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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Offseason | NFL: Week 18

Jets interview Ron Rivera for head coach, Louis Riddick for GM

Thu Jan 2 7:53pm ET
Field Level Media

The New York Jets said Thursday that they completed interviews with Ron Rivera for their head coaching vacancy and Louis Riddick for their general manager job.

The Jets have gotten the hiring process underway after firing coach Robert Saleh in October and GM Joe Douglas the next month.

Rivera, 62, spent this season as an analyst for ESPN and Westwood One after serving as an NFL head coach for the previous 13 seasons. Rivera coached the Carolina Panthers from 2011-19 and the Washington Football Team/Commanders from 2020-23.

His record sat at 102-103-2 overall and 26-40-1 with the Commanders when he was fired following the 2023 season. Rivera guided the Panthers to a 15-1 season and a Super Bowl appearance in 2015.

Riddick, 55, has been with ESPN since 2013 and has interviewed for GM vacancies in recent years, most recently with the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2021 season.

The former NFL defensive back (1992-96, 1998) worked as a scout and director of pro personnel for Washington from 2001-07, and as a scout and front office executive for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2008-13.

New York has already interviewed Thomas Dimitroff, Jon Robinson and Jim Nagy for the GM job.

The Jets (4-12) have Jeff Ulbrich as their interim head coach and Phil Savage as their general manager as they wrap a disappointing season. The new regime will have to decide whether to cut ties with Aaron Rodgers or move forward with the 41-year-old quarterback for a third season.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17

Player Notes
Ricky Pearsall Jan 2 7:10pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest, illness) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. If Pearsall cannot upgrade to full participation at Friday's practice, he could carry a questionable designation into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. The first-rounder is coming off the best game of his rookie season in the Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions, when he set season-highs across the board in catches (eight), targets (10) and receiving yards (141) while catching his second touchdown of the year. There's a chance fellow wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs, wrist) doesn't play this weekend, which would thrust Pearsall into the WR2 role behind Jauan Jennings. However, with backup QB Joshua Dobbs getting the start, Pearsall would still be an unreliable, boom/bust WR4/5 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Jan 2 7:00pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday after the team opened his 21-day practice window to return from Injured Reserve. It's good progress for Goedert for sure, but it doesn't mean the Eagles will actually activate him from IR by Saturday so that he can play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants. Philadelphia is already locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the playoffs, and head coach Nick Sirianni already said the team will be resting key starters, including quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) and the NFL's leading rusher in running back Saquon Barkley. Not only will Goedert be potentially facing a limited snap count if he's active on Sunday, but he could also be taking passes from third-string QB Tanner McKee if Kenny Pickett (ribs) doesn't play.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Jan 2 6:00pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) has yet to practice in Week 18 after missing a second straight day on Thursday. Spears suffered his second concussion of the year in the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday and is fully expected to be held out of the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival Houston Texans. Lead back Tony Pollard (ankle) missed last week's game and could also be held out this weekend despite being limited in practices this week, meaning Julius Chestnut could lead Tennessee's backfield in Week 18. The 23-year-old Spears looks likely to end his sophomore season in the NFL with 84 carries for 312 yards (3.7 yards per tote) while catching 30 of 35 targets for 224 yards and one TD in 12 games. It was a step back from his rookie production as he operated mainly as the change-of-pace option behind Pollard all year.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Jan 2 5:50pm CT
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) practiced on a limited basis on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Pollard was inactive for the first time this year in the Week 17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and is up in the air to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival Houston Texans. He did not practice at all last week, so the 27-year-old's ankle is apparently feeling much better, although there's no guarantee the Titans will play him in a game that only matters for their draft positioning in 2025. Backfield mate Tyjae Spears (concussion) has yet to practice this week and is unlikely to play this weekend, too, so if Pollard misses a second straight game to close out the year, look for Julius Chestnut to lead Tennessee's backfield against Houston. If Pollard is active, he's only 83 yards away from reaching 1,100 yards on the year for a $250,000 bonus.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Jan 2 5:40pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Tagovailoa was held out of the Week 17 win over the Cleveland Browns last Sunday due to a hip injury and is up in the air to play this Sunday in the another must-win game in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Jets. For what it's worth, head coach Mike McDaniel said on Wednesday that the team was preparing for the Jets as though Tyler Huntley will make a second straight start. The 26-year-old's status for Week 18 will likely come down to how much he does in practice on Friday, although he could also end up being a game-time decision on Sunday afternoon. Tagovailoa missed four games earlier this year due to another concussion and is currently the QB14 in half-PPR points per game (17.8). He's a shaky fantasy option this week.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Jan 2 5:30pm CT
George Kittle

After being limited in practice on Wednesday, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday. Kittle is battling through multiple injuries with one final game left this year, but his ability to practice in full on Thursday means he should be able to gain clearance to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Although the 31-year-old's fantasy value will take a hit if he plays this weekend with quarterback Joshua Dobbs getting the start over Brock Purdy (elbow), Kittle will still be in play as a TE1 for lineups as the top-scoring TE in half-PPR scoring this year thanks to catching 76 of his 91 targets for 1,079 yards and a league-high eight TDs. If Kittle plays, he figures to be Dobbs' favorite target, especially if receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs, wrist) is held out.

From RotoBaller

Nelson Agholor Jan 2 5:30pm CT
Nelson Agholor

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion) practiced in full all week, has been cleared from the league's concussion protocol and will play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. The Ravens removed Agholor from Thursday's final injury report. Baltimore will get a boost to their receiving corps this weekend as they look to lock up the AFC North title with a win, with Agholor returning to his No. 3 duties behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. The 31-year-old did score his second touchdown of the year in the Week 8 loss to the Browns, but he won't be a recommended flex play for fantasy lineups and could be subject to a curtailed snap count in his first game since Week 15. In his second year in Baltimore, Agholor has only 14 receptions, 231 yards and two TDs in 14 games played.

From RotoBaller

Ameer Abdullah Jan 2 5:20pm CT
Ameer Abdullah

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) was unable to join the team at practice for the second straight day this week. Abdullah put up a career-high 115 rushing yards in last week's win over the New Orleans Saints but apparently picked up a foot injury in the process that now has him questionable to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The 31-year-old RB will probably need to practice in some capacity on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely. The former second-round selection has seen more involvement in the Raiders backfield in the back half of the season due to injuries to Alexander Mattison and Zamir White and has averaged 4.7 yards per carry, but it has amounted to only 311 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Abdullah has mainly been a deep-league flex option in PPR leagues. If Abdullah cannot play against LA, look for rookie Dylan Laube to back up Mattison on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Jan 2 5:10pm CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday after suffering a right-elbow injury at the end of the Sunday night loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 17. Although Purdy's injury is considered minor and he hasn't officially been ruled out yet, the Niners have already announced that backup Joshua Dobbs will get the start in a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Expect the 25-year-old Purdy to be officially ruled out on Friday's final Week 18 injury report. If the former seventh-rounder has played his last game of the 2024 season, he'll finish with a career-low 65.9% completion percentage with 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 15 starts. It was a step back from his breakout in 2023, but Purdy was also missing key weapons on offense for most of the year due to injury.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Jan 2 5:10pm CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs, wrist) picked up his second straight DNP this week after not practicing with the team on Thursday. Samuel is dealing with multiple injuries following Sunday night's loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 17 and is now firmly up in the air to play this Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals in the Week 18 regular-season finale with nothing on the line for either team. Backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs has already been named the starter with Brock Purdy (elbow) likely to be shut down, so Samuel's already shaky fantasy value will take another hit if he actually suits up this weekend. The 28-year-old has scored in back-to-back weeks, but on Sunday night he only caught one pass for five yards and had three carries for 16 yards. Samuel will be a touchdown-dependent WR3/flex if he faces Arizona in the regular-season finale.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Jan 2 5:00pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) missed his second straight practice of the week on Thursday as he continues to rehab from a broken left (non-throwing) hand that he suffered in the Week 14 win over the New York Giants. Carr has held out hope all along that he'd be able to return before the end of the regular season, but it's looking increasingly likely that he'll miss his fourth straight game in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 33-year-old veteran signal-caller has dealt with more injuries in 2024 and is going to finish with only 2,145 passing yards, a career-low 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 starts in his second year in New Orleans. With Carr most likely being ruled out on Friday, rookie Spencer Rattler will close out the year as the Saints' starter under center.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Jan 2 4:40pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) was upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday. Hill has been managing a wrist injury pretty much all year, but it hasn't sidelined him for a single game. He should put in another full practice on Friday before being cleared from the final Week 18 injury report. Fantasy managers should consider Hill a must-start WR1 this week with many other starting wideouts around the league set to be rested in the regular-season finale. Miami still has a shot at a playoff berth with a win over the division-rival New York Jets and a Denver Broncos loss, so they will be playing all their healthy starters. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) out in last week's win over the Browns, Hill caught all nine of his targets from Tyler Huntley and went for 105 yards -- just his third 100-yard game of the year.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Jan 2 4:40pm CT
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running backs Alvin Kamara (groin) and Kendre Miller (concussion) both missed practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Kamara suffered an adductor injury in the Week 15 loss to the Washington Commanders and hasn't practiced or played since. The 29-year-old continues to say he wants to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but that's looking more and more unlikely by the day. Miller, meanwhile, suffered a concussion in last week's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders and is also trending toward sitting out the final game of the season. If both Kamara and Miller are ruled out for Week 18 on Friday's final injury report, look for the Saints to mostly lean on Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the backfield, with Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims serving in backup roles.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Jan 2 4:30pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (shin, shoulder) was listed as a limited participant in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Irving continues to be listed on the team's injury report with various ailments, but he should be able to suit up in a must-win game in Week 18 versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday. In his first 16 NFL games, Irving has really been impressive, especially when considering he's shared backfield touches with both Rachaad White and Sean Tucker. The 22-year-old leads the team in carries (188), rushing yards (1,033) and touchdowns (seven) while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Irving has been the most productive Tampa RB in 2024 and will be a must-start RB1 for any fantasy managers still playing for a championship. Against the Saints on Oct. 13, Irving had 14 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Jan 2 4:30pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (knee) and DeVonta Smith (wrist) were both held out of practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Both Brown and Smith have played through their respective injuries of late and are just getting additional maintenance heading into a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. The Eagles are already locked into the NFC's No. 2 seed, so they have nothing to gain by playing their starters this weekend. As such, head coach Nick Sirianni has already confirmed the team plans to rest starts against the Giants. Brown and Smith will most likely be rested as well, meaning fantasy managers in DFS should avoid them on Sunday. Philly's offense could be led by third-string QB Tanner McKee, so avoiding the Eagles entirely in Week 18 is probably the best play.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Jan 2 4:20pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) was listed as limited again in the team's second practice of the week on Thursday. Jones suffered an apparent quadriceps contusion in the second half of their Week 17 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers and never returned to the contest. However, the 30-year-old veteran's injury isn't considered serious, and he has a shot to play in the Week 18 divisional showdown on Sunday against the Detroit Lions that will decide not only the NFC North champions, but the No. 1 overall seed in the conference for the postseason. Jones could get a questionable tag going into Sunday night's game if he's limited again on Friday, but we're expecting him to suit up and play his usual number of snaps as Minnesota's starter. At worst, Jones will be a low-end RB1 in fantasy. He had 14 carries for 93 yards and a TD in the first meeting against Detroit.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Jan 2 4:20pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) picked up a second straight limited tag in practice this week on Thursday. Waddle hasn't played in the last two games due to his knee injury, although he has been moving around well at practice this week as the team prepares for another must-win game in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday in New York against the division-rival Jets. However, the 26-year-old will probably need to put in a full practice session on Friday to be fully cleared to return this weekend. With Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) in danger of missing his second straight game, Waddle is shaping up as a pretty shaky fantasy option if he's active in Week 18. Backup QB Tyler Huntley peppered Tyreek Hill with targets with Waddle out last week and could do so again if Tagovailoa is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Jan 2 4:10pm CT
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) was not seen at practice again on Thursday. Hurts suffered a concussion in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and was inactive for Sunday's beatdown of the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 17. With Hurts still in the league's concussion protocol and with the Eagles locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the postseason, he is not going to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. Backup Kenny Pickett also has broken ribs and hasn't practiced this week, so things are lining up for Tanner McKee to make his first career start against the G-Men. Philly's top priority will be to get Hurts cleared for the wild-card round of the playoffs next week. Although McKee threw two TDs in relief of Pickett last week, he'll be a desperation, low-end QB2 if he starts.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Jan 2 4:00pm CT
Chris Olave

According to the team, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) practiced in full again on Thursday. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status during Friday's practice as he may not only be nearing a return but could avoid an injury designation as well. The star wideout has been sidelined since suffering his second concussion of the season during Week 9. Olave has begun to practice the past few weeks but has yet to officially clear the league's protocol. During his limited action this season, the Ohio State product has still been productive, as he has surpassed 80.0 receiving yards in four of the six full games he participated in. Even playing in a struggling offense, Olave would remain a solid WR2 in all formats operating as the clear WR1 in Week 18 facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Jan 2 3:50pm CT
Cade Otton

According to the team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) upgraded to limited participation during Thursday's practice. This is a great sign for Otton as he sat out during Wednesday's practice and has not seen game action since Week 15. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status on Friday as he could carry an injury designation into the weekend. After seeing an impressive 9.8 targets per game during Weeks 7 through 10, Otton has taken a step back over his previous four contests, as he has seen an underwhelming 4.3 targets per game. If Otton can turn the corner in time for Sunday's tilt against the New Orleans Saints, he should be viewed as a low-end TE1 in PPR formats. If he cannot play, then Payne Durham will likely slot in at the top of the depth chart.

From RotoBaller