Matthew Golden Sees an Uptick in Opportunities Due to Injuries
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver out of Texas, and first-round pick in 2025, Matthew Golden, earned four targets and caught three of them for 55 yards in Week 15's loss to the Denver Broncos. The four targets were the most that Golden has seen since Week 7, and with the injury to Christian Watson (chest, shoulder), Golden was thrust into duties and played more snaps than he has since the return of Watson's ACL injury and the return of Jayden Reed from the Injured Reserve. Although Golden's fantasy value is on the rise due to the injury situation, he is still hard to trust in any format this week against the Chicago Bears. On the season, he has 27 receptions for 341 yards and no touchdowns, for a total of 52 fantasy points in 11 games played.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Davis Emerges as the Clear RB2 in Dallas After Week 15
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis played 53 percent of the snaps in Week 15 and earned 11 touches (eight rushes and three receptions) for 37 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys' loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. As far as the 2025 season goes, that was season-highs for Davis in all categories: snaps, touches, yards, and fantasy points. The reason he played and got the volume is that Javonte Williams (neck) missed most of the second quarter, allowing Davis to see the majority of the work. Important to note that rookie running back out of Texas, Jaydon Blue, was a healthy scratch, so it's clear that the Cowboys view Davis as the top option behind Williams, which makes him a top handcuff option for the last few weeks of the fantasy football season. Davis does not have standalone fantasy value at this time, but if Williams were to miss time, he would immediately enter the rankings as a low-end RB2 based on projected volume.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Earned a Majority of Giants Snaps in Week 15, Value on the Rise?
New York Giants second-year running back out of Purdue, Tyron Tracy Jr., piled up 97 total yards (70 rushing and 27 receiving) in Week 15 and punched in two touchdowns, good for 23.20 points in half PPR formats. Since the injury to Cam Skattebo (ankle) in Week 8, the backfield snaps have been relatively split between Tracy and Devin Singletary. However, in Week 15 we saw Tracy take a majority of the snaps for the first time since Skattebo's injury (76% compared to Singletary's 24%), and out touch him 19 to six, which is an excellent sign for Tracy fantasy managers as we head into the semi-finals of the fantasy football playoffs, as he now provides managers with the confidence to start him as an RB2/flex option against the Minnesota Vikings due to his projected opportunities. The Vikings have been middle-of-the-pack against opposing running backs, allowing the 15th fewest points to the position; however, given Tracy's projected volume after what he earned in Week 15, he can be started in most 12-team or larger formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet's Touchdown Makes Up for Low Yardage in Week 16
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet had nine carries for 32 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown during Thursday's Week 16 win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. He also caught all four of his targets for an additional 22 receiving yards. Charbonnet was outperformed by Kenneth Walker III in terms of touches, yards, and fantasy points, but he did still lead the backfield with his 56% snap share on Thursday night. Managers should expect the two backs to continue splitting work roughly 50/50 in this backfield from now on. That lowers the floor for both players, but if Seattle's offense plays well over the final two weeks, Charbonnet and Walker could each carve out standalone fantasy value as low-end RB2 or high-end RB3/flex options. Charbonnet should be a top-36 fantasy running back in Week 17, when he takes on a well-rounded Carolina Panthers squad.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam Darnold Overcomes Two Picks in Comeback Win vs. Rams
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold completed 22 of his 34 pass attempts for 270 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions during Thursday's Week 16 comeback win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. He also rushed for seven yards and took four sacks in the victory. It wasn't exactly the cleanest game for Darnold, who has now been picked off by the Rams six times during two meetings in 2025. He was just 4-for-6 passing in the first half, but he cleaned things up in the second half and overtime, ultimately leading the Seahawks to a comeback victory that erased Los Angeles' 16-point lead. The 28-year-old is a borderline top-12 fantasy quarterback (with undeniable risk) heading into a Week 17 clash with his old team, the Carolina Panthers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Bounces Back in Second Half and Overtime
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught eight of his 13 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's Week 16 win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. Smith-Njigba didn't have a single catch during the entire first half, sending managers into a panic as the fantasy playoffs continue in most leagues. However, he was highly explosive throughout the second half and overtime, during which he scored the game-winning touchdown. The 23-year-old is the second-highest-scoring fantasy receiver (full-PPR) in 2025, trailing only Puka Nacua. He has been one of the biggest risers in the NFL this season, and he should continue to be started as an elite WR1 option in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenneth Walker III Breaks Off Long Touchdown in Comeback Win vs. Rams
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III had 11 carries for 100 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown during Thursday's Week 16 win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. He also caught all three of his targets for an additional 64 receiving yards. The highlight of Walker's game was a 55-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter that temporarily gave Seattle the lead. The 25-year-old bounced back in a huge way after posting fewer than 4.0 fantasy points in each of his last two games. Walker only played 44% of the snaps on Thursday night, while teammate Zach Charbonnet played 56%. However, Walker was more productive than his backfield-mate, and he also handled more total touches. Managers should expect the fourth-year back to remain in the low-end RB2 tier for fantasy football ahead of a favorable matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Stafford Racks Up Highest Yardage Total in Over a Decade
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 29 of his 49 pass attempts for 457 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Thursday's Week 16 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. He also rushed for six yards and didn't take a sack. Although the Rams came up short, Stafford delivered a fantastic final stat line for his fantasy managers. Not only did he set a new season-high in fantasy points, but he also delivered his highest passing yards total since 2013, more than a dozen years ago. As a result, this was also his highest passing yards total as a Ram. The veteran quarterback managed to have such a spectacular performance despite being without Davante Adams (hamstring) against a strong Seahawks defense. Instead, he found Puka Nacua for 12 completions, 225 yards, and two touchdowns, while the rest of his pass-catchers accounted for the remaining volume. Stafford remains a high-end QB1 heading into a very favorable Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Puka Nacua Delivers Career-Best Performance on Thursday Night Football
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught 12 of his 16 targets for 225 yards and two touchdowns during Thursday's Week 16 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. He played 78.3% of the offensive snaps, which was his highest mark since Week 12. In the effort, he set new career-highs in receiving yards and fantasy points. He also surpassed Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the highest-scoring fantasy receiver in 2025, despite playing one fewer game than the Seahawks' superstar. All in all, Nacua gave his managers a huge early advantage as the second round of the fantasy playoffs kicked off in most leagues on Thursday night. If his big game ends up being enough to get managers into the championship, he'll look for an opportunity to stay hot during next week's favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cade Otton Upgrades to Full Practice on Thursday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) practiced in full on Thursday ahead of Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers. This was an upgraded status for Otton after he was limited on Wednesday. The 26-year-old missed last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but barring a setback, he will return to action this upcoming Sunday. It's been an underwhelming year for Otton, who ranks as the overall TE26 in PPR leagues with 46 catches, 430 yards, and zero touchdowns. He typically struggles when Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. are healthy, which should be the case this week. As a result, managers can bench Otton in their Week 16 matchups. He currently ranks as the TE24 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings.
Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Van Jefferson Upgrades to Limited on Thursday Ahead of Week 16
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson (back) practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday ahead of Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jefferson's status improved after he missed practice altogether on Wednesday. The veteran receiver played at least 73% of the snaps in every game from Week 6 through Week 14, but his snap share dropped to 58% when he injured his back in Week 15. In nine games since Week 6, Jefferson has 43 targets, 20 catches, 256 yards, and one touchdown. During that span, he ranks as the overall WR71 in PPR leagues. Even if he manages to suit up this week, Jefferson won't be a worthwhile fantasy option while operating behind Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor in the Titans' struggling offense.
Source: Titans PR
Source: Titans PR
Tre' Harris Limited in Practice Again on Thursday
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris (hip) remained limited during practice for a second consecutive day on Thursday. The rookie is coming off an impressive showing against the Kansas City Chiefs in which he played a career-high 85% of the snaps, leading to five targets, three catches, and 49 receiving yards. Harris' increased workload was the direct result of Quentin Johnston (groin) being inactive, and he could see similar opportunities against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16, depending on whether Johnston suits up. Johnston has mirrored Harris' availability so far this week, practicing in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. Harris has long-term WR2 or WR3 upside in dynasty leagues, but he remains tougher to trust in Week 16 lineups if Johnston, Allen, and Ladd McConkey are all active. On the other hand, if Johnston is inactive, Harris could be a WR3/flex in deeper leagues.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Jalen Nailor Remains Limited with Back Injury on Thursday
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (back) was limited in practice for a second consecutive day on Thursday. Nailor picked up the injury during last Sunday's Week 15 win over the Dallas Cowboys. As a result, his status remains uncertain for the Vikings' upcoming contest against the New York Giants on Sunday in Week 16. The 26-year-old is having a solid season as Minnesota's No. 3 receiver, catching 26 passes for 395 yards and four touchdowns. He has 10 touchdowns over his last 31 games dating back to the 2024 campaign. As long as Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are healthy, though, Nailor should not be viewed as a reliable fantasy starter. He ranks outside the top 50 fantasy receivers for Week 16, if he suits up.
Source: Minnesota Vikings
Source: Minnesota Vikings
Darren Waller Remains Limited on Thursday
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (knee) practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday. This was the second day in a row that Waller logged a limited practice session. The veteran tight end picked up the injury during Monday's explosive performance in which he caught seven passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns. The lingering injury and change in quarterback from Tua Tagovailoa to Quinn Ewers could hinder his fantasy outlook for Week 16, but on the other hand, he should benefit from a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, and it's not particularly close. If Waller plays in Week 16, he'll be a low-end TE1 for fantasy football. Managers should get more info on his availability when the Dolphins publish their final injury report on Friday.
Source: Jay Morrison
Source: Jay Morrison
Quentin Johnston Remains Limited Ahead of Week 16
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) was limited during Thursday's practice. He has now been a limited participant for two days in a row. At this point, it remains unclear whether Johnston will return from last week's absence and play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. The TCU product was one of the biggest surprises at the start of the season, ranking as the overall WR4 in PPR leagues from Weeks 1 through 4. However, he has come back down to earth since then, catching three or fewer passes in four of his last six games. He continues to face competition for targets in a crowded wide receiver room that also includes Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Tre' Harris (hip). He gets a favorable matchup this week against a Dallas secondary allowing the most fantasy points, the most touchdowns, and the third-most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers in 2025. Managers should get more clarity on his Week 16 availability when the Chargers publish their final injury report on Friday afternoon.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
RADIO



