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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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 13

Player Notes
Darius Cooper Nov 27 12:20am CT
Darius Cooper

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper recorded his first career stats this past week against the Dallas Cowboys, catching both of his targets for a total of seven yards. The undrafted rookie had his second-most snaps in a game this season, being on the field for 13 offensive plays. While these still aren't numbers that jump off the stat sheet, it does show that Cooper has the potential to see some more looks over the course of the final six games of the regular season. He's played with the first team and has some trust from Jalen Hurts. And now with DeVonta Smith on the injury report, this could be the perfect storm for Cooper to show more of what he has to offer. Hopes shouldn't get too high, as he's still not worthy of a fantasy roster spot, but it will be interesting to watch how Cooper gets involved the rest of the way.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Nov 27 12:20am CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert let down once again last week, tallying his fifth straight performance with fewer than 50 yards. In fact, Goedert has only eclipsed that number once this season-in Week 6 when he finished with 110 yards. His once-remarkable touchdown streak now feels like a distant memory as he has failed to find the end zone in three consecutive games. What's also concerning is his lack of targets; Goedert has recorded three or fewer looks in three of his last five outings. He has become a rather untrustworthy player lately, so it's difficult to be optimistic about him this week, even against a Bears defense giving up the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends. Goedert has some work to do to be considered elite again, and for now is only valuable if he starts seeing more red zone work. He's a high-risk, high-reward TE2 in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Nov 27 12:20am CT
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott just gave fantasy managers whiplash, going from his highest-volume performance of the season in Week 11 to missing his lone field goal attempt in Week 12. Elliott will kick at home in his upcoming game against the Bears, who give up the sixth-most points per game (26.5) in the NFL this season. While Chicago's defense should allow for plenty of scoring opportunities for Philly, Elliott has gotten just 14 tries at field goals this year and missed three of them. He isn't given consistent chances and isn't exactly automatic when his number is finally called. There are better kickers to roster in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Nov 27 12:10am CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (groin) was limited at practice on Wednesday. Barkley had his worst performance on the ground so far this season last week in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys, finishing with 22 yards on 10 attempts. Luckily for fantasy managers, he was able to find success in the passing game by catching seven balls for 52 yards, further proving how he can be efficient in more ways than one. Barkley shouldn't have the same run struggles on Friday as he faces a lackluster Bears defense allowing 138.1 rushing yards per game this year. Philly's offense fell stagnant in the second half against Dallas and is unlikely to do the same in what will be a hotly contested battle atop the NFC. Expect Barkley to get back to around 20 carries and be far more productive running the ball this week, and probably get a decent amount of targets through the air as well. His injury on a short week is something to keep an eye on, but if he's good to go he's a solid RB1.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Nov 27 12:10am CT
Tank Bigsby

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby could get his breakout moment this Friday if Saquon Barkley (groin) is unable to suit up. Bigsby is the only Philly RB besides Barkley to get any carries in the last two weeks, and would likely get his number called as the next man up should the Eagles' primary backfield option miss the game against Chicago. While the former Jaguar hasn't seen a ton of action since being traded to Philadelphia earlier this season, he has shown promise with his limited opportunities. In 10 games, Bigsby has carried the ball 18 times for 164 yards for an average of 9.1 yards per carry. The Eagles offensive live is always going to be a huge benefactor to whoever gets the handoffs, and fellow RB Will Shipley would probably be used more in the passing game. If he does get the starting nod, Bigsby should be seen as at least a mid-level RB2 against a Bears defense allowing the 14th-most fantasy points to RBs.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Nov 27 12:10am CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown caught his fourth touchdown of the season and his first in three weeks last Sunday against the Cowboys, while also setting a season high for receptions (8) and eclipsing 100 yards for the third time this year. Brown has racked up 21 targets over his last two outings, and could be in for another big day this week with DeVonta Smith (shoulder/chest/illness) possibly being sidelined. Even if his fellow star receiver is out there, Brown looked like the WR1 he's expected to be versus Dallas and should continue this momentum. He'll face the Bears on Friday whose defense allows the 11th-most fantasy points to WRs this season. This may be the start of a late-season surge for Brown, and he should be considered a mid-level WR2 in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Nov 27 12:10am CT
Kenneth Gainwell

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell delivered another productive performance in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, posting 10 carries for 92 yards while adding six receptions (six targets) for 30 yards. Gainwell's receiving workload in recent weeks has made him a viable fantasy option in PPR leagues. It's also been a consistent part of the former Philadelphia Eagle's scoring profile on the season, with four games of at least six receptions, tied with Bijan Robinson for the third most by a running back this season and only trailing De'Von Achane (five games) and Christian McCaffrey (nine). The Pittsburgh backfield has essentially been an even split between Jaylen Warren and Gainwell over the past three weeks. Gainwell holds a slight edge in snap share at 54.7% compared to Warren's 41.9%, though it's worth noting Warren left Week 11 early with an ankle injury. Gainwell has maintained his role in the passing game and could be the preferred option moving forward between the two.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Nov 27 12:10am CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (shoulder/chest/illness) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, making it the second consecutive day that he's missed. Smith was able to find his rhythm again last week, being targeted 11 times for six catches and 89 yards, so it would be an unfortunate shot to any momentum he's built if he's forced to sit out. If he plays against Chicago on Friday, he'll be up against a defense that has allowed 22 receiving touchdowns in 11 games. Given their track record this season, you never know when an Eagles receiver might boom or bust, but it seems like the corps as a whole has been hitting its stride recently. Consider Smith a low-end WR2/FLEX option if he's available.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Nov 27 12:00am CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington looks like an impactful find off the waiver wire for fantasy managers who scooped him up a few weeks ago after injuries to Travis Hunter (knee) and Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle). Since Week 7, Washington has played a full-time role for the Jaguars, amassing 22 receptions for 266 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets, averaging 12.4 PPR points per game and ranking as the WR28 in that time. The 23-year-old has operated mostly out of the slot and has developed a good connection with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The trade deadline acquisition of Jakobi Meyers has taken away some of the target volume, and the return of Brenton Strange in Week 12, along with the expected return of Thomas in Week 13, could complicate things and limit Washington's upside. Washington ranks as RotoBaller's WR41 in PPR leagues for Week 13

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Nov 27 12:00am CT
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' Week 12 game against the Cowboys was the second time this season he's had multiple rushing touchdowns in a single game-the other being in Week 1 against the Cowboys. He could resort to using his legs some more in his upcoming meeting with the Bears on Friday, as Chicago allows the fifth-most rushing yards per game this season (138.1). The Bears are also tied for the third-most passing touchdowns allowed, giving up 22 in 11 contests. Hurts may be without star receiver DeVonta Smith (shoulder/chest/illness) this week, but he tends to spread the ball around anyway. In an effort to bounce back from the recent loss and with the high stakes of being up against a top threat in the NFC, Hurts should be on his A-game in this favorable matchup. He's a high-end QB1 in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Nov 26 11:50pm CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness) was absent during Wednesday's practice due to an illness, but it shouldn't affect his status for Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos. Rodriguez has established himself as Washington's primary ball carrier in recent weeks with the struggles of rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The third-year back out of Kentucky led the backfield with a 45.3% snap share in Washington's Week 11 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, handling a career high 15 carries for 79 yards to go with one reception (one target) for six yards as a receiver. He won't add much value as a receiver as Jeremy McNichols handles the pass-down responsibilities, but he should receive the majority of the early down work with Croskey-Merritt mixing in. Rodriguez has a tough matchup in Week 13 against Denver, but should get enough volume to profile as a low-end RB3.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Nov 26 11:30pm CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has scored in three consecutive games and has been a real piece of the offense, playing 61.9% of the offensive snaps and totaling 10 receptions (11 targets) for 96 yards and three touchdowns. Parkinson ranks as the TE3 in total PPR points (37.6) in that span. The 26-year-old has taken advantage of his opportunity with Tyler Higbee (ankle) on injured reserve, posting the third-highest route share (39.6%) on the team behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua in Weeks 10 through 12. He hit a season high of 50% in Week 12, and that number could tick up more with how productive he's been. Head coach Sean McVay has expressed the desire to get rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson more involved, but that hasn't happened just yet. Fantasy managers desperate for tight end production could look at Parkinson for Week 13. He ranks as RotoBaller's TE27 in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Nov 26 11:20pm CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki made his return from a stint on the Injured Reserve list for the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots. While he didn't do much for fantasy managers, he didn't play horribly, finishing with four grabs for 35 yards. Of course, Ja'Marr Chase wasn't available for that one due to suspension. However, with Tee Higgins (concussion) sidelined, there should be more targets up for grabs from quarterback Joe Burrow (toe), who will make his return after being sidelined since the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Granted, the expectation is for Burrow and Chase to connect often. However, Gesicki's ceiling is still slightly higher than usual on Thanksgiving Night without Higgins in the lineup, giving him some credibility for those in desperate need of a tight end in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 26 11:20pm CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) doesn't have an injury designation heading into Thanksgiving's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Pacheco has missed three straight games since suffering an MCL sprain during Kansas City's Week 8 win over the Washington Commanders. The 26-year-old logged three full practices this week, and it will be interesting to see how the running back touches will be distributed in his return on Thursday. Kareem Hunt has handled a big workload in Pacheco's absence, and just recorded a career high 30 carries in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie Brashard Smith has held a small role, mostly on designed touches. Pacheco was the Chiefs' leading rusher before getting injured, but he will likely be eased back into action and split touches with Hunt. He is ranked as RotoBaller's RB41 in PPR leagues for Thanksgiving's game against the Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Nov 26 11:10pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase will return from a one-game absence for the Thanksgiving AFC North showdown versus Baltimore. The wideout remains a top fantasy option at the position. Although he has only five touchdowns, he has made up for it by totaling 79 catches for 861 yards, doing so without Joe Burrow (toe) for most of the season. Fortunately, Burrow will be back after suffering a toe injury in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the 25-year-old and Joe Flacco (shoulder) appeared to have a good thing going, Burrow is considered an upgrade, even if he struggled in his brief time on the field this season. The absence of Tee Higgins (concussion) might make Chase even more productive despite the expectation of increased attention from the Ravens defense, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Nov 26 11:10pm CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas took on a bigger role in the Week 12 meeting with the New England Patriots due to the suspension of Ja'Marr Chase. While he had only four catches, he still led the team in receiving yards (61) and targets (seven). With Tee Higgins (concussion) out for the Week 13 AFC North clash with the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, Iosivas has an opportunity to remain more involved. However, with Joe Burrow (toe) back on the field after being sidelined since the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, most are expecting an even bigger day from Chase. Still, that doesn't necessarily mean Iosivas won't get attention from Burrow, but he's far from a safe fantasy option, making him a risky flex option on Thanksgiving night.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Nov 26 11:00pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) was activated from the Injured Reserve list and will suit up for an AFC North clash with Baltimore on Thanksgiving. The signal-caller had been on the shelf after suffering a toe injury in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, resulting in surgery. Naturally, fantasy managers are glad to have him back in the lineup. However, there are still some concerns, considering Burrow threw for only 189 yards and two touchdowns while completing 58.3% of his attempts before going down. He'll also be returning versus the Ravens, winners of their last five contests, and doing so without Tee Higgins (concussion). Fortunately, Ja'Marr Chase will be back from his one-game suspension, which will certainly help make things easier. Chase Brown is also a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield, and Andrei Iosivas has been known to turn up the volume at times in his brief career. With that said, although Burrow may have some residual rust from the lengthy layoff, he can be plugged back into all fantasy formats in Week 13 against a Ravens defense that hasn't looked the best this season when facing a few of the top quarterbacks from around the National Football League.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Nov 26 11:00pm CT
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown surpassed the 100-yard mark for the second time this season in the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots. Although he didn't find the end zone, fantasy managers were still mostly satisfied with the result. With a productive showing in the rear-view mirror, Brown and company will look to pick up a much-needed win over the Ravens in Week 13. Fortunately, Joe Burrow (toe) will be back after being sidelined since the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ja'Marr Chase will also return after serving a one-game suspension. However, the Bengals will be without Tee Higgins (concussion), so there will be extra targets up for grabs. Naturally, Burrow should look in Chase's direction often. Andrei Iosivas could also be in line for more attention. Still, Brown might see even more pass-catching chances than usual, giving him a higher ceiling for fantasy managers on Thanksgiving.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Nov 26 10:30pm CT
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has struggled as of late, averaging around six fantasy points over his last four games. Aubrey has shown he is one of the best kickers in the NFL and should get back to producing like the elite kicker he is in fantasy very soon. The Cowboys are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13, which should be one of the highest-scoring games of the week. With an implied scoring total of 52.5 points, look for Aubrey to have plenty of scoring opportunities in a high-scoring matchup. RotoBaller currently has Aubrey as the fourth-ranked kicker in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Isaac TeSlaa Nov 26 10:10pm CT
Isaac TeSlaa

Across the first 11 games of his NFL career, Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (hand) has hauled in four catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns on nine targets. He's also been limited in practice this week by a hand injury and is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 13 matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day. However, if TeSlaa is active in Week 13, he could see a sizable increase in playing time and target share. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle) has been ruled out, and the Lions will also be without top pass-catching tight ends Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck). Still, Green Bay is a very difficult matchup for opposing pass games. Through 12 weeks, the Packers are allowing the fewest yards per pass attempt (5.9) in the NFL. Even with the projected boost in snap share, TeSlaa should remain off fantasy radars in Week 13.

From RotoBaller