The struggling Houston Texans' passing game combined with the blitz-happy Kansas City Chiefs should have fantasy managers dialing back expectations for quarterback C.J. Stroud in Week 16. The second-year quarterback has been sacked the fifth-most times in the league this year, which is not a great sign against a Kansas City defense that knocks down quarterbacks and blitzes at the second-highest rate in the NFL. Last year's Rookie of the Year hasn't logged a top-10 quarterback finish since Week 4 or passed for 300 yards since Week 5. The fantasy playoffs and a game at the defending champs probably is not the time or place to bet on a rebound for managers in one-QB formats.

From RotoBaller

The Houston Texans' offense has been a bit of a letdown this season, but wide receiver Nico Collins has been every bit as good as advertised, maintaining his WR1 status against Kansas City in Week 16. The Michigan Man has played at least 70% of Houston's snaps in seven games and finished in the top 15 among receivers in five of them. Even when things have gone awry, he has produced, as evidenced by last week's game in which he had a season-low 17 yards, but still scored two touchdowns. This week, he'll take on a Kansas City defense that blitzes the second-most of any team, but ranks 12th against fantasy receivers. Managers should feel confident knowing that Collins has delivered in challenging settings before and can do it again.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn is yet again a top kicking option with his team set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The UCLA product is coming off back-to-back perfect weeks, has not missed an extra point this season, and is the overall No. 2 at his position for fantasy points. Kansas City ranks a sturdy fourth against fantasy kickers, but 13 of Fairbairn's 33 made field goals have come from beyond 50 yards this season, making him fantasy relevant week-in and week-out. He's a worthy starting option for managers in the playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Despite a favorable matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz should be considered a TE2 in Week 16. The former Dallas Cowboy is reliably playing 80% of Houston snaps and averaging three catches per contest, but rarely delivering big performances, finishing in the top 10 for fantasy tight ends just once in 14 games. The Chiefs' otherwise strong defense has been most vulnerable against tight ends, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to them this year. Managers rostering Schultz, however, are likely having a difficult time trusting him to make a difference in the fantasy playoffs. He should be saved only for formats that play more than one tight end.

From RotoBaller

Even by boom-or-bust standards, Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell has been an extreme case this year, making him a low-end WR4 option in Week 16 against Kansas City. The second-year receiver has failed to surpass 50 yards receiving eight times in 13 games and logged just one top-15 finish among receivers all season. This week, he goes up against a Kansas City defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest total yards and knocked down the quarterback at the second-highest rate in the NFL. Attached to a Houston passing game that has looked out of sorts for large portions of the season, Dell shouldn't be relied upon in standard formats.

From RotoBaller

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) went from missing practice on Wednesday to practicing in full on Thursday, signaling he could be ready to return from a two-game absence to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Week 16. Meanwhile, Zach Charbonnet, who missed Wednesday with an oblique injury, was limited on Thursday. The way things are currently trending, it could be a worst-case scenario for fantasy managers that have one of or both Walker and Charbonnet rostered. Charbonnet saw 30 carries for 188 yards (6.27 yards per carry) and three touchdowns while adding eight catches for 71 yards the last two weeks with Walker sidelined. If Seattle has both Walker and Charbonnet active against Minnesota, this backfield could easily be split more in half with Walker returning, potentially lowering both RB's fantasy upside in an already bad matchup.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (back) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday a day after he was limited on Wednesday. Smith was just being rested in the first practice of the week on Wednesday and should be just fine to play in Week 16 against the division-rival Washington Commanders on Sunday. The 26-year-old disappointed in Weeks 10 and 11 with a combined six catches for 43 yards on nine targets. He then missed Weeks 12 and 13 due to a hamstring injury. In two games since returning in Weeks 14 and 15, Smith has caught 15 of 18 targets for 146 yards and two touchdowns. He had his first 100-yard game of the year in the Week 15 win over the Steelers and is riding high into Week 16, albeit against a Washington defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to receivers in the last five weeks. Smith will be in play as a WR2/3 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday after he was listed as a DNP on Wednesday. Meanwhile, receiver Trey Palmer (illness) sat out of practice on Thursday due to an illness. Shepard didn't practice for the first time last week until Friday but still played in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and caught his only target for 16 yards. The 31-year-old hasn't been as intriguing as a flex play in fantasy with Mike Evans healthy, but Shepard could see more targets come his way this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night if tight end Cade Otton (knee) is unable to play. Even if Otton is out, Shepard will be an uninspiring WR4/5 in deeper leagues with a lot on the line in Week 16. Shepard has only scored one TD this year, and it came all the way back on Oct. 3. He also hasn't had more than five catches or 63 yards in a game in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee, rest) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Thursday. Brown was rested on Wednesday, but his knee injury wasn't listed. It's a reminder that Brown tweaked his knee during a tackle in the Week 15 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. It's something to keep an eye on, but it's an issue that shouldn't compromise his availability for the Week 16 matchup against the division-rival Washington Commanders on Sunday. We'd be surprised if Brown wasn't available to play this weekend. The 27-year-old reportedly hasn't been happy with the Eagles' lack of a passing attack this year, so naturally Philly fed him the ball last Sunday. Brown had season-highs of catches (eight) and targets (11) while going for 110 yards and a score. Look for the Eagles to continue feeding him this Sunday, giving him WR1 upside in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (back, hip) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Irving missed a few practices last week and was questionable to play, but he suited up in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and played 44 percent of the offensive snaps. He saw 15 carries and went over 100 yards rushing for the second time in the last three games. The 22-year-old basically proved that as long as he's active, he needs to be in starting fantasy lineups. He should be active again this Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, but fantasy managers will want to check back on his status on Friday. Irving is averaging 19 touches and 124.2 scrimmage yards per game while scoring three times in the last five games as Tampa's most productive fantasy back in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) is trending in the wrong direction in Week 16 after missing his second straight practice of the week on Thursday. Otton has been wearing a brace on his knee this week after apparently injuring his knee in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. If the 25-year-old can't return to practice on Friday, he'll be ruled out for Sunday night's contest against the Dallas Cowboys. In the event that happens, the Bucs are expected to roll with a committee approach at TE with Payne Durham, Ko Kieft and rookie seventh-rounder Devin Culp. Kieft is probably the best bet for sleeper production at the position against Dallas' defense, but fantasy managers should probably avoid the situation entirely. Otton was putting up high-end TE1 numbers when receiver Mike Evans missed a few games due to injury, but his production has fallen since Evans' return.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) upgraded to a full practice participant on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday. Lamb suffered an AC joint sprain in his shoulder all the way back in Week 9 but has played through it and hasn't missed any time. He'll be ready to roll on Sunday night in Week 16 when the team hosts the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) being out for the year, Lamb has remained a must-start in fantasy lineups while working with backup Cooper Rush. The Buccaneers defense has been better of late, but on the season as a whole, they've been a good matchup for receivers in fantasy. Lamb had his second 100-yard game of the year in the Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers and has scored in back-to-back weeks. He's seen double-digit targets in seven of the last nine games. Start Lamb against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller

After Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) consulted with medical experts the last few days, sources are optimistic that he avoided a season-ending injury. Montgomery will rehab his MCL injury with the hope that he can return at some point in the playoffs. The 27-year-old will still miss the last three games of the regular season and is no further use to fantasy managers in redraft leagues that are still battling for a championship. The Lions will hold out hope that Monty can recover quickly and join them in the postseason, although there are no guarantees. If Detroit can secure the top seed in the NFC and a first-round bye, it would give Montgomery an extra week of recovery. In the meantime, Jahmyr Gibbs should see all the touches he can handle for the Lions the last three weeks of the regular season, with Craig Reynolds being sprinkled in. Gibbs is a must-start, high-end RB1 going forward.

From RotoBaller

Even though Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (knee) wasn't seen at the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, he did participate in some side work. Higgins is expected to return to practice on Friday and should be on track to play on Sunday against the division-rival Cleveland Browns in Week 16. On the official injury report, he was limited on Wednesday and a non-participant on Thursday. Fantasy managers should be planning to start the 25-year-old in semifinal matchups this weekend. He played 86 percent of the snaps in last week's win over the Tennessee Titans and caught five of his eight targets for 88 yards and a touchdown. Despite being in the shadow of All-Pro wideout Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins has been a strong option for fantasy managers in 2024 when he's been on the field, scoring six touchdowns in nine games played. He has WR1 upside in Week 16 against Cleveland.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (neck) remained sidelined during practice on Thursday. Gay will need to participate in some capacity during Friday's session to have a chance to suit up this weekend. The veteran kicker sustained this injury during their loss to the Denver Broncos last weekend. Fantasy managers should closely monitor his status on Friday. Since Week 10, the 30-year-old has held a perfect 100% mark on his field goals and extra point attempts. Overall, he holds an 88.9% FG success rate and has yet to miss an extra point. If Gay can make a quick turnaround, he should be viewed as a low-end K1, given the safe floor he provides facing the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Friday's session, as he may carry an injury designation into the weekend if he does not log a full session. Meyers has been dealing with this ankle injury over the past few weeks but has not missed any time due to it. Meyers was also a limited participant through the opening sessions of practice last week as well. Over his past four games, the veteran wideout has averaged 7.3 receptions with 86.0 yards per game while posting a solid 15.6 PPR points per game. Fantasy managers should view Meyers as a high-floor WR2 in PPR leagues facing the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

According to David Furones of Sun Sentinel, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. Waddle sustained this knee injury during last weekend's loss to the Houston Texans. He was unable to return to the game after the injury. Seeing Waddle miss the first two practices of the week does not put him in a good position to be available for this weekend's game. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's report in case Waddle can make a quick turnaround but should begin to find an alternative option. During Weeks 12 through 14, Waddle was beginning to find his footing on what had been a disappointing season, as he averaged a strong 98.7 yards per game during this span. If Waddle cannot play, Malik Washington would operate as the No.2 wideout and could be a viable flex option in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice. This is a great sign for the wideout as he was a non-participant on Wednesday. Pittman has battled a lingering back injury throughout the season and has only missed one game due to it back in Week 10. Since Week 11, Pittman has averaged 5.5 receptions per game while tallying 60.5 yards per contest. This is a nice improvement compared to the 40.5 yards he averaged per game during the first nine contests of the season. Fantasy managers should monitor his stats on Friday in case he faces a setback, but he is currently on track to be a full-go on Sunday. This weekend, he will face the Tennessee Titans, who have allowed the fifth-fewest PPR points to opposing wide receivers this season.

From RotoBaller

According to David Furones of the Sun Sentinel, wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) returned to practice on Thursday. Hill sat out during Wednesday's session. The veteran wideout has battled this lingering wrist injury throughout the season but has yet to miss time due to it. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on Friday in case he faces a setback, but he is currently on track to be full-go this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers. Last weekend, Hill tallied only 36 yards as the entire Miami offense was very unproductive. However, over his previous four games, Hill averaged a strong 19.3 PPR points per game while tallying at least 76.8 yards per game. Fantasy managers should still view him as a low-end WR1 despite facing a tough San Francisco secondary that has allowed the third-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett (back), DE Shelby Harris (elbow) and TE David Njoku (hamstring) did not practice on Thursday, Dec. 19. Also, CB Martin Emerson (concussion), DB Cameron Mitchell (knee), WR Cedric Tillman (concussion) and QB Jameis Winston (shoulder) were limited and WR Jerry Jeudy (knee) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle