Lineup Prep: Week 16

Wed Dec 17 9:17am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Brissett has become a must start


It is another crucial week of games. First off, congrats on just making it to this point of the season. That is an accomplishment in itself. You should be proud. There are probably eight owners in your league that wish they were you right now. So enjoy the ride. Put your best team out there and hope for the best.

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . .

The Vikings have to be feeling a little better about J.J. McCarthy these days. He has played some good football his last two games, looking more like the franchise quarterback of the team. You still have to be concerned with McCarthy and Justin Jefferson not being able to be on the same page, but at least McCarthy is throwing the ball better. He could end up being a solid fantasy contributor next year if he keeps making strides.

You have to feel for Patrick Mahomes, going down with the dreaded torn ACL. I would not rule out Mahomes for being ready for Week 1 of next season, though. He is going to do all he can to get ready. In the meantime, I would be quite worried if I have any Chiefs fantasy players on my team for the rest of this year. Gardner Minshew has plenty of experience but he is no Patrick Mahomes, who made the passing game click this year for the most part. I would expect all pass catchers to take a step back for the Chiefs with Minshew throwing them passes now. Not good.

I have said it numerous times but I think last week was a great indication for why you just want to get in your fantasy playoffs. It doesn’t matter if you are the one seed or the six seed, the best team doesn’t always win at this time of the year. Crazy stuff can happen like Kyle Pitts scoring the fifth-most points in the history of tight end scoring in a single week. Just get in!

I think Javonte Williams has been one of the most surprising fantasy players for me this year. He has really embraced the starting role in Dallas and is eighth overall in fantasy running back scoring. He has been so consistent in this offense. I would expect the Cowboys to try to sign him after the season, making him their top back. Remember, he is just 25 years old. He has some prime years left.

Trey McBride is having such a good year that if he were labeled a receiver instead of a tight end for fantasy, he would be fourth overall in fantasy receiver scoring. He is just about two points behind Amon-Ra St. Brown in fantasy scoring. So McBride is producing like an elite fantasy receiver at the tight end spot, which is not exactly a great fantasy position this year. McBride has nearly 100 more fantasy points than the second-ranked tight end (Travis Kelce). McBride is going to be a huge advantage for any team that rostered him this year, producing so much better than any other tight end. Could he be a first-round pick in 2026?

Trevor Lawrence seems to have finally had the light go on this season. He seems to be gaining confidence every week and the addition of Jakobi Meyers has been great for him. I’m anxious to see how he performs in some pressure games coming up, though. That will be the true test. He has a big game against the Broncos this week and then the playoffs in a few more weeks. We will really see if he is a new quarterback, seeing how he performs in those big games.

News and Notes: The Jets released wide receiver Allen Lazard on Tuesday. The veteran receiver has played little with the team this year. . . . .The Bills signed kicker Michael Badgley to their practice squad on Tuesday. He is expected to handle the kicking duties for the Bills this week.

HOT PLAYS

Jacoby Brissett, QB, Cardinals. Brissett proved last week that he is a must start no matter the matchup. He scored 24.05 fantasy points against the best defense in football, the Texans. Brissett has scored at least 21.85 fantasy points in all nine games. He has the fifth most fantasy points for quarterbacks his last three games. The numbers don’t like. Brissett gets it done on a weekly basis. Expect more the same this week against a reeling Falcons pass defense. Atlanta’s pass defense was pretty stout to begin the season but has allowed 235-plus passing yards two straight and three of five games.

D’Andre Swift, RB, Bears. Swift is seventh overall in fantasy running back scoring his last three games. He has 20-plus fantasy points two of three games. Swift is hitting his stride at a good point of the season for fantasy teams. The Bears are having a ton of success running the ball the second half of the season and are leaning heavily into that style of football. Swift has a matchup for most success this week against the Packers, a team the Bears ran for 138 yards against just a few weeks back.

Darren Waller, TE, Dolphins. Waller had his second two-touchdown game of the season last week. He was targeted a season-high eight times, catching seven passes for 66 yards and two scores. He has 17-plus fantasy points three of six games this year. Waller is a bit of a wild card at times but he is coming off a huge game and gets a smash matchup against the Bengals. Cincinnati continues to be a disaster against the tight end this year, allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends. Waller is a top-10 fantasy tight end for Week 16.

Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles. We know Barkley is a must start but he isn’t having near the season of last year. He is just 11th overall in fantasy running back scoring. The Eagles offense has struggled much of the year, though, and the offensive line isn’t playing near the level of past seasons. Here is the good news for Barkley owners, though. The Eagles are leaning on Barkley down the stretch. He has 20-plus carries four of his last six games. If he gets that workload this week against the Commanders, look for Barkley to produce big. Washington allows the seventh most fantasy points to running backs and allowed 145-plus rushing yards two straight and four of five games.

DK Metcalf, WR, Steelers. Metcalf isn’t having near the fantasy season most hoped, but is showing some signs of life lately. He has at least 14-plus fantasy points three of four games. The Steelers are doing a better job of taking chances down the field with Metcalf. He should get some chances for some big plays this week against a banged-up Lions secondary. Detroit allows the second-most fantasy points to receivers on the season. The Lions have allowed 325-plus passing yards two straight and three of four games. 

COLD PLAYS   

Kenneth Walker, RB, Seahawks. Walker is getting much of the work at running back in recent weeks but doing little with it. He has 19 carries for 46 yards his last two games. He has less than four fantasy points each of those games. He might have a tough time in Week 16 once again against the Rams. Los Angeles allows the second fewest fantasy points to running backs and given up less than 75-rushing yards two straight games. Walker is a tough play in this one.

Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings. J.J. McCarthy is playing better but that isn’t really helping Addison right now. He has less than double-digit fantasy points three of four games. His numbers have really decreased since the start to his season when he posted 100-yards games two of his first three. We have a hard time trusting him at this point of the year, even in a favorable matchup against the Giants. You just never know what you are going to get from Addison.

Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys. Prescott is having a huge season but does have a few games with poor production, including last week. He scored just 14.9 fantasy points against the Vikings. It was a bad time for Prescott to have one of his few down games. And we wouldn’t be surprised if that happens again this week against a very good Chargers pass defense. Los Angeles allows the second fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Chargers have allowed less than 200-passing yards five of their last seven games. It could be another ho-hum game for Prescott in Week 16. 

Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers. Warren is becoming a bit of a touchdown-dependent player because of the emergence of Kenneth Gainwell. He has fewer than 40-rushing yards three straight games. Warren could have a hard time again this week against a good Lions rush defense. Detroit allows the third fewest fantasy points to running backs and do well in limiting the rushing touchdowns. If you have better options, you might want to consider using them at running back in Week 16.

George Pickens, WR, Cowboys. Pickens has gone cold at the wrong time. He was having a huge season, but suddenly, he has fewer than 40 yards two straight games. He has eight receptions for 70 yards his last two games on 15 targets. He has less than nine fantasy points each of his last two games. It is tough to bench him but maybe temper your expectations for him once again for Week 16 against the Chargers. The Chargers allow the fewest fantasy points to receivers on the season.

SLEEPERS    

Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. Young has played some good football this year but has been inconsistent. He remains a hard player to trust, but he does have a high ceiling in this offense. He has 24-plus fantasy points two of four games. We like him to have one of his big games this week against the Bucs. The Panthers offense is going to need to score some points to keep up with the Bucs this week. And if you want to beat the Bucs, it is easiest to do through the air. Tampa allows third third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks and gave up 365-passing yards to Kirk Cousins last week.

Audric Estime, RB, Saints. Estime could be the lead back for the Saints this week because of all the injuries at running back for the team. He is far from a sure thing but has some potential in a favorable matchups. He gets a bad Jets rush defense, which has allowed 514-rushing yards their last three games. The Jets allow the third most fantasy points to running backs on the season. 

Tre Harris, WR, Chargers. Harris played 85 percent of the snaps last week with Quentin Johnston banged up. He had three receptions 49 yards on five targets. He could be setup for another big workload this week with Johnston still iffy to play. If that happens, we like Harris to make a big play or two against the Cowboys secondary. Dallas continues to be brutal against the pass, allowing the most fantasy points to receivers. Harris is an intriguing flyer for Week 16.

Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings. Mason hasn’t been too consistent this year but does have double-digit fantasy points six games. His production has been erratic but he gets the weekly chances. He has double-digit carries two straight games. If he gets double-digit carries this week against the Giants, look for good things from Mason, making him an intriguing flex play. The Giants allow the second-most fantasy points to running backs on the season. New York has allowed at least 119-rushing yards eight straight games.

Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall finally got back to his ways from early in the season, catching six passes for 96 yards on seven targets last week. It was a very encouraging showing. Remember, he had two 100-yard games early in the year before getting hurt. He has the potential to go off any single week in this offense. We like him to keep it going this week against the Colts, a team that has injury issues in the secondary. Indy allows the third most fantasy points to receivers and has allowed at least 247-passing yards four straight games.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low-scoring games for the coming week. In high-scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low-scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Bengals/Dolphins, Chargers/Cowboys, Falcons/Cardinals, Steelers/Lions, Patriots/Ravens.

Low Scoring Games: Bills/Browns, Jets/Saints, Raiders/Texans.

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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 16

Player Notes
Mecole Hardman Dec 17 11:50am CT
Mecole Hardman

The Buffalo Bills are opening wide receiver Mecole Hardman's (calf) 21-day practice window on Wednesday, according to Maddy Glab of BuffaloBills.com. Hardman has been on Injured Reserve for the last four games after injuring his calf in the Week 11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 27-year-old will be eligible to play this Sunday in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns on the road, but the Bills will have to officially activate him from IR first. When healthy, Hardman is unlikely to be a big part of Buffalo's offense, especially with Gabe Davis and Brandin Cooks now in the picture. The former Kansas City Chiefs wideout will be a top kickoff return option on special teams, though. Hardman failed to reel in his only target in his only game played for the Bills this year. He will not be on the fantasy radar for the final three weeks of the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Dec 17 11:30am CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that wide receiver Christian Watson (chest) is expected to be limited in Wednesday's practice, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. "He's improving. We'll just see how he's feeling out there," LaFleur said. Watson was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report. He was hospitalized following a chest injury in Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos, but doctors ruled out a long-term injury. The 26-year-old's status is up in the air for Saturday's big divisional rematch against the Chicago Bears, but it's a good sign that Watson is returning to practice. Since making his season debut halfway through the 2025 season, Watson has been Green Bay's go-to wideout, catching 28 of his 43 targets for 481 yards and five touchdowns. The former second-rounder had 89 yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago against Chicago. If he's cleared to play, Watson will have WR2 upside in the rematch in the Windy City.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 17 11:20am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) will take part in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday, per Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. Harrison has missed the last two games with a heel injury, but Gannon said he's doing "good." The 23-year-old former first-rounder is expected to play again this year, possibly as soon as this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. Harrison has missed four of the last five games with his heel injury, and after undergoing an appendectomy. The Ohio State product has not lived up to his fourth overall draft slot through almost two full NFL seasons. When healthy in 2025, Harrison has been inconsistent with 40 catches, 594 yards, and four touchdowns in 10 games. If Harrison returns this weekend, though, he'll be on the WR2 radar in Arizona's pass-happy offense. We'll continue to keep a close eye on his status over the next two days.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Dec 17 11:10am CT
Jameson Williams

Across seven games before his team's Week 8 bye, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams had recorded just 17 receptions and looked like he was headed towards a disappointing year. However, the 24-year-old has had a breakout second half of the 2025 season and is now up to 52 receptions for 936 yards and seven touchdowns on 81 targets across 14 games. Over his last three games in particular, Williams has been dominant, hauling in 21 catches for 374 yards and two touchdowns on 28 targets. With Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve, Williams has emerged as the clear number two option in the Detroit passing game. With their defense struggling, the Lions have also been forced into more pass-heavy game scripts, leading quarterback Jared Goff to average 36 pass attempts per game over the last five contests. Between LaPorta's injury and Detroit's tendency to find itself in shootouts, Williams should see plenty more opportunities for production heading into matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings over the next two weeks.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Dec 17 11:10am CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that wide receiver Drake London (knee), who is considered day-to-day, will practice on Wednesday so the team can see where he's at, according to Terrin Waack of AtlantaFalcons.com. Morris said on Monday that he's "very hopeful" that London will return in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals. Wednesday will be the first time that the 24-year-old has practiced since spraining his left PCL back in Week 11. He's not a lock to play on Sunday against Arizona, but his return to practice at least gives his fantasy managers hope that he might be available this weekend. Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. has had a much higher ceiling with London out, as evidenced by his monster 11-catch, 166-yard, three-touchdown spectacle last Thursday night. London is typically a must-start WR1 in fantasy when he's active, but he'll be a bit more volatile in Week 16 if he returns and is on a snap count.

From RotoBaller

Philip Rivers Dec 17 10:50am CT
Philip Rivers

Making his first start since January 2021, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers managed to hold his own in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. The 44-year-old completed 18 of 27 pass attempts for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and nearly led his team to an upset victory on the road. The Colts announced that Rivers will make another start in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers, who are expected to be a more manageable matchup than Seattle. Fantasy expectations should remain limited for Rivers, as he provides zero value as a rusher and averaged just 4.4 yards per pass attempt against the Seahawks. However, Rivers may be more productive as he gains more time to work with the Colts' pass catchers and becomes more familiar with the team's offense. In deep, two-quarterback fantasy leagues, Rivers could be a streaming option off the waiver wire in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Dec 17 10:50am CT
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery has seen a reduced workload in 2025 as fellow Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs has emerged as the team's clear lead rusher. However, Montgomery remains a red zone and goal-line threat, as he's scored a touchdown in three straight weeks and has eight scores on the season. The 28-year-old is still an effective rusher when given the opportunity, as he's averaging a career-best 4.7 yards per carry and has totaled 635 rushing yards across 14 games this season. Montgomery's ceiling is capped as long as Gibbs is healthy, as he's recorded double-digit touches just once over the last five weeks. Still, as a touchdown-dependent flex option, Montgomery has some fantasy value heading into his Week 16 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

From RotoBaller

Jaxson Dart Dec 17 10:40am CT
Jaxson Dart

In a clip from HBO's "Hard Knocks: In Season with the NFC East," Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is seen emphasizing the importance of hitting New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart when Dart takes off as a runner. Based on the clip, Giants beat writer Dan Duggan of The Athletic speculates that Dart "clearly has a target on his back as a runner." The rookie quarterback has been highly effective with his legs so far this season, recording 400 rushing yards and seven touchdowns across 11 games (nine starts). However, he also missed two games due to a concussion and has drawn criticism for his tendency to absorb unnecessary contact. If the 2-12 Giants pull back the reins on Dart as a rusher, his fantasy production would clearly be impacted. While Dart has shown little indication of being hesitant to run so far this season, it's a storyline worth monitoring as the team prepares to take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Sampson Dec 17 10:20am CT
Dylan Sampson

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (hand) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Sampson missed his team's Week 15 loss to the Chicago Bears due to both calf and hand injuries, but it appears it's the hand that's now giving him more problems. Across 13 games this season, the 21-year-old has recorded 375 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 72 touches. He's emerged as the primary receiving back in Cleveland, with fellow rookie running back Quinshon Judkins handling the lion's share of early-down work. With Sampson sidelined in Week 15, Trayveon Williams was utilized as Cleveland's RB2, recording seven yards from scrimmage on three touches. If Sampson remains sidelined for the Browns' Week 16 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Judkins could see a significant workload as both a rusher and receiver.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 17 10:10am CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Njoku is battling a knee injury that forced him to miss Cleveland's Week 15 loss to the Chicago Bears. Across 12 games this season, the 29-year-old has hauled in 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns on 48 targets. If Njoku is sidelined for a second straight game in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills, Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. could continue his recent surge. Over the past two weeks, Fannin Jr. has recorded 15 receptions on 25 targets and appears to be emerging as the favorite pass-catcher of Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Dec 17 10:00am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. exploded for three receiving touchdowns in the Week 15 blowout win over the New York Jets. Etienne added 12 carries for 32 yards and three catches for 73 yards on four targets in the game. The 26-year-old continued his breakout campaign, becoming the eighth player this season and the first running back with three receiving scores. Etienne entered the game with only three career receiving touchdowns, but he doubled that mark on Sunday. There have only been four other running backs to record three touchdown catches in a game since 2015. Despite averaging just 3.0 yards per carry over the last three games, Etienne has totalled the fourth-most PPR points among running backs (57.8) during that stretch. He is firmly entrenched as one of the best weekly running back options in fantasy, even in a tough Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Dec 17 10:00am CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift has enjoyed a bounce-back season in his second year with the team, compiling 191 carries for 935 yards and seven touchdowns to go with 29 receptions for 254 yards and another score on 41 targets. Swift has maintained a slight upper hand on the touches over rookie Kyle Monangai in the Bears' backfield lately, and notched his first two-touchdown game of the season in the Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns. The 26-year-old back has been one of the most reliable weapons in an explosive Chicago offense all season, missing just one game. He's posted double-digit touches in all but one game, including at least 15 touches in all but two contests. Swift remains a must-start in fantasy football lineups, but he will have a tougher matchup in Week 16 against the division-rival Green Bay Packers this Saturday night.

From RotoBaller

Michael Carter Dec 17 10:00am CT
Michael Carter

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is set to lead the backfield following Bam Knight (ankle) being placed on Injured Reserve. The Cardinals' backfield has been ravaged by injuries this season, and now Carter is the next man up. The 26-year-old played 53 of 66 snaps in the Week 15 loss to the Houston Texans, recording 14 carries for 56 yards while adding four receptions (four targets) for 38 yards as a receiver. Emari Demercado returned after missing the past three games with an ankle injury, but he wasn't very involved, playing just seven offensive snaps with three touches. Carter is expected to be the every-down back with Knight out of the picture, as he handled 78% of the running back rushing attempts and ran 72% of the routes in his absence. Carter had one game earlier this season with a similar workload back in Week 5, where he was inefficient as a runner with 18 carries for 51 yards, but found the end zone and added five catches (five targets) for 22 yards, finishing with 18.3 PPR points. Carter profiles as a top waiver-wire pickup this week and can be immediately plugged into lineups as an RB3/flex in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Chop Robinson Dec 17 10:00am CT
Chop Robinson

After being eliminated from the playoffs in Week 15, the Miami Dolphins have released veteran pass-rusher Matthew Judon, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The Dolphins granted his wish as he looks to join a contending team for the remainder of the 2025 season. Judon has played in 13 games this season and has yet to record a sack despite playing 41% of the snaps. Judon will likely look to clear waivers first before signing with the team of his choice, but keep an eye out for one of his former teams to be in the market, such as the Baltimore Ravens or New England Patriots. The Dolphins will hope that second-year pass rusher Chop Robinson will step up to replace the veteran.

From RotoBaller

RJ Harvey Dec 17 9:50am CT
RJ Harvey

Denver Broncos rookie running back R.J. Harvey (rib) has found the end zone four times over the past three games, bringing his season total to 10 touchdowns. The rookie second-rounder is currently dealing with a rib injury he suffered late in the Week 15 win over the Green Bay Packers. The severity of the injury is unknown, but the Broncos did claim RB Cody Schrader off waivers on Tuesday, so fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on Harvey's status in practice this week. Harvey has recorded at least 14 touches in four games since taking over as Denver's lead back with J.K. Dobbins (foot) on Injured Reserve. He's been one of the most productive running backs in fantasy football with the increased workload, ranking as the RB6 in PPR points per game at 18.6 over that stretch. Assuming he is healthy, Harvey will project as a solid RB1 again in Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Harvey is held out or is limited, Jaleel McLaughlin would step in to handle most of the early down work, with Tyler Badie working on passing downs.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Dec 17 9:50am CT
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt operated as the team's lead runner in Week 15, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) ruled out with a groin injury. Croskey-Merritt delivered a strong performance, handling 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown in Washington's win over the New York Giants. Jeremy McNichols actually drew the start for Washington, but JCM ended up doubling him in carries. The rookie seventh-rounder found the end zone for the first time since his breakout performance in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he totalled 150 yards and two touchdowns. JCM looked decisive and explosive against the Giants, who notably have one of the worst run defenses in the league, but it was great to see the rookie deliver for fantasy managers who plugged him into their lineups for the first round of the fantasy playoffs. Croskey-Merritt could potentially work himself back into a more significant timeshare with McNichols and Rodriguez upon his return, creating a messy situation to sort through. He remains worth rostering and would project favorably again on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles if Rodriguez is out again on a short week.

From RotoBaller

Quinn Ewers Dec 17 9:50am CT
Quinn Ewers

The Miami Dolphins are benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers in Week 16, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. After struggling in Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Mike McDaniel mentioned the idea of making a change at quarterback, stating, "all options are on the table." Tagovailoa is benched after having a career-worst season, leading the NFL in interceptions (15) and ranking near the bottom of the league in QBR (88.5). The former first-round pick received a massive contract extension that will make it difficult for him to be traded during the offseason. This is a situation to monitor closely as free agency approaches, while fantasy managers can safely drop Tagovailoa in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Quinn Ewers Dec 17 9:50am CT
Quinn Ewers

The Miami Dolphins announced they will be benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and starting rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers. While former first-round pick Zach Wilson was an option as well, they will be rolling with the rookie with their playoff hopes completely eliminated. The 2025 seventh-round pick led the Texas Longhorns to the semifinals in 2024, totaling 3,472 yards and 32 touchdowns in 14 games. In the preseason, Ewers completed 23 of 43 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Ewers is hard to trust for fantasy managers, even against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have given up the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. While running back De'Von Achane will remain an elite RB1, pass catchers Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, and Darren Waller all become more volatile options.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 17 9:40am CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was the leading receiver in Week 15, hauling in five of six targets for 55 yards in the 34-26 loss to the Green Bay Packers. In his first two games back, Reed has returned to his slot role in the offense and has played his traditional snap count at around 65%. With Christian Watson's (chest) status unclear in Week 16, Reed could emerge as a fantasy asset against the Chicago Bears. Not only have the Bears allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, but they have also allowed the most to slot receivers. With Watson unsure for Week 16 and the Bears' struggles without slot corner Kyler Gordon, Reed is a player to consider starting in the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum Dec 17 9:30am CT
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum has been breaking out down the stretch of this season, and he did it again in Week 15. Over the past three weeks, Corum has totaled 280 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 30 carries. He totaled 71 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries against the Detroit Lions, who rank among the top run defenses in the NFL. Corum saw his largest workload of the season as well, playing 46% of the snaps, while starter Kyren Williams (54%) saw his lowest snap count of the season. Both backs are playing well, and with Davante Adams (hamstring) uncertain to play in Week 16, the Rams will use that run game a ton against the Seattle Seahawks. Corum is a low-end RB2 in Week 16 as he looks to continue his dominance on Thursday Night.

From RotoBaller