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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Playoff Week 1 | NFL: Week 15

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
Antonio Gibson Dec 13 12:30pm CT
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson has emerged as a potential RB3/FLEX option in deeper leagues ahead of his Week 15 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. While Gibson has operated in a clear backup role behind Rhamondre Stevenson for essentially the whole season, his strong performance on the other side of the Patriots' bye could earn him some additional opportunities going forward. In that last outing against Indianapolis, Gibson rushed seven times for 62 yards (8.9 YPC) and one touchdown, finishing with just 0.2 fewer points than Stevenson in half-PPR and standard scoring systems. Gibson faces an uphill battle to produce given his 24 percent snap share, seven carries, and zero receptions back in Week 13, but we like his efficiency and touchdown upside moving forward. Managers should treat him as a potential RB3/FLEX option in leagues with at least 14 teams.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Dec 13 12:20pm CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (knee) was seen practicing on Friday, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. McBride has logged two straight limited sessions to open the week, and seeing him practice again on Friday is a positive sign for his ability this weekend. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report later on Friday, as McBride may carry a designation into the weekend. Over the past three games, the tight end has seen at least ten targets in each contest and averaged 100 total yards per game. Before this three-game stretch, McBride only saw double-digit targets one other time this season. If McBride can play, he should be viewed as a high-end TE1 in all formats, facing a New England Patriots secondary that has allowed the 16th-most PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Dec 13 12:20pm CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson continues to be a risky RB3 option heading into Sunday's Week 15 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. While Stevenson remains the Patriots' lead back and had a 94-yard showing prior to last week's bye, a few factors should cause fantasy managers to at least consider other options for their Week 15 lineups. First, Stevenson could be headed for a reduced role this week. In Week 13, Antonio Gibson averaged 8.9 yards per carry and scored a touchdown, showing the coaching staff that he deserves more opportunities going forward. Additionally, we can't discount the Cardinals' run defense. While the unit has admittedly started to break down over the season, they've held players like Kyren Williams and Aaron Jones to 25 or fewer rushing yards. Managers shouldn't necessarily rush to bench Stevenson we still like his game script and receiving upside but they would be wise to at least explore some of the FLEX options on their bench or waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Dec 13 12:10pm CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said he's optimistic about running back Raheem Mostert's (hip) availability for the Week 15 contest on Sunday against the hosting Houston Texans. Mostert was not active for the Week 14 overtime win over the division-rival New York Jets last Sunday, but he appears to be on track to play this weekend after putting in limited practices. It's bad news for any fantasy managers in deeper leagues that were planning on using rookie Jaylen Wright in a flex spot. Mostert himself should be avoided as a flex play if he's active on Sunday in Houston, as the 32-year-old veteran has seen just 10 rushing attempts for 22 yards in his last four games, adding five catches for 46 yards. Even before Mostert's injury, Wright was beginning to take more and more valuable backfield touches away from Mostert behind starter De'Von Achane.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 13 12:10pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (hamstring) remained sidelined during Friday's practice, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. This is not a good sign for the tight end's availability for this weekend, as he has not been able to practice once this week. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's injury report, as Njoku will likely carry an injury designation into the weekend. Over the past two weeks, Njoku has enjoyed two big performances, averaging an impressive 21.7 PPR points per game during this stretch and scoring three touchdowns. If Njoku cannot turn the corner, fantasy managers should expect Jordan Akins to operate as the TE1 for Cleveland. Akins got a few starting opportunities earlier in the season when Njoku missed time and could be worth a look in deeper 14+ team formats facing the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed the second-most PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Dec 13 12:00pm CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson caught two of his five targets for 21 yards during their victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night. Parkinson's five targets and 21 yards were the second-most on the team. Over his previous four games leading up to Thursday, Parkinson caught just one pass in each contest and never surpassed 20 receiving yards. With 31-year-old Tyler Higbee (knee) nearing a return to action, fantasy managers should expect Parkinson to soon revert to the No.2 role on the depth chart. Next weekend, Parkinson will face the New York Jets, who have allowed the seventh-fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends. If he is given another start, he should be viewed as a low-end TE2, given his low target share.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Dec 13 11:50am CT
Joshua Karty

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty went 4-for-4 on field goal attempts on Thursday evening during their victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Karty scored all 12 points for the Rams as the offense was unable to get into the end zone. Karty's longest kick came from 48 yards in the second quarter. Then in the fourth, Karty hit his three other field goals all from within 30 yards. After posting a 62.5% FG rate during Weeks 10 through 13, Karty has gone perfect on attempts over his past two games. However, he did miss one PAT last weekend. Despite his struggles, Karty remains a decent low-end K1 given Los Angeles' potent offense. Next weekend, he will face the New York Jets, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing kickers this season.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Dec 13 11:50am CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (knee) is officially good to go for Sunday's contest versus the Tennessee Titans in Week 15 and won't carry an injury designation into the game. Burrow was seen wearing a sleeve on his surgically repaired knee in Monday night's win over the Dallas Cowboys and dealt with some residual soreness the next day. He was limited in practice this week but is good to go and should be started as a top-five fantasy QB in lineups this weekend in what is the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues. The Titans defense has been underrated this season, allowing the fewest passing yards (2,459) on the season. However, they've also allowed the 13th-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks through 14 weeks, and Burrow enters Week 15 as the QB3 in overall fantasy points while leading the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Dec 13 11:40am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that rookie running back Bucky Irving (back, hip) will be questionable for the Week 15 game on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Irving missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday and wasn't seen on the field in the portion of Friday's practice open to the media, but he must have later returned to the field to draw the questionable tag. The 22-year-old played through a questionable tag in the Week 14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders but made it only 10 offensive snaps before leaving. The fact that Irving barely played last weekend and hardly practiced at all in the lead-up to Sunday's game against the Bolts makes him a pretty risky RB3/flex in fantasy, even though he's been the team's most productive back in 2024. If Irving is ruled out entirely, Rachaad White, who had two TDs last week, will become a plug-and-play RB2.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Dec 13 11:30am CT
Marquise Brown

The Kansas City Chiefs are opening wide receiver Marquise Brown's (shoulder) 21-day practice window on Friday for him to return from Injured Reserve, according to a source. The hope has been that Brown could return this week or next, so he's right on schedule after having surgery earlier this season for a shoulder injury he suffered in the preseason. Hollywood won't be available for this Sunday's contest versus the Cleveland Browns, but if he looks good in practice next week, he could make his debut with the Chiefs in Week 16 when they take on the Houston Texans. It's great news for KC's offense with the playoffs approaching, but the Chiefs are going to be extremely cautious with the 27-year-old wideout, making it more unlikely that he'll be worth a starting spot in fantasy in the next couple weeks with fantasy titles on the line.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Dec 13 11:30am CT
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was unable to catch any of his three targets during Thursday's divisional victory over the San Francisco 49ers. This was a frustrating night for the veteran wideout, as he was unable to impact the box score. This was the first time Kupp finished with zero fantasy points this season, and this was also his lowest target share of the campaign. Despite the disappointing results, fantasy managers should not be overly concerned with Kupp's fantasy outlook for the remainder of the season. Over his previous six games, the 31-year-old averaged 9.3 targets and 6.7 receptions per game. During this span, Kupp tallied 76.5 yards per contest and even scored four touchdowns during this span. While his matchup against the New York Jets next weekend is not ideal, given that they have allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season, it is hard not to expect a bounce-back given his stable production all season.

From RotoBaller

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