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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Playoff Week 3 | NFL: Week 17

Colts rule out QB Anthony Richardson; Joe Flacco to start

Sat Dec 28 3:19pm ET
Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was downgraded from questionable to out for Sunday's game against the New York Giants because of back and foot injuries.

Richardson did not practice during the week, but head coach Shane Steichen had fallen short of declaring his starter out until Saturday.

Veteran Joe Flacco is expected to make his fifth start of the season in Richardson's place.

As of early Saturday, the Colts (7-8) still have a shot at a playoff berth, but they'd need to beat the Giants (2-13) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) in Week 18 -- and for both the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers to lose their games on Saturday -- to stay alive.

That Indianapolis even remained in the playoff hunt in Week 17 is surprising, given an unspectacular season from Richardson, who was taken by the Colts with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Richardson, 22, has completed just 47.7 percent of his pass attempts (126 of 264) for 1,814 yards and has thrown more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (8). Still, he is 6-5 in 11 starts.

Richardson's back and foot injuries are not expected to rule him out of Week 18's matchup against the visiting Jaguars, according to ESPN sources on Saturday.

Flacco, who turns 40 next month, was 1-3 in four starts earlier this year amid both injury and ineffectiveness for Richardson. Flacco has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,167 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

Two of the losses were to playoff-bound teams -- the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17

Player Notes
Eddy Pineiro Dec 28 5:50pm CT
Eddy Pineiro

Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro hasn't been much of a fantasy option over the last few weeks. In fact, Pineiro has only two field goal attempts over his last three games. Last week, Pineiro connected on 3-of-4 extra point attempts and his lone field goal in the win over the Arizona Cardinals. Now, Pineiro heads into a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. A team he made three field goals against in Week 13. The 29-year-old also missed two field goals during that game. Pineiro might be active this weekend, but he's far from a lock in terms of a solid fantasy kicker.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Carlson Dec 28 5:40pm CT
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson hasn't been the most consistent option, but he could be worth a look in Week 17. Carlson has missed at least one kick in three of his last four games. Last week, Carlson made his lone extra point attempt while converting 2-of-3 field goal attempts in the win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The good news is that Carlson does have a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17. This is a contest that will be indoors against a leaky defense that should give Carlson multiple chances. That being said, Carlson is well worth a look as a streaming option for Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Dec 28 5:40pm CT
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker had a huge game in Week 17, making all eight of the kicks he lined up for. Dicker made four field goals and four extra points, with his field goals coming from 27, 38, 41, and 35 yards out. It was a big game for Dicker in a big game overall for the Chargers offense. They'll take on the division-rival bottom-dwelling Las Vegas Raiders to wrap up the regular season in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Riley Patterson Dec 28 5:40pm CT
Riley Patterson

Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson was busy during last week's win over the New York Giants. Patterson recently took over as the kicker after Younghoe Koo (hip) went on the injured reserve. Patterson came ready to kick as he knocked down all four extra point attempts and converted 2-of-3 field goal attempts in the win. The 25-year-old hasn't kicked much this season, but looked solid outside of his 43-yard miss last week. He should continue to get chances to kick in what could be a high-scoring matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 17. Patterson isn't a must-start option, but is certainly worth a look for fantasy managers seeking a kicker for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Dec 28 5:30pm CT
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal only ended up with five touches in a Week 17 blowout win over the New England Patriots. Vidal was thought to maybe have an increased role this week with J.K. Dobbins just returning from IR, but Dobbins resumed his every down role, leaving just five carries for 24 yards for Vidal. He was also targeted twice in the passing game but ended up unable to make any catches. He ultimately fell behind Hassan Haskins, who recorded eight carries and one catch.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Bass Dec 28 5:30pm CT
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass has been busy over the last few weeks. Bass has connected on all 20 of his extra point attempts over the last four games. However, Bass is 3-for-5 on field goal attempts during that span. The Bills offense has been cruising so much recently that Bass hasn't seen many chances to kick field goals. Despite that, Bass continues to have decent value because of all the touchdowns that the Bills offense is scoring right now. This offense should continue rolling against the New York Jets in Week 17. Bass is one of the better kickers in the league and is worth starting in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Derius Davis Dec 28 5:30pm CT
Derius Davis

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis scored another touchdown in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Davis scored in Week 16 and followed that up with another trip to the end zone in this one. He made the most of his opportunity though, as he was not particularly heavily involved. He was targeted twice in the passing game, making both catches for a total of 29 yards. His touchdown came on a 23-yard pass from Justin Herbert in the first quarter to open the scoring. Davis also added one rushing attempt, but ended up losing three yards on the try. He's an exciting role player in the Bolts offense, but despite the two touchdown-scoring games in a row, he's unlikely to be consistent enough to provide fantasy value in leagues that continue for another week.

From RotoBaller

Stone Smartt Dec 28 5:30pm CT
Stone Smartt

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Stone Smartt made two catches in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Smartt shared the tight end position with Will Dissly, who was able to return after a two game absence. Smartt was targeted twice, making both catches for a total of 23 yards. Dissly saw three targets in the game. With Dissly active, Smartt is difficult to count on for anything more than a non-zero floor.

From RotoBaller

Will Dissly Dec 28 5:30pm CT
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) returned from a two-game absence and was active in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Dissly was targeted three times, making two catches for 21 yards total. He shared duties with Stone Smartt, who had taken over the starting role while Dissly was out. Smartt saw two targets and made two catches. With the Chargers involving 11 different pass catchers in their passing game, there wasn't much to go around for the tight ends. Both Chargers tight ends are non-zero floor guys without much of a ceiling.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Dec 28 5:20pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins returned from injured reserve and scored a touchdown in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Dobbins missed the past four games with a knee injury, but he was activated earlier this week and ran the ball 19 times for 76 yards, including a two-yard scoring plunge in the fourth quarter. There were some questions about whether the Chargers would ease him in after his absence, but his 19 carries clearly showed that he's immediately back to lead back status.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Dec 28 5:20pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey scored twice in a Week 17 blowout win over the New England Patriots. McConkey led the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards in another excellent game by the impressive first-year pass catcher. He was targeted 10 times, making eight catches for 94 yards. His first touchdown was on a six-yard pass in the second quarter and he followed that with a long 40-yard touchdown catch in the third. McConkey is having an excellent rookie season and quickly became the focal point of the Los Angeles passing game.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dortch Dec 28 5:20pm CT
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch hasn't been too impactful on the field lately. Last week, Dortch hauled in his lone target for 19 yards while rushing the ball once for eight yards. The 26-year-old hasn't seen a ton of the field lately. Dortch only saw 30 percent of the offensive snaps last week and played even less the week before that. It seems unlikely that Dortch is going to do anything on the field worth starting him against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Dec 28 5:20pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston made five catches in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Johnston was targeted eight times, making five catches for 48 yards. He had a long play of 19 yards. Like usual throughout his career, there was more there for Johnston to do but Ladd McConkey remained the first look and the leader of the Bolts passing game.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 28 5:10pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw three touchdowns in a Week 17 blowout win over the New England Patriots. Herbert completed 26 of his 38 passes for 281 yards and the three scores without turning the ball over. Two of Herbert's touchdowns went to rookie receiver Ladd McConkey and the other went to Derius Davis. Herbert also added 12 yards on the ground on three carries, and he did not take a sack. It was an impressive performance in the 40-7 win that clinched a playoff spot for the Bolts.

From RotoBaller

Dawson Knox Dec 28 4:10pm CT
Dawson Knox

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox should not be relied upon for fantasy purposes this weekend when his team lines up against the New York Jets. The 28-year-old is back to a low-volume role in Buffalo's offense with the return of fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid. Since his return in Week 15, Kincaid has racked up eight receptions on 14 targets, to Knox's four catches on five looks. It'd be one thing if the second-year pro were out-producing him on a larger share of snaps, but Knox has led the duo in that regard over that stretch. On top of his diminished role, the Jets are giving up the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2024 (10.6) -- further hampering his chances at a viable fantasy output. The Ole Miss product ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE34 ahead of Week 17's slate.

From RotoBaller

Kevin Austin Jr. Dec 28 4:00pm CT
Kevin Austin Jr.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. will not be a viable fantasy option in his meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. The third-year wideout was the Saints' leading snap-getter at the position in last week's 34-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Still, it resulted in just 17 yards and one reception on four targets. That's been the story for the 24-year-old -- decent playing time but little production to show for it. He'll line up across from one of the better units in the league against fantasy WRs this Sunday. Las Vegas has allowed the eleventh-fewest points per game to wideouts (31.8) and the tenth-least passing yards per game in the NFL. Fantasy managers can undoubtedly find a better option than Austin Jr. ahead of championship weekend. He'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR WR92 in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Cam Akers Dec 28 3:40pm CT
Cam Akers

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers should not be started in this Sunday's divisional tilt against the visiting Green Bay Packers. The 25-year-old's workload has mostly been contingent on game script and the health of backfield mate Aaron Jones in 2024. Akers had gotten some extended run when Jones was dinged up or the game was safely at hand. However, this season, he's been less effective with a larger rush share. Since his move to Minnesota, the Florida State product has yet to run for more than 2.9 yards per carry when he receives ten or more attempts. This starkly contrasts the 6.68 he's averaged over the other 19 carries. The Vikings' meeting with Green Bay projects to be a good one, as both teams are vying for playoff spots -- so Akers does not figure to see an increase in workload unless Jones misses snaps or is loose with the football. He comes in as RotoBaller's PPR RB52 ahead of this week's slate of action.

From RotoBaller

Mack Hollins Dec 28 3:30pm CT
Mack Hollins

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins won't be on the fantasy radar for his meeting with the division-rival New York Jets in Week 17. The veteran wideout has broken free for a few big plays in 2024 but has generally been an unreliable option regarding fantasy. Despite participating on the most snaps for a Bills WR, Hollins clocks in at fourth in total receptions on the squad (26) -- averaging just 1.73 catches and 21.3 yards per reception in 15 appearances. Additionally, the Jets have been one of the worst matchups for wideouts this season, allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game to the position (29.9). Outside of a dart-throw DFS shot, the 31-year-old holds little lineup appeal as RotoBaller's PPR WR85 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Dec 28 3:10pm CT
Ray Davis

Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis will not be a viable fantasy option in Sunday's divisional clash with the New York Jets. The rookie back has been used sparingly over the last few weeks and is mostly uninvolved when Buffalo is in a close game. He's been effective with his touches when he has seen the field but has generally been the third backfield option behind teammates James Cook and Ty Johnson. Davis hasn't met or exceeded the 20-snap mark since Week 6's matchup with New York (40) when Cook was dealing with a toe injury. The 25-year-old erupted for 152 total yards on 23 touches in that meeting -- flashing his upside. However, fighting for reps with his backfield mates hurts his value despite picking up snaps in an elite offense. He lands as RotoBaller's PPR RB45 ahead of fantasy championship weekend.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Dec 28 3:00pm CT
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble should not be started in an formats in Week 17 when he faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tremble logged two limited practice sessions during the week due to shoulder and back injuries but is no longer listed on the injury report. Over his past three games, Tremble has seen just 2.3 targets per game while splitting opportunities with rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders. Over this three-game stretch he has tallied just 16.7 yards per game. Over his past five games, Tremble has surpassed 40+ receiving yards just once. Given his lack of consistent production, fantasy managers should keep him out of all lineups despite facing a weak Tampa Bay secondary that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.

From RotoBaller