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Saints plan to start Spencer Rattler at QB if Derek Carr is out

Fri Dec 20 1:16am ET
Field Level Media

The New Orleans Saints likely will have a third starting quarterback in as many weeks on Monday.

Spencer Rattler is in line to draw the start if Derek Carr is ruled out as expected for the contest at Green Bay, Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi said on Thursday.

Carr hurt his left (non-throwing) hand in New Orleans' 14-11 win over the New York Giants on Dec. 8. He sat out the Saints' 20-19 defeat against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, and he didn't practice on Thursday.

Rizzi said of Carr, "If he was done for the season, we would've put him on (injured reserve) by now and we would've shut him down. It's just not the case. ... He had one of his best days (Thursday), so as soon as he's able to function and as soon as he's able to go out there and get some functionality back in his hand, we'll do that."

Jake Haener got his first NFL start in Carr's place against Washington and was pulled after completing just 4 of 10 passes for 49 yards with an interception.

Rattler took over and connected on 10 of 21 passes for 135 yards, hitting Foster Moreau for a 1-yard touchdown pass as time expired. His pass on the subsequent two-point-conversion attempt was incomplete, and the Saints lost.

When Carr was sidelined from Week 6 through Week 8, Rattler got the starts and lost all three contests while completing 59.6 percent of his passes for a total of 571 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Also missing the Saints' Thursday practice was running back Alvin Kamara, who has a groin ailment that leaves him doubtful for Monday, according to Rizzi. The coach listed Kamara's status as week-to-week.

"The initial tests were, it wasn't really going to be that bad, and it's just a little bit more significant, so a little bit more missed time," Rizzi said.

Kamara leads the Saints with 950 rushing yards, and he has six touchdowns on the ground this year.

The Saints (5-9) are still technically in the playoff race ahead of their Monday game against the Packers (10-4).

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 16

Player Notes
Travis Kelce Dec 20 3:40am CT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will take on the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16. Kelce is coming off a down game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15. The 35-year-old had four catches for 27 yards in the contest. Kelce will try to top those numbers this week against the Texans, who rank fourth in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season. Despite having an injury scare in last week's game, Patrick Mahomes practiced fully all week and is good to go for Saturday. Mahomes' health significantly impacts Kelce's fantasy production, so it's a good sign that he's off the injury report. Kelce is ranked TE7 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, making him a solid TE1. Fantasy managers will hope for a vintage Kelce performance in the fantasy playoffs this week.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Dec 20 3:40am CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16. Pacheco appeared to emerge as the lead back in Week 14, earning 16 touches compared to six for Kareem Hunt, but that changed in Week 15. The two running backs each handled 13 carries last week against the Cleveland Browns, and Hunt outproduced Pacheco. It will be interesting to see how the backfield split shakes out this week against the Houston Texans, who rank fourth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this year. The 25-year-old is ranked RB25 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a low-end RB2/Flex option this week. Fantasy managers will have a tough time trusting Pacheco in the fantasy playoffs, especially with Hunt stealing touches.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Dec 20 3:40am CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will take on the Houston Texans in Week 16. Hunt was nearly phased out of the Chiefs backfield with Isiah Pacheco returning from injury, but his usage ramped back up in Week 15. The 29-year-old handled 13 carries last week against the Cleveland Browns, earning the same number of touches as Pacheco. It will be interesting to see how many opportunities Hunt receives this week against the Texans, who rank fourth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Hunt is ranked RB46 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option this week. With the two Chiefs running backs splitting touches in a poor matchup, it will be difficult for fantasy managers to trust either of them in the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Dec 20 3:40am CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will face the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16. Hopkins had five catches for 36 yards in last week's win over the Cleveland Browns. The 32-year-old has been consistently involved in the Kansas City offense due to his reliability and route-running. Hopkins will look to stay involved this week against the Texans, who rank 24th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Although the matchup is juicy, Hopkins must contend with Marquise Brown returning from injury this week. The veteran receiver is ranked WR37 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, putting him in the WR3/Flex range this week. With numerous available pass catchers in the Kansas City offense, it will be difficult for Hopkins to receive a large workload. Hopkins is a tough player for managers to trust in the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Luke Musgrave Dec 20 12:20am CT
Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. The 24-year-old remains on injured reserve, but it looks like he's gradually getting closer to returning given that he was able to practice in a limited capacity. He has been sidelined since Week 4, leaving Green Bay's tight end room in the more-than-capable hands of Tucker Kraft, who is the overall TE8 in fantasy football this year. Even when he's cleared to return to play, Musgrave will be off the fantasy radar in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Dec 20 12:20am CT
MarShawn Lloyd

The Green Bay Packers are not ready to rule out the possibility of running back MarShawn Lloyd (appendix) returning to action this season. When discussing Lloyd with the media on Thursday, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "I never want to shut the door on that. ... He's just going to focus on continuing to get better and when he can go, he'll go." The 23-year-old has endured a frustrating start to his NFL career, appearing in just one game so far. The rookie played back in Week 2, rushing six times for 15 yards on the ground while adding a three-yard reception. Lloyd remains a key part of the Packers' future plans, but the chances of him getting back on the field before fantasy playoffs conclude are slim. He should be dropped in all redraft formats and stashed in dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Watt Dec 20 12:10am CT
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (ankle) has been removed from the injury report and will play in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. The 30-year-old has not yet missed a game this season, registering 54 tackles, 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries through 14 games this season. Having their star defender available will be key for the Steelers as they look to slow down an impressive Ravens offense on Saturday.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Boyd Dec 20 12:10am CT
Tyler Boyd

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) did not participate in practice on Thursday. The 30-year-old receiver will likely need to log a limited or full practice on Friday in order to have any chance of playing against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. Boyd has delivered modest production through 14 games in 2024, catching 35 passes for 356 yards but failing to find the end zone. He should be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues heading into this week's divisional battle.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Dec 19 11:50pm CT
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker had an exciting and productive game in a Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos. Dicker made all four of his kicks, including an extremely rare fair catch free kick field goal from 57 yards out to end the first half. Dicker made both of his extra point tries, the 57-yarder, and added a 37-yard kick as well. The Bolts went for two on two of their touchdowns which limited Dicker's opportunities, but he was still nails every time he was called upon. He should remain one of the league's most consistent kickers in Week 17 as the Chargers will face the Patriots on Saturday.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Dec 19 11:50pm CT
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had a modest performance in the team's 34-27 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night in Week 16, catching five of his six targets for 50 yards. In a rare occurrence this year, Sutton didn't lead the team in targets or receiving yards. However, he was still one of rookie quarterback Bo Nix's favorite targets, as his six looks were second on the team behind running back Javonte Williams. The 29-year-old had a six-game streak of at least six receptions and 70 yards snapped in last week's win over the Colts, and his six targets on Thursday were his fewest since a zero-target game in Week 8 against the Saints. Sutton saved his fantasy day with a touchdown in Week 15, but he was unable to do so on Thursday night. Fantasy managers still playing for something in Week 17 will want Sutton in their lineups in a great matchup against Cincy.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Dec 19 11:50pm CT
Devaughn Vele

Denver Broncos rookie seventh-round wide receiver Devaughn Vele found the end zone for just the second time in his NFL career in Thursday night's loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16, but he didn't contribute much else. Vele was targeted only three times on the night and caught two passes for 21 yards and an easy six-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. The 27-year-old built steam in Weeks 10-12, catching 14 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown, but in three games since then, he has only three catches on eight targets for 37 yards and one score. Although the Broncos' passing game will be set up nicely against a porous Cincinnati Bengals defense in Week 17 as they look to clinch a playoff spot, Vele will still be a hard-to-trust WR4/5 in deeper fantasy leagues with limited upside as Nix continues to spread the ball around outside out WR1 Courtland Sutton.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Watt Dec 19 11:50pm CT
T.J. Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers were incredibly solid defensively against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11 and will be looking to repeat this success in a second meeting with their division rival. Although Pittsburgh will be missing a few important players on Saturday, it received good news this week when All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt was removed from the injury report. Watt, who suffered an ankle injury in Week 15, logged a full practice on Thursday and will be ready to roll against a Ravens offense he has fared extremely well against throughout his career. This matchup will take place in Pittsburgh, giving the Steelers DST plenty of upside, but fantasy managers must consider the potential floor given that Baltimore averages nearly 30 points per game. There are likely streaming options available with more advantageous matchups than the Steelers this week, rendering the Pittsburgh DST an inadvisable play for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Mims Dec 19 11:40pm CT
Marvin Mims

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. caught three of his five targets on the night for a team-high 62 receiving yards in the 34-27 Thursday night loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Week 16. Mims averaged a healthy 20.7 yards per catch thanks to a nifty 53-yard reception in which he found the edge and scampered down the sideline while almost making it all the way to the end zone before a defender forced him out of bounds. His five targets ranked third on the team on a night in which rookie quarterback Bo Nix found 10 different receivers through the air. The Broncos have certainly involved the 22-year-old second-year wideout more in the second half before of his big-play abilities with the ball in his hands. Mims basically has to hit on a big play with limited opportunities each week to pay off as a boom/bust WR4/5 in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Derius Davis Dec 19 11:40pm CT
Derius Davis

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis scored a key touchdown in a Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football. Davis appeared to be much more involved in this game, recording one carry and two targets, but shuffling around in the backfield several more times throughout the game. Davis scored his touchdown on a perfect 19-yard pass from Justin Herbert in the fourth quarter. In total, he lost three yards on the ground with his one rush but gained 31 yards through the air with his two catches. Davis was an important part of the Chargers win but is unlikely to develop much fantasy value for the remainder of the season.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Dec 19 11:40pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was somewhat quiet last week but remains one of the most reliable fantasy options at his position ahead of a Week 16 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens. Back in Week 11, Boswell single-handedly defeated Baltimore on the scoreboard, nailing all six of his field goal attempts in the 18-16 victory. Saturday's contest will take place in Pittsburgh, where Boswell averages three field goals made per game. With George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined for a third straight week, the Steelers could struggle offensively and may be forced to again lean on their defense and the steady leg of Boswell. Fantasy managers should feel confident deploying Boswell in this divisional bout.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Dec 19 11:40pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston played an insignificant role in a Thursday Night Football win over the Denver Broncos in Week 16. Johnston tied for the team lead with six targets but made just three catches for a total of 18 yards. The biggest play of the game for Johnston was a dropped pass when he was absolutely wide open and given a perfect pass from his quarterback Justin Herbert. The same drop issues that plagued him throughout his rookie year clearly remain this season despite marked improvement in his overall game. He'll look to bounce back rather than have the ball bounce off his hands in Week 17 against the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Dec 19 11:30pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey led the Chargers in catches again in a Week 16 win, making six catches on six targets for 87 yards. McConkey made some huge catches in this one and got some solid yardage after the catch as well. His long play was a 27-yard gain on his first target of the game. Quarterback Justin Herbert ended up targeting 10 different pass catchers in this game, but McConkey still remained the clear first look on most plays. The Bolts spreading the ball around so much limits McConkey's counting stats, but he's still a solid WR2 with a high floor week in and week out.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Dec 19 11:30pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) wants to return before the end of the 2024 regular season, according to Matthew Paras of The Times-Picayune. Carr has been sidelined since the waning minutes of Week 14, and it appears the Saints are leaving the door open for him to start in Week 16. Even if he doesn't recover in time to suit up on Sunday, the veteran quarterback has communicated to interim head coach Darren Rizzi that he wants to play again this season. If active in time for Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Carr would rank as a mid-range fantasy QB2.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Dec 19 11:30pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has scored in three straight games and will look to take advantage of a juicy matchup against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 16. The Ravens surrender the most passing yards in the league and the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Freiermuth has seen an uptick in his opportunities lately with George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined. He should continue to get plenty of looks from quarterback Russell Wilson on Saturday as Pickens will once again be inactive. Fantasy managers who have been streaming the position or searching for a consistent option can start Freiermuth as a low-end TE1 with upside this week.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Dec 19 11:30pm CT
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer made three catches in a Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos. Palmer tied for the team lead in targets with six, making his three catches for 41 yards. He also made an incredible catch to score on a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. Palmer made some solid plays in this game and remains an important part of the Chargers offense on the field, but it just isn't translating to fantasy value. He and the Bolts will face the Patriots on Saturday in Week 17.

From RotoBaller