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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Playoff Week 2 | NFL: Week 16

Texans WR Tank Dell suffers knee injury vs. Chiefs

Sat Dec 21 3:16pm ET
Field Level Media

Texans wide receiver Tank Dell sustained a significant left knee injury during his 30-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.

While Dell made a diving catch of a C.J. Stroud pass, Texans receiver Jared Wayne tumbled into Dell as both went to the ground. Dell maintained possession of the ball but was removed from the game by emergency personnel via cart with his leg immobilized in a brace.

Stroud was visibly emotional as Dell departed. Both were selected during the 2023 draft.

Texans safety Jimmie Ward left the game in the first half via cart with a foot injury.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 16

Player Notes
Jameis Winston Dec 22 6:30am CT
Jameis Winston

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (shoulder) will serve as the team's emergency quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, according to NFL Network. The Browns made a change this week, and will turn to quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the starter with Bailey Zappe serving as the backup, relegating Winston to the third option. The veteran has filled in since Browns starter Deshaun Watson (Achilles) went down, but was benched last week. In any case, Cleveland's QB situation is a no-go for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Dec 22 6:10am CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) is expected to serve as the team's backup quarterback in Week 16 at Indianapolis, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The second-year quarterback appeared on the injury report on Friday and is listed as questionable to play, but should be active. The Titans elected to bench Levis and start Mason Rudolph prior to the injury, so the news shouldn't have much impact on fantasy lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Dec 22 6:00am CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught seven passes for 65 yards and a touchdown in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Worthy led all Chiefs pass catchers in receptions, receiving yards, and targets for the second straight week. Patrick Mahomes is starting to lean on the rookie, making him the most trustworthy starter on the team. Despite the return of Marquise Brown, Worthy still was the offense's focal point. The speedster will try to continue that trend next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting Worthy now that he has established himself as the top receiving option on the team.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Dec 22 6:00am CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown caught five passes for 45 yards on eight targets in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Brown made his 2024 debut with the Chiefs in Week 16 and did not disappoint. The 27-year-old hauled in his first catch as a Chief on a fourth-down conversion to continue the drive. Brown and Patrick Mahomes also connected on a 20-yard pass for his longest reception of the game. Brown will build on that chemistry next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. The speedster seemed to be the WR2 for the Chiefs passing attack, as DeAndre Hopkins finished the game with just four targets. Brown finished second on the team in targets in his first game back from injury. Trusting Brown in the fantasy playoffs may be difficult since he just returned, but it may not be the worst decision fantasy managers could make.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Dec 22 6:00am CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught four passes for 37 yards in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. With the return of Marquise Brown, Hopkins appeared to take a backseat to other Kansas City pass catchers. The veteran receiver finished fourth on the team in targets and receiving yards in this contest. Hopkins provides a sure-handed receiving option, but his fellow wide receivers offer more explosiveness. Hopkins will look to be more involved next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. With Hopkins falling in the target pecking order, it will be difficult for fantasy managers to trust him in their lineups for Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Dec 22 5:50am CT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 28 of 41 pass attempts (68%) for 263 yards and a touchdown in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Mahomes also rushed five times for 33 yards and a touchdown. Despite coming into this game with an ankle injury, the veteran quarterback broke off the longest rushing touchdown of his career. The 29-year-old had one of his best games of the season, eclipsing 20 fantasy points for the third time this year. Mahomes will look to continue his productive run next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank third in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season. With Marquise Brown returning from injury in this game, Mahomes has another dangerous pass catcher to throw to. Fantasy managers will have to decide whether or not to start Mahomes in a difficult matchup next week.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Dec 22 5:50am CT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had five catches for 30 yards in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Kelce was held under 50 receiving yards for the third straight week. The 35-year-old still received ample volume, catching at least four passes each game. That said, fantasy managers have to be disappointed with his production lately. Fantasy managers advancing to the next round of the playoffs will have to hope for better production next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers rank 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season, making them one of the more difficult matchups. Despite still demanding volume in the Kansas City passing attack, Kelce has failed to do much with his opportunities. Kelce should be viewed as a lower-end TE1 for Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Dec 22 5:50am CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt handled 11 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Hunt also caught two passes for 24 yards in the contest. Although he shared the backfield with the younger Isiah Pacheco, Hunt was more productive on the ground and through the air. Hunt averaged 5.0 yards per carry in this game. The 29-year-old will look to continue being the primary back next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank 10th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Kansas City is employing a nearly even split between the two backs, and Hunt has been the more valuable of the two. Fantasy managers will still struggle to start Hunt in a committee against a tough matchup.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Dec 22 5:00am CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. James Proche II was elevated from the practice squad in a corresponding move. Tillman was initially listed as questionable on Friday after logging limiting practices during the week. The 24-year-old remains in concussion protocol and was ruled out for Week 16 on Saturday. He will miss his fourth consecutive game after suffering a concussion in the Week 12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tillman's next chance to suit up will be Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins. Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore should see an increase in target share with Tillman out. Despite the plus matchup against the Bengals, Cleveland's passing game will be downgraded as a whole with the quarterback switch from Jameis Winston (shoulder) to Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Dec 22 2:40am CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) was limited in practice to start the week but participated in full on Saturday. He carries no designation going into the team's game against the Green Bay Packers on Monday. Chris Olave (concussion), Bub Means (ankle), and Alvin Kamara (groin) are out and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest/illness) is listed as questionable, leaving the Saints light on offense. This could translate to a bigger day than usual for Johnson. The Packers' defense ranks in the bottom ten in receptions, receiving yards, and fantasy points per game allowed to opposing tight ends. Unfortunately, Johnson's upside is in doubt with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler filling in for Derek Carr (hand). When Carr missed three weeks earlier this season, Johnson averaged 4.3 targets, three catches, and 38 yards per game with Rattler under center. Johnson projects to be a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE2 for Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Blake Grupe Dec 22 2:40am CT
Blake Grupe

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe went 2-for-2 on field goal attempts and converted his sole extra point try in Week 15. Grupe was good from 41 and 51 yards away and he is now 14-for-16 from 40 or more yards out. It was an encouraging effort after his 0-for-2 showing in Week 14. Despite the rebound, Grupe is not a recommended start in Week 16 when the Saints take on the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. The weather at Lambeau Field is expected to be wet, windy, and cold, which is far from ideal for a kicker used to kicking in the optimal conditions provided by a domed stadium. Pass on Grupe this week but keep an eye on his availability as he may be useful in Week 17 when New Orleans faces the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Kevin Austin Jr. Dec 22 2:30am CT
Kevin Austin Jr.

With so many injuries to the New Orleans Saints wide receiver room, Kevin Austin Jr. might be the team's next primary pass-catcher. Chris Olave (concussion) has yet to clear the concussion protocol and Bub Means (ankle) is facing a potentially season-ending setback, both of whom have been listed as out. Joining them on the injury report this week is Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest/illness), who is questionable for Monday's game against the Green Bay Packers. This leaves Austin, along with Cedrick Wilson Jr., Dante Pettis, and Mason Tipton as the only healthy wide receivers on the Saints. Over the Saints' last four games, Austin has been second in snaps at the position only to Valdes-Scantling. Unfortunately, Austin's ascension up the depth chart coincides with a Spencer Rattler start due to Derek Carr's (hand) Week 14 injuries forcing him out for another game, which will limit Austin's already low ceiling. In five games on the Saints' active roster, Austin has eight catches for 98 yards on 15 targets.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Dec 22 2:20am CT
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is listed as questionable for the team's Monday night matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Valdes-Scantling did not practice all week. Originally sidelined on Thursday with a chest injury, he was also dealing with an illness that kept him out of the subsequent practices. With Rashid Shaheed (knee) on injured reserve, Chris Olave (concussion) not yet ready to return, and Bub Means (ankle) facing a potential shutdown, the Saints are already thin at wide receiver. If MVS can take the field, fantasy managers cannot expect more of the big plays that made him an alluring flex over the last few weeks. With Derek Carr (hand) nursing injuries of his own, rookie Spencer Rattler will take over under center, downgrading the entire New Orleans offense. Should Valdes-Scantling sit for Week 16, the team will turn to Kevin Austin Jr., Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Dante Pettis to step up.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 22 2:20am CT
Chris Olave

The New Orleans Saints have decided to keep wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) on the sidelines for at least one more week. New Orleans opened his window for activation from injured reserve on Thursday but Olave has yet to complete his progress through the league's concussion protocol. He is listed as out on the team's official injury report ahead of their Week 16 game against the Green Bay Packers. Olave was placed on injured reserve after suffering his second concussion of the season in Week 9, which took place just three weeks after his previous concussion. It was the fourth such injury in the 24-year-old's three years as a pro. In comments to the media, interim head coach Darren Rizzi said of Olave's potential return, "If he can make it back for the end of the year, great. If he doesn't, he doesn't," indicating the team is in no rush to bring him back in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Dec 22 2:10am CT
Jamaal Williams

Running back Jamaal Williams could see more time on the field when the New Orleans Saints face the Green Bay Packers on Monday. Alvin Kamara (groin) has been declared out after suffering an injured adductor in Week 15. Fellow backup Kendre Miller shouldered the backfield load for the rest of the way in that game and is expected to start against Green Bay. Even with the plethora of injuries dealt to the Saints all season, the team has been reluctant to work Williams into the mix. Williams has been on the field for a total of 13 offensive snaps since the Saints' Week 12 bye. With Kamara out, Williams may step in more frequently though his body of work in 2024 offers little hope for fantasy managers. In 11 games, Williams has averaged 3.7 yards per carry on 35 rushes and has seen only nine targets. He is an easy fade in Week 16 against a Packers defense that has allowed a league-best 3.46 yards per carry over the last four weeks.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Dec 22 2:00am CT
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller should operate as the team's primary option out of the backfield in Week 16. Lead running back Alvin Kamara (groin) exited last week's game against the Commanders and was later diagnosed with an adductor injury and did not practice at all this week. After Kamara's early departure in the fourth quarter, Miller took over the backfield getting eight carries before the end of the game. He finished with a total of nine rushes for 46 yards. The second-year man out of TCU appears to have leapfrogged veteran Jamaal Williams, who saw just four offensive snaps against Washington. Even though Miller is suddenly the top dog in New Orleans, it may not translate to fantasy success on Monday night when the Saints face Green Bay. Over the last four weeks, the Packers have held opposing running backs to the eighth-fewest rushing yards and a league-leading 3.46 yards per carry. Miller projects as a high-end RB3 in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Dec 21 11:30pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (concussion) is expected to play in Sunday's NFC East clash with the Eagles. The veteran suffered a concussion in Week 15 against the Saints. As a result, he didn't practice on Wednesday. While Ertz logged limited sessions on Thursday and Friday, it wasn't enough to avoid a questionable tag. The 34-year-old found the end zone in each of the three games leading up to Week 15. But with a difficult matchup versus a tough Philadelphia defense on the agenda, Ertz will have his work cut out for him, assuming he is cleared to suit up. With that in mind, he deserves some consideration for most fantasy lineups, even more so for multi-tight end setups.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Dec 21 11:20pm CT
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers wide receivers Jalen Coker (quadriceps) and David Moore (concussion) are expected to play in Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. They were listed as questionable heading into this contest. However, it appears they will both be out there, which is good news, considering the Panthers won't have Xavier Legette (hip). With that in mind, Adam Thielen should consume most of the targets in Week 16. There should be room for both Moore and Coker to be involved. But with only three touchdowns on the year between the duo, neither should have a spot in fantasy lineups. Still, they at least have value potential for DFS managers.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell Dec 21 11:13pm CT
Tank Dell

Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Tank Dell will stay overnight in a hospital after suffering a catastrophic knee injury in a loss to the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: Dell was having his best game of the season with six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown before having suffering a terrible injury in the end zone when his own teammate rolled into his leg. The initial word is he's suffered a dislocated kneecap, but further tests and news seem likely to reveal much more damage than that. In short, Dell looks like a player looking at a lengthy recovery, one that could last well into next season. His dynasty value will suffer accordingly this off-season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Xavier Worthy Dec 21 11:13pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had seven catches for 65 yards and a touchdown in a win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: Don't look now, but Worthy has 11 targets in back-to-back games and may indeed be emerging as the best threat in the Chiefs passing game after all. While we need to see more moving forward before really being totally sold, Worthy is finally looking like a first round rookie pick late in the season. If you picked him up at a discount, congratulations as that window has clearly shut.

From Dynasty League Fantasy