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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Playoff Week 1 | NFL: Week 15

Raiders star Maxx Crosby (ankle) to undergo surgery

Sat Dec 14 9:00pm ET
Field Level Media

Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby will miss the rest of the season following arthroscopic ankle surgery and may undergo a second surgery, ESPN reported on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Crosby, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, first injured the ankle in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens and missed the first game of his career in Week 4.

Crosby aggravated the ankle last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading to the decision to go under the knife, which he revealed on Saturday via Instagram.

Per the report, Crosby on Monday will have surgery performed by Dr. Rob Anderson, which will determine the amount of damage to the ankle. A second surgery may need to be performed as doctors believe the injury could be more severe than originally thought.

It also remains to be seen whether Crosby will be a Raider in 2025, as several teams at the November trade deadline inquired about potentially acquiring the superstar. The Raiders have thus far rebuffed any outside interest in Crosby.

On a nine-game losing streak, Las Vegas (2-11) hosts the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
Micah Parsons Dec 15 7:30am CT
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, who is under contract through 2025, could be available for trade if the team does not want to add another massive extension to its payroll, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. As Rapoport explains, the Cowboys already have significant money tied up with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, so while Dallas wants to keep Parsons locked up long-term, it could be more productive to trade him and then sign free agents from a lower tier of linebackers. Parsons and executive Stephen Jones have both publicly expressed a desire to keep him in Dallas long-term, but privately, Rapoport believes he could be available for trade. A swap for Parsons would be historic and return compensation could exceed the 2018 Khalil Mack trade, which included a pair of first-round picks.

From RotoBaller

Travis Homer Dec 15 7:30am CT
Travis Homer

Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer could be in line to start on Monday against the Minnesota Vikings, but he should remain on waiver wires for managers in the fantasy playoffs. D'Andre Swift (groin) is questionable and Roschon Johnson (concussion) has been ruled out, leaving the veteran as the would-be starter if Swift is unable to play. But against a Minnesota defense that ranks fourth against fantasy running backs, starting Homer, who has just three catches and three carries all year, is not advised. Managers almost certainly have a better play elsewhere on their roster, even if Swift doesn't play.

From RotoBaller

Desmond Ridder Dec 15 7:20am CT
Desmond Ridder

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder is not a starting option in fantasy, even if in he ends up playing Monday against the Atlanta Falcons. Raiders starter Aidan O'Connell (knee) is questionable, and with Gardner Minshew (collarbone) on injured reserve, Ridder would start if O'Connell cannot. The former Cincinnati Bearcat is on his third team in a year and is now a backup option for a team in contention for the first overall pick. A manager who turns to Ridder in the fantasy playoffs is asking to start their offseason early.

From RotoBaller

Tim Patrick Dec 15 7:10am CT
Tim Patrick

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick is a desperation play on Sunday in the Lions' showdown with the Buffalo Bills. The veteran has played more than half of Detroit's snaps in seven of the past eight games and is coming off a two-touchdown performance against Green Bay last week. That level of production, however, has been an anomaly, as Patrick has only two games with more than three catches. With the Lions likely to reserve high-quality touches for receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta, and the running back tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, Patrick is a fringe option at best, even in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Dec 15 6:50am CT
Greg Joseph

The Washington Commanders elevated veteran kicker Greg Joseph from their practice squad with Zane Gonzalez (foot) questionable to play the New Orleans Saints in Week 15. It's likely a form of insurance for Washington, which put starter Austin Seibert (groin) on injured reserve earlier this year. Gonzalez was limited in practice earlier this week, but figures to still be the projected starter. Managers will have to consider if they want anything to do with Washington's kicking situation in the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Dec 15 6:40am CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is expected to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Adam Schefter. The veteran has been a decent fill-in with wide receiver Chris Godwin out for the season, logging 13 catches in the past three games. Even though the Bucs received good news on Shepard, he's not likely to be a strong fantasy option in the matchup against L.A. Managers should reserve Shepard only for formats with more than two flex spots.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Dec 15 6:30am CT
Ladd McConkey

The Los Angeles Chargers are optimistic that wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee, shoulder) will be able to play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The rookie is questionable, did not play last week against Kansas City, and was limited in practice all week, but the team hopes his pre-game workout will clear him to play. McConkey is a high-end flex/WR3 if he goes, but managers should keep updated and have a backup plan. Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer figure to be the team's two best options if McConkey doesn't play.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Dec 15 6:20am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hip, back) is expected to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The rookie left last week's game after just five touches and did not practice until Friday, but is apparently well enough to give it a shot against the Chargers. Prior to the injury, Irving had three straight top-10 finishes among running backs, but the difficult matchup against L.A. and the injury should have managers mostly evaluating Irving as a flex option in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Dec 14 11:20pm CT
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) practiced fully three days in a row leading up to his team's Week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons. He will be the backup to lead RB Sincere McCormick, so he's probably not worth starting. He's averaged just 3.3 yards per carry so far this year, and while he's had some solid fantasy games, his projected lack of volume makes him a tough player to start this week. It's probably not a good idea to fire him up in any leagues. He should get at least a few carries and maybe 2-3 targets. Unless he vultures some goal-line work, which seems unlikely, he'll have a hard time even cracking 10 PPR fantasy points.

From RotoBaller

Maxx Crosby Dec 14 11:20pm CT
Maxx Crosby

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) will undergo season-ending surgery, with the multi-time Pro Bowler also confirming the news in a heartfelt social media post. The Raiders season has been a disaster. But this could be the worst news of all, so the team will go the rest of the way without their defensive standout. Crosby wasn't as productive as he was last season. However, he still had a good year, totaling 45 tackles and 7.5 sacks. The question now is when he'll be ready to return, which IDP managers hope will be before the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 14 11:10pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (hamstring) remains questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the veteran "will work out pre-game to see if he is able to play." Njoku hasn't been terrible this season, compiling 56 catches for 439 yards. He also has five touchdowns, one away from his career-high. But fantasy managers should have a backup plan in case Njoku can't get out there, although No. 2 tight end Jordan Akins might not be the best choice for a replacement.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Dec 14 11:00pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) is anticipated to suit up for Sunday's contest versus the Denver Broncos. The wideout was battling a shoulder injury, keeping him off the field for the Week 13 meeting with the New England Patriots. Fortunately, the Colts were off in Week 14. But with Downs logging full practice sessions during the week, he's expected to be back, which is good news for fantasy managers. The 23-year-old has been productive in his 10 appearances this season, amassing 53 catches for 594 yards and four touchdowns, making him a starting fantasy option for the challenging matchup against the Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Carlson Dec 14 10:50pm CT
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson made two short field goals and an extra point attempt in Week 14 after a terrible day in Week 13 that saw him miss three long field goals. He's an accurate kicker below those long distances, but the misses lower his value ahead of a Week 15 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. LV may be missing their starting quarterback, so we don't recommend you start Carlson. He would be a good option on a better offense. Atlanta's defense isn't great, so there's some room for a good amount of field goal attempts. That's great! Really awesome. But you should roll with someone else. Better to have a kicker on a good offense without so many question marks, because that makes it easier to project more volume.

From RotoBaller

Maxx Crosby Dec 14 10:40pm CT
Maxx Crosby

The Las Vegas Raiders D/ST is not worth starting in Week 15, nor have they been all season. They're the No. 31 rated defense on Sleeper, and outside of extremely deep or exotic leagues, there's no reason to put them in starting lineups for Monday, when they face the Atlanta Falcons. There are better options in free agency or on waivers in nearly all leagues. With star defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) likely to miss the rest of the season, and absolutely not playing in Monday night's game, there's even less reason to fire them up. They're a unit that's looking forward to next season, and they'll need to bolster their group at multiple positions to be more competitive in 2025. They'll hope to allow less than 27.8 points per game when that time comes.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Dec 14 10:40pm CT
Tony Pollard

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is expected to suit up for Sunday's matchup with the Bengals. The former Cowboy didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday because of an ankle injury. He practiced on Friday, although he was limited, resulting in a questionable designation heading into Week 15. It's certainly good news for fantasy managers, with Pollard on the verge of his third-straight 1,000-yard rushing season. There's a good chance he'll hit that mark on Sunday, assuming he plays, against an unreliable Bengals defense. With Pollard's anticipated availability, Tyjae Spears will lose nearly all of his fantasy value. Still, fantasy managers should hold on to Spears until Pollard officially gets the green light.

From RotoBaller

Sincere McCormick Dec 14 10:30pm CT
Sincere McCormick

Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick, who took the starting job from RB Alexander Mattison (ankle), who took Zamir White's (quad) starting job, who took over for Josh Jacobs, who left for greener fields (literally), is the guy you want to start in Week 15. McCormick. He's the guy. He's a lot more explosive than the other backs in his backfield. It's not necessarily a great matchup, so perhaps many fantasy managers have their hopes high. Teams prefer to pass against the Falcons since they have an awful secondary and aren't great at getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They've also had a productive offense for most of the season. McCormick's role is nice, though, and it necessitates consideration at RB2/RB3 slots for needy teams. He has a chance of being a key contributor down the stretch, and he's reasonably talented.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Dec 14 10:10pm CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker logged just seven receiving yards on two receptions in Week 14. His usage wasn't horrible, as he was targeted five times, but he's struggled with consistency all season. With starting quarterback Aidan O'Connell (knee) questionable for Monday's game, it's hard to see that changing in a big way. He's still behind elite tight end Brock Bowers and excellent WR Jakobi Meyers in target priority, and he's more of a gadget player than anything. He has an excellent matchup, though. If O'Connell or backup QB Desmond Ridder end up getting in a rhythm, he could have a decent day. But his floor in fantasy football is extremely low, so outside of deeper leagues, he shouldn't be in starting consideration.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Dec 14 10:00pm CT
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is set to continue his historic season when his team takes on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15. It's the first round of the fantasy playoffs for most leagues, and there's no one better to put in your TE spot than the rookie sensation. He's logged a ridiculous stat line of 87 catches on 118 targets for 933 yards and four touchdowns, and every quarterback who's played for the Raiders this year knows he's a great player to get the ball to. Even if QB Aidan O'Connell (knee) isn't able to go, backup Desmond Ridder should still sling the ball Bowers' way early and often. The Falcons defense hasn't been very good against the pass, either, so it's a solid matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Dec 14 10:00pm CT
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers logged a full practice on Saturday as expected, and he carries no injury designation heading into Monday night's game with the Atlanta Falcons. He's been managing an ankle issue with plenty of rest throughout the weekdays, so this ailment is of minimal concern. He'll face an Atlanta defense that's been shredded multiple times through the air over the past few weeks, and it's a great matchup for Meyers to see plenty of targets. He should be started in all PPR leagues regardless of who ends up playing at QB. While his ceiling is lower if backup quarterback Desmond Ridder ends up getting the nod, he's a great and highly underrated WR that consistently gets separation and wins on his routes, and that's what matters for fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Dec 14 9:30pm CT
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III has had a consistent -- albeit small -- role in the offense all season long, but has seen it grow over the last three weeks, averaging nearly eight targets and six catches per game along with back-to-back performances of 95-plus yards. The 28-year-old is not a red zone threat having scored just once all season, which limits his upside, but the involvement makes him highly useful in PPR leagues. The Falcons take on the Raiders in Week 15 who have been generous to wide receivers as of late, allowing six touchdowns and the second-most receiving yards over the last four weeks. McCloud in particular has a favorable matchup with Darnay Holmes expected to cover him out of the slot. Atlanta is favored in this contest and with Drake London and Darnell Mooney attracting coverage, the Clemson product should again see a healthy workload. The veteran wideout has WR3 upside in PPR leagues and is a potential Flex option in all other formats for Monday Night Football.

From RotoBaller