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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 14 | NFL: Week 14

Browns staying with Jameis Winston as QB1 despite no playoffs

Mon Dec 9 8:34pm ET
Field Level Media

The Cleveland Browns have no mathematical chance to make the playoffs, but their focus remains on winning games rather than evaluating talent on the bench, according to coach Kevin Stefanski.

The Browns will keep Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback this week when they host the Kansas City Chiefs, Stefanski said Monday.

With Deshaun Watson lost for the season due to a ruptured right Achilles tendon, the alternative to Winston would be to start 2023 fifth-round draft pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who made three starts during his rookie campaign.

"Our focus right now is just trying to find ways to get a win," Stefanski said, throwing cold water on the idea that the Browns might give Thompson-Robinson late-season game reps.

The Browns (3-10) were 1-6 in Watson's seven starts and have beaten the division rival Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers since Winston took over. But they were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday when the Steelers got revenge in a 27-14 win over visiting Cleveland.

Winston, 30, has thrown for 1,975 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions across 11 games (six starts) this season. Thompson-Robinson got into three games earlier this year and went 11-for-25 passing for 82 yards and two interceptions.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 14

Player Notes
Malik Mustapha Dec 9 8:50pm CT
Malik Mustapha

San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha (chest) was estimated as a limited participant during Monday's practice. Mustapha recorded five tackles during Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears, but he appears to have picked up a chest injury along the way. It's worth noting that Monday's practice is basically a walkthrough, so the next two days will go a long way to determining his status ahead of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. Fellow safety Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) returned from the injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game. He figures to cut into Mustapha's playing time going forward.

From RotoBaller

Dre Greenlaw Dec 9 8:40pm CT
Dre Greenlaw

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) was listed as a limited participant during Monday's estimated practice. Greenlaw appears to be on the verge of getting back on the field. He has been sidelined since suffering a torn Achilles during the Super Bowl. The 49ers have been cautious with their stud linebacker, but there is a chance he does return for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. If that happens, Greenlaw would likely be limited with a snap count considering it'd be his first game of the season. His return to the field would give this defensive unit a boost ahead of this tough matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Whittington Dec 9 8:30pm CT
Jordan Whittington

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) wasn't available for Monday's practice estimate. Whittington has been dealing with a shoulder injury for weeks, but continues to suit up. However, the 24-year-old has taken a backseat in the offense since Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returned to the field. In fact, Whittington doesn't have a reception since Week 5. He has been limited to special teams duties, which isn't going to offer much to fantasy managers. That being said, Whittington is worth holding in some dynasty formats, but isn't likely to have much of a role on the offense right now.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Higbee Dec 9 8:20pm CT
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) was listed as a full participant during Monday's practice estimate. Higbee has been sidelined all season while recovering from ACL and MCL tears from January. It sounds like Higbee is doing better, but head coach Sean McVay said the team doesn't want to rush anything. That being said, it seems unlikely that Higbee will be activated in time for Thursday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. The Rams still have over a week left on his 21-day window before having to activate Higbee or shut him down for the season. If he plays, Higbee would unlikely have a big role on offense and wouldn't be a recommended fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Nick Bosa Dec 9 7:50pm CT
Nick Bosa

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle, personal) are both still being evaluated on a day by day basis and there's no clear sign on whether they'll be able to return for a Thursday night showdown against the visiting division-rival Los Angeles Rams. Neither Bosa nor Williams were estimated as practice participants for the team's first practice on Monday, which is a bad sign for their availability on a short week. Both players have missed each of the team's last three games with their injuries. In addition to an ankle injury, Williams is dealing with the unfortunate death of his young son. It's most likely a long shot that either player is on the field this Friday, but they could have a shot to return in Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins. Bosa should be expected to be on a limited snap count whenever he does return.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 9 7:40pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said the team is unsure on the status of running back Kenneth Walker III's (calf) heading into a Week 15 date with the Green Bay Packers. The Seahawks were having tests done on Walker's calf on Monday and they are hoping to know more in the coming days after the lead back was inactive for the Week 14 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Seattle probably isn't in any rush to bring the 24-year-old back if he's not ready after backup Zach Charbonnet stepped in for 29 touches, 193 scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns against Arizona on an 80% snap share with Walker out. Walker is no longer dealing with an ankle issue, but it remains to be seen if he'll be active this weekend against Green Bay. And if Walker does return, fantasy managers probably shouldn't be surprised if he shares more work with Charbonnet after his big Week 14 performance.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 9 7:40pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed put up a donut for his fantasy managers in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions last Thursday night, which was especially disappointing with Romeo Doubs (concussion) out. Head coach Matt LaFleur insinuated that the Packers will look to get Reed more involved moving forward with specific packages that make sure he touches the football. "Where we can be better, and I talked to Jayden about this, is just making sure we have some of those plays for him in the game plan where he's tagged to go in there and play wideout. Because he's certainly an impactful player," LaFleur said. Reed, one of the team's best playmakers, only played 50% of the snaps on Thursday and was targeted only once. The 24-year-old could get the squeaky-wheel treatment in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks, but he's been boom or bust for fantasy managers all year with one game all year with more than six targets.

From RotoBaller

Mike Boone Dec 9 7:40pm CT
Mike Boone

Carolina Panthers running back Mike Boone will be elevated to the team's No. 2 RB behind starter Chuba Hubbard moving forward after rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) suffered another torn ACL in the Week 14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Raheem Blackshear (chest) was also injured on Sunday, although thankfully his injury isn't considered serious and he's listed as day-to-day. Miles Sanders (ankle) is already out for the rest of the season, too, so Carolina's backfield is extremely thin with four games remaining in 2024. Boone has only seen action in two games for the Panthers in 2024 in his first year with the team, handling only four carries for seven yards. The 29-year-old has averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 108 rushing attempts in his seven years in the NFL with four different teams, but he'll primarily be just a handcuff in deeper leagues for those that have Hubbard rostered.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Dec 9 7:30pm CT
Joe Burrow

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (groin, knee) was officially active for the Monday night contest in Dallas against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals after missing the last two games with a knee injury. Diggs will return as a starter on the boundary, and backup corner Josh Butler (knee) has been placed on Injured Reserve with a season-ending torn ACL. The Cowboys banged-up defense could certainly use the help to try and slow down one of the most dangerous passing attacks in football in Joe Burrow and company. While it's nice to have Diggs back in the fold for a primetime contest, he could be eased back into the flow after missing the last two games. The 26-year-old ball-hawking defensive back had a league-high 11 interceptions in his second year in the league in 2021 but has just six in three years since. He's recorded 37 tackles (30 solo), two picks and eight pass breakups in 10 starts in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Charlie Jones Dec 9 7:20pm CT
Charlie Jones

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones (groin), who was listed as questionable for Week 14 action, is officially out yet again for the Monday night contest against the Dallas Cowboys. It's the fifth straight game that Jones has missed. With the 26-year-old sidelined yet again, rookie Jermaine Burton should continue to see more involvement as the team's WR4 alongside Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas. Jones has seen a very little role in Cincy since he was taken in the 2023 draft in the fourth round. He has just one catch on his only target for a five-yard pickup in eight games that he's appeared in in 2024 and he caught seven of nine targets for 64 yards and no touchdowns in his first 11 NFL contests in his rookie campaign. Jones remains well off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Dec 9 6:00pm CT
Jameis Winston

Despite being officially eliminated from playoff contention with their Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns are sticking with Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Winston will start this coming Sunday against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15, where he'll be a QB2 in superflex leagues against a tough KC defense. While Winston has helped upset the division-rival Baltimore Ravens and Steelers after taking over for Deshaun Watson (Achilles) in Week 8, he's also thrown a league-high nine interceptions since. The Browns are 2-4 with Winston as the starter. Dorian Thompson-Robinson started three games as a rookie in 2023. Fantasy-wise, Winston has given desperate fantasy managers in superflex leagues more upside at the position than Watson did before his Achilles tear.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 9 5:40pm CT
Tee Higgins

The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that the New England Patriots are going to be all in on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, based on simply reading the tea leaves. The Patriots have shown interest in established pass-catchers before, and Higgins is going to be the best receiving free agent next March. Graff expects New England to offer Higgins a lot for his services, the only question is whether Higgins will want to come and play with young quarterback Drake Maye. Seeing the 25-year-old Higgins paired with an emerging Maye would make a lot of fantasy managers want to target the current Bengals receiver in fantasy drafts. The former second-rounder in 2020 out of Clemson already has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons under his belt and would have high-end WR1 upside if he leaves Ja'Marr Chase's shadow, but he's also an injury risk, having only played in seven games this year and 12 in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Dec 9 5:30pm CT
Demarcus Robinson

According to head coach Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) suffered a sprained shoulder in Sunday's win over the Buffalo Bills. McVay didn't have a definitive update on Robinson on Monday but was hopeful that he'll be available to play this Thursday night in a big divisional clash against the San Francisco 49ers on the road. While the 30-year-old appears to have avoided a major injury and even returned to the game, fantasy managers in deeper leagues shouldn't expect to have him available on a quick turnaround this Thursday. He failed to haul in his only target on Sunday before leaving, while both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp went off in a high-scoring contest. If Robinson doesn't get the green light to play in Week 15, or if he is limited, Tutu Atwell would be the Rams' WR3 after catching all three targets for 45 yards in the win over the Bills.

From RotoBaller

Drew Lock Dec 9 5:30pm CT
Drew Lock

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (undisclosed) will start under center in Week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens unless he's not physically able to play, according to head coach Brian Daboll. It's unclear what exactly is wrong with Lock, but he's undergoing evaluation and testing on Monday after losing to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in his second straight start. The 28-year-old was extremely underwhelming in Week 14, going 21-for-49 passing for 227 yards with an interception in a 14-11 loss, while also coming out of the contest beat up. Despite two underwhelming performances from Lock, the G-Men are sticking with him over Tommy DeVito (forearm), who is nursing a right-forearm injury. The former second-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2019 out of Missouri has completed only 51.85% of his passes the last two weeks. Fantasy managers in superflex leagues can only hope for some garbage-time production out of Lock if he faces the Ravens this week.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Dec 9 5:20pm CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol, putting him up in the air to return for a Week 15 tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs. Tillman suffered a concussion on Thursday night in Week 12 against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and hasn't practiced or played since. It doesn't mean the 24-year-old wideout won't get back on the practice field at some point this week, but fantasy managers that have advanced to the postseason in their leagues shouldn't plan on relying on him in Week 15 when the Browns battle the reigning Super Bowl-champion Chiefs this weekend. Since Tillman's head injury several weeks ago, Jerry Jeudy has gone off, while Elijah Moore and tight end David Njoku have also made plenty of noise. Michael Woods II joined the active roster in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh and had one catch for 12 yards.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 9 5:10pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (leg) suffered a left-leg contusion in the Sunday night loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, but Herbert said he doesn't expect the injury to affect him going forward. He took a hard hit to his left lower thigh late in the second quarter and eventually limped to the sideline. Herbert took a play off but then return to action and finished out the game without any issues. "Tough as they come, warrior," head coach Jim Harbaugh said of Herbert. The 26-year-old finished 21-for-30 passing with 213 yards and one touchdown. Herbert should be fine to play in Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but his upside as a low-end QB1 in fantasy will likely come down to whether rookie receiver Ladd McConkey (knee, shoulder) ends up missing his second straight game.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Dec 9 5:10pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol. Doubs suffered a concussion in the win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12 and has missed the last two contests, but the good news is the 24-year-old pass-catcher has over a week to try and clear the NFL's concussion protocol before the team's Week 15 contest versus the Seattle Seahawks. It's not great news at all that Doubs is still in the concussion protocol, but he shouldn't be ruled out yet from returning this weekend. Doubs has only two touchdowns (both on Oct. 13) and is averaging 48.3 receiving yards per game in his third year with the Packers, making him an inconsistent WR4/flex in fantasy when he's healthy. Dontayvion Wicks has seen the biggest uptick in usage with Doubs out alongside Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Tucker Kraft.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Dec 9 4:20pm CT
Garrett Wilson

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt suggests that it might not be a matter of if, but rather when, frustrated New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson asks for a trade out of town. Only in his third season with the Jets, Wilson appears to be fed up with the losing after being eliminated from the postseason yet again in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Miami Dolphins. Wilson will be eligible to negotiate a long-term contract extension for the first time in his career after the season, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him want to move on with it feeling like a full teardown is coming this offseason. The former first-rounder just has not been on the same page with quarterback Aaron Rodgers far too frequently. The 24-year-old has been solid in fantasy, though, averaging 12.2 half-PPR points (tied for 19th), although he hasn't scored since Oct. 31. Leaving the Jets would most likely give Wilson more long-term fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Aidan Hutchinson Dec 9 4:00pm CT
Aidan Hutchinson

FOX Sports' Jay Glazer said on Sunday that Detroit Lions star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson (leg) has been doing some running on an underwater treadmill and can also walk without the assistance of a cane after breaking his leg back in Week 6 in the win over the Dallas Cowboys. If Hutchinson continues to progress in his rehab, there is hope that the Lions could have him available if they advance to the NFC Championship game. Initially, Hutchinson was hoping to maybe be ready if the Lions made it to the Super Bowl. The Lions will obviously need to still be alive in the playoffs for Hutchinson to have a shot at returning, but his potential return will also depend on how much time he's had to practice and get up to speed. Having Hutchinson back on the defensive line would be massive for the Lions defense after he racked up 19 sacks in the last two years.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Dec 9 3:50pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

According to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (ankle, hamstring, knee) has dealt with a lot more injuries than people know this season, although he's currently considered the healthiest he's been all year since Week 2. Rodgers has dealt with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, an MCL sprain and a high-ankle sprain in 2024, and the fact that he's battled through those injuries at his age has raised his standing with his teammates. Of course, the 41-year-old missed all of last year with an Achilles tear suffered on the first offensive series in Week 1. The future Hall of Famer isn't 100% and has only led the Jets to three wins all season. He's unlikely to be back in New York next season and has had a low fantasy ceiling as a QB2 while averaging 18 fantasy points a game, which is tied with Derek Carr for 25th among all QBs.

From RotoBaller