Any day but Tuesday: KC, Patrick Mahomes bracing for three games in 11 days
Wed Dec 11 4:56pm ET
Field Level Media
At a time when the Kansas City Chiefs want to be sprinting to the finish line, quarterback Patrick Mahomes fears the physical toll of playing three games in a span of 11 days will derail the two-time Super Bowl champions.
"You never want to play this amount of games in this short of time. It's not great for your body," said Mahomes of Kansas City's upcoming Sunday-Saturday-Christmas Day (Wednesday) schedule combination. "But at the end of the day, it's your job, your profession, you have to come to work and do it."
The Chiefs begin the gauntlet of games Sunday in a Week 15 matchup at Cleveland. They return for a short week of preparation and a Saturday home game against the AFC South-leading Houston Texans, then play the Steelers at Pittsburgh on Christmas Day in the first scheduled NFL game on a Wednesday since 2012.
"It's a unique situation," Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who shared that he told the team to take one day at a time through the unprecedented stretch.
"The main thing is you get guys ready for the game. Give them a chance to get ready for the game. (Players are) going to do whatever you present to them. You try to help them out with that. Right now, we have a normal week right here. We have to take care of business here."
When the season ends, the Chiefs will have played a regular-season game every day of the week except Tuesday. Kansas City beat the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.
Injuries have caused havoc for the Chiefs this season. Current left tackle DJ Humphries (hamstring) was hurt Sunday night and required an MRI exam. He did not practice Wednesday.
Kansas City's top two wide receivers Hollywood Brown (shoulder) and Rashee Rice (knee) have been out most of the season. Brown, Reid said Wednesday, is "getting close" to returning from a training camp injury. Top running back Isiah Pacheco missed Weeks 3-12 with a broken fibula.
Houston had a bye in Week 14 to rest for the daunting finishing stretch and largely the same scheduling challenges as the Chiefs. Houston hosts the Miami Dolphins on Sunday before the trek to play Kansas City six days later. The Texans are home on Christmas Day to play Baltimore.
Texans GM Nick Caserio broke down the logistics with a focus on limited practice time after the typical week of preparation for Miami.
"Then you kind of lose a day. We're playing Saturday night. Then after that game, then you basically don't practice. You have walk through in preparation. So, I think the focus for the players and coaches, especially early, will be Miami. We have other people and other resources allocated staff-wise kind of preparing, kind of looking ahead a little bit to provide the information to the coaches.
"All we can do is focus on Miami. And then when we get through the Miami game, then we kind of turn the page to the next - look, these are good football teams we're playing. The next four games, good football teams. We're either going to earn it, or we're not. Not to oversimplify it, but that's the truth."
The Ravens (8-5) began the season at Kansas City and had a unique December bye in Week 14 before taking on a similarly unique challenge with a trip Sunday to play the Giants, then a Saturday afternoon (Dec. 21) rematch with division rival Pittsburgh in Baltimore. On Christmas Day, the Ravens draw a playoff rematch with the Texans.
From the time the Ravens kick off against the Giants in New Jersey, Baltimore will play two more times with 10 days.
"It's a Sunday right now," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of the upcoming stretch. "This is the season; it kind of begins now. The season is important to determine the important outcomes for the rest of the way - that's what we're focused on. We'll be focusing on this game, putting everything we've got into it, and then we'll go from there."
The Steelers and Ravens had a 2020 regular-season game postponed multiple days to Wednesday during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Paur Report
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson could be lined up for more work than normal this week against the 49ers, but he's still well outside the starting rankings in standard leagues. Tyler Higbee (knee) is still out, and Davis Allen (shoulder) is questionable, which could open the door for Parkinson to handle most of the team's snaps at tight end on Thursday Night Football. However, he's still RotoBaller's TE39. He has exactly one catch in each of the last four weeks on a total of just five targets. He did find the end zone back in Week 11 against the Patriots for his only score of the season. He's a very unreliable fantasy option in Week 15 despite a potential increase in workload.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (knee) popped up on the Week 15 injury report and was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. It's not what fantasy managers want to see from McBride right before the start of the postseason in many leagues, although the 25-year-old's injury doesn't appear to be too serious. McBride has been a fantasy beast at his position in 2024 and is currently the overall TE3 in PPR scoring with 80 catches and 851 yards despite not scoring a single touchdown this year. In the last three games, he's seen double-digit targets in each contest and has amassed 31 catches for 299 yards on 41 targets. We'll keep a close eye on McBride's status as the week moves on, but if he's active this weekend against the New England Patriots, he'll be a must-start. Rookie Tip Reiman would be forced into a bigger role if McBride were to miss time.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has a tough road matchup against the 49ers on Thursday, but he remains a top-10 running back given his recent form and workload. While Blake Corum has been more involved, Williams continues to dominate opportunities and is coming off a season-high 29 carries last week against the Bills. Williams wasn't especially efficient with those carries, averaging just 3.0 yards per carry and finishing with 87 rushing yards, but he saved his fantasy day with a pair of rushing scores. He has 14 touchdowns in 13 games this season and is over 1,000 rushing yards for the second straight season. He had 89 rushing yards, 27 receiving yards and three touchdowns against the 49ers in Week 3, and he's RotoBaller's RB7 for this week's divisional rematch.
From RotoBaller
According to Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (illness) did not practice on Wednesday due to an illness. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status throughout the week in case the illness prevents him from practicing later on. Last weekend, during this victory over the New York Giants, the 29-year-old tallied 44 yards on 17 attempts and added 35 yards on five receptions. Despite not finding the end zone in each of his past seven contests, Kamara has still been very productive due to his high-volume role, averaging 16.0 PPR points per game. If Kamara cannot return to practice later in the week, fantasy managers should expect Kendre Miller to get the starting nod against the Washington Commanders. Last weekend, Miller ran for 32 yards and a score and would be a viable RB2 in Kamara's absence.
From RotoBaller
According to Erin Summers of ESPN, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) is trying to "get back into the swing of things" and is "not closing the door on his return at some point this season." Olave suffered his second concussion of the season during their Week 9 tilt against the Carolina Panthers. While the star wideout may face an uphill battle to return down the stretch, it is promising to see that the team is keeping the door open for him. However, with the Saints out of the playoff picture, the team may opt to sideline their No.1 pass coach if he does not make any significant progress over the next few weeks. Before this second concussion, Olave averaged just 50.0 yards per game but did tally at least 75.0 yards in four of his eight games. While Olave remains out, fantasy managers should expect Marquez Valdes-Scantling to operate as the lead wideout in the offense.
From RotoBaller
According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran left tackle has been unable to practice all week and will now miss his fourth-straight contest. As a result, Jaylon Moore will get the start once again. The 49ers could also be without running back Isaac Guerendo (foot) which could hinder their overall output on Thursday. In addition, with a potentially depleted running game, fantasy managers should expect Brock Purdy to see an increase in passing attempts, which could set up his pass catchers for productive showings, especially facing a Los Angeles secondary that has allowed the 11th-most PPR points to opposing WRs.
From RotoBaller
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Washington Commanders have claimed free agent wide receiver K.J. Osborn. With Noah Brown (ribs) dealing with a significant injury, the Commanders are adding Osborn to add some depth to their wide receiver room. Osborn played a limited role in the New England offense earlier this season, catching just seven of his 18 targets for 57 yards and one score across ten games. While Osborn may eventually find a role in this offense, fantasy managers should expect Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and rookie Luke McCaffrey to move up to a starting position in the short term. Brown is the likely candidate to be given an extended look, as he has consistently seen a higher snap share than Zaccheaus and McCaffrey and has shown flashes at the time, averaging 10.3 yards per catch this season.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa (oblique) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's divisional battle against the Los Angeles Rams. Bosa has been unable to practice all week and is now in danger of missing his fourth-straight contest. Bosa sustained this oblique injury during their Week 11 match against the Seattle Seahawks. Before the injury, Bosa was on pace to enjoy another strong season, tallying seven total sacks and averaging 3.6 tackles per game. If Bosa sits out again, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Sam Okuayinonu and Yetur Gross-Matos to continue to see an uptick in opportunities on Thursday evening.
From RotoBaller
According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee) was seen at practice on Wednesday. This is a great sign, as the Georgia product was unable to suit up last weekend due to a knee injury. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status throughout the week, but seeing him back at practice on Wednesday suggests he should be in line to return to action this weekend. Over his previous six games, the rookie has begun to find his footing at the professional level, as he has averaged 16.8 PPR points per game during this span with 91.7 yards per game. If McConkey can return this weekend, he should be started in all formats facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have allowed the eighth-highest PPR points to opposing wideouts.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot) is listed as questionable for Thursday's night game against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press. Guerendo sustained this injury last weekend during their victory over the Chicago Bears. Before the injury the fourth-round rookie tallied 78 yards and two scores on 15 attempts. With both Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) on the injured reserve, Guerendo was slated to operate as the lead running back for the remainder of the season. However, dealing with his own injury, Patrick Taylor Jr. may be given the starting nod on Thursday. Taylor ran for 25 yards and a touchdown after Guerendo left and could be a viable RB2 in all formats if he is given the starting nod.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Patrick Queen (non-injury), S DeShon Elliott (hamstring), OG Isaac Seumalo (non-injury), LB T.J. Watt (non-injury), DE Cameron Heyward (non-injury) and DT Larry Ogunjobi (groin) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 11. DT Montravius Adams (knee) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram (shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players should keep an eye on the situation to see if Engram will be able to play in Week 15. He has been held to under 50 yards in all but one game this season but can still be a low-end No. 1 tight end in most leagues if active.
From TheHuddle
According to Matthew Paras of The Times-Picayune, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand/concussion) is dealing with both a concussion and hand injury and is being treated as both "day-to-day and week-to-week." While Carr was already expected to miss several weeks, this update still leaves the door open for Carr to return sometime later this season. The veteran QB sustained these injuries last weekend during their victory over the New York Giants. While he has not yet been officially ruled out for Week 15's tilt against the Washington Commanders, fantasy managers relying on Carr should look for an alternative option as he will face a tough battle to suit up. While he has battled numerous injuries this season, Carr has tallied 16 total scores across ten games. While sidelined, either Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler will likely operate as the QB1 and should only be deployed in deep Superflex formats.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Mike Williams (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Fantasy Spin: Williams was involved in the offense last week with George Pickens unavailable and likely will see a handful of targets this week if Pickens sits again. He will be facing a good Philadelphia Eagles defense this week and can be avoided in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion) was able to practice in full on Wednesday. "We're making progress but he's still in the protocol," LaFleur said. Doubs suffered a concussion in the Week 12 win over the San Francisco 49ers and has missed each of the last two games. Although he still needs to pass through the NFL's concussion protocol, he appears to be well on his way this week and could return to game action this Sunday night versus the Seattle Seahawks. We won't know more on the 24-year-old's Week 15 status until later in the week, and fantasy managers could be presented with a difficult decision if he's questionable to play on Sunday night. Doubs currently ranks fourth in receiving yards on the team with 483 and third in receptions (34) while scoring two touchdowns in 10 games. If he's active, he'll be a touchdown-dependent WR4/flex in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that he does not expect tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) to practice on Wednesday. Dissly injured his shoulder on the final play of the first half in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night and is expected to miss multiple weeks, so the fact he's not practicing on Wednesday is not a surprise at all. The 28-year-old has been dropped in many fantasy leagues already and almost certainly will be ruled out on Friday for the Week 15 game on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dissly is likely to avoid Injured Reserve, though, which means he could return before the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Stone Smartt should operate as LA's top pass-catching TE for as long as Dissly is sidelined, putting him on the TE2 streaming map for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been on a nice roll lately, and he brings intriguing upside as he leads the Rams into a critical matchup with the 49ers on Thursday. Stafford has thrown multiple touchdowns with no interceptions in four straight games, totaling 10 touchdowns over that span. Since getting Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp back in Week 9, he has averaged 272 passing yards per game while posting at least 290 passing yards in four of those six games. He's up to 3,303 passing yards on the year coming into this matchup with San Francisco, who ranks in the top 10 at limiting fantasy production for QBs. Stafford is RotoBaller's QB20, but he has QB1 upside based on his current form.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) is considered day-to-day. There have been positive signs for Walker, and his injury isn't considered long-term. Walker will not undergo anymore tests, which will give him a chance to play in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football after he was inactive for the Week 14 win over the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. The 24-year-old's availability for this Sunday will likely come down to how much he can do in practice this week, so check back on his status. Seattle shouldn't be in a rush to get him back on the field after backup Zach Charbonnet went off for 137 rushing yards and two touchdowns while adding seven receptions for 59 yards last week against Arizona. If Walker does return to face the Packers, he'll be a much riskier RB2 in fantasy at risk of losing more touches to Charbonnet.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants OT Evan Neal (ankle, hip), DE Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck, shoulder), LB Bobby Okereke (back), CB Dru Phillips (shoulder) and OG Jon Runyan Jr. (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 11. CB Deonte Banks (rib), S Dane Belton (knee), OT Jermaine Eluemunor (quadriceps), OT Joshua Ezeudu (knee), CB Cor'Dale Flott (quadriceps), WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (shoulder), CB Art Green (quadriceps), OT Chris Hubbard (knee), DT Jordon Riley (knee), C Austin Schlottmann (leg) and CB John Michael Schmitz (neck) were limited during practice. LB Dyontae Johnson (ankle) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle, leg) is dealing with a leg contusion in addition to an "ankle injury." "He'll be doing everything and anything in his power to play on Sunday. We'll see about (practice) today," Harbaugh said. Herbert took a shot to his leg in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night but only ended up missing one play and downplayed the injury after the game. The 26-year-old is also dealing with an ankle injury, though, and his status should be closely monitored heading into Sunday's tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Herbert is one of the toughest QBs in the league, so we'd expect him to be out there in Week 15, but his practice reps could be limited this week and he might not be as mobile outside the pocket against Tampa. He'll be on the QB1/2 borderline in Week 15 if he's active.
From RotoBaller
