Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (calf) is listed as questionable for the team's Week 17 game on Wednesday on Christmas Day versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones didn't practice on Sunday or Monday after straining his calf in Saturday's win over the Houston Texans in Week 16. On a short week, the 30-year-old defensive stalwart might not be able to go, so fantasy managers in IDP formats need to have a backup on hand in case the Chiefs rule him out on Christmas morning. Jones being absent this week would be good news for quarterback Russell Wilson and the Steelers offense as they look to get things turned around after a disappointing Week 16 loss to the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. If Jones plays, he could be subject to a limited snap count as well, making him even more risky as a starting option in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee) is uncertain to play in Week 17 against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday due to a knee injury he suffered in the Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said he's betting on Rodgers to play, but he's not committing to it early in the week. With the Jets already eliminated from playoff contention, Rodgers isn't going to take any chances with his health in a meaningless game for the team. If he is ruled out for Sunday's game, journeyman QB Tyrod Taylor would make his first start of the year for Gang Green, which would be a downgrade for receivers Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson in fantasy. We'll have a better idea of the 41-year-old's status for Week 17 once the team resumes practicing on Wednesday. The future Hall of Famer has been better of late, but he's no more than a QB2 in fantasy if he plays.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III (shoulder) appears ready to return to the lineup on Christmas Day against the Baltimore Ravens, and with ample opportunity within the Texans' offense. Wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) joined Stefon Diggs (knee) on injured reserve, opening the way for other receivers behind top target Nico Collins. However, starting Metchie, even against a Ravens defense in the bottom five against fantasy receivers, is a massive risk for managers in fantasy Super Bowls this week. In addition to rostering receiver Robert Woods, Houston added Diontae Johnson off waivers on Monday. Replacing Dell might be a committee approach.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson is off the fantasy radar when the Steelers take on Kansas City on Christmas Day. The veteran has played more than 70% of the Steelers' snaps the past three weeks, but that seems likely to change with top receiver George Pickens (hamstring) likely to return to the lineup. The Chiefs' defense ranks in the middle of the pack against fantasy receivers, but it's difficult to see Jefferson getting enough action in a run-loving Pittsburgh offense when competing for targets with Pickens, receiver Calvin Austin III, and tight end Pat Freiermuth.

From RotoBaller

The New York Jets signed kicker Greg Joseph to their practice squad, according to Joseph's agent, Brett Tessler. The veteran is now on his fifth team of the season after spending training camp with Green Bay, briefly signing with Detroit's practice squad, and then having stints with the New York Giants and Washington Commanders. Jets kicker Anders Carlson had a brutal showing on Sunday against the L.A. Rams, missing an extra point and a 49-yarder that would have cut the lead to one score in the fourth quarter. Joseph is unlikely to hold any fantasy value, however, even if he unseats Carlson for the starting job prior to a Week 17 game at Buffalo.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints receiver Kevin Austin Jr. earned another four targets Monday at Green Bay, but turned them into just one catch for 17 yards on which he fumbled, but saw the ball go out of bounds. The third-year player has drawn at least three targets in four straight games, but is playing more mostly due to injuries, including to top receiver Chris Olave (concussion). New Orleans, playing behind backup quarterback Spencer Rattler, looked hapless in the 34-0 defeat to the Packers and became the first team in the league to be shut out this year. Austin is off the fantasy radar prior to a Week 17 game against Las Vegas.

From RotoBaller

Dante Pettis of the New Orleans Saints earned seven targets on Monday at Green Bay, but finished with only two catches for 31 yards. The barren New Orleans offense was down to starting quarterback Spencer Rattler, who completed only half of his 30 passing attempts for 153 yards and an interception in a blowout 34-0 defeat. The Saints have ample opportunity for Pettis to play a high volume of snaps, but they have so few weapons at this stage of the season that starting anyone on this offense is likely a no-go. New Orleans will continue playing out the string in Week 17 against Las Vegas.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams was a non-factor with just three carries for eight yards and no targets in a 34-0 defeat at Green Bay. The veteran drew fewer carries than fellow running backs Kendre Miller and Jordan Mims, and backup quarterback Spencer Rattler carried five times as the depleted Saints offense struggled to muster anything in a forgettable outing. Even without starting running Alvin Kamara (groin), Williams was not fantasy relevant. The former 1,000-yard rusher can safely be left on waivers as the Saints prepare for Las Vegas in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus converted every opportunity on Monday in a 34-0 win against the New Orleans Saints, connecting on both field goals and all four extra points. The veteran kicker hit field goals of 55 and 46 yards in the second half, adding a boost for managers who started him in the fantasy playoffs. McManus, who was released by Washington earlier this year after a lawsuit alleging sexual assault was brought against him, has latched on in Green Bay during the second half of the season. He'll continue being attached to a capable offense as the playoff-bound Packers take on Minnesota in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler went 15-for-30 for 153 passing yards and added 28 yards on five rushes in Monday's 34-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Rattler also threw an interception and lost a fumble in the defeat, which had the dubious distinction of being the NFL's first shutout of the 2024 season. Additionally, the Saints never reached the red zone and the drives that brought them the closest were halted by Rattler's turnovers. Through four starts and five total appearances, the rookie has gone 84-for-150 for 859 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. In postgame comments, interim head coach Darren Rizzi said that the team would evaluate Derek Carr's (hand) progress on Thursday. With the Saints officially out of the playoff hunt it isn't out of the question for Rattler to remain the starter in order to gain more experience at the pro level. Even if New Orleans gives him another chance, he doesn't belong on fantasy rosters in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Those hoping that New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller would be the late-season add that would propel fantasy teams to the championship round of the fantasy playoffs were sorely disappointed on Monday night. Miller handled eight carriers and gained just 15 rushing yards in the 35-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He also caught both of his targets for 16 receiving yards. After taking over the Saints' backfield following Alvin Kamara's (groin) early departure last week, Miller finished with fewer snaps than fellow backup Jordan Mims. In postgame comments, interim head coach Darren Rizzi alluded to having a plan to use Miller that went out the window after falling in an early hole which forced New Orleans into playing catchup. Kamara's status for Week 17 is unknown at this point but if he misses another game then Miller should have an easier time against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints running back was the unexpected leader in targets and receptions in Monday's 35-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Mims caught five of his eight targets but finished with a meager 16 receiving yards. Mims also had four carries for 16 rushing yards, second only to the 28 yards that quarterback Spencer Rattler scrambled for. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi credited the surprising usage of Mims to the fact that the team had to shift into "two-minute mode" after falling into an early hole. Mims finished with 25 offensive snaps to 21 for Kendre Miller who was expected to be the team's featured back with Alvin Kamara (groin) shelved. Before Monday's game, Mims had been inactive for four straight games leading back to the Saints' Week 12 bye. In his very limited role this season he now has 58 rushing yards on 18 carries and another 58 on nine receptions.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau was the team's unlikely leader in receiving yards in their game against the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. If that isn't a strong enough indicator of how the Saints' offense fared, the fact that he needed just 33 yards to lead the team should make it a little more clear. Moreau caught two of his three passes for those 33 yards in a 35-0 loss in which New Orleans was held to less than 200 yards on offense. He also logged the Saints' longest play from scrimmage in the game when he caught a 21-yard pass from rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in the second quarter. Primarily used as a blocker, Moreau now has a line of 25-335-4 for the season. In Week 17, Moreau can be ignored for fantasy purposes, even in a supposed "revenge game" against his former team, the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (knee) had an MRI Monday, Dec. 23, and head coach Kevin Stefanski said the team doesn't have any updated information on the tests yet.

Fantasy Spin: Njoku carried a questionable tag into the Week 16 game in Cincinnati, and he looked good. However, with this ongoing issue, and the fact unproven QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson is under center, it might be a good idea to avoid Njoku for Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins.

From TheHuddle

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet has failed to prove himself as a dependable option within the team's offense. As a result, he ranks outside the top 18 tight ends and should be benched in most fantasy leagues ahead of Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks. Although Kmet did catch a touchdown last week, he has just three receptions for 23 yards over his last three games. The 25-year-old ranks 14th among fantasy tight ends in 2024, but most of his production has come from outlier games. Through 15 contests, he has posted double-digit fantasy points (PPR) just thrice. Fantasy managers can justify benching or even dropping the 25-year-old as fantasy championships arrive and Kmet remains a non-factor.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson should be avoided in all fantasy leagues ahead of Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. While Johnson did vulture numerous touchdowns from D'Andre Swift earlier in the year, that hasn't happened as much lately due to his reduced snap counts, as well as the fact that he missed multiple weeks due to a concussion. In fact, while the 23-year-old scored six touchdowns over eight games from Week 4 through Week 12, he has not found the end zone since then. He mustered just one carry against the Detroit Lions last week and should not be viewed as a legitimate fantasy option as long as Swift stays healthy.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints WR Cedrick Wilson ended up with a 13-yard reception on his lone target in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers.

From TheHuddle

New Orleans Saints LB Demario Davis ended up with a team-best 10 total stops, including six of the solo variety, with a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers.

From TheHuddle

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore continues to impress with his large target share, and he should remain a must-start fantasy option heading into Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Moore has been one of Caleb Williams' favorite targets, averaging 7.2 catches per game over the last six weeks. He has scored double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in each of those six games, ranking as the overall WR12 in fantasy football during that window. While he loses a significant amount of his touchdown opportunities to Keenan Allen, Moore has shown that he can sustain high-end WR2 production even if he's not finding the end zone on a routine basis. This week, Moore continues to rank as a fringe top-12 fantasy receiver against the Seahawks, who have allowed the fourth-most touchdowns and 12th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze remains a volume-dependent fantasy option heading into Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Odunze has commanded solid target shares lately, but he has caught more than four passes in just two of his last seven games. Furthermore, he has just three touchdowns through 15 games this season, losing key opportunities to DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. All in all, the rookie pass-catcher should be viewed as a low-end WR3/FLEX option. Seattle ranks near the middle of the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers, but on a positive note, they've surrendered the fourth-most touchdowns to the position.

From RotoBaller