Guest of the League
Waiver Whiners Est. 2023
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Playoff Week 1 | NFL: Week 15

Steelers star LB T.J. Watt (ankle) hurt vs. Eagles

Sun Dec 15 9:04pm ET
Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt injured his left ankle in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and didn't return.

Watt told reporters after the game that he rolled the ankle. Watt said he underwent X-rays and the results were negative.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said that Watt will be evaluated throughout the week. Pittsburgh visits the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC North showdown on Saturday.

Watt said he was unsure if he would be able to play against Baltimore.

Watt was injured while rushing around the edge in an effort to reach Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. He began to limp during the play and then fell to the ground with 4:46 left in the contest and reached for the ankle.

The 30-year-old Watt had two sacks and a forced fumble to go with seven tackles on Sunday. He has 11 1/2 sacks this season to reach double digits for the sixth time in his eight-year career.

Watt, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, has 108 career sacks in 118 games with Pittsburgh. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 when he had a career-high 22.5 sacks to match the official league record (since 1982).

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 15

Player Notes
Sam Howell Dec 15 11:10pm CT
Sam Howell

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit was all over the Seattle Seahawks in their 30-13 win in Week 15. The Packers' defense was a force to be reckoned with as they sacked the quarterback combination of Geno Smith and later, Sam Howell a combined seven times and also forced two interceptions. The seven sacks registered by the defense is the second-best output of this season, so if fantasy managers trust this unit against the Seahawks, they are certainly happy with the results. In Week 16, the Packers will head back home to take on the reeling New Orleans Saints, where the Packers D/ST should be universally started given the state of the Saints' offense.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Dec 15 11:10pm CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft had a pedestrian night at the office in the Packers' 30-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. Kraft did not see a lot of volume, as he only had two passes come his way. He caught both for 34 yards as he was lost in the shuffle with Romeo Doubs (concussion) returning as another pass-catching weapon for quarterback Jordan Love. Kraft's fantasy value has been solid for much of the season so to leave this dud in the fantasy playoffs is a bit disappointing. The Packers head back home to Lambeau Field and will take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 16, where fantasy managers hope he is able to put forth more production. Consider Kraft a low-end fantasy TE1 for that matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 15 11:10pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was used all over the field and was a solid contributor in the Packers' 30-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. Reed's Week 14 was one to forget with just one target and zero catches, but he co-led the Packers in targets with Christian Watson this week. Notching five catches for 34 yards on six targets, it wasn't an overly impressive stat line for Reed but combined with his three rushing attempts for 27 yards, he still put up double-digit fantasy points. Reed had as many carries tonight (3) as he has in the last five games combined, so the Packers' renewed focus on involving him in the team's offensive gameplan was evident. Next week, the Packers head home to face the New Orleans Saints where Reed should be considered a low-end WR3 that has a high floor but a low ceiling for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Dec 15 11:00pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor handled a heavy workload in Sunday's 31-13 loss to the Broncos, rushing 22 times for 107 yards and adding one reception for four yards. However, it could have been a great day had he not celebrated a would-be touchdown too early, dropping the ball before he crossed the goal line which ended up being a fumble, not six points on the board. Nevertheless, it was the fourth time in five games that the 25-year-old handled more than 20 touches and the seventh time in 11 games he's gone over 100 total yards rushing and receiving. Next week's home matchup versus the Titans should offer another chance to score, as the Titans have allowed four rushing TDs over the last three weeks, and there aren't many backs who garner as many weekly opportunities as Taylor. Still, the former second-round draft pick is likely a borderline RB1/2 again with the threat of Anthony Richardson taking away a chunk of the goal line work and killing drives with turnovers.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Dec 15 11:00pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was efficient and engineered the Packers' offense in their 30-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. Love was an economical 20-of-27 passing for 229 yards and two touchdowns through the air, plus a four-yard run on the ground. Both of Love's touchdowns went to Romeo Doubs in his first game action since Week 12 after clearing concussion protocol. Love's touchdown with 4:59 was perfectly placed and it was the game-sealing touchdown, which put them up three possessions. With the Packers heading home to host the New Orleans Saints in Week 16, Love is on the edge of being a fantasy starter based on recent play. However, with the strength of the Packers' offense and a good matchup on deck, Love should be started in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Dec 15 10:50pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (undisclosed) missed a large chunk of the team's Week 15 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday but later returned to the contest. Barkley said he was "dealing with a little something" but didn't go into much further detail. "I'm not going to go too much into that, but the guys stepped up big, Kenny was able to make some big plays for us and I was able to tough it out," the star RB said. The league's leading rusher was looked at in the medical tent in the first half and was seen getting work on his right leg before returning in the second half. The 27-year-old did have a healthy 19 carries but gained only 65 rushing yards while adding two catches for nine yards. It was a disappointing performance from the fantasy MVP in 2024, and fantasy managers that were lucky enough to advance will be hoping Barkley will be ready in Week 16 against the Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Dec 15 10:20pm CT
Ray Davis

According to Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, defensive back Carlton Davis III (jaw) and defensive lineman Alim McNeill (knee) are thought to have suffered season-ending injuries in Sunday's 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The NFL's Ian Rapoport reported the news. Ouch. Davis III picked up his issue early in the second quarter while attempting a tackle on Bills running back Ray Davis, while McNeill sustained his roughly midway through the third frame. Neither returned to the contest, and Campbell noted he "doesn't feel good" about either player's chances of playing again this season. The Lions' injuries on the defensive side of the ball are getting out of hand as their depth chart is studded with red designations that nearly outnumber the healthy athletes. Detroit has a road meeting against their division-rival Chicago Bears on tap for Week 16 with seemingly severely depleted defensive personnel.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Dec 15 10:20pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was ineffective through the air yet again in Sunday's 31-13 loss to the Broncos, completing 17 of 38 pass attempts for 172 yards and no touchdowns while throwing two interceptions. The 22-year-old added seven rush attempts for 46 yards and ran one in for a TD. It was his fifth rushing touchdown on the season and fourth in the last four games since being reinserted as the starter. The problem is that his completion rate stands at 47% on the season and the former first-round draft pick has an ugly 7:11 TD:INT. The second-year pro will have an easier matchup next week at home against the Titans who are middle of the pack in allowing fantasy points to quarterbacks, but he'll make for a risky play for those still left in the fantasy playoffs next week.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Dec 15 10:13pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Dynasty | Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had 14 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Buffalo. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that'll work. St. Brown set a season high in catches and yards in this one and it came at a great time for dynasty owners as his performance likely sealed a win for just about anyone who had him on their roster. He's been a stud all year and while Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase get a lot of headlines, few players honestly have more dynasty value than ASB and today's performance solidified that.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Matthew Stafford Dec 15 10:13pm CT
Matthew Stafford

Dynasty | Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 38-of-59 passes for 494 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss to Buffalo. Dynasty Analysis: Matthew Stafford somehow had a day once with 520 passing yards in a single game, but this was the second-best performance for a Lions quarterback all-time. Goff has been fantastic all season and now has 30 touchdowns and just ten interceptions on the season as he's inching closer to 4,000 passing yards with a month to go in the season. Goff has been a top-ten quarterback all season and while others may get more publicity, few have honestly been better.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

T.J. Watt Dec 15 10:00pm CT
T.J. Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers surrendered 27 points and 401 yards of offense in a Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Although Pittsburgh's defense logged three sacks and a fumble recovery, it did almost all of its damage in the first half and struggled to make stops down the stretch. Philadelphia possessed the ball for over 24 minutes in the second half alone, wearing down the defense to yield a poor fantasy showing for the Steelers DST. Fortunately for the team and fantasy managers alike, outside linebacker T.J. Watt (ankle) seems to have avoided a serious injury after going down late in the fourth quarter. His health will be important to monitor heading into a divisional showdown with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Dec 15 10:00pm CT
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made all three of his kicks in a Week 15 loss to the Tampa Bay Bucs. Dicker made two extra points and his lone field goal attempt from 41 yards out. It was a rough game for the Chargers offense in general, which limited Dicker's opportunities. Despite a quick turnaround to be ready for Week 16 against the Broncos on Thursday Night Football, Dicker should see more chances to kick and put up a better fantasy performance.

From RotoBaller

Donte Jackson Dec 15 10:00pm CT
Donte Jackson

Per Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, defensive back Donte Jackson (back) was forced from the team's 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and did not return. The 29-year-old racked up three tackles before his exit. Jackson was injured early in the second quarter of the contest. In addition to their loss, the Steelers left this one with a few key injuries -- particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The former Carolina Panthers' ailment is actually a re-aggravation of a back issue he picked up in Pittsburgh's Week 14 outing against the Cleveland Browns. However, he did not appear on this week's practice report. Defensive back James Pierre entered the contest in Jackson's stead and is projected to fill in again if he's required to miss additional playing time. Pierre and Joey Porter Jr. are the only active cornerbacks on the team's roster without a designation.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Dec 15 9:50pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled both of his field goal attempts and converted his lone extra-point try of a 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Pittsburgh struggled to get much of anything going offensively on Sunday, but Boswell delivered when given the opportunity. He was good from 37 and 49 yards out to bring him just six made field goals away from tying David Akers' NFL record of 44 made in a season. He will remain a high-end fantasy option as he looks to pull even closer in a Week 16 clash with the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Cam Hart Dec 15 9:50pm CT
Cam Hart

According to Tyler Dragon of USA Today, Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Cam Hart (concussion) was forced from Sunday's 40-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and did not return. Before leaving, the 24-year-old notched one tackle and one pass breakup. Hart sustained his injury in the final minute of the second quarter while defending a deep shot to Bucs' wideout Mike Evans. It's undoubtedly a blow to the team as the rookie DB was starting for the Chargers and their third-leading snap-getter among defensive backs. With LA on a short week and a matchup against the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football, we'll unlikely see him clear the league's protocol expeditiously enough to be active for the game. However, crazier things have happened. Fantasy managers will want to monitor his status over the coming days.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Dec 15 9:40pm CT
Myles Garrett

The Cleveland Browns defense allowed 21 points and failed to record any sacks or force any turnovers in a 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15. Cleveland allowed the Chiefs to post 311 yards of total offense in the loss. Myles Garrett survived an injury scare as he appeared to be in great pain after suffering an eye injury. He ultimately was able to return to the game after missing a short period of time. The Browns have another tough task as they will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Dec 15 9:40pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught three of his six targets for 22 receiving yards and a touchdown in a Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Although Philadelphia held Pittsburgh to just 163 total yards, Freiermuth managed to deliver a solid fantasy performance. His nine-yard score in the second quarter was not only his sixth trip to the end zone of the campaign but also his third in as many weeks. Freiermuth has been more important to the Steelers' aerial attack over the past two weeks with George Pickens (hamstring) inactive, but it is worth noting that his upward trajectory for fantasy began in Week 12. Despite the loss, the 26-year-old will carry some positive momentum into a Week 16 clash with the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Dec 15 9:40pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (knee) was forced from Sunday night's meeting with the Green Bay Packers and is questionable to return. Smith exited the contest in the third quarter after taking a low hit on a jump pass from Packers' linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. He landed with his leg still in Cooper's grasp, which caused his knee to bend awkwardly. Before his exit, the 34-year-old completed an efficient 15-of-19 passes for 149 yards and one interception -- picking up five yards on his lone carry. Quarterback Sam Howell has entered the game in relief.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Dec 15 9:40pm CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (ankle) exited Sunday's 30-17 win over the New England Patriots with an ankle injury and did not return. The rookie would finish his day with 22 yards on five carries. Benson seemingly sustained the injury midway through the fourth quarter. The severity of the ailment is unknown at this time, though running backs and ankle issues never mesh well. It's unfortunate news for the 22-year-old, who has rushed to the tune of 4.62 yards per carry in his first taste of big-league action. While his workload has been spotty behind trustworthy lead-back James Conner, Benson has done damage with his touches and has been a nice change of pace for the team. Backfield mate Emari Demercado (back) was recently placed on IR with issues of his own, so if the former Florida State Seminole can't suit up in Week 16, DeeJay Dallas would be the backup to Conner. Arizona will square off against the Carolina Panthers on the road next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Dec 15 9:40pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III logged five receptions for 65 yards on five targets in a 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Austin's yardage total may not look all that impressive out of context, but he accounted for nearly 40% of Pittsburgh's offensive yards on Sunday. He was on the receiving end of the Steelers' longest gain of the day, hauling in a 31-yard dime from quarterback Russell Wilson in the third quarter. While Austin's role has been inconsistent this season, he is the team's most explosive playmaker with George Pickens (hamstring) injured. If Pickens is unable to return against the Baltimore Ravens next week, Austin will be on the fantasy radar as a flex option in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller