Mon Dec 30 1:41am ET
Field Level Media
Jayden Daniels hit Zach Ertz for a 2-yard touchdown with 2:42 left in overtime as the Washington Commanders beat the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 on Sunday night in Landover, Md., to secure their first playoff berth since the 2020 season.
The Commanders (11-5) clinched a wild-card berth with their fourth straight win and could finish as high as the sixth seed in the NFC. In the NFC South, Atlanta (8-8) sits behind the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who can clinch the division by defeating the New Orleans Saints in Week 18.
Washington took the opening kickoff of the extra session, and Daniels later ran for 16 yards on third-and-2 at midfield, then passed to Chris Rodriguez Jr. two plays later for a 12-yard gain and another first down. Daniels eventually added a pair of 6-yard runs that got him in position to find Ertz for the game-winning points.
Daniels completed 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards, three touchdowns and one interception and ran for 127 yards on 16 attempts. Ertz caught two touchdown passes, and Olamide Zaccheaus had eight catches for 85 yards and a score.
Bijan Robinson ran for two touchdowns and finished with 90 yards on the ground for Atlanta. Michael Penix Jr. was 19-of-35 passing for 223 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and Drake London had seven catches for 106 yards. Riley Patterson came up short on a 56-yard field-goal attempt as time expired in regulation.
Eagles 41, Cowboys 7
Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards to join the 2,000-yard club and Philadelphia clinched the NFC East title with a lopsided victory against visiting Dallas.
The Eagles (13-3) swept the season series with the rival Cowboys (7-9) for the first time since 2011 and locked up at least the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. With his 11th 100-yard game of the campaign, Barkley became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. Starting under center for Philadelphia with Jalen Hurts in the concussion protocol, Kenny Pickett tallied a touchdown pass and a touchdown run before exiting early in the third quarter with a rib injury.
The Cowboys turned the ball over four times. Cooper Rush threw two interceptions and one touchdown pass and Rico Dowdle rushed for 104 yards to record his first 1,000-yard season (1,007).
Bills 40, Jets 14
Josh Allen passed for two touchdowns and rushed for one more as Buffalo clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC by clobbering New York in Orchard Park, N.Y.
Allen was showered with "M-V-P" chants after putting the game away with a pair of third-quarter touchdown passes -- a 30-yard connection with Amari Cooper and a 14-yard strike to a leaping Keon Coleman with 12 seconds left in the frame. Those scores sandwiched a 1-yard touchdown run by James Cook for Buffalo (13-3).
The Bills' defense forced three turnovers and racked up four sacks. Aaron Rodgers struggled under center for New York (4-12), completing 12 of 18 passes for 112 yards. He was picked off twice. Second-string signal-caller Tyrod Taylor broke the shutout with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson with 6:59 left in the game.
Jaguars 20, Titans 13
Mac Jones threw two touchdown passes and Jacksonville earned a season-series sweep of visiting Tennessee.
Jones connected on 15 of 22 passes for 174 yards, finding Parker Washington and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. for scores, as Jacksonville (4-12) left Tennessee (3-13) behind in the AFC South cellar. Cam Little booted field goals of 48 and 44 yards.
Mason Rudolph hit on 19 of 31 pass attempts for 193 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Titans, who dropped their fifth consecutive game. Tyjae Spears rushed for 95 yards on 20 carries, taking on lead running back duties in place of Tony Pollard (flu/ankle).
Raiders 25, Saints 10
Brock Bowers set a pair of rookie receiving records and Ameer Abdullah notched the first 100-yard rushing game of his 10-year career in Las Vegas' win over host New Orleans.
Bowers caught seven passes for 77 yards, giving him 1,144 yards on the season to surpass Mike Ditka's 63-year-old rookie tight end record. He also eclipsed the rookie reception record with his 106th catch, besting Puka Nacua's mark from last season. Abdullah finished with 115 yards on 20 carries as the Raiders (4-12) won their second straight game.
Aidan O'Connell threw two touchdown passes for Las Vegas, while Spencer Rattler passed for 218 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions and fell to 0-5 as the starter for the Saints (5-11).
Giants 45, Colts 33
Drew Lock matched his career high of four touchdown passes and also rushed for a score and New York snapped its franchise-record 10-game losing streak by outlasting Indianapolis in East Rutherford, N.J.
Malik Nabers had seven receptions for a career-best 171 yards and two touchdowns to exceed 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards during his strong rookie campaign. Lock completed 17 of 23 passes for 309 yards, and Ihmir Smith-Marsette returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown for the Giants (3-13).
The Colts (7-9) were eliminated from the AFC playoff race. Joe Flacco started at quarterback with Anthony Richardson (back/foot) sidelined and completed 26 of 38 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. But he was also intercepted twice and lost a fumble. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries.
Buccaneers 48, Panthers 14
Baker Mayfield threw for five touchdowns and Tampa Bay stayed atop the NFC South title race by pounding visiting Carolina.
Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan each caught two TD passes and Bucky Irving rushed for 113 yards as Tampa Bay's second victory of the month against Carolina came much easier than the road version in overtime. Mayfield completed 27 of 32 passes for 359 yards. The Buccaneers (9-7) collected 551 yards of total offense.
The Panthers (4-12) have lost five of their past six games despite Bryce Young throwing two touchdown passes to Adam Thielen (five catches, 110 receiving yards). Young finished 15-for-28 passing for 203 yards, but Carolina managed only 39 rushing yards as it played without injured running back Chuba Hubbard.
Dolphins 20, Browns 3
Tyler Huntley completed 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions and ran for another score to lead Miami past host Cleveland.
The Dolphins (8-8) kept their playoff hopes alive and must beat the Jets next week and hope the Denver Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs to secure the AFC's final wild-card playoff berth. Huntley started in place of injured starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip).
Dorian Thompson-Robinson started at quarterback for the Browns (3-13) but completed only 24 of 47 passes for 170 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. Jerry Jeudy made a career-high 12 catches for 94 yards. Cleveland lost its fifth game in a row.
Vikings 27, Packers 25
Sam Darnold completed 33 of 43 passes for a career-best 377 yards to go with three touchdowns and one interception and Minnesota escaped with a win over Green Bay in Minneapolis.
Justin Jefferson had eight catches for 92 yards for Minnesota (14-2), which won its ninth game in a row. Jalen Nailor, Jordan Addison and Cam Akers had one touchdown reception apiece for the Vikings.
Jordan Love completed 19 of 30 passes for 185 yards and one touchdown for Green Bay (11-5). Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson each rushed for a touchdown and Malik Heath had a touchdown catch for the Packers, who lost to the Vikings for the second time this season.
In a season where injuries have decimated the New Orleans Saints offense, tight end Foster Moreau finds himself as the team's unlikely leader in receiving touchdowns with five. Moreau has found the end zone twice in the last three weeks, most recently in Week 17 on an impressive 30-yard heave from rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. Rattler will be under center again on Sunday and could lean on Moreau again to pick up the slack left by a depleted offense. Chris Olave (concussion) practiced in full all week but is listed as questionable for the season finale against Tampa Bay, as is fellow tight end Juwan Johnson (knee). Moreau had two catches for 54 yards when the Saints last faced the Buccaneers back in Week 6. Moreau should be good for a chunk gain or two against a Tampa defense that has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards to opposing tight ends this season and could push his way into the TE2 conversation with another touchdown.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was perfect in Week 17, hitting his lone extra point and a 34-yard field goal try. On the season he is 30-for-32 for extra point attempts and has converted 23 of his 27 field goal attempts. All of those misses have come from 40 yards out or further. Grupe won't be kicking in the comfort of a dome in Week 18 but he will have good weather conditions when the Saints travel to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers. That said, Grupe should probably be avoided for fantasy purposes. Since their Week 12 bye, the Saints have averaged just 11.4 points per game. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will be at the helm again in the season finale. The Saints have had a hard time sustaining drives since he took over for Derek Carr (hand), which means there is less of a chance for Grupe to get on the field. Grupe has a good leg and can be of service when called upon but the Saints' woes on offense should steer fantasy managers elsewhere in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler will get one more go under center in the regular season finale. Regular starter Derek Carr (hand) did not practice this week and will be held out of the team's final game. Last week, Rattler looked incredible for the first half, going 11-for-13 with a touchdown and his only incompletions coming on a drop and a throwaway. His second half was disastrous, though, featuring nine completions on 23 attempts, two interceptions, and three sacks. New Orleans is faced with another opportunity to get their fifth-round pick some live-game experience and can be expected to give him a long leash once again. Fantasy managers should avoid the erratic rookie in Week 18, even against the QB-friendly Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thanks to an abundance of injuries, the Saints have almost no recognizable names left on offense, leaving Rattler with remarkably little help.
From RotoBaller
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be active on Sunday according to interim head coach Darren Rizzi. With Kendre Miller (concussion) out and Alvin Kamara (groin) doubtful, Edward-Helaire should factor into the run game alongside Jamaal Williams as he did in Week 17. Last week, CEH led the team in rushing attempts with five after Miller was forced out of the game in the second quarter due to his head injury. In comments to the media on Friday, Rizzi complimented Edwards-Helaire's ability to learn the offense so quickly and said that he was impressed with his work ethic and determination. With CEH having joined New Orleans only two weeks ago and Williams being largely ineffective as a rusher this season, it is hard to say who will emerge as the primary back in Week 18's matchup against the Buccaneers. Jordan Mims may also mix in, making all three backs easy fades in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams should see an uptick in usage in Week 18, with Kendre Miller (concussion) out and Alvin Kamara (groin) doubtful. That may not translate to fantasy value, though, as Williams has done little in the sporadic opportunities he has seen. In 13 games this season, Williams has 40 carries for 149 yards and one touchdown. Even after Miller's exit in the second quarter last week, Williams was outsnapped and outgained by the recently signed Clyde Edwards-Helaire, though his snap share was the highest he had seen since Week 8. Williams may be utilized more as a pass-catcher with Chris Olave (concussion) listed as questionable and the remaining wide receiver ranks thin on talent. Even though injuries have cleared a path up the depth chart for him, Williams will still be vying for touches with CEH and Jordan Mims, making him easy to avoid in fantasy leagues that are still active in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
After opening the week with a limited session, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) practiced in full for a second consecutive day and has no designation going into the team's Week 18 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 30-year-old was sidelined in Week 16 due to a combination of a back issue and illness that interrupted his rehab. In Week 17, he was active though a massive hit in the fourth quarter took him out of the game early. Even though he will be active, it will be hard to rely on MVS for fantasy purposes. His success earlier this season was tied to touchdowns and big gains on deep passes. In his three biggest games he racked up 232 yards and four touchdowns but did so on just ten targets. Spencer Rattler will be under center again for the season finale and while he has shown decent arm strength as a spot starter, his accuracy (or lack thereof) will not do MVS any favors. His potential would be further dampened by the return of Chris Olave (concussion) who is listed as questionable. Valdes-Scantling was a bright spot for a few weeks in 2024 but he should not be in a starting lineup in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (knee) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable on the team's final injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the slough of injuries that sapped the Saints of depth at wide receiver and running back, Johnson has mustered a lackluster 44-468-3 line through 16 games. Week 17 brought about a change for the better as he led the team in receptions, targets, and yards, catching six of 10 passes sent his way for 66 yards. Alvin Kamara (groin) is doubtful and Chris Olave (concussion) is listed as questionable, which leaves room for Johnson to have another productive day, especially with Spencer Rattler under center once again. Johnson is in the best position on the hard-luck Saints to return fantasy value in Week 18, though anyone starting him must be in a pretty desperate situation to do so.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III has seen his role fade recently, catching just a single pass in two of the last three contests, but could be in line for an uptick in productivity if Darnell Mooney (shoulder) were to miss Sunday's contest after being limited Thursday and not practicing on Friday. Despite the recent slump, McCloud III has had a career year, setting highs in receptions (58) and yards (620), and on Sunday he'll take on a Panthers defense that is middle-of-the-pack in limiting fantasy production to opposing wide receivers, but just last week allowed five touchdown receptions, four of which went to WRs (one went to a TE). The 28-year-old is probably a WR5 at best if Mooney plays, but if not, he could see a bump all the way to a borderline WR3/4 or Flex option if Mooney misses the game.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London will look to finish strong on Sunday after a 100-yard game last week put him over 1,000 yards receiving for the season. The 23-year-old has seen 21 targets and logged 12 receptions over the last two weeks with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. under center. Although he hasn't caught a touchdown from the lefty QB, he had a near-miss last week and the 6-foot-4 wideout hasn't seen a drop off in production with the rookie throwing him the ball. The USC product was limited in practice earlier this week but is expected to play; Darnell Mooney (shoulder), however, looks like he's on the wrong side of questionable after a limited session Thursday and a DNP on Friday, which would further solidify London's role as No. 1 receiver in a must-win game. The third-year pro sets up nicely in a matchup versus the Panthers who he logged a 6-74-1 line against in Week 6, but with the Falcons likely to lean on the run game, London looks more like a high-end WR2.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers defense/special teams unit will close out the 2024 campaign against the Cardinals in Arizona. To the surprise of nobody the 49ers did fantasy managers no favors in Week 17, sacking Detroit's Jared Goff twice but forcing no turnovers and allowing 40 offensive points. San Francisco has it easier in Week 18, facing a Cardinals offense that is nearly exactly average in points per game. They've performed similarly in turnovers lost while being eighth-stingiest in sacks allowed. San Francisco's starting defense is mostly healthy, with nickel Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder) out, linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) doubtful, and safety Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle) questionable. Arizona's offense has a tackle and a wideout listed as questionable, but more importantly, both of their top running back options -- James Conner and Trey Benson -- are on Injured Reserve. The 49ers are RotoBaller's 11th-ranked option in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody will spend the final game of his turbulent 2024 season in Arizona to face the Cardinals. The former third-round pick has had a rough couple of weeks. In Week 18 against Detroit, Moody missed field goals from 51 and 58 yards, while missing one extra point out of five chances. In Week 17 against Miami, Moody missed from 41 yards after hitting from 21 yards while connecting on both extra-point attempts. Moody had accuracy issues on the road even before that, which makes Sunday an important chance to demonstrate competence ahead of the 2025 campaign. Arizona has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to kickers this season. Moody -- tenuously clinging to his job -- is RotoBaller's 15th-ranked kicker in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet hasn't been a reliable fantasy option throughout the 2024-25 campaign. He finished last year by catching a career-high 73 passes for 719 yards while amassing six touchdowns. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old has struggled this season, totaling 45 grabs for 471 yards and four touchdowns. To be fair, the Bears offense hasn't been the best. However, Kmet can't be trusted in Week 18 versus the Packers, so fantasy managers can keep him out of the lineup. The same can be said for those considering his services for DFS contests.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had the best season of his career in 2023-24, amassing career-highs in receptions (96), yards (1,364), and touchdowns (eight). However, his production has decreased significantly during his second year in the Windy City. With the Bears capping off a miserable season on Sunday against the Packers, Moore will be looking for his first trip to the end zone since the Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions. Without question, fantasy managers can't keep him out of the starting lineup in Week 18. Still, Moore hasn't been as reliable this year, so he remains a risky fantasy option.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers backup tight end Eric Saubert could make his fourth start of the season in Week 18 at the Arizona Cardinals. Starter George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) is listed as questionable. To date in 2024, Saubert has caught seven of nine targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. Saubert's fantasy ceiling was established in Week 2 of 2022 when he caught one of two targets for a 22-yard touchdown as a member of the Denver Broncos. The eighth-year pro has been a career fantasy nonfactor, though in Week 16 at Miami -- with Kittle on the field -- he caught his third-career touchdown. Arizona has allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game to tight ends. If Kittle plays, Saubert is unplayable. He's barely more than that if Kittle sits, other than as a bargain-bin DFS shot-in-the-dark.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen is nowhere near the player he once was. However, his first season in Chicago hasn't been a total wash. He's appeared in 14 games, which is a blessing in itself. The wideout also has 67 catches for 719 yards and seven touchdowns, which is better than expected, considering the Bears have first-year quarterback Caleb Williams under center. With Chicago limping to the finish line, the team will look for a strong end to the 2024-25 campaign versus the Packers in Week 18. Unlike Allen's days in Los Angeles, he's no longer an automatic fantasy starter. Still, there is no denying he can get hot, so he warrants consideration for any fantasy lineup.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary found the end zone in two of his first three games to begin the 2024-25 campaign. However, he eventually lost the No. 1 job to rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. Things haven't changed, with Singletary getting sporadic work from week-to-week, including amassing just five carries in the win over the Colts in Week 17. It doesn't appear as if head coach Brian Daboll will waive the white flag to close out the season when the Giants play the Eagles on Sunday. As a result, it should be business as usual, with Tracy getting the bulk of the carries and Singletary looking for his leftover scraps.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has had some quality outings throughout his first season in the National Football League. He's appeared in all 16 games for the G-Men, amassing 780 yards and five touchdowns off 178 carries, adding 36 catches for 277 yards and a score. There are some things the rookie will need to improve moving ahead, specifically, his subpar 4.4 yards per carry. Still, Tracy has at least played well enough to warrant fantasy consideration from week-to-week. With the Giants looking to cap off a miserable season, Tracy will have one more chance to make a positive impression heading toward the offseason when the Giants meet the Eagles in Week 18. Head coach Brian Daboll seemingly implied the team was looking to remain competitive on Sunday. However, it's not entirely clear who will play for Philadelphia, meaning Tracy could have an easier path toward production if the Eagles rest some of their core players on the defensive side of the ball.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (back) has been a part-time player since he arrived in upstate New York in Week 7. The veteran is listed on the injury report with a back issue but fully practiced on Thursday and Friday. Cooper hasn't played 55% or more of the team's snaps in any game this season. That will likely continue in Week 18. The Bills have clinched the second seed in the AFC playoffs. Head coach Sean McDermott said that starters will play a portion of the meaningless game against the New England Patriots. With uncertain playing time, Mitchell Trubisky playing quarterback most of the game, and mediocre play in his time in Buffalo, Cooper shouldn't be anywhere near fantasy football or DFS lineups this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) turned a potential breakout candidate into a season-long disappointment. A recurring knee injury has kept him on the injury report but has not impacted his practice participation. Fresh off one of the worst games of his season, expectations for Kincaid have never been lower entering the regular season finale. The Bills have clinched the second seed in the AFC playoffs and have nothing to play for against the Patriots. Starters, like Dalton Kincaid, won't play their regular allotment of snaps. That includes quarterback Josh Allen, who will start the game but quickly depart. Mitchell Trubisky will take most of the snaps at quarterback. That makes Kincaid and the rest of the starting Buffalo pass-catchers impossible to trust for fantasy football or DFS lineups.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has had the best season of his career in 2024-25. He's appeared in 16 games, amassing career-highs in receptions (83), targets (129), receiving yards (656), and touchdowns (three). However, the Giants lack of stability at the quarterback spot hasn't allowed him to reach his full potential. The Giants will finish off a miserable year against the Eagles on Sunday. Head coach Brian Daboll implied the team would remain competitive to close out the season. While that should mean Robinson will get his usual allotment of snaps, he's tough to trust with Drew Lock under center, even if the Eagles rest some of their studs on the defensive side of the ball.
From RotoBaller