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

Broncos' Sean Payton: Chiefs earned right to rest players

Wed Jan 1 9:56pm ET
Field Level Media

The Broncos would clinch a playoff berth with a win on Sunday, and Denver coach Sean Payton isn't concerned that the opposition won't be at full strength.

Denver (9-7) plays host to the Kansas City Chiefs (15-1), who have wrapped up AFC West title and the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC playoffs. The Chiefs will hold out quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other starters in the regular-season finale to keep the squad healthy for a run at a third consecutive Super Bowl title.

Payton said Wednesday, "Like I said to the team this morning, 'Our focus has got to be on this team in general.' They'll be, I'm sure, some different people in different places. ...

"Credit to Kansas City, (Chiefs coach) Andy (Reid) and his team. When you go 15-1, then you're afforded those decisions. I've been in that position where your team might need a break here or there. They've earned that and that's part of the deal. For us, it's about understanding what we're seeing scheme-wise and being ready to play our best game."

Chiefs backup QB Carson Wentz will get the start in place of Mahomes. Wentz owns a 47-45-1 record as an NFL starter but is on his fifth team in five years and has made just one start over the past two seasons, a win for the Los Angeles Rams one year ago this week.

"He's in this league for a reason," Payton said. "He's big, and he's strong. He was a first-round draft pick. We spoke during the offseason a little bit with him and his agents. It's the player but it's also everything around it and understanding what they're trying to do."

The Broncos would wrap up a wild-card berth with a victory or if both Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals lose or tie this weekend.

"I've got a lot of confidence in the team," Payton said. "Yes, it's a big game. Like I said before, I think we'll play in bigger, but this is a big game. It's a division opponent. We're playing a team with championship pedigree. They're well-coached and we've got a tremendous amount of respect for what they've accomplished.

"We understand (that) we're going to have to play well. That's what gets you excited about coaching in this league. It's what gets you excited about playing in this league. It's important we have a good week of preparation."

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17

Player Notes

Hunter Henry Jan 1 9:10pm CT

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) logged a limited session in the team's first practice of the week. Henry hurt his foot in Week 17's blowout loss -- a 40-7 rout against his former team, the Los Angeles Chargers. He commanded just two targets and participated in only 30 snaps in the loss. Both figures are season-lows, and it was the first outing he did not record a catch all year. That he could at least practice in a limited capacity is a boon to his outlook for Week 18. However, seeing him elevate his practice status over the next few days would be good. The Patriots will host the visiting Buffalo Bills in a divisional clash this Sunday. As the game is meaningless for both squads, it's possible that if the veteran TE is closer to the wrong side of questionable, he's rested anyway. Keep an eye on him as the week closes out.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Jan 1 9:03pm CT

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Fantasy Spin: Keep an on Kittle's status over the next couple of days. He is a TE1 if he suits up, but with the 49ers eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn't be a surprise if he is held out for the finale if he isn't close to full strength.

Isaac Yiadom Jan 1 8:53pm CT

San Francisco 49ers DL Robert Beal Jr. (ankle), DE Nick Bosa (knee), OG Spencer Burford (calf), LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf), LB Leonard Floyd (shoulder), CB Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder), OT Colton McKivitz (knee) and CB Isaac Yiadom (pelvis) did not practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. S Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle) was limited, and S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) was a full participant.

Ameer Abdullah Jan 1 8:50pm CT

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) was listed as a non-participant to kick off this week of practice. The 31-year-old produced the best rushing total of his career in Sunday's 25-10 win against the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, Abdullah sustained a foot injury early in the fourth quarter, or he'd have had an even bigger day. While he was initially deemed questionable to return to the contest, he did not. The Nebraska product has been one of the more pleasant surprises late in the season, but he could be in danger of missing Sunday's meeting with the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. If Abdullah can't play, backfield mate Alexander Mattison projects to lead the Raiders' rushing attack with Chris Collier and/or Dylan Laube working in behind him. Abdullah's practice participation over the next two days should give us a better idea of his status for Sunday's bout.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Jan 1 8:43pm CT

Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley has topped 100 rushing yards in 11 games this season, the most by any player in their first year with a team in NFL history.

Fantasy Spin: Barkley will sit out the season finale, but his first year in Philadelphia exceeded any reasonable expectations. Not only did he top 2,000 yards rushing, but he was one of the most consistent backs week in and week out.

Tee Higgins Jan 1 8:40pm CT

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) was listed as a limited participant for the second straight day ahead of his team's road meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Clemson product has been dealing with knee and ankle injuries for a few weeks now, though it hasn't stopped him from being effective on the field. Since picking up the first of his injuries in Week 15 (knee), Higgins has gone for 277 yards and five touchdowns across 24 receptions. He's the PPR WR2 over that stretch, averaging a robust 26.6 fantasy points per game. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on him just in case, but it seems unlikely he'll miss the Bengals' divisional clash this Saturday. With Cincinnati still battling for a chance at post-season play, he and the rest of their squad should be all systems go against the Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Jan 1 8:23pm CT

Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff has 17 touchdowns and zero interceptions on passes on third or fourth down this season.

Fantasy Spin: Goff has been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, throwing at least three touchdowns in four straight games and topping 300 yards in three straight.

Joe Burrow Jan 1 8:20pm CT

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist, knee) was listed as a limited participant for Wednesday's team practice. This has been the veteran's routine for a few weeks now -- logging a limited session or two since picking up a knee injury in Cincinnati's win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14. Fortunately, it hasn't forced him to miss any time. There hasn't been another quarterback as hot as Burrow, who has tossed three or more passing scores in every outing since Week 9. The 28-year-old leads all passers in yards and touchdowns and trails only the Ravens' Lamar Jackson in QBR. With the Bengals still fighting for the final playoff spot in the AFC, expect the veteran to be out there this Saturday when his team lines up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a road tilt. Cincinnati currently holds a 5% chance to snag a spot in the tournament.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Jan 1 8:03pm CT

New Orleans Saints WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Fantasy Spin: Valdes-Scantling did not play in the Week 17 game but seems to have a chance to play this week. He will see a handful of targets if he is active and could be a possible flex option in some deeper leagues.

Derek Carr Jan 1 8:03pm CT

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr (hand), RB Alvin Kamara (groin), RB Kendre Miller (concussion), DE Payton Turner (ankle) and LB Pete Werner (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. TE Juwan Johnson (knee) and WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) were limited during practice. WR Chris Olave (head) fully participated in practice.

Derek Carr Jan 1 7:53pm CT

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr (hand) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Fantasy Spin: Carr was expected to participate in a simulated game this week, but it seems like he has not made enough progress to play. Fantasy players can keep an eye on the situation but should not count on him playing.

Alvin Kamara Jan 1 7:53pm CT

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (groin) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Fantasy Spin: Kamara has missed the last few games because of the injury and could sit again if he does not practice this week. He is a weekly starting option when healthy, but fantasy players likely will need to use other players in their lineups.

Denzel Perryman Jan 1 7:43pm CT

Los Angeles Chargers RB Gus Edwards (ankle), DT Poona Ford (elbow), LB Khalil Mack (non-injury), WR Ladd McConkey (toe) and WR Joshua Palmer (foot) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. S Alohi Gilman (hamstring), LB Denzel Perryman (groin) and OT Trey Pipkins (hip) were limited during practice.

Mike Evans Jan 1 7:33pm CT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Jamel Dean (knee), TE Payne Durham (quadriceps), TE Cade Otton (knee) and S Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. TE Devin Culp (ribs), WR Mike Evans (non-injury), DE William Gholston (knee), RB Bucky Irving (shin, shoulder), WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring) and Tristan Wirfs (foot, knee) were limited during practice. The Buccaneers did not hold a practice Wednesday, so the practice report is an estimation.

Tyler Boyd Jan 1 7:23pm CT

Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd (foot), PK Nick Folk (abdomen), S Amani Hooker (shoulder), LB Arden Key (hand), LB Otis Reese (ankle) and RB Tyjae Spears (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. RB Tony Pollard (ankle) was limited during practice. WR Colton Dowell (knee), OT Jaelyn Duncan (shoulder) and OG Dillon Radunz (shoulder) fully participated in practice. The Saints did not hold a practice Wednesday, so the practice report is an estimation.

Mike Evans Jan 1 7:23pm CT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (non-injury) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. The Buccaneers did not hold a practice Wednesday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Evans should be able to handle his normal workload this week and has four touchdowns over the last three games. He should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.

Sterling Shepard Jan 1 7:23pm CT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. The Buccaneers did not hold a practice Wednesday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Shepard has not been a big factor in the passing game over the last two games with only two receptions and 36 yards during that span. He may see a few targets this week but can be avoided in fantasy leagues.

Ameer Abdullah Jan 1 7:03pm CT

Las Vegas Raiders RB Ameer Abdullah (foot) and OG Jordan Meredith (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. DE K'Lavon Chaisson (ankle), DT John Jenkins (heel), OT Kolton Miller (wrist), S Isaiah Pola-Mao (hip) and S Trey Taylor (back) were limited during practice.

Joe Mixon Jan 1 6:53pm CT

Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (non-injury) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Fantasy Spin: The Texans have indicated that they will not rest their starters, so Mixon should see a good amount of touches in Week 18. He is a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.

Denico Autry Jan 1 6:53pm CT

Houston Texans DE Denico Autry (knee), DT Folorunso Fatukasi (ankle), CB Kamari Lassiter (quadriceps) and OG Shaq Mason (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 1. WR Nico Collins (non-injury), LB Christian Harris (ankle), RB Joe Mixon (non-injury), CB Jeff Okudah (concussion), OG Juice Scruggs (foot) and OT Laremy Tunsil (non-injury) were limited during practice. DE Will Anderson Jr. (hand) and OG Nick Broeker (hand) fully participated in practice.