Tag: fantasy-football-week-16

Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 16 Christmas Slate

Week 16 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the Christmas Slate.

Updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 16 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early game: RB Josh Jacobs (inactive)
Afternoon game:
Night game:

Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 35 degrees, cloudy, WNW 14 mph

Raiders

Inactives: TE Jesper Horsted, C Hroniss Grasu, TE Michael Mayer, RB Josh Jacobs, OT Brandon Parker, QB Brian Hoyer and DL Byron X. Young

Lineup notes: TE Michael Mayer (toe) will not be available. LT Kolton Miller (shoulder) is ready to go, but RB Josh Jacobs (quadriceps, illness) will not be out there.

Chiefs

Inactives: DL Malik Herring, DE B.J. Thompson, OT Donovan Smith, DE Matt Dickerson, WR Kadarius Toney, DT Neil Farrell and CB Nic Jones

Lineup notes: WR Mecole Hardman (thumb) and WR Skyy Moore (knee) are on IR. RB Isiah Pacheco (shoulder) has practiced all week and will return. LT Donovan Smith (neck), RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) was placed on IR, and RB La’Mical Perine was signed to the active roster. WR Kadarius Toney (hip) all were ruled out. CB L’Jarius Snead (knee), LB Nick Bolton (wrist, abdomen, illness), TE Travis Kelce (neck) and WR Rashee Rice (hamstring) all avoided injury tags.

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (4:30 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 48 degrees, cloudy

Giants

Inactives: S Gervarrius Owens, TE Lawrence Cager, OG Sean Harlow, LB Benton Whitley, DE Carlos Basham Jr., WR Parris Campbell and DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches

Lineup notes: TE Darren Waller (hamstring) has worked all week and will play. WR Isaiah Hodgins (illness) and DT Dexter Lawrence (hamstring) were questionable but will be out there. RT Evan Neal (ankle) will end his season on the Reserve/Injured list. PK Mason Crosby was elevated from the practice squad to handle the kicking chores after PK Cade York (quad) became the third kicker placed on IR by the Giants this season.

Eagles

Inactives: TE Albert Okwuegbunam, LB Nicholas Morrow, QB Tanner McKee, OG Landon Dickerson, LB Zach Cunningham, CB Darius Slay and RB Rashaad Penny

Lineup notes: WR DeVonta Smith (knee) was limited Saturday but avoided an injury tag. LG Landon Dickerson (thumb), LB Zach Cunningham (knee), CB Avonte Maddox (pectoral), and CB Darius Slay (knee) all were ruled out.

Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers (8:20 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 52 degrees, cloudy

Ravens

Inactives: S Arthur Maulet, OT Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, CB Jalyn Armour-Davis, QB Malik Cunningham, QB Josh Johnson, CB Damarion Williams and C Sam Mustipher

Lineup notes: TE Mark Andrews (ankle) remains on IR. RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) joined him on IR due to a torn ACL. WR Odell Beckham Jr. (illness) fully practiced Friday and Saturday to avoid an injury label. WR Zay Flowers (foot) also will play play.

49ers

Inactives: TE Ross Dwelley, DL Arik Armstead, CB Samuel Womack, QB Brandon Allen, WR Jauan Jennings, RB Elijah Mitchell and LB Oren Burks

Lineup notes: RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) won’t play, but DT Javon Hargrave (hamstring) is active. DT Arik Armstead (foot, knee) and WR Jauan Jennings (concussion) have been ruled out.

Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 16

Week 16 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the fantasy football lineup decisions.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 16 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: RB AJ Dillon (active), WR Jayden Reed (inactive), RB Kenneth Walker III (active), WR Nico Collins (active)
Afternoon games: QB Trevor Lawrence (active), RB D’Onta Foreman (inactive), TE Cole Kmet (active), WR Tyreek Hill (active)
Sunday night:

Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 61 degrees, cloudy ESE 10 mph (retractable-roof dome)

Colts

Inactives: DL Eric Johnson, WR Michael Pittman Jr., OT Braden Smith, RB Zack Moss, CB Darrell Baker Jr., LB Segun Olubi and OG Jack Anderson

Lineup notes: RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) practiced all week and will make his return. RB Zack Moss (forearm) and WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion, shoulder) were deemed questionable Friday but both have been downgraded to out, joining RT Braden Smith (knee).

Falcons

Inactives: QB Logan Woodside, OG Kaleb McGary, DE Joe Gaziano, DT Tommy Togiai, TE John FitzPatrick, OG Jovaughn Gwyn and P Patrick O’Donnell

Lineup notes: RT Kaleb McGary (knee) is inactive once again. C Drew Dalman (ankle), RG Chris Lindstrom (ankle) and LT Jake Matthews (knee) are all good to go.

Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 62 degrees, cloudy

Seahawks

Inactives: DE Frank Clark, OT Raiqwon O’Neal, S Jamal Adams, WR Dee Eskridge, OG McClendon Curtis, CB Devon Witherspoon and DT Myles Adams

Lineup notes: RB Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) will be out there after a questionable listing. QB Geno Smith (groin) is good to go after full work all week. CB Devon Witherspoon (hip) and S Jamal Adams (knee) won’t go.

Titans

Inactives: OT Daniel Brunskill, DE T.K. McLendon, S K’Von Wallace, TE Trevon Wesco, WR Kyle Philips, QB Will Levis and DB Sean Murphy-Bunting

Lineup notes: WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (hand), S Amani Hooker (knee), and DT Jeffery Simmons (knee) went on IR and will miss the rest of the season. QB Will Levis (ankle) won’t play, so QB Ryan Tannehill draws the start. TE Chigoziem Okonkwo (illness) and WR Treylon Burks (illness) will play.

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Lions

Inactives: WR Antoine Green, CB Steven Gilmore, LB Derrick Barnes, TE Brock Wright, DL Brodric Martin, CB Jerry Jacobs and QB Hendon Hooker

Lineup notes: Starting C Frank Ragnow (knee, back, toe) will play after a full practice Friday. S C.J Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) won’t be out there just yet.

Vikings

Inactives: OG Chris Reed, WR Jalen Nailor, S Lewis Cine, OT Brian O’Neill, CB Byron Murphy, QB Joshua Dobbs and TE Nick Muse

Lineup notes: RB Alexander Mattison (ankle) is active, but he was demoted to No. 2 on the depth chart. RT Brian O’Neill will not be available.

Washington Commanders at New York Jets (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 45 degrees, cloudy

Commanders

Inactives: LB Andre Jones Jr., CB Kyu Blu Kelly, RB Brian Robinson Jr., WR Mitchell Tinsley, C Nolan Laufenberg, OG Tyler Larsen and OT Charles Leno Jr.

Lineup notes: RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring), C Tyler Larsen (knee) and LT Charles Leno (calf) were ruled out.

Jets

Inactives: QB Aaron Rodgers, FB Nick Bawden, OT Austin Deculus, OT Duane Brown, WR Randall Cobb, CB Bryce Hall and QB Zach Wilson

Lineup notes: QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) will miss the rest of the season, despite being activated from IR. QB Zach Wilson (concussion) are out.

Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 62 degrees, cloudy

Packers

Inactives: S Darnell Savage, WR Jayden Reed, LB De’Vondre Campbell, DL Brenton Cox, OT Caleb Jones, WR Christian Watson and CB Robert Rochell

Lineup notes: TE Luke Musgrave (kidney) and LB De’Vondre Campbell (neck) aren’t ready yet. WR Christian Watson (hamstring) won’t be out there. RB AJ Dillon (thumb) is active, but WR Jayden Reed (toe, chest) couldn’t get ready in time. WR Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) and CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder) overcame questionable designations.

Panthers

Inactives: CB CJ Henderson, WR Terrace Marshall Jr., WR Mike Strachan, DE Eku Leota, DT Chris Wormley and OT Ricky Lee

Lineup notes: No injuries of fantasy relevance.

Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 67 degrees, cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

Browns

Inactives: C Luke Wypler, LB Anthony Walker, LB Jordan Kunaszyk, DL Isaiah McGuire, S Juan Thornhill, DE Ogbo Okoronkwo and CB Kahlef Hailassie

Lineup notes: QB Joe Flacco (calf), RB Jerome Ford (wrist) and RB Kareem Hunt (groin) practiced Friday and will play. S Juan Thornhill (calf) was ruled out.

Texans

Inactives: LB Blake Cashman, QB C.J. Stroud, DT Teair Tart, OT Joshua Jones and DL Will Anderson Jr.

Lineup notes: QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) and DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) are out again. WR Nico Collins (calf) and WR Noah Brown (knee) will play.

Late afternoon games

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 72 degrees, cloudy

Jaguars

Inactives: OT Chandler Brewer, DT Angelo Blackson, CB Gregory Junior, LB Yasir Abdullah and WR Zay Jones

Lineup notes: QB Trevor Lawrence (ankle, concussion) cleared the protocol and is active. WR Zay Jones (knee) will not be available.

Buccaneers

Inactives: DT Deadrin Senat, OT Brandon Walton, LB JJ Russell, LB Markees Watts and QB John Wolford

Lineup notes: WR Chris Godwin (knee) is good to go after a full session Friday. S Antoine Winfield Jr. (calf) was added Friday as questionable after being unable to participate, but he is active.

Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 46 degrees, cloudy

Cardinals

Inactives: OT Dennis Daley, WR Marquise Brown, TE Travis Vokolek, CB Garrett Williams, DE Tyreke Smith, DE Victor Dimukeje and OT Carter O’Donnell

Lineup notes: WR Marquise Brown (heel) is out. WR Greg Dortch (shoulder) will be available.

Bears

Inactives: OT Teven Jenkins, QB Nathan Peterman, LB Noah Sewell, S Quindell Johnson, RB D’Onta Foreman and WR Equanimeous St. Brown

Lineup notes: RB D’Onta Foreman (personal) won’t be available, but TE Cole Kmet (quadriceps) is ready to roll. WR Darnell Mooney (illness) practiced Thursday and Friday and will go.

Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 74 degrees, cloudy, E 11 mph

Cowboys

Inactives: DL Johnathan Hankins, QB Trey Lance, RB Deuce Vaughn, CB Noah Igbinoghene, OT Tyron Smith, CB Eric Scott Jr. and WR Jalen Brooks

Lineup notes: LT Tyron Smith (back) was downgraded to out. RG Zach Martin (thigh) will tough it out. RB Rico Dowdle (ankle) and RB Tony Pollard (thumb) are good to go after full practices Friday.

Dolphins

Inactives: DL Emmanuel Ogbah, WR River Cracraft, OT Robert Hunt, QB Skylar Thompson, TE Tyler Kroft, S Jevon Holland and CB Cam Smith

Lineup notes: WR Tyreek Hill (ankle) is active for Week 16. RB De’Von Achane (toe) and RB Raheem Mostert (knee, ankle) also are good to go. CB Xavien Howard (hip) will give it a whirl, while S Jevon Holland (knee) couldn’t get right in time. LB Melvin Ingram was elevated to the 53-man roster.

Sunday Night Football

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos (8:20 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 24 degrees, cloudy

Patriots

Inactives: RB Rhamondre Stevenson, DT Sam Roberts, TE Hunter Henry, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR Matthew Slater, SS Jabrill Peppers and QB Nathan Rourke

Lineup notes: RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) are out. TE Hunter Henry (knee) was downgraded on Saturday and also won’t play.

Broncos

Inactives: C Alex Forsyth, S JL Skinner, DL Thomas Incoom, QB Ben DiNucci, DT Elijah Garcia, TE Nate Adkins and LB Nik Bonitto

Lineup notes: TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring, foot) and LB Nik Bonitto (knee) will not play.

Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 16 Saturday Slate

Week 16 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the Saturday Slate.

Updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 16 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Afternoon game:
Night game:

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (4:30 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 43 degrees, cloudy

Bengals

Inactives: OT D’Ante Smith, TE Irv Smith, WR Ja’Marr Chase, DT Travis Bell, LB Devin Harper, C Trey Hill and RB Chris Evans

Lineup notes: WR Ja’Marr Chase (shoulder) will not be available. RB Chase Brown (chest) closed out the week with consecutive full practices and avoided an injury label.

Steelers

Inactives: CB Darius Rush, LB Blake Martinez, DL DeMarvin Leal, OT Dylan Cook, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, QB Kenny Pickett and S Trenton Thompson

Lineup notes: QB Kenny Pickett (ankle) remains out of commission, and he’ll be joined by S Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) after not practicing all week. TE Pat Freiermuth (knee) and RB Najee Harris avoided an injury designation.

Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers (8:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 58 degrees, mostly cloudy (open-air dome)

Bills

Inactives: DE A.J. Epenesa, OG Alec Anderson, OT Germain Ifedi, RB Ty Johnson and S Micah Hyde

Lineup notes: TE Dalton Kincaid (shoulder) was limited all week but avoided an injury label. S Micah Hyde (neck) will miss Week 16 with a stinger. RB Leonard Fournette was elevated from the practice squad.

Chargers

Inactives: WR Keenan Allen, QB Max Duggan, CB Deane Leonard, TE Donald Parham and S JT Woods

Lineup notes: WR Keenan Allen (heel) will miss another contest, and he’ll be watching alongside LB Joey Bosa (foot).

Fantasy football injury report: Week 16

Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Week 16.

This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.

PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases its final official injury report each Friday (approximately 5:30 p.m. ET). West Coast teams often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.

Week 16 fantasy football injury report

This week’s key game-time decisions: RB D’Onta Foreman, TE Cole Kmet, WR Tyreek Hill, RB AJ Dillon, WR Jayden Reed, RB Zack Moss, WR Michael Pittman Jr., QB Trevor Lawrence, RB Kenneth Walker III, RB Josh Jacobs, WR DeVonta Smith

ARIZONA CARDINALS
WR Marquise Brown (heel) is out. WR Greg Dortch (shoulder) is questionable after limited Friday.

ATLANTA FALCONS 
RT Kaleb McGary (knee) is questionable after limited work Friday. C Drew Dalman (ankle), RG Chris Lindstrom (ankle) and LT Jake Matthews (knee) are all good to go.

BALTIMORE RAVENS – Monday night
TE Mark Andrews (ankle) remains on IR. RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) joined him on IR due to a torn ACL. WR Odell Beckham Jr. (illness) missed Thursday’s practice, and WR Zay Flowers (foot) was limited. Friday’s session wasn’t complete at press time.

BUFFALO BILLS – Saturday night
TE Dawson Knox (wrist), RB James Cook (illness) and QB Josh Allen (shoulder) practiced Thursday and will play.

CAROLINA PANTHERS 
TE Ian Thomas (ankle) is questionable but had a full session Friday.

CHICAGO BEARS 
RB D’Onta Foreman (personal) and TE Cole Kmet (quadriceps) are questionable and were limited participants in Friday’s practice. WR Darnell Mooney (illness) practiced Thursday and Friday and will go.

CINCINNATI BENGALS – Saturday night
WR Ja’Marr Chase (shoulder) is out. QB Jake Browning (forearm) and RB Chase Brown (chest) practiced Thursday and will play.

CLEVELAND BROWNS
QB Joe Flacco (calf), RB Jerome Ford (wrist) and RB Kareem Hunt (groin) practiced Friday and will play.

DALLAS COWBOYS
LT Tyron Smith (back) is doubtful and didn’t practice all week. RG Zach Martin (thigh) is questionable after limited work Friday. RB Rico Dowdle (ankle) and RB Tony Pollard (thumb) are good to go after full practices Friday.

DENVER BRONCOS 
TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring, foot) is out.

DETROIT LIONS
Starting C Frank Ragnow (knee, back, toe) will play after a full practice Friday.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 
TE Luke Musgrave (kidney) is out. WR Christian Watson (hamstring) is doubtful and didn’t practice all week. RB AJ Dillon (thumb), WR Jayden Reed (toe, chest) and WR Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) are all questionable. Reed didn’t practice all week. Dillon and Wicks were limited Friday.

HOUSTON TEXANS
QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) is out again. WR Nico Collins (calf) is questionable after limited work all week. WR Noah Brown (knee) and WR John Metchie (illness) practiced Friday and will play.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 
RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) practiced all week and will make his return. RB Zack Moss (forearm) and WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion, shoulder) are questionable. Moss didn’t practice Friday, and Pittman, who did clear the protocol, was limited.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 
QB Trevor Lawrence (ankle, concussion) and WR Zay Jones (knee) are questionable. Both upgraded to limited work Friday. QB C.J. Beathard (shoulder) practiced fully all week and will play if Lawrence doesn’t. 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – Monday afternoon
WR Mecole Hardman (thumb) and WR Skyy Moore (knee) are on IR. RB Isiah Pacheco (shoulder) has practiced all week and is poised to return. LT Donovan Smith (neck), RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) and WR Kadarius Toney (hip) were out of practice Friday. TE Travis Kelce (neck) and WR Rashee Rice (hamstring) practiced Friday.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS – Monday afternoon
LT Kolton Miller (shoulder) and RB Josh Jacobs (quadriceps) were limited Friday.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS – Saturday night
QB Justin Herbert (finger) is out for the season. WR Keenan Allen (heel) is out once again. 

LOS ANGELES RAMS – Played Thursday
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 
WR Tyreek Hill (ankle) is questionable this week after limited work Friday. He’ll be a game-time decision. RB De’Von Achane (toe) and RB Raheem Mostert (knee, ankle) are good to go. Achane was limited Friday, and Mostert was a full-go. 

[lawrence-related id=486152]

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
RB Alexander Mattison (ankle) upgraded to limited Friday and is listed as questionable, but he was demoted to No. 2 on the depth chart. 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) are out. TE Hunter Henry (knee) is questionable after limited work Friday.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS – Played Thursday
RB Kendre Miller (ankle) was inactive again.

NEW YORK GIANTS – Monday night
TE Darren Waller (hamstring) has worked all week. RB Matt Breida (hamstring) has been limited thus far.

NEW YORK JETS 
QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) will miss the rest of the season, despite being activated from IR. QB Zach Wilson (concussion) are out.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – Monday night
WR DeVonta Smith (knee) has yet to practice, and he’ll need monitored over the weekend.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS – Saturday night
QB Kenny Pickett (ankle) is out again. TE Pat Freiermuth (knee) and RB Najee Harris (knee) practiced Thursday and will go.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – Monday night
RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) was out of practice Thursday. Friday’s session wasn’t complete at press time.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 
RB Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) was limited Friday and is questionable. QB Geno Smith (groin) is good to go after full work all week.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
WR Chris Godwin (knee) is good to go after a full session Friday.

TENNESSEE TITANS
WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (hand) went on IR and will miss the rest of the season. QB Will Levis (ankle) and TE Chigoziem Okonkwo (illness) are questionable. Levis was limited Friday, but Okonkwo was idle. WR Treylon Burks (illness) will play after a full session Friday.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is out once again.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 16

Check out these starts and sits for fantasy football in Week 16.

The fantasy football playoffs are officially underway as just two more weeks remain in the season for the majority of leagues. Now, it’s time to look at some start/sit decisions for Week 16.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11), or check out our start/bench list for Week 16:

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 16

Can this journeyman string together two strong fantasy showings?

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as my favorite fantasy football gamble of the week.

The players chosen in this series are meant to be fliers for fantasy owners in desperate situations or those willing to take an intentional risk. No player is intended to be a lineup lock for guaranteed results, hence the name of the series.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 16

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 6-9-0
All-time record: 25-40-3 (39.0%)

Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or is ruled out after publishing

This year, we’ll also track the accuracy on a percentage basis to show relative results, since sometimes calling a player a loss doesn’t actually hurt gamers. An example would be if a projection narrowly falls short of the 75 percent threshold, the player is still of use in a lineup.

Wk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
% 55 74 41 20 150 66 16 25 88 121 138 80 87 64% 48%
Grade E C F- F- A+ D F- F- B+ A+ A+ B- B+ D F

While the 19.9-point projection last week for Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift was a flop, some of the actual numbers I forecasted weren’t out of line. He out-touched my expectation by a handful of carries, rushing for eight more yards than projected. The Eagles sent three passes his way, just one shy of my stat line for Swift, but he did nothing with his chances through the air (two catches, one yard).

Not finding the end zone is really what killed this recommendation. He would have finished within the range to be a “win” with a single score … unfortunately, Jalen Hurts stole a pair of rushing touchdowns. It’s frustrating, but that was the true risk in playing Swift.

This week, our attention turns to a journeyman quarterback who has a little bit of gunslinger in his DNA.

Minnesota Vikings QB Nick Mullens vs. Detroit Lions

In his first full start with the Vikings, Mullens posted 303 passing yards, two touchdowns and chipped in 10 rushing yards. While he did toss a pair of interceptions, a 24-plus-point day on the road was a nice early Christmas present for anyone brazen enough to play him.

Now that we have a more recent sample, gamers should feel some comfort in taking a chance on him this week. It really isn’t worth going into great detail about Mullens’ past starting tenures with San Francisco in 2018 and ’20, but he was fantasy-relevant multiple times and proved unafraid to push the ball downfield — that’s extra important because of the vertical threats in Minnesota’s aerial arsenal.

Having Justin Jefferson alone brings a dynamic that cannot be understated, and all of his defensive attention makes Jordan Addison‘s explosiveness that much more valuable. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is a chain-moving safety valve as well as a dangerous outlet in the red zone. Even peripheral options, such as versatile running back Ty Chandler and third receiver K.J. Osborn, can do checkdown damage to help enhance Mullens’ chances of posting QB1 numbers.

[lawrence-related id=486065]

Mullens is at home vs. Detroit, a group that has allowed an average of 22.7 fantasy points to the position this year. In the last six weeks since the Lions came out of the bye, half of the performances have been good for 27 or more points. Ten quarterbacks have gone for at least 21.8 points, and the matchup is 16% easier than average in the last five weeks.

The key factor here will be game script. If the Lions come out and lay an egg on offense, there’s not going to be a need for Mullens to throw much more than 30 times. Detroit has done the best job at limiting running backs this year, so Minnesota will need to put the ball in the air regardless of how many points the Lions hang on the board, but this one could turn into a shootout of sorts if Jared Goff is dealing.

Divisional matchups tend to be unpredictable given how uniquely familiar each squad is with one another, and this is the first meeting between the two in 2023. Minnesota’s offense gets the edge here with the Lions not having extensive opposition research on Mullens’ recent tendencies.

My projection: 24 of 36, 288 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 1 INT, 6 rushing yards (26.0 fantasy points)

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 16

Check your waiver wire for these IDP options ahead of Week 16.

The fantasy football playoffs are underway, or if you’re in a full-season league, these last three weeks will decide it all. Rosters are mostly set, but injuries occur. We’re here to provide options if the bad bounce comes your way.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DT Zach Sieler, Miami Dolphins

It’s not often we recommend 300-pound tackles, but Sieler has played at the level of his size. He has sacks in three of four games and had a fumble recovery and a pass defense to go with his sack in Week 15. He also had four tackles each in Week 13 and 14.

DE Tanoh Kpassagnon, New Orleans Saints

The 29-year-old has been off the fantasy radar all season, but he certainly busted the door open in Week 15. He had six tackles and three sacks against the New York Giants. The Saints had a couple of injuries on the ends to open up the playing time for Kpassagnon, and you’ll need to monitor that. But how can you sit a guy after three sacks and four QB hits?

Linebackers

LB Khaleke Hudson, Washington Commanders

One way to come out of a late-season bye week is with … 14 tackles! He had 22 on the season before that game. The job on the weak side is his, and ebbs and flows should be expected. However, when you can acquire a player who delivers 14 tackles in a game this late in the season – it can be a game-changer.

LB Christian Rozeboom, Los Angeles Rams

Rozeboom had a solid first half of the season, and he kind of went in the tank after the Week 10 bye. He had just two tackles in each of the Week 13 and 14 games. He had five tackles and a pass defense in Week 15. With the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants on the docket the next two weeks, he’s worth the speculative grab.

[lawrence-related id=485958]

LB Mack Wilson, New England Patriots

At least one “Mac”k has worked out this season for New England. Wilson has sacks in two straight games. He’s not going to wow you with tackles as he has four, three and two the last three weeks. However, Wilson had three straight games with a pass defense before Week 15, and he’ll sprinkle a little in those three categories.

Defensive backs

SS Brandon Jones, Miami Dolphins 

Injuries in the secondary gave Jones another window, and he has taken advantage. He had seven tackles, a forced fumble and a pass defense in Week 14. Last week, Jones had five tackles, two INTs, and two pass defenses. He has a potential shootout against the Dallas Cowboys this week.

SS Ifeatu Melifonwu, Detroit Lions

The 2021 third-round pick wowed the judges with nine tackles, a forced fumble a sack, and two pass defenses last week. He has a good matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this week and then plays a pass-heavy Cowboys team in Week 17.

SS Andrew Wingard, Jacksonville Jaguars

The veteran Wingard has a stretch every season it seems where he stands out on the fringe. Eleven tackles in Week 15 will definitely put you over the edge. He had a seven-tackle game earlier this season, but this one was by far his biggest. So temper expectations, but Wingard has a solid floor.

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 16 free agent forecast

Here are the top waiver wire targets for Week 16 of fantasy football.

For the majority of leagues, the first round of the fantasy football playoffs comes to an end Monday night after a wild weekend of games in Week 15.

Hopefully, you were able to get through the week unscathed with a victory, but there were plenty of injuries that hit managers right in the starting lineup.

Among the players with injuries to monitor enter Week 16 include Ja’Marr Chase, Keenan Allen, Josh Jacobs, Alexander Mattison, Brian Robinson Jr., Michael Pittman Jr., Zack Moss, AJ Dillon and Isiah Pacheco.

The bye weeks also are finally over, so it will be just good old-fashioned fantasy football. With trade deadlines concluded in the majority of leagues as well, the waiver wire becomes the most vital tool for fantasy managers over the three weeks.

We’re also getting to the point of the season in which stashing FAAB isn’t as crucial. Don’t hesitate to spend a bit more on a player who might give your team an edge down the stretch.

We’ll be taking a look at the top available players rostered in Yahoo leagues, using the 75% rostered mark as the threshold. If you have any questions about prioritizing a certain player over another, don’t be afraid to hit me up on X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11). Your questions and comments are always welcome!

We also will be taking a look at some deeper players to stash and the top streaming options for the upcoming week.

Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.

Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.

Fantasy Football: 7 utilization stats to know from Week 16

Here are the top fantasy football utilization stats you need to know from Week 16 of the 2022 NFL season.

Here are the top fantasy football utilization stats you need to know from Week 16 of the 2022 NFL season before you make any waiver-wire claims this week.

Gameday inactives, injuries and weather: Week 16 Christmas Day

Week 16 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the Christmas Slate.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 16 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early game: RB Jeff Wilson (active)
Afternoon game: RB Latavius Murray (active), WR Courtland Sutton (active)
Sunday night: WR Marquise Brown (active)

Green Bay Packers at Miami Dolphins (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 51 degrees, overcast

Packers

Inactives: CB Shemar Jean-Charles, OT Caleb Jones, OT David Bakhtiari, LB Jonathan Garvin and DT Jonathan Ford

Lineup notes: QB Aaron Rodgers (thumb, ribs) continues to play through multiple injuries. LT David Bakhtiari (knee, abdomen) will not play.

Dolphins

Inactives: QB Skylar Thompson, TE Tanner Conner, RB Myles Gaskin, CB Noah Igbinoghene, OT Eric Fisher, WR Erik Ezukanma and WR River Cracraft

Lineup notes: RB Jeff Wilson (hip) will play through a questionable designation, but RB Myles Gaskin (illness) isn’t available.LT Terron Armstead (toe, pec, knee) and LB Bradley Chubb (knee) are active despite drawing questionable tags.

Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Rams (4:30 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 74 degrees, clear (open-air dome)

Broncos

Inactives: TE Albert Okwuegbunam, WR Kendall Hinton, WR Brandon Johnson, QB Jarrett Guarantano, OT Calvin Anderson, DT Elijah Garcia and CB Michael Ojemudia

Lineup notes: WR Kendall Hinton (hamstring) is out. RB Latavius Murray (foot) and WR Courtland Sutton (hamstring) are questionable but will  . QB Russell Wilson (concussion) cleared the protocol and will start.

Rams

Inactives: DL Marquise Copeland, CB Shaun Jolly, DL Aaron Donald, LB Travin Howard, QB John Wolford, WR Ben Skowronek and C Brian Allen

Lineup notes: WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) and QB Matthew Stafford (neck) remain on IR and will likely end the season there. DT Aaron Donald (ankle), WR Ben Skowronek (calf) and QB John Wolford (neck) are also out.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals (8:20 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 63 degrees, clear (retractable-roof dome)

Buccaneers

Inactives: OG John Molchon, OT Donovan Smith, WR Breshad Perriman, DT Vita Vea, DL Carl Nassib, CB Jamel Dean and QB Kyle Trask

Lineup notes: WR Julio Jones (knee) is active after being listed as questionable. DT Vita Vea (calf) has been ruled out, while S Mike Edwards (hamstring), S Keanu Neal (toe) and S Antoine Winfield (ankle) are active. LT Donovan Smith (foot) will not play. RT Tristan Wirfs (ankle) and swing OT Josh Wells (back) were deemed questionable, though both are active.

Cardinals

Inactives: QB Colt McCoy, LB Jesse Luketa, DE Victor Dimukeje, OG Wyatt Davis, DL Zach Allen, OG Rashaad Coward and CB Jace Whittaker

Lineup notes: QB Kyler Murray (knee) and WR Rondale Moore (groin) will end the season on IR. QB Colt McCoy (concussion) is also out. WR Marquise Brown (groin) was limited all week and listed as questionable, but he is active. WR Greg Dortch (knee) was a full-go Friday and will play.