Malik Willis has Deep-League Value for Week 17
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder, illness) is in line to start under center for the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Starting quarterback Jordan Love (concussion, shoulder) has been ruled out after getting concussed during last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. Willis came in as relief and completed nine of 11 passing attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 10 times for an additional 44 yards on the ground. Willis suffered a shoulder injury in the process. He's currently questionable for this game, but he'll make the start for the Packers if he's cleared to play. Otherwise, Clayton Tune might come off the practice squad and start if Willis is also ruled out. Willis is enough of a dual threat to be viewed as an option in superflex formats. Fantasy managers in standard 12-team formats should be able to find a more trustworthy streaming option at QB.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Maxx Crosby Done for the Season
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee) is being shut down for the rest of the regular season, according to Jay Glazer. Crosby suffered a knee injury early in the season and has been playing through it for months. The Raiders aren't playing for anything at this point in the season, so they'll elect to let Crosby rest and get healthy. Crosby reportedly didn't like the decision and stormed out of the building. The superstar pass-rusher is notorious for wanting to play in every game, no matter the team's record or injury to his body. The 2-13 Raiders are certainly rebuilding and might trade the 28-year-old pass-rusher for draft picks or younger players in the offseason. For now, Crosby is done for the year, and the Raiders' defense gets worse heading into a Week 17 matchup versus the New York Giants.
Source: Jay Glazer
Source: Jay Glazer
Noah Fant Carries Questionable Tag into Week 17
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 17 matchup versus the Arizona Cardinals. Fant suffered an ankle injury in Week 15, and as a result, he sat out during last week's game against the Miami Dolphins. He was limited during the first two practice sessions of the week before getting in a full practice on Friday. Fant appears to be trending in the right direction, but fantasy managers will need to check back on Sunday. If active, Fant remains a shaky streaming option for this weekend. The 28-year-old hasn't finished with more than one reception since Week 11. Fantasy managers should be able to find a more reliable streaming option for this weekend.
Source: Paul Dehner Jr.
Source: Paul Dehner Jr.
Dawson Knox Tagged as Questionable for Week 17
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (knee) is listed as questionable for the upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Knox sat out the first two days of practice, but was able to get in a limited session on Friday. If active, Knox could end up serving as the No. 1 tight end with Dalton Kincaid (knee) in danger of missing this game as well. Knox had a two-touchdown performance in Week 15, but outside of that, he has been quiet most of the season as the No. 2 behind Kincaid. He'd be a touchdown-dependent option, even as the primary tight end in Buffalo. If both Knox and Kincaid miss Week 17, Jackson Hawes would take over as the starting tight end. The rookie wouldn't be worth streaming in 12-team formats for championship week.
Source: Buffalo Bills PR
Source: Buffalo Bills PR
Ricky Pearsall Trending Towards Playing in Week 17
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (ankle, knee) is trending in the right direction ahead of the Sunday night matchup against the Chicago Bears, according to Matt Maiocco. Pearsall has been limited in practice this week after sitting out last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. The second-year wideout is managing both an ankle issue and a PCL problem. He'll likely get slapped with a questionable tag ahead of the Week 17 contest. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Sunday for more information. Pearsall could offer some flex value if he's able to get back on the field this weekend, but with everything on the line in championship matchups, it's hard to put any faith in an oft-injured player not even guaranteed to be on the field on Sunday evening.
Source: Matt Maiocco
Source: Matt Maiocco
Bhayshul Tuten Listed as Questionable in Week 17
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten (finger) is listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional title against the Indianapolis Colts. The 23-year-old rookie was unable to suit up in Week 16 due to this finger injury, but appears to be nearing a return. This week, the Virginia Tech product logged three-straight limited practice sessions, which leaves the door open for a return on Sunday. Managers should keep a close eye on his status leading up to Sunday's contest. Throughout his debut season, Tuten has remained in a change-of-pace role behind workhorse Travis Etienne Jr., as he has only logged double-digit carries in one contest. Even if Tuten can play, he remains a low-end RB4 given his minimal projected role. Etienne is expected to remain the primary running back in this offense and carry high-end RB2 upside facing the Colts.
Source: Mia O'Brien
Source: Mia O'Brien
David Njoku Ruled Out Again with Knee Injury
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has been ruled out for the third straight game due to a knee injury. The veteran tight end has been on the shelf since week 15 due to this injury. This week, the 29-year-old was unable to make much progress as he logged three straight non-participations during their practices. Njoku will look to return in their regular-season finale next weekend, when they travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals. Before his injury, Njoku was losing his footing in this offense, averaging just 4.3 PPR points per game over his last five contests (Weeks 10 through 14). As a result, managers should expect rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) to continue to remain the team's clear top tight end, if cleared to suit up on Sunday.
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Calvin Austin III Ruled Out with Hamstring Injury for Week 17
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Cleveland Browns. Austin suffered this injury during their thrilling victory over the Lions last weekend. This week, Austin was unable to participate in any practice sessions and will set his sights on returning in Week 18, when the Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens. Austin will join top wideout DK Metcalf on the sidelines as he will be unable to play in each of the final two regular-season games due to a suspension. As a result, fantasy managers should expect the Steelers to deploy Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Adam Thielen, Scotty Miller, and Roman Wilson as the starting wideouts. However, managers should expect both running backs, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, and tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Jonnu Smith to operate as the top pass catchers.
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Harold Fannin Jr. Expected to Play on Sunday
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is expected to play on Sunday despite being listed as questionable. Fannin suffered a groin injury during Friday's practice session but told reporters that he expects to be cleared to face the Steelers. Fantasy managers should continue to closely monitor his status, but it appears the 21-year-old has avoided a major injury. Over the last four weeks, Fannin has taken a significant step forward in his development and has emerged as a weekly TE1 for fantasy. During this four-game stretch, the Bowling Green product has averaged an impressive 17.5 PPR points per game with 9.0 targets per game. With David Njoku (knee) already ruled out, Fannin should see another hefty target share if cleared to suit up.
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Dalton Kincaid Holds Questionable Tag Ahead of Week 17 Tilt
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team's top tight end opened the week as a non-participant on Wednesday and Thursday before being upgraded to limited participation on Friday afternoon. Managers should continue to monitor his progress during the weekend. Kincaid is coming off a disappointing showing in Week 16, where he was unable to bring in his lone target and finish his day with 0.0 PPR points. However, in Weeks 14 and 15, Kincaid averaged a solid 10.3 PPR points per game and saw 4.5 targets per game. With No. 2 tight end Dawson Knox (knee )also carrying a questionable tag, managers could see wideouts Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, and Tyrell Shavers take on an increased role on Sunday.
Source: Buffalo Bills
Source: Buffalo Bills
Chris Olave Expected to Be Ready for Sunday
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (back) was not spotted during the open portion of Friday's practice, but according to Saints beat reporter Nick Underhill, his absence was merely precautionary, and he is expected to be a full go for Week 17. Olave has been the fantasy WR6 on the season, with his best and most consistent performances coming since rookie Tyler Shough took over as New Orleans' starting quarterback in Week 9. The Saints face a vulnerable Titans defense in Week 17, and with 35-year-old jack-of-all trades Taysom Hill likely in line to lead the team's rushing attack, Shough, Olave, and the passing offense could see another big day. In a Week 16 win over the Jets, Shough set career highs in dropbacks, pass attempts, completions, and yards, leading to a season-best WR2 fantasy finish for Olave, who is RotoBaller's WR6 for championship weekend.
Source: Nick Underhill
Source: Nick Underhill
Jordan Love Ruled Out with Concussion for Saturday's Contest
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (concussion) has been ruled out for Saturday's contest against the Baltimore Ravens due to a concussion. Love sustained this concussion during their loss to the Bears last week and will need additional time ot pass through the league's protocol. While the second-stringer Malik Willis (shoulder/illness) has a questionable tag, Schefter noted that Willis is expected to get the starting nod. Before exiting last weekend early, Love went 8-for-13 with 77 yards. However, during Weeks 13 through 15, Love was a viable QB1 in standard formats, averaging 24.1 PPR points per game with an 8:3 TD:INT. Managers should view Willis as a high-end QB2 facing a weak Baltimore defense that has allowed the 12th-most PPR points to opposing QBs.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Alvin Kamara to Miss Fifth Consecutive Game
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) will miss his fifth consecutive game after another week of DNPs at practice. With rookie Devin Neal (hamstring), who had handled New Orleans' bellcow duties in Kamara's stead, hitting Injured Reserve prior to the team's Week 16 matchup with the Jets, fantasy managers were left to debate whether Audric Estime or Evan Hull would step in and benefit from the favorable matchup. Turns out it was tight end Taysom Hill, who saw season highs in snaps, carries, targets, receptions, and both rushing and receiving yards, while adding a 38-yard touchdown pass for good measure. The Saints face another plus matchup in the Titans in Week 17, and with Hill likely in line to again be worked heavily into New Orleans' game plan, he's a near must-start wherever he is tight end eligible.
Source: Luke Johnson
Source: Luke Johnson
Luther Burden III Off Injury Report Following Full Practice
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) was a full practice participant on Friday and carries no injury designation into the team's Sunday Night matchup with the 49ers. Burden injured his ankle in a Week 15 blowout of the Browns, in which he had seen his highest target share of the season, and was forced to miss Chicago's Week 16 divisional win over the Packers. In his last two games played without Rome Odunze (foot), who was ruled out on Friday for what will be his fourth consecutive game, Burden has caught 10 of 13 targets for 151 yards and a touchdown. He projects as RotoBaller's WR37 for the week and should be viewed as a high-upside flex play against a 49ers defense that has allowed nearly 230 passing yards per game and 27 touchdowns through the air.
Source: Sean Hammond
Source: Sean Hammond
Cade Otton a Shaky Tight End Option in Week 17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has made a minimal impact in the passing attack during the second half of the season. When the Bucs were banged up, Otton was getting double-digit targets some weeks, but that's not the case anymore. The return of receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan has basically put an end to Otton's streaming value. The fourth-year tight end has been held to under 25 receiving yards in four straight games. It's tough to imagine anything changing during the upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. There should be better streaming options at the tight end position available for fantasy championship games this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
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