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NFL roundup: Lions’ 11-game winning streak ends at hands of Bills

Mon Dec 16 1:13am ET
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Josh Allen passed for two touchdowns and rushed for two more and the visiting Buffalo Bills halted the Detroit Lions' franchise-record 11-game winning streak with a 48-42 victory on Sunday.

Allen, who has 10 total touchdowns in the past two games, passed for 362 yards and rushed for 68 against Detroit. James Cook rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns for the Bills (11-3).

Jared Goff passed for 494 yards and matched his career high of five touchdown passes for the Lions (12-2). Amon-Ra St. Brown hauled in a touchdown while establishing career bests of 14 catches and 193 receiving yards.

The teams combined for 1,080 yards. Buffalo had 559, Detroit totaled 521. With the loss, the Lions are now tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the best record in the NFC, with the Minnesota Vikings also at two losses ahead of a meeting with the Chicago Bears on Monday night.

Texans 20, Dolphins 12

C.J. Stroud threw two touchdown passes to Nico Collins and Houston clinched the AFC South title with a victory over visiting Miami.

Will Anderson Jr. forced a turnover with a key strip-sack, Derek Stingley Jr. recorded two interceptions and Calen Bullock also had a pick for Houston (9-5). The Texans formally clinched the division when the Indianapolis Colts lost to the Denver Broncos later Sunday.

Tua Tagovailoa completed 29 of 40 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown for Miami, but he lost a fumble and matched his career worst of three interceptions for the Dolphins (6-8), who are two games out in the AFC wild-card race.

Eagles 27, Steelers 13

Jalen Hurts passed for two touchdowns and ran for one as Philadelphia beat visiting Pittsburgh for its franchise-record 10th consecutive win.

Reportedly playing with a broken finger on his left (non-throwing) hand, Hurts completed 25 of 32 passes for 290 yards and TDs to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. He ran for 45 yards and recorded his 14th rushing score of the season. The Eagles (12-2) leaned on a passing game that was under fire all week amid drama regarding the relationship between Hurts and Brown (eight catches for 110 yards).

The Steelers (10-4) have lost 11 consecutive road games in this Pennsylvania rivalry, with their most recent win in Philadelphia coming in 1965. Pittsburgh still clinched a playoff berth courtesy of losses by the Dolphins and Colts. Russell Wilson completed 14 of 22 passes for 128 yards and one touchdown for the Steelers, who were held to 163 yards of offense.

Cowboys 30, Panthers 14

Cooper Rush threw for two of his three touchdowns in the third quarter as Dallas pulled away from Carolina for a victory at Charlotte.

CeeDee Lamb had 116 receiving yards and a touchdown on nine catches and Rico Dowdle rushed for a career-high 149 yards on 25 carries for the Cowboys (6-8), who are trying to stay in playoff contention. Brandon Aubrey kicked three field goals.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young committed four turnovers -- two interceptions and a pair of fumbles. He threw for 219 yards on 19-for-28 passing, but Carolina (3-11) lost its fourth consecutive game. Young ran for a fourth-quarter touchdown.

Chiefs 21, Browns 7

Patrick Mahomes threw for a pair of touchdowns before injuring his ankle as Kansas City beat host Cleveland.

Mahomes completed 19 of 38 passes for 159 yards but had to be replaced by veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz after getting caught up under Cleveland defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson with 7:57 left in the game. Kansas City (13-1) had already built its 21-7 lead, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid said afterward that he vetoed Mahomes' request to return to the game.

The Browns (3-11) also switched quarterbacks after Jameis Winston had 146 yards and three interceptions on 16-for-25 passing. Dorian Thompson-Robinson passed for 18 yards and a pick once he came in. Jerome Ford rushed for a 62-yard TD in the third quarter for the Browns, and Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski said after the game that star running back Nick Chubb broke his foot in the third quarter.

Jets 32, Jaguars 25

Breece Hall ran for a 1-yard touchdown with 1:05 left as visiting New York rallied in the fourth quarter for a win over Jacksonville.

Hall's run capped a 70-yard drive that featured two critical connections between Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. The duo hooked up for third-down gains of 23 and 41 yards that got the ball just shy of the end zone, teeing up Hall's game-winning score for the Jets (4-10).

Rodgers finished 16-of-30 passing for 289 yards and three scores, finding Adams nine times in the second half for 198 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jacksonville (3-11) had a chance to force overtime on its last possession, but Mac Jones' deep pass down the left side was intercepted by Sauce Gardner at the New York 13 with 37 seconds left.

Commanders 20, Saints 19

Jayden Daniels threw two touchdown passes to Terry McLaurin and visiting Washington held on to defeat New Orleans after the Saints scored as time ran out but failed on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt.

Daniels completed 25 of 31 passes for 226 yards without an interception and rushed 11 times for 66 yards for the Commanders (9-5), but he was sacked eight times.

After second-year quarterback Jake Haener struggled in his first NFL start in place of an injured Derek Carr, the Saints (5-9) turned to rookie Spencer Rattler, who completed 10 of 21 passes for 135 yards and the touchdown with no time left. But Rattler's pass on the ensuing two-point conversion try sailed wide of diving tight end Juwan Johnson.

Ravens 35, Giants 14

Lamar Jackson threw for 290 yards and tied a career high with five touchdown passes, including a pair to Rashod Bateman, to boost Baltimore over skidding New York in East Rutherford, N.J.

Baltimore (9-5) stayed in the thick of the AFC playoff race while moving within one game of AFC North-leading Pittsburgh. Jackson had more TDs than incompletions, finishing 21-for-25 passing before yielding to backup Josh Johnson.

New York (2-12) tied a franchise record with its ninth consecutive loss and remained winless at home. Back at quarterback, Tommy DeVito suffered a concussion and left the game in the second quarter. He was 10-for-13 passing for 68 yards while getting sacked twice.

Bengals 37, Titans 27

Cincinnati took advantage of four turnovers by Tennessee quarterback Will Levis while getting three touchdown passes from Joe Burrow to win in Nashville.

The two teams combined for 10 turnovers and 26 penalties in the mistake-filled game. The 10 total turnovers, including six by the Titans, are the most in an NFL game since a 2007 contest between the Lions and Minnesota Vikings.

The Bengals (6-8) won back-to-back games for just the second time this season while the Titans (3-11) lost two fumbles and had two quarterbacks who combined to throw four interceptions.

Cardinals 30, Patriots 17

James Conner rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns as Arizona stayed in the NFC West title race with a win over New England in Glendale, Ariz.

Conner blew the game open in the fourth quarter with a pair of 1-yard scores as Arizona (7-7) snapped a three-game losing streak. Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 23 of 30 passes for 224 yards as the Cardinals outgained New England 395-311.

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye hit on 19 of 23 passes for 202 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Patriots, who fell to 3-11. Rhamondre Stevenson led New England's rushing attack with 69 yards on 13 attempts.

Broncos 31, Colts 13

The Denver defense shut out visiting Indianapolis in the second half, forcing five turnovers and scoring a touchdown en route to a win.

Bo Nix completed 20 of 33 passes for 130 yards and threw three touchdowns and three interceptions for Denver (9-5). Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins and Courtland Sutton caught touchdowns for the Broncos. Brandon Jones and Patrick Surtain II had interceptions, while Nik Bonitto and D.J. Jones recovered fumbles.

Anthony Richardson was 17-of-38 passing for 172 yards with a rushing touchdown and two interceptions for the Colts (6-8).

Buccaneers 40, Chargers 17

Mike Evans notched two second-half touchdowns to lead Tampa Bay's rout over offensively inept Los Angeles in Inglewood, Calif.

Evans caught scoring passes of 57 and 35 yards as the Buccaneers (8-6) outscored the Chargers 27-0 in the second half. Evans finished with 159 yards on nine catches. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield went 22-for-27 passing for 288 yards and four touchdowns.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's streak of 357 consecutive passes without an interception ended in the third quarter as he battled a lingering ankle injury and withering pressure. Herbert finished 21-for-33 passing for 195 yards and two touchdowns as Los Angeles (8-6) was outgained 506-206.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 15

Player Notes
Spencer Rattler Dec 16 12:30am CT
Spencer Rattler

The New Orleans Saints brought in quarterback Spencer Rattler to replace spot starter Jake Haener at halftime of Sunday's game against the Commanders. Haener proved ineffective in the first half, going 4-for-10 for 40 pass yards and one interception, and losing 29 yards on three sacks. After coming in, Rattler went 10-for-21 for 135 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown pass went to tight end Foster Moreau as the game clock expired, bringing the Saints within one point of the Commanders. His pass on the ensuing two-point conversion was wide of intended target Juwan Johnson's reach and New Orleans ended up losing 20-19. Rattler did seem more poised in the pocket than Haener but many of his throws were off the mark, as was the case during his three-game stretch as the Saints' starter earlier this season. It is too soon to tell which of the two backups will start in Week 16 if Derek Carr (concussion, hand) remains sidelined. Neither should be considered an option in the second round of the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Matt Gay Dec 16 12:00am CT
Matt Gay

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay knocked through both of his field goal attempts on Sunday and converted his extra point attempt in the 31-13 loss to the Broncos. The 30-year-old has now made at least two field goals in 10 of the last 11 games and has gone a perfect 23-for-23 on extra points this season. The Colts seem to move the ball just well enough to get him a couple of chances per game but they also turn the ball over so much that he doesn't have big fantasy days. Nevertheless, the sixth-year pro has been a steady source of points for the bulk of the season and should be in line for a few more successful tries next week versus the Titans. The game will be at home for the Colts so he won't have to contend with the elements either.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Dec 15 11:50pm CT
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) picked up a quadriceps injury in the 31-13 Week 15 win over the visiting Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Before leaving, McLaughlin handled seen carries (a team-high among RBs) for 21 yards (3.0 yards per carry) while adding three catches on three targets for an additional 13 yards through the air. Neither Javonte Williams nor Audric Estime were able to capitalize on McLaughlin's injury, as they combined for 11 carries and 28 yards and three catches (four targets) for 13 yards. It was a disappointing performance from McLaughlin against a Colts defense that has been gashed on the ground all year, but then again, Denver's rushing attack hasn't really done much of anything all season. Heading into a short week on Thursday against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, McLaughlin's availability could be in question. If active, he'll be an avoidable RB3/flex.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Dec 15 11:40pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray finished the game after leaving in the third quarter due to a hit to the head in the 30-17 win over the New England Patriots. Murray had a solid day in the win, but he did not record a touchdown, which limited his fantasy output. Murray's official stat line was 23-for-30 for 224 passing yards and he added five carries for 11 rushing yards. The Cardinals offense got a much-needed bounce-back win, scoring 30 points in the Week 15 triumph. However, all those touchdowns came on the ground. The Cardinals' passing attack is still working out the kinks after the bye week, but Sunday's performance was a step in the right direction. The Cardinals will travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers in Week 16, where Murray should be able to move the ball through the air.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Dec 15 11:40pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) returned from injury on Sunday, but was only able to corral three of his eight targets for 32 scoreless yards in Sunday's 31-13 loss to the Broncos. With quarterback Anthony Richardson completing less than 50% of his passes in the contest, no receiver had a big day in this offense. The eight targets were second to Michael Pittman Jr.'s nine, but it was at least an encouraging sign that more bountiful fantasy days could be ahead if Richardson can fix the accuracy issue. With the fantasy football playoffs upon us, there isn't much time to resolve it though and the 23-year-old is probably too risky to play in most leagues. The Titans, next week's opponent, are middle of the pack versus wide receivers in terms of fantasy points allowed, and just allowed 14 catches for 182 yards to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but Downs will be a dicey WR option given his environment.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Dec 15 11:40pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit showed why they are a top-five fantasy unit in the Week 15 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Empower Field. After letting the Colts drive down on their opening possession in the first quarter to score a touchdown, Denver's D stiffened and finished with another impressive showing thanks to four turnovers (two interceptions, two fumble recoveries), two sacks and another pick-six in the 31-13 win. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor gift-wrapped one of the fumbles by letting go of the ball before crossing the goal line while celebrating. Linebacker Nik Bonitto jumped a trick play to pick off receiver Adonai Mitchell for his second straight game with a pick-six. The Broncos' defense is riding high as a top-five unit, but they'll have a less-than-ideal matchup in Week 16 against a Chargers offense that has taken care of the football all year.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Dec 15 11:30pm CT
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton was quiet by his recent standards in the team's 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Empower Field in Week 15. Sutton led the Broncos in targets yet again with nine, but he only hauled in three catches for team-high 32 yards. However, a 20-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter to put the game away salvaged his line for fantasy managers. Quarterback Bo Nix struggled to get going in this one for the first time in a while and finished with only 130 total passing yards. Sunday's outing was Sutton's first with under 70 receiving yards since his zero-target performance in the Week 7 win over the Saints. Fantasy managers can't really complain. Sutton has seen at least eight targets in seven straight games and should remain a must-start with a high target share in a big divisional clash against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Dec 15 11:20pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs made his return from concussion protocol and made a huge statement for the Packers in their 30-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. Doubs, who hadn't played since Week 12, cleared concussion protocol without an injury designation after three consecutive full practices to score twice and catch three passes for 40 yards on five targets on the evening. Doubs' second touchdown in the fourth quarter was an excellently thrown ball by Jordan Love where Doubs had to reach low to where only he could make a play on it, cementing the Packers' victory to put them up by three scores. With Doubs back in the fold for the Packers, Green Bay will host the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. For fantasy managers, Doubs is a solid flex option in a good matchup.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Dec 15 11:20pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson helped co-lead the Packers in targets and was a solid contributor in the Packers' 30-13 win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. Watson co-led the Packers in targets with Jayden Reed and was their downfield thread on the boundary, leading the team with 56 yards receiving. Watson's long catch of 36 yards helped the Packers set up a second-quarter field goal. His 56-yard effort comes off the heels of a 114-yard game in Week 14, so it does feel like a disappointment, but Romeo Doubs returning from concussion protocol may have spread the targets out just a bit. With Watson and the Packers heading back home to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 16, Watson should be considered a volatile flex option for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Dec 15 11:20pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was a utilization monster as he touched the ball 30 times and was an integral part of the team's 30-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. Setting the tone early in game was Jacobs, as he touched the ball in 9-of-10 plays on the game's opening drive that ended on a Jacobs rushing touchdown from one yard out. Jacobs ended the night with 26 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown, as well as catching 4-of-4 targets for 42 yards through the air. It was a continuation of a massive run for Jacobs as he's scored nine touchdowns in his past five games. With the Packers going back home to Lambeau Field to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 16, Jacobs is a locked-in RB1 and a must-start option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Dec 15 11:20pm CT
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix led his fantasy managers on a roller-coaster ride on Sunday in the 31-13 Week 15 win over the visiting Indianapolis Colts. Nix went 20-for-33 passing for 130 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. The first-rounder also had eight carries for a team-high 23 rushing yards and was sacked once for a loss of nine yards. After a recent stretch of strong performances that vaulted into low-end QB1 territory, the Oregon product looked more like his shaky, inexperienced self early in the season. Nix now has five touchdowns and four touchdowns in the last two games. Sunday's performance was his first time under 200 yards passing in a game since the Week 7 win over the Saints. The win was a big one for Denver, but the young signal-caller will have to turn the page quickly heading into a tough Week 16 divisional matchup on a short turnaround on Thursday against LA.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Dec 15 11:20pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. led the team in targets, receptions, and yards in Sunday's 31-13 loss to the Broncos. Unfortunately, with Anthony Richardson under center that hasn't amounted to much this season, as the 27-year-old caught six of his nine targets for 58 yards and no scores. Pittman also lost one of the three fumbles the Colts lost on the day, further diminishing his fantasy output. The 6-foot-4 wideout has become Richardson's preferred option in the passing attack since being renamed starter back in Week 13, but hasn't found the end zone since Week 6 and hasn't topped 100 yards receiving since Week 4. The fifth-year pro gets a more favorable matchup in Week 16 against the Titans, but with the inefficiency of the passing game, Pittman figures to be a low-end WR3 or Flex option next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Dec 15 11:13pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

Dynasty | Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle left a loss to the Texans with a knee injury prior to catching a pass. Dynasty Analysis: Waddle came down awkwardly after getting his leg caught under a defender and his injury had the looks of a pretty scary one. The Dolphins are expressing optimism, but more tests are going to need to be run before we know the extent of his injury. What is known, however, is the fact Waddle has had a very down year. His dynasty value has sunk a bit this season, but we'll see just how bad this year is before we decide just where he fits in the pecking order of dynasty rankings this off-season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Brian Thomas Jr. Dec 15 11:13pm CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dynasty | Jaguars rookie Brian Thomas Jr had ten catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns in a loss against the Jets. Dynasty Analysis: Thomas has been nothing but consistent all season, despite being on an awful football team with a revolving door at quarterback. He now boasts a 64/956/8 line on the season and will obviously start his career with at least 1,000 yards. While others may have put up some bigger numbers as a rookie, few have been more impressive when you consider his situation. Thomas looks like a solid top-20 option moving forward in dynasty leagues, at worst.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Aaron Rodgers Dec 15 11:13pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Dynasty | Jets wide receiver Davante Adams had nine catches for 198 yards and two touchdowns in a win against the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: The Jets are a dumpster fire, but Adams has been solid since being acquired from the Raiders. His future may hinge on just what Aaron Rodgers does moving forward, but Adams looks like a lineup lock for at least the rest of the season and a solid trade target for contenders in the off-season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Rico Dowdle Dec 15 11:13pm CT
Rico Dowdle

Dynasty | Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle had 149 rushing yards in a win against Carolina. Dynasty Analysis: Since finally getting the chance to be the Cowboys lead back, Dowdle has posted three consecutive career high days with 112, 131, and 149 rushing yards the past three weeks. While Dallas could easily replace him next season, it's clear he's giving them a lot of reasons to think otherwise. Now seemingly destined to hit 1,000 yards on the season, Dowdle is a very interesting hold in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Nick Chubb Dec 15 11:13pm CT
Nick Chubb

Dynasty | Browns running back Nick Chubb broke his foot in a loss to the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: Brutal. After returning from a catastrophic leg injury, Chubb's season will end with an unimpressive 332 rushing yards and three touchdowns in eight games played. This latest injury may just seal his fate as the Browns could move on from him in the off-season, despite how much he has meant to the franchise and the community. Chubb has simply not looked the same this year and while he could recover fully from his ailments, he looks like a running back whose career could be on fumes. His dynasty value is going to sink like a rock this off-season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Patrick Mahomes Dec 15 11:13pm CT
Patrick Mahomes

Dynasty | Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an ankle injury in a win against Cleveland. Dynasty Analysis: Mahomes was down for some time before limping to the sideline and this injury has the looks of one that could keep him out of action for a while. We'll see what the tests say moving forward, but the ever-durable Mahomes has looked mortal in more ways than one this year. His dynasty value for the off-season may hinge on just how bad this is, so stay tuned.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jameis Winston Dec 15 11:13pm CT
Jameis Winston

Dynasty | Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had 11 catches for 108 yards in a loss to Cleveland. Dynasty Analysis: Jeudy has been nothing short of fantastic since Deshaun Watson was replaced with Jameis Winston and passed 1,000 yards receiving with his efforts today. A player who was nothing more than bench fodder for much of the season, Jeudy has been fantastic over the past month as he's finally looking like the first rounder he once was with the Broncos. Few players have seen their dynasty value rise more over the past month than Jeudy.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Will Levis Dec 15 11:13pm CT
Will Levis

Dynasty | Titans quarterback Will Levis was benched after completing 8-of-12 passes for 89 yards with three interceptions. Dynasty Analysis: With the Titans now sitting at 3-11, it seems clear the Levis era may be running on fumes. While he's shown some signs of life here and there this season, it's obvious Levis simply isn't a quarterback worth building around. At this point, his dynasty value is in the tank and it's hard to see the Titans having him under center next year.

From Dynasty League Fantasy