConkey. McConkey is clearly the top target in the Chargers passing game. He had eight receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns on 10 targets. He has scores two of three games. He is over 1,000 yards for the season. McConkey is going to be a top player in this offense for years to come. The best is likely yet to come for the talented rookie.

Fantasy Dud: Hunter Henry. Henry failed to catch a pass for the first time all season. He was targeted two times in the game. Henry has been consistent in this offense nearly all season but didn’t show up in Week 17. He had at least four catches five straight games before this one.

Game Notes: J.K. Dobbins returned from his knee injury and looked good. He ran 19 times for 76 yards and a touchdown, and caught a pass for seven yards.

Justin Herbert continued his great play, going 26-of-38 for 281 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. Herbert has multiple scores three straight games.

Bengals 30, Broncos 24

Fantasy Stud: Tee Higgins. Higgins had a game-winning fantasy performance. He had an absolutely monster game, catching 11 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns. There was even some thought he might not play in this game because of his ankle injury. Higgins had season highs across the board, scoring 41.1 fantasy points. He has been huge down the stretch, having scores three straight and six of the last seven games he has played.

Fantasy Dud: Chase Brown. Brown wasn’t awful but wasn’t great, either. He had 20 carries for just 67 yards and caught four passes for 24 yards. You were hoping for a bigger week from him in such a crucial week of games. Plus, he had a chance to score late in the game but pulled up at the goal line to take more time off the clock. He also hurt himself on that play, injuring his ankle. He didn’t return to the game, which was insult to injury for his fantasy owners because the game ended up going to overtime.

Game Notes: Mike Gesicki had double-digit receptions for the first time all season. He had 10 receptions for 86 yards on 12 targets.

Marvin Mims continued to show some signs of life after a terrible start to his season. He had a season-high eight receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets.

Rams 13, Cardinals 9

Fantasy Stud: Trey McBride. McBride picked a good time to finally find the end zone, scoring his first touchdown of the season. It was a long time coming for all his fantasy owners. He had a huge game, catching 12 passes for 123 yards and a score. He scored a season-best 30.3 fantasy points. McBride has double-digit receptions three of six games.

Fantasy Dud: James Conner. Conner was able to play but aggravated his knee injury and left the game early. He had four carries for just four yards before getting hurt once again. He also had two receptions for four yards. Conner burnt all the fantasy owners that used him in Week 17.

Game Notes: Puka Nacua had 10 receptions for 129 yards. Nacua has double-digit receptions two of four games.

Cooper Kupp had just a catch for 29 yards. Kupp has just four receptions for 53 yards his last three games. He has been targeted just nine times during that three-game stretch.

Jaguars 20, Titans 13

Fantasy Stud: Brian Thomas. Thomas continued his great rookie season, catching seven passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Thomas scored a touchdown for the third straight game. He had 23.9 fantasy points, topping 20 points for the sixth time this year. Thomas is nearing 1,200-receiving yards for the year, which is impressive considering the passing woes of the Jaguars this season.

Fantasy Dud: Chig Okonkwo. Okonkwo wasn’t terrible but you expected much better after his last two monster performances. He had five receptions for 42 yards in this one, putting up some pretty mediocre numbers. Okonkwo had 17 receptions his last two games.

Game Notes: Tyjae Spears had a solid showing in a starting role for the Titans. He ran 20 times for 95 yards and caught three passes for eight yards. He even left the game early because of a concussion so his numbers could have been even better.

Mac Jones had his best showing in a starting role for the Jaguars. He missed on just seven passes, going 15-of-22 for 174 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover.

Bucs 48, Panthers 14

Fantasy Stud: Baker Mayfield. Mayfield had a huge, huge performance. He was nearly flawless, going 27-of-32 for 359 yards and five touchdowns without a turnover. Mayfield scored a season-high 38.15 fantasy points. Mayfield is having another huge season, having 42 total touchdowns and nearly 4,300-passing yards. He has been a solid No. 1 fantasy quarterback all season.

Fantasy Dud: Rachaad White. White was one of the few Bucs that didn’t produce big fantasy numbers. He had six carries for just 30 yards and a catch for four yards. You expected much better from White in a game the Bucs scored nearly 50 points and racked up a ton of yards offensively. He is taking a backseat to Bucky Irving more and more, though.

Game Notes: Bucky Irvin had another big-time performance, racking up 190 total yards. He ran 20 times for 113 yards and caught four passes for 77 yards.

Adam Thielen reached the 100-yard mark for the second time in four games. He had five receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns.

Eagles 41, Cowboys 7

Fantasy Stud: DeVonta Smith. Smith had a really impressive showing, catching six passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. He has 100-yard games two of three and touchstones three of four games. Smith has been a little up and down this year but produced plenty of big games like this along the way.

Fantasy Dud: Cooper Rush. Rush was starting to gain some fantasy value with his play of late, but he came back down to earth in this one. He was 15-of-28 for 147 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions. Rush showed why it is hard to trust a player like this at this time of the fantasy season.

Game Notes: Kenny Pickett was knocked from the game because of an injury. He looked pretty good before leaving, though, going 10-of-15 for 143 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. He also ran in a score, giving him two total scores.

Saquon Barkley went over 2,000-rushing yards for the season in this game. He ran 31 times for 167 yards and caught two passes for two yards.

Giants 45, Colts 33

Fantasy Stud: Drew Lock. There were just 1.1 percent of teams that used Lock on our site but for those owners, great work. He had the game of his career and one of the best fantasy games for a quarterback this season. He was 17-of-23 for 309 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. He also ran in a score, giving him five total touchdowns. Lock scored 37.45 fantasy points.

Fantasy Dud: Tyrone Tracy. Tracy got his work but didn’t produce big numbers. He ran 20 times for just 59 yards and caught two passes for 14 yards. Tracy failed to reach double-digit fantasy points, scoring just 9.3 points. He has failed to reach double-digit points two of three games.

Game Notes: Malik Nabers had another big game, finishing with seven receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Nabers has at least seven receptions three straight games and four of five.

Jonathan Taylor had multiple touchdowns for the second straight game. He ran 32 times for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He has 100-yard games three straight.

Bills 40, Jets 14

Fantasy Stud: Josh Allen. Allen played his usual solid football, scoring three more touchdowns. Allen was 16-of-27 for 182 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He ran in a touchdown, rushing five times for 17 yards and a score. Allen has three-plus scores four of five games. He is having another MVP season.

Fantasy Dud: Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers had a poor showing, throwing for just 112 yards with two interceptions. He also failed to score a touchdown. Rodgers scored a horrible 3.6 fantasy points, his lowest total of the season. He had 20-plus points two of three games before this terrible performance.

Game Notes: Garrett Wilson was a bright spot for the Jets, catching seven passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. Wilson has scores two of three games.

James Cook scored a touchdown for the third straight week. He had 15 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Raiders 25, Saints 10

Fantasy Stud: Jakobi Meyers. Meyers had five receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. He scored 17.1 fantasy points. It was his first touchdown since Week 8. Meyers has been good as the top target for the Raiders, though, having double-digit fantasy points five of six games.

Fantasy Dud: Kendre Miller. Miller started but didn’t last long, going down with a concussion. He ran three times for just three yards before getting hurt. And he caught a pass for 16 yards. Miller was a huge bust for any owner that used him in what looked like a favorable matchup for him.

Game Notes: Ameer Abdullah continued his late-season surge, having his first 100-yard rushing game of the season. He ran 20 times for 115 yards and caught three passes for 32 yards.

Brock Bowers had seven receptions for 77 yards. He is up to 108 catches and 1,144 yards on the season, having arguably the best rookie season for a tight end.

Dolphins 20, Browns 3

Fantasy Stud: Jerry Jeudy. His team lost but Jeudy produced big numbers, finishing with 12 receptions for 94 yards. He didn’t score a touchdown but managed 21.4 fantasy points. He was targeted 18 times in the game, catching a season-high 12 passes. Jeudy has double-digit receptions two of three games.

Fantasy Dud: Devon Achane. Achane had his second-worst fantasy game of the season, scoring just 5.8 fantasy points. He ran 10 times for just 25 yards and caught two passes for 13 yards. He was used sparingly in the second half, so you have to wonder if he was battling some sort of injury. Either way, his poor game likely did in a lot of fantasy owners.

Game Notes: Tyler Hunter got the start and played a very good game, going 22-of-26 for 225 yards and a touchdown. He also led the team in rushing, running seven times for 52 yards and another touchdown.

Tyreek Hill was iffy to play but played and had his third 100-yard game of the season. He had nine receptions for 105 yards on nine targets.

Vikings 27, Packers 25

Fantasy Stud: Sam Darnold. Darnold continued his resurgence, showing up big in a crucial game for the Vikings. He was 33-of-43 for 377 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. He has two straight three-score games and hit that mark three of four games. Darnold has 36 total touchdowns on the season to 12 interceptions.

Fantasy Dud: Jordan Love. Love struggled some in this big division game, failing to throw for even 200 yards. He was 19-of-30 for 185 yards and a touchdown. Love scored just 15.85 fantasy points. He has failed to reach 20 fantasy points four straight games and five of six. He is not having near the fantasy season most hoped.

Game Notes: Jordan Addison scored a touchdown for the second straight game and has scores six of nine games. Addison has 13-plus points four straight games.

Romeo Doubs had a season-high 11 targets, catching seven passes for 58 yards. He has 14-plus fantasy points two of three games.

Commanders 30, Falcons 24

Fantasy Stud: Jayden Daniels. Daniels had some big-time performance once again, playing more like a seasoned veteran than a rookie quarterback. He was 24-of-36 for 227 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. Daniels led the Commanders in rushing, running 16 times for 127 yards. Daniels scored 35.5 fantasy points, giving him 30-plus fantasy points four of five games.

Fantasy Dud: Terry McLaurin. McLaurin was completely shut down in this one, catching a pass for five yards. He had a tough matchup but you still expected better from him based on his performances throughout this season. McLaurin had touchdowns four straight games before this one.

Game Notes: Olamide Zaccheaus continues to emerge as a big factor in the Commanders passing game. He had eight receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown.

Bijan Robinson had multiple touchdowns for the second straight game. He had 17 rushes for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 18

Player Notes
Foster Moreau Jan 4 4:30am ET
Foster Moreau

In a season where injuries have decimated the New Orleans Saints offense, tight end Foster Moreau finds himself as the team's unlikely leader in receiving touchdowns with five. Moreau has found the end zone twice in the last three weeks, most recently in Week 17 on an impressive 30-yard heave from rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. Rattler will be under center again on Sunday and could lean on Moreau again to pick up the slack left by a depleted offense. Chris Olave (concussion) practiced in full all week but is listed as questionable for the season finale against Tampa Bay, as is fellow tight end Juwan Johnson (knee). Moreau had two catches for 54 yards when the Saints last faced the Buccaneers back in Week 6. Moreau should be good for a chunk gain or two against a Tampa defense that has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards to opposing tight ends this season and could push his way into the TE2 conversation with another touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Blake Grupe Jan 4 4:30am ET
Blake Grupe

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was perfect in Week 17, hitting his lone extra point and a 34-yard field goal try. On the season he is 30-for-32 for extra point attempts and has converted 23 of his 27 field goal attempts. All of those misses have come from 40 yards out or further. Grupe won't be kicking in the comfort of a dome in Week 18 but he will have good weather conditions when the Saints travel to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers. That said, Grupe should probably be avoided for fantasy purposes. Since their Week 12 bye, the Saints have averaged just 11.4 points per game. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will be at the helm again in the season finale. The Saints have had a hard time sustaining drives since he took over for Derek Carr (hand), which means there is less of a chance for Grupe to get on the field. Grupe has a good leg and can be of service when called upon but the Saints' woes on offense should steer fantasy managers elsewhere in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Jan 4 4:20am ET
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler will get one more go under center in the regular season finale. Regular starter Derek Carr (hand) did not practice this week and will be held out of the team's final game. Last week, Rattler looked incredible for the first half, going 11-for-13 with a touchdown and his only incompletions coming on a drop and a throwaway. His second half was disastrous, though, featuring nine completions on 23 attempts, two interceptions, and three sacks. New Orleans is faced with another opportunity to get their fifth-round pick some live-game experience and can be expected to give him a long leash once again. Fantasy managers should avoid the erratic rookie in Week 18, even against the QB-friendly Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thanks to an abundance of injuries, the Saints have almost no recognizable names left on offense, leaving Rattler with remarkably little help.

From RotoBaller

Clyde Edwards-Helaire Jan 4 4:20am ET
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be active on Sunday according to interim head coach Darren Rizzi. With Kendre Miller (concussion) out and Alvin Kamara (groin) doubtful, Edward-Helaire should factor into the run game alongside Jamaal Williams as he did in Week 17. Last week, CEH led the team in rushing attempts with five after Miller was forced out of the game in the second quarter due to his head injury. In comments to the media on Friday, Rizzi complimented Edwards-Helaire's ability to learn the offense so quickly and said that he was impressed with his work ethic and determination. With CEH having joined New Orleans only two weeks ago and Williams being largely ineffective as a rusher this season, it is hard to say who will emerge as the primary back in Week 18's matchup against the Buccaneers. Jordan Mims may also mix in, making all three backs easy fades in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Jan 4 4:20am ET
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams should see an uptick in usage in Week 18, with Kendre Miller (concussion) out and Alvin Kamara (groin) doubtful. That may not translate to fantasy value, though, as Williams has done little in the sporadic opportunities he has seen. In 13 games this season, Williams has 40 carries for 149 yards and one touchdown. Even after Miller's exit in the second quarter last week, Williams was outsnapped and outgained by the recently signed Clyde Edwards-Helaire, though his snap share was the highest he had seen since Week 8. Williams may be utilized more as a pass-catcher with Chris Olave (concussion) listed as questionable and the remaining wide receiver ranks thin on talent. Even though injuries have cleared a path up the depth chart for him, Williams will still be vying for touches with CEH and Jordan Mims, making him easy to avoid in fantasy leagues that are still active in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Jan 4 4:20am ET
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

After opening the week with a limited session, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) practiced in full for a second consecutive day and has no designation going into the team's Week 18 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 30-year-old was sidelined in Week 16 due to a combination of a back issue and illness that interrupted his rehab. In Week 17, he was active though a massive hit in the fourth quarter took him out of the game early. Even though he will be active, it will be hard to rely on MVS for fantasy purposes. His success earlier this season was tied to touchdowns and big gains on deep passes. In his three biggest games he racked up 232 yards and four touchdowns but did so on just ten targets. Spencer Rattler will be under center again for the season finale and while he has shown decent arm strength as a spot starter, his accuracy (or lack thereof) will not do MVS any favors. His potential would be further dampened by the return of Chris Olave (concussion) who is listed as questionable. Valdes-Scantling was a bright spot for a few weeks in 2024 but he should not be in a starting lineup in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Jan 4 4:20am ET
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (knee) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable on the team's final injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the slough of injuries that sapped the Saints of depth at wide receiver and running back, Johnson has mustered a lackluster 44-468-3 line through 16 games. Week 17 brought about a change for the better as he led the team in receptions, targets, and yards, catching six of 10 passes sent his way for 66 yards. Alvin Kamara (groin) is doubtful and Chris Olave (concussion) is listed as questionable, which leaves room for Johnson to have another productive day, especially with Spencer Rattler under center once again. Johnson is in the best position on the hard-luck Saints to return fantasy value in Week 18, though anyone starting him must be in a pretty desperate situation to do so.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Jan 4 2:30am ET
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III has seen his role fade recently, catching just a single pass in two of the last three contests, but could be in line for an uptick in productivity if Darnell Mooney (shoulder) were to miss Sunday's contest after being limited Thursday and not practicing on Friday. Despite the recent slump, McCloud III has had a career year, setting highs in receptions (58) and yards (620), and on Sunday he'll take on a Panthers defense that is middle-of-the-pack in limiting fantasy production to opposing wide receivers, but just last week allowed five touchdown receptions, four of which went to WRs (one went to a TE). The 28-year-old is probably a WR5 at best if Mooney plays, but if not, he could see a bump all the way to a borderline WR3/4 or Flex option if Mooney misses the game.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Jan 4 2:20am ET
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London will look to finish strong on Sunday after a 100-yard game last week put him over 1,000 yards receiving for the season. The 23-year-old has seen 21 targets and logged 12 receptions over the last two weeks with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. under center. Although he hasn't caught a touchdown from the lefty QB, he had a near-miss last week and the 6-foot-4 wideout hasn't seen a drop off in production with the rookie throwing him the ball. The USC product was limited in practice earlier this week but is expected to play; Darnell Mooney (shoulder), however, looks like he's on the wrong side of questionable after a limited session Thursday and a DNP on Friday, which would further solidify London's role as No. 1 receiver in a must-win game. The third-year pro sets up nicely in a matchup versus the Panthers who he logged a 6-74-1 line against in Week 6, but with the Falcons likely to lean on the run game, London looks more like a high-end WR2.

From RotoBaller

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles Jan 4 1:20am ET
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles

The San Francisco 49ers defense/special teams unit will close out the 2024 campaign against the Cardinals in Arizona. To the surprise of nobody the 49ers did fantasy managers no favors in Week 17, sacking Detroit's Jared Goff twice but forcing no turnovers and allowing 40 offensive points. San Francisco has it easier in Week 18, facing a Cardinals offense that is nearly exactly average in points per game. They've performed similarly in turnovers lost while being eighth-stingiest in sacks allowed. San Francisco's starting defense is mostly healthy, with nickel Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder) out, linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) doubtful, and safety Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle) questionable. Arizona's offense has a tackle and a wideout listed as questionable, but more importantly, both of their top running back options -- James Conner and Trey Benson -- are on Injured Reserve. The 49ers are RotoBaller's 11th-ranked option in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Jan 4 12:50am ET
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody will spend the final game of his turbulent 2024 season in Arizona to face the Cardinals. The former third-round pick has had a rough couple of weeks. In Week 18 against Detroit, Moody missed field goals from 51 and 58 yards, while missing one extra point out of five chances. In Week 17 against Miami, Moody missed from 41 yards after hitting from 21 yards while connecting on both extra-point attempts. Moody had accuracy issues on the road even before that, which makes Sunday an important chance to demonstrate competence ahead of the 2025 campaign. Arizona has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to kickers this season. Moody -- tenuously clinging to his job -- is RotoBaller's 15th-ranked kicker in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Jan 4 12:40am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet hasn't been a reliable fantasy option throughout the 2024-25 campaign. He finished last year by catching a career-high 73 passes for 719 yards while amassing six touchdowns. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old has struggled this season, totaling 45 grabs for 471 yards and four touchdowns. To be fair, the Bears offense hasn't been the best. However, Kmet can't be trusted in Week 18 versus the Packers, so fantasy managers can keep him out of the lineup. The same can be said for those considering his services for DFS contests.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Jan 4 12:30am ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had the best season of his career in 2023-24, amassing career-highs in receptions (96), yards (1,364), and touchdowns (eight). However, his production has decreased significantly during his second year in the Windy City. With the Bears capping off a miserable season on Sunday against the Packers, Moore will be looking for his first trip to the end zone since the Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions. Without question, fantasy managers can't keep him out of the starting lineup in Week 18. Still, Moore hasn't been as reliable this year, so he remains a risky fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Eric Saubert Jan 4 12:20am ET
Eric Saubert

San Francisco 49ers backup tight end Eric Saubert could make his fourth start of the season in Week 18 at the Arizona Cardinals. Starter George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) is listed as questionable. To date in 2024, Saubert has caught seven of nine targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. Saubert's fantasy ceiling was established in Week 2 of 2022 when he caught one of two targets for a 22-yard touchdown as a member of the Denver Broncos. The eighth-year pro has been a career fantasy nonfactor, though in Week 16 at Miami -- with Kittle on the field -- he caught his third-career touchdown. Arizona has allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game to tight ends. If Kittle plays, Saubert is unplayable. He's barely more than that if Kittle sits, other than as a bargain-bin DFS shot-in-the-dark.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Jan 4 12:20am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen is nowhere near the player he once was. However, his first season in Chicago hasn't been a total wash. He's appeared in 14 games, which is a blessing in itself. The wideout also has 67 catches for 719 yards and seven touchdowns, which is better than expected, considering the Bears have first-year quarterback Caleb Williams under center. With Chicago limping to the finish line, the team will look for a strong end to the 2024-25 campaign versus the Packers in Week 18. Unlike Allen's days in Los Angeles, he's no longer an automatic fantasy starter. Still, there is no denying he can get hot, so he warrants consideration for any fantasy lineup.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Jan 4 12:10am ET
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary found the end zone in two of his first three games to begin the 2024-25 campaign. However, he eventually lost the No. 1 job to rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. Things haven't changed, with Singletary getting sporadic work from week-to-week, including amassing just five carries in the win over the Colts in Week 17. It doesn't appear as if head coach Brian Daboll will waive the white flag to close out the season when the Giants play the Eagles on Sunday. As a result, it should be business as usual, with Tracy getting the bulk of the carries and Singletary looking for his leftover scraps.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Jan 4 12:00am ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has had some quality outings throughout his first season in the National Football League. He's appeared in all 16 games for the G-Men, amassing 780 yards and five touchdowns off 178 carries, adding 36 catches for 277 yards and a score. There are some things the rookie will need to improve moving ahead, specifically, his subpar 4.4 yards per carry. Still, Tracy has at least played well enough to warrant fantasy consideration from week-to-week. With the Giants looking to cap off a miserable season, Tracy will have one more chance to make a positive impression heading toward the offseason when the Giants meet the Eagles in Week 18. Head coach Brian Daboll seemingly implied the team was looking to remain competitive on Sunday. However, it's not entirely clear who will play for Philadelphia, meaning Tracy could have an easier path toward production if the Eagles rest some of their core players on the defensive side of the ball.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Jan 4 12:00am ET
Amari Cooper

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (back) has been a part-time player since he arrived in upstate New York in Week 7. The veteran is listed on the injury report with a back issue but fully practiced on Thursday and Friday. Cooper hasn't played 55% or more of the team's snaps in any game this season. That will likely continue in Week 18. The Bills have clinched the second seed in the AFC playoffs. Head coach Sean McDermott said that starters will play a portion of the meaningless game against the New England Patriots. With uncertain playing time, Mitchell Trubisky playing quarterback most of the game, and mediocre play in his time in Buffalo, Cooper shouldn't be anywhere near fantasy football or DFS lineups this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Jan 4 12:00am ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) turned a potential breakout candidate into a season-long disappointment. A recurring knee injury has kept him on the injury report but has not impacted his practice participation. Fresh off one of the worst games of his season, expectations for Kincaid have never been lower entering the regular season finale. The Bills have clinched the second seed in the AFC playoffs and have nothing to play for against the Patriots. Starters, like Dalton Kincaid, won't play their regular allotment of snaps. That includes quarterback Josh Allen, who will start the game but quickly depart. Mitchell Trubisky will take most of the snaps at quarterback. That makes Kincaid and the rest of the starting Buffalo pass-catchers impossible to trust for fantasy football or DFS lineups.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Jan 4 12:00am ET
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has had the best season of his career in 2024-25. He's appeared in 16 games, amassing career-highs in receptions (83), targets (129), receiving yards (656), and touchdowns (three). However, the Giants lack of stability at the quarterback spot hasn't allowed him to reach his full potential. The Giants will finish off a miserable year against the Eagles on Sunday. Head coach Brian Daboll implied the team would remain competitive to close out the season. While that should mean Robinson will get his usual allotment of snaps, he's tough to trust with Drew Lock under center, even if the Eagles rest some of their studs on the defensive side of the ball.

From RotoBaller