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Texans S Jalen Pitre (chest) out for season

Fri Dec 13 12:24pm ET
Field Level Media

The Houston Texans placed safety Jalen Pitre on injured reserve Friday with a chest injury, officially ending his season.

Pitre, 25, will undergo surgery to repair a partially torn pectoral muscle, an injury sustained in a loss to the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 24.

He registered 65 tackles, eight passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble in 12 starts this season.

A second-round draft pick in 2022, Pitre has 296 tackles and six picks in 44 games (all starts) with the Texans.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
Drew Lock Dec 13 11:20am CT
Drew Lock

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (heel) is out of his walking boot, according to head coach Brian Daboll, and could have a chance to serve as the emergency third QB for the Week 15 contest on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Lock injured his heel in the Week 14 loss to the New Orleans Saints and will not start this weekend. Instead, Tommy DeVito will make his second start of the season after getting past a right-forearm injury that has bothered him the last couple of weeks. The Giants' QB situation could remain in flux for the rest of the season, depending on the health of Lock and how DeVito fares in his return to the starting role this weekend. One thing is clear: Lock didn't do much to inspire confidence from the coaching staff in his two starts against the Cowboys and Saints, going 42-for-81 for 405 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, although he did run for 61 yards and a score on the ground.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Dec 13 11:20am CT
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua brought in seven of his eight targets for 97 yards and paced all Los Angeles pass catchers in their victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Nacua's eight targets were three higher than all other pass catchers and five more than the other Los Angeles wide receivers. The sophomore's longest reception of the evening went for 51 yards. Despite Los Angeles not finding the end zone, their top wideout was able to enjoy another strong fantasy performance. Since returning to action in Week 8, Nacua has averaged an impressive 20.2 PPR points per game. Over his previous six contests, Nacua has caught at least seven passes in all but one game and has found the end zone three times over this span. Fantasy managers should continue to view Nacua as a high-end WR1 heading into a Week 16 matchup against the New York Jets, who have allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

From RotoBaller

Eric Murray Dec 13 11:20am CT
Eric Murray

The Houston Texans officially placed defensive back Jalen Pitre (pectoral) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Friday. Pitre is done for the year, even if the Texans advance deep into the postseason, and will have surgery to fix his ruptured pectoral muscle. The 25-year-old safety will end his third season in the NFL with 65 tackles (44 solo), six tackles for loss, one interception, eight pass breakups and a forced fumble in his 12 starts. In his absence the rest of the way, defensive backs Eric Murray, M.J. Stewart and Myles Bryant should all see more snaps on defense for the Texans. Losing Pitre at this critical juncture is definitely a downgrade for Houston's secondary as they get set for a Week 15 tilt against the visiting Miami Dolphins this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Dec 13 11:10am CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was seen working on the field at the portion of practice open to the media on Friday after sitting out of practice the two previous days. The Bucs are taking it easy on the 31-year-old veteran late in the year after he previously missed several games due to a hamstring injury in the middle of the season. He also missed two practices last week before suiting up for the Week 14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Evans played 85 percent of the offensive snaps in that game and hauled in four of his five targets for 69 yards. The matchup against the Bolts won't be as easy, but Evans will continue to be quarterback Baker Mayfield's top target, and he deserves a starting lineup spot in Week 15. Since returning from his hammy injury in Week 12, Evans has 17 catches for 255 yards and a touchdown on 23 targets.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Dec 13 11:10am CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford went 16-for-27 with just 160 passing yards and no sores during his victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday evening. Neither team was able to find the end zone, but Stafford was able to do just enough to deliver the victory. His top receiver was Puka Nacua, who brought in seven of his eight targets for 97 yards. He was unable to connect with his No. 2 wideout, Cooper Kupp, at all, but he did target him three times. He also looked to his tight end, Colby Parkinson, quite often as he brought in two of his five targets (second on the team) for 21 yards. While Stafford came into Thursday night averaging an impressive 23.5 PPR points over his previous four contests, the veteran took a significant step back in this game. Fantasy managers should still view Stafford as a low-end QB1 given his elite pass-catchers, but they should start him with caution next weekend while facing a tough New York Jets secondary that has allowed the eighth-fewest PPR points to opposing QBs.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Dec 13 11:10am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (back, hip) was working with a trainer at the start of Friday's practice and then went inside in the portion that was open to the media. It's entirely possible that Irving returned to practice after the media left, but after two straight DNPs on Wednesday and Thursday, the 22-year-old is firmly in danger of missing the Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Irving was played through a questionable tag in last Sunday's victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, but he made it only 10 offense snaps before leaving the contest and never returning. Rachaad White benefitted with more work out of the backfield and scored two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving). If Irving ends up being active against LA, he could have a reduced workload, making him a risky RB3/flex in a bad matchup in Week 15. Check back for his final status on Friday.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Dec 13 11:10am CT
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams ran the ball 29 times for 108 yards during Thursday's victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The Notre Dame product also brought in both of his targets for four yards. While the Los Angeles passing attack was held in check for most of the evening, Williams led the way with his hefty workload. This is the second-straight week Williams touched the ball at least 30 times. Since Week 12, Williams has scored at least double-digit PPR points in each contest and averaged 17.1 PPR points per game during this span. In addition, he found the back of the end zone four times during this stretch. Given his integral role in the Rams offense, fantasy managers should always view Williams as a safe RB1 as he should provide a consistent floor in any matchup. He has another tough matchup ahead of him next weekend, facing the New York Jets, who have allowed the eighth-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Dec 13 9:50am CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (shoulder) requires surgery and will miss the rest of the season, according to J.P. Shadrick of the Jaguars Radio Network. The veteran was second on the team with 64 targets and 47 catches in just nine games played. It's yet another blow for the Jags in a season full of them, as the team also has spent significant portions of the year without stalwarts like quarterback Trevor Lawrence and linebacker Foyesade Oluokon. Now, as the Jags play out the string behind backup quarterback Mac Jones, they'll turn to tight ends Luke Farrell and Brenton Strange to replace Engram. Neither should be on the fantasy radar for the rest of the season, even in deep or TE-premium leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Dec 13 9:10am CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) has logged some full practices and is now on track to play in Week 15 against the Detroit Lions. Ian Rapoport says that he expects the second-year tight end to be on the field and return from his three-game absence due to a knee injury. Kincaid has posted 34 receptions, 356 yards, and two scores on 59 targets this season and is the TE20 in terms of fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats. Unfortunately, for his week 15 matchup, he goes up against the toughest defense for tight ends, allowing just 5.8 fantasy points per contest. So, he looks to be more of a TE2 if he does, in fact, take the field.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Dec 13 9:00am CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) has missed the last four games due to a wrist injury but has been a full participant at practice this week. Ian Rapoport reports that Coleman is expected to play on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. His return would affect Mack Hollins and Curtis Samuel the most in terms of fantasy relevance, while Amari Cooper and Khalil Shakir might see a target or two fewer. Coleman has registered 22 receptions for 417 yards and three touchdowns on 36 targets throughout his rookie season, and likely has WR3 potential in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Odell Beckham Jr. Dec 13 8:40am CT
Odell Beckham Jr.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will be looking for a new team to help through the end of the season into the playoffs. The two sides mutually agreed to part ways, and Tom Pelissero reports that the release should become official on Monday. Pelissero pointed out that two of his former teams, the Rams and Ravens, are in playoff contention, but there haven't been any official reports of interested parties. Beckham posted 18 targets, nine receptions, and 55 yards with no touchdowns in nine appearances for Miami.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Dec 13 12:00am CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. had his woes continue during a 12-6 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. The frustrated former Gamecock caught three of seven targets for 16 yards and took two carries for three yards. Not every unfulfilled target was Samuel Sr.'s fault, but one certainly was. With the game tied midway through the third quarter on a 3rd-and-10 just outside the red zone, Samuel Sr. dropped a wide-open pass on a crossing pattern which would have been a certain first down, and perhaps a touchdown. It doesn't get much cringier than that after he complained about his usage on social media early in the week. Samuel Sr. will carry an average of 4.7 half-PPR points over his last five games into a matchup in Week 16 versus one of the toughest defenses against wide receivers in Miami.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Dec 12 11:50pm CT
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody went 2-for-2 on field goals during Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams. His conversions came from 47 and 53 yards out, giving some fantasy managers yardage-based scoring boosts. Moody's six points represented the entirety of the Niners' scoring on Thursday Night Football as they fell to the Rams, 12-6. Although this was a frustrating outcome for San Francisco, it's promising to see that Moody's fantasy value can survive even when the offense struggles to find a rhythm. The 25-year-old now ranks 12th among kickers in fantasy points per game this year, making him a fringe option for managers heading into the 49ers' Week 16 battle against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Nick Bosa Dec 12 11:50pm CT
Nick Bosa

The San Francisco 49ers defense held the Los Angeles Rams to 12 points but failed to record a turnover or sack on Thursday Night Football in Week 15. The 49ers have one of the NFL's more imposing defensive fronts with Nick Bosa anchoring the unit, but while Bosa did log a whopping three quarterback hits on Thursday, the entire defense failed to register a turnover or sack. Statistically, Fred Warner led the way with 15 tackles while Deommodore Lenoir defended a pair of passes. With the 49ers' defense seemingly losing some of its dominance this season, the unit can be benched in most fantasy leagues next week against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Dec 12 11:40pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall caught just one of his four targets during Thursday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, finishing Week 15 with 16 yards. The rookie pass-catcher has struggled to emerge as a relevant option in redraft leagues given his No. 3 role behind Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jauan Jennings. The 24-year-old has just 13 catches for 153 yards this year, and most of that production came in a singular game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in Week 10. As long as Pearsall remains third on the depth chart, he should be benched or left on waivers in fantasy football. That trend continues next week against the Miami Dolphins, who have been quite stingy against opposing wide receivers in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Dec 12 11:40pm CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings caught just two of his nine targets against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, finishing Week 15 with 31 yards through the air. He managed to lead the team in targets while finishing second to George Kittle in receiving yards. Thursday's loss to the Rams was a rough showing for the Niners, who mustered just two field goals and zero touchdowns on primetime television. That led to a rare dud game from Jennings, who had not previously recorded fewer than nine fantasy points (PPR) since taking over as the de facto No. 1 wide receiver following Brandon Aiyuk's season-ending knee injury. Despite Thursday's frustrating performance, Jennings appears to still be the 49ers' No. 1 wide receiver as he continues to get more looks in the passing game than Deebo Samuel Sr. However, fantasy managers should proceed with caution ahead of next week's matchup against the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2024.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Dec 12 11:30pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle caught four of his seven targets for a team-most 61 yards during Thursday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Even as the 49ers struggled to mount scoring drives in this primetime divisional battle, Kittle found ways to get involved and salvage his fantasy performance. The 31-year-old now has double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in 10 of his 12 games, ranking as the overall TE2 in fantasy football. He's on pace to have his second-best fantasy season ever, giving managers a major boost down the stretch and potentially helping them advance in the fantasy playoffs. Kittle should continue to be started in all leagues as the 49ers take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Dec 12 11:20pm CT
Isaac Guerendo

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo was inefficient during a 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara on Thursday night. There was some question coming into the game about whether Guerendo -- who spent the week questionable with a foot injury -- could fulfill head coach Kyle Shanahan's typical bell cow usage. Guerendo answered those questions emphatically by taking 16 of San Francisco's 18 carries, but he struggled to make them count, finishing with 57 yards and no touchdowns. He also caught all four of his targets for 18 yards, keeping his night in line with fantasy projections in PPR leagues. Assuming no aggravation of his injury, the fourth-rounder will be in play for lineups in Week 16 versus the Dolphins in Miami, who have been a mildly favorable matchup for running backs this season.

From RotoBaller

Dre Greenlaw Dec 12 11:20pm CT
Dre Greenlaw

San Francisco 49ers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell "said that he didn't want to play" during the second half of Thursday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. In his postgame press conference, Shanahan said that he asked Campbell to enter the game as a substitute for Dre Greenlaw in the third quarter, but the veteran linebacker told him he didn't want to play and subsequently went to the locker room. The decision drew criticism from plenty of football fans, as well as teammate Mooney Ward, who said, "If he didn't want to play, he shouldn't have dressed. That was selfish. [...] He's probably going to get cut soon, so it is what it is." The 31-year-old had previously registered 79 tackles through the first 13 games of the season, but he didn't show up on the stat sheet Thursday night. He owns a 58.3 PFF defense grade, which ranks second-worst among 49ers linebackers.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Dec 12 10:50pm CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy never got much going during a deflating 12-6 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Purdy finished 14-for-31 for 142 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. He scrambled once for three yards. While the Rams' secondary made more than a few nice plays on the ball, Purdy struggled with accuracy in this one. Bad throws may have been understandable during a rainy first half but they continued even after the rain had stopped. It's hard to trust Purdy as a fantasy asset moving forward, as he has now sandwiched a productive game between two week-killing games. Purdy-starting managers who somehow survive to see another round in the fantasy playoffs should consider quarterback shopping after this weekend, as he'll draw two tough matchups coming up. He'll get the Dolphins in Miami next week and the Lions at home in Week 17.

From RotoBaller