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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Player Notes
Lamar Jackson Nov 24 5:20pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (toe) was listed as a non-participant on Monday on the team's estimated practice report due to a new toe injury, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Although the Ravens are likely just resting Jackson, it's not what fantasy managers want to see. The 28-year-old two-time MVP has been listed on the team's injury report for the last two weeks with minor ankle and knee injuries, and now he's working through a toe ailment. Baltimore was able to beat the New York Jets on Sunday, but it was another quiet game for Jackson, as he went 13-for-23 passing for 153 yards without a touchdown or interception. He added only 11 rushing yards on seven carries. In the last three games, Jackson has one touchdown pass and two interceptions. It's possible that his lower-body injuries -- he also missed a few games with a hamstring injury -- have taken their toll. Jackson has a plus matchup this Thursday against the Bengals if he plays, but his lack of rushing numbers this year has hurt his overall QB1 upside.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Golden Nov 24 5:10pm CT
Matthew Golden

Green Bay Packers rookie first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden (wrist) was listed as limited on Monday on the team's estimated practice report, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Golden missed the team's Week 12 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, but the good news is he's no longer listed with a shoulder injury. If the 22-year-old can upgrade to a full practice in the next two days, he'll have a good chance of suiting up this Thursday to take on the division-rival Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. Golden won't be a recommended flex play for fantasy managers if he returns, though, especially if Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) plays in his first game since Week 2. There's still plenty of long-term upside with Golden, but he has failed to make a big impact in his first nine NFL games in a crowded WR room in Green Bay, catching 24 passes for 286 yards and no scores.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Nov 24 5:00pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) was listed as limited on Monday on the team's estimated practice report, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein. Reed had his 21-day practice window opened last Friday, and he was listed as limited then, too. The 25-year-old is making progress in his rehab from a broken collarbone and foot fracture, but he's probably more of a long shot to make his return in Week 13 on Thursday for the Thanksgiving Day game versus the division-rival Detroit Lions. If Reed does upgrade to a full practice in the next two days and is activated from Injured Reserve, the Packers will most likely ease him back into the offense. Either way, Reed won't come recommended for fantasy football purposes in Week 13 despite his touchdown upside. Reed should have a key role in the Packers' offense eventually, though, making him worth a waiver-wire pickup this week.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Nov 24 4:50pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee), who missed his first game of the year in Week 12 due to a knee contusion, was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In Jacobs' absence in Sunday's win over the Minnesota Vikings, Emanuel Wilson stepped in nicely, running for 100-plus yards and scoring twice on the ground. It could be just a one-week boost for Wilson's fantasy value, though, if Jacobs can return for a Thanksgiving Day game against the division-rival Detroit Lions this Thursday. If Jacobs can practice in full on either Tuesday or Wednesday, he will most likely return to lead-back duties in Week 13. The 27-year-old former first-rounder has been a no-doubt, must-start RB1 in fantasy this year, scoring on the ground 11 times in his 10 games.

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Samaje Perine Nov 24 4:40pm CT
Samaje Perine

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (ankle) has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but he was listed as a full participant on Monday's estimated practice report, per SI.com's Jay Morrison. It's notable since rookie Tahj Brooks was already ruled out for Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a concussion he suffered in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. As long as Perine doesn't suffer a setback with his ankle on Tuesday or Wednesday, he figures to be active in Week 13 to serve as the Bengals' No. 2 RB behind starter Chase Brown. The 30-year-old doesn't have standalone fantasy football value in a depth role, though. In 32 rushing attempts in 2025, Perine has 198 rushing yards and one score on the ground, adding 30 receiving yards.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 24 4:40pm CT
Baker Mayfield

After undergoing an MRI exam on Monday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) has been diagnosed with a low-grade left (non-throwing) shoulder injury, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Mayfield injured his left shoulder late in the first half of Sunday night's blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams and did not return in the second half. He was seen wearing a sling on his left arm on the sideline. It's good news for the 30-year-old, but it's still unclear if he will play in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. If Mayfield cannot go, veteran Teddy Bridgewater would make his first start of the year. Mayfield, who has been on the QB1/2 borderline in fantasy football in recent weeks, should be considered questionable for the next game for now. We should have a better idea of his Week 13 status when Tampa resumes practicing on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Nov 24 4:30pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) was listed as a full participant on Monday on the team's estimated injury report, according to Jay Morrison of SI.com. Burrow has not played since suffering a turf-toe injury in Week 2 that required surgery, but he returned to practice last week and is expected to start on Thursday for the Thanksgiving Day clash against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals haven't officially said that the 28-year-old will play in Week 13, but all signs are pointing in that direction. Even though Burrow could show some rust after his long layoff, he should immediately give Cincy's offense a boost over veteran Joe Flacco, although the matchup this Thursday won't be an easy one versus a Ravens defense that has tightened up the ship in recent weeks. Even without receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) in Week 13, Burrow will be a low-end QB1 option, at worst, in fantasy if he's active on Turkey Day, as expected.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Nov 24 3:13pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

Dynasty | Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had 58 rushing yards, two catches, and eight receiving yards in a loss to the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: The Chiefs sold out to stop Taylor and did about as well as you could in this one. It was a buzzkill for dynasty managers who have been in position to win just about every week as Taylor has been this year's fantasy MVP. This does nothing to stop that notion and just reinforces that everyone is human. His ADP and ranking aren't going anywhere.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Caleb Williams Nov 24 3:13pm CT
Caleb Williams

Dynasty | Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed 19-of-35 passes for 239 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a win against Pittsburgh. Dynasty Analysis: Williams still has a ways to go in terms of his accuracy and completion percentage but it's also hard to argue the fact he has just four interceptions on the season. While not a truly elite option quite yet, Williams is quickly showing the Bears made a good investment by taking him first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His ADP and ranking are still rising as he's quickly becoming a top fantasy asset.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Drake Maye Nov 24 3:13pm CT
Drake Maye

Dynasty | Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson had 66 rushing yards, three catches, and 15 receiving yards in a win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: He didn't score and that was disappointing. However, the real story here is the fact he had 18 carries and Rhamondre Stevenson only had six upon his return. In short, Henderson looks to have taken over the Patriots backfield and that's huge news for the stretch run. With Drake Maye and New England playing so well (10-2), it's fair to say Henderson could be a league winner this year. If you bought low, congratulations. If you didn't, it's too late.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jonathan Taylor Nov 24 3:13pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

Dynasty | Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 219 rushing yards, 11 catches, 45 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns in a win over the Giants. Dynasty Analysis: There are few running backs in the league who rip off runs of 15 yards on a weekly basis. Gibbs AVERAGED as much this week as his 14.6 yards per carry average, well, carried him to one of the biggest fantasy football performances in recent memory. A one-man wrecking crew of a runner, Gibbs remains a top dynasty asset and at least gained some ground on Jonathan Taylor to be this year's MVP.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Malik Nabers Nov 24 3:13pm CT
Malik Nabers

Dynasty | Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson had nine catches for 156 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Lions. Dynasty Analysis: The Giants have been bad this year (2-10) but Robinson continues to have a breakout year after the unfortunate season-ending injury to Malik Nabers. Now with 66 catches for 794 yards and three touchdowns, he has a legitimate chance to post more than 1,200 yards and get close to his career high of 93 catches from last season. Making the most of his contract year, his ADP and ranking continue to rise as it looks like he's poised to cash in this off-season. He's a sneaky good buy at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Chris Godwin Nov 24 3:10pm CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that wide receiver Chris Godwin came out of Sunday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams fine, and the plan is to "ramp up his usage" for the next game in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Godwin played on Sunday night for the first time since fracturing his fibula back in Week 5. The 29-year-old pass-catcher was eased in, playing only 36% of the offensive snaps while catching two of his four targets for just nine yards. It's good news for his fantasy managers that his role will grow moving forward, but the problem is that starting quarterback Baker Mayfield might have to miss time with an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder. The Bucs have a good matchup upcoming against Arizona, but Godwin will be tough to trust in fantasy on Sunday if Mayfield is out.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Nov 24 3:00pm CT
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) is back at practice on Monday, coming out of the team's bye week, according to head coach Dan Quinn. It's good news for McLaurin, but it doesn't guarantee that he'll be ready to return for the first time since Week 8 in Sunday night's matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 13. If the 30-year-old veteran can return this week, not only might he be on a limited snap count, but he'd be taking passes from backup quarterback Marcus Mariota in one of the worst matchups possible versus Denver's elite defense. McLaurin had his fifth straight 1,000-yard receiving season in 2024, but he's battled injuries in 2025 and has only suited up for four games, catching 13 of 21 targets for 203 yards and one touchdown. Deebo Samuel Sr. will continue to operate as the team's WR1 if McLaurin isn't cleared by Sunday night.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Nov 24 2:40pm CT
Noah Brown

The Washington Commanders announced on Monday that they opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Noah Brown (groin, knee). Brown hasn't played since Week 2, but he's now eligible to officially be activated from Injured Reserve. Whether the 29-year-old is cleared to play on Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos in Week 13 will depend on how much he's able to do in practice this week. There is an opportunity in Washington's receiving corps with Luke McCaffrey (collarbone) on IR and with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) not having played since Week 8. However, it could still take Brown another several weeks to work himself back into game shape after his long layoff. Before his injuries, the former seventh-round pick had caught just three passes for 36 yards and no touchdowns in two games. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues can continue to ignore Brown for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Max Brosmer Nov 24 2:30pm CT
Max Brosmer

If Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) isn't cleared from the league's concussion protocol in time, rookie undrafted free-agent QB Max Brosmer would make the start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in Week 13, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. That would make Seattle's defense/special teams unit a must-start in all fantasy formats. Brosmer has seen action in four games in his first year in the NFL, going 5-for-8 for 42 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The 24-year-old Minnesota product should handle first-team reps in practice early in the week with McCarthy still in the concussion protocol. McCarthy has really struggled as the starter under center in 2025 after missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, but Brosmer could be a downgrade for the Vikings' offense if he's forced into action this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Nov 24 2:20pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) is considered a long shot to play on Sunday Night Football in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos after he was evaluated coming out of the team's bye week, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. However, Daniels has made progress from a dislocated left elbow and will return to practice this week. The 24-year-old second-year signal-caller suffered a gruesome dislocation of his left elbow back in the Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but luckily, he did not suffer any ligament damage or broken bones. Daniels probably won't play against Denver, but if he continues to make progress, he may be in consideration to start in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings. After an impressive rookie season in which he led Washington to the NFC Championship game, Daniels hasn't been able to stay healthy in 2025, as he also missed several games earlier this year with a knee sprain.

From RotoBaller

Ashton Jeanty Nov 24 2:20pm CT
Ashton Jeanty

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said on Monday that the ankle injury that rookie first-round running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) picked up late in Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns isn't severe, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Jeanty should have a chance to play in Week 13 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, but fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the 21-year-old's practice status this week. Jeanty struggled on the ground yet again in Week 12 against a strong Browns defense, but he still managed to go over 100 scrimmage yards and scored a touchdown on 25 touches. If healthy, Jeanty will continue to be the Raiders' clear RB1, but his fantasy upside is limited behind a bad offensive line in an offense that is averaging just 15 points per game, which is tied for last in the NFL. Raheem Mostert, Zamir White, and Dylan Laube could share backfield touches if Jeanty were to miss time.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Nov 24 2:10pm CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol after last seeing action in a Week 9 loss to the Broncos. The Texans have won three straight contests with Davis Mills under center, but head coach DeMeco Ryans made it clear on Monday that Stroud will reclaim the starting position once he clears protocol. There was optimism in the building that he could have returned in Week 12, had it not been for a short week of preparation to face the Bills on Thursday night; however, he will still need to progress through protocol this week to have a shot at starting against the Colts on Sunday. Texans number one receiver Nico Collins had turned in stellar fantasy performances in Mills' first two starts, but in a Thursday night win propelled by the team's smothering defense, he caught only three passes for 55 yards and was kept out of the endzone. The Colts represent a plus matchup in Week 13, making Collins a must-start regardless of the team's quarterback situation, while a healthy Stroud re-enters the streaming conversation.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Nov 24 2:00pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) has spent the season on Injured Reserve after breaking several bones in his neck and suffering a severe sprain in a scary-looking preseason fall, but according to head coach Todd Bowles, the belief is that he could return to action before the end of the regular season. As a rookie in 2024, McMillan came on strong down the stretch, finishing the season with more than 500 receiving yards, while his eight touchdown grabs trailed only Mike Evans amongst Buccaneers pass catchers. In 2025, the team has again struggled to maintain a healthy receiving corps, and with quarterback Baker Mayfield exiting Sunday night's loss to the Rams with a sprained AC joint, the team has lost its division lead over the Carolina Panthers after a third straight loss. If the Buccaneers hope to have any success down the stretch and into the playoffs, a return to health from some of their absent stars feels like a necessity.

From RotoBaller