Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime will inevitably see the field more in Week 16 on Thursday Night Football against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers with Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) ruled out. But will it be enough of a role to make him flex-worthy for fantasy managers in semifinal matchups in most leagues? Probably not. Estime and Javonte Williams will most likely split the backfield touches pretty evenly, and Denver's rushing game has been a weak point of the offense all year long. Meanwhile, the Chargers defense has only allowed five total touchdowns to RBs all year and the sixth-fewest half-PPR points per game. The 21-year-old Estime is still searching for his first NFL touchdown while averaging 4.4 yards per carry on 46 attempts through 10 games. Estime should stay on benches in what is expected to be a low-scoring Thursday night contest.

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Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams could very well lead Denver's backfield in the Week 16 divisional game on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 after Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) being ruled out. However, Williams could be splitting touches pretty evenly with rookie Audric Estime, and the matchup is not a friendly one on a short week. On top of it, the 24-year-old has done very little all year for fantasy managers to give him the benefit of the doubt. His ineffectiveness (career-low 3.5 yards per carry) led the Broncos to go with more of a committee backfield that had favored McLaughlin in recent weeks. The Chargers defense isn't afraid to give up yards to opposing ground games, but they've allowed the sixth-fewest half-PPR points to RBs, including only five total TDs. If Denver is going to have success in this matchup, it's more likely to come via Bo Nix's arm.

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It's probably tempting for fantasy managers to start Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix in Week 16 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers after Tampa QB Baker Mayfield lit them up for four touchdowns in a blowout win last week. However, you may want to think twice. Nix has exceeded expectations in his first year with the Broncos and is the QB10 in overall fantasy points despite a slow start in 2024. But the 12th overall pick out of Oregon has thrown four touchdowns and five interceptions in the last two games while completing only 55.88% of his passes for 424 yards. The Chargers defense has been middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to QBs on the year, but they are also tied with Denver for the fewest points allowed per game (17.6). On paper, this divisional battle figures to be a low-scoring affair, potentially limiting Nix's fantasy upside. He went 19-for-33 for 216 yards, two touchdowns and a pick in the Week 6 loss to LA.

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) was limited in Wednesday's practice due to a hip injury. It's a new injury for Tagovailoa, but the fact that he's practicing at all in the first session of the week is a sign the injury likely isn't serious enough to keep him from playing in Week 16 versus the visiting San Francisco 49ers. As long as the 26-year-old signal-caller is able to return to a full practice in the next two days, he should be removed from the final injury report by Friday. Tagovailoa should probably be considered a high-end QB2, at best, with limited upside in Week 16 despite clearing 300 passing yards in three previous games before the Week 15 loss to the Houston Texans, where he went for 196 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. The 49ers defense has been one of the worst matchups in fantasy for opposing QBs, especially in the last five weeks.

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Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) remains on the Week 16 injury report and was listed as limited in Wednesday's practice. Meyers also had his practice reps limited a bit last week due to his ankle injury, but he was eventually cleared and played in the Week 15 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. The 28-year-old pass-catcher caught five of his nine targets in that game for 59 yards in quarterback Desmond Ridder's first start of the year. He should be fine to play this weekend in an excellent matchup against the poor Jacksonville Jaguars secondary, making him intriguing in starting fantasy lineups for semifinal matchups in most leagues. Additionally, it looks like quarterback Aidan O'Connell (knee) will return from a one-game absence, which definitely will give Meyers more upside as the WR1 in Vegas.

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (back) was rested in the first practice of the week on Wednesday while managing a back injury. Smith missed Weeks 12 and 13 due to a hamstring injury, but now he's managing a minor back injury that shouldn't put him in danger of missing Week 16 against the division-rival Washington Commanders. In two games since Smith returned from his hamstring injury, he's found the end zone twice and has caught 15 of 18 targets for 146 yards. The 26-year-old went off for 11 catches on 12 targets for 109 yards and a score in last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was the first time he had gone over seven targets since Week 3, but Philly could emphasize their passing attack down the stretch heading into a positive matchup against Washington. Smith will be on the WR2/3 borderline in Week 16 in fantasy.

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown was rested during Wednesday's practice and wasn't listed with an injury designation on the first report of Week 16. It's a good sign for Brown after he got up slow after a tackle late in the Week 15 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Eagles greased the squeaky wheel with Brown and the passing attack last weekend, with Brown catching a season-high eight passes on 11 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown. Look for the Eagles to try and continue to keep their passing onslaught going this weekend against the division-rival Washington Commanders on Sunday. If the Eagles continue to feed Brown the ball through the air, he'll have a good chance to improve on his five catches for 65 yards that he had in the first meeting against Washington on Nov. 14. Brown will be active in Week 16 and will have clear WR1 upside. Start him.

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (ankle) was upgraded to a limited practice participant on Wednesday after he didn't practice on Tuesday. Meanwhile, safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and cornerback Donte Jackson (back) didn't practice, while defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) was limited. Watt suffered a low-ankle sprain late in the Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Steelers have been hopeful that he can play in a big divisional clash on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. The 30-year-old's ability to return to practice on Wednesday is a sign he's trending in the right direction, although another upgrade to a full-go on Thursday would be ideal. Fantasy managers should be fading Pittsburgh's defense in fantasy against a high-scoring Ravens offense this weekend, but especially if Watt is unable to play. He's a must-start in IDP formats if he's active on Saturday.

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) continues to battle through a shoulder injury and was limited in Wednesday's practice session. Lamb suffered an AC joint sprain in his shoulder back in Week 9 and has been managing the issue ever since, although he has not missed any time because of it. The 25-year-old's fantasy stock took a hit when quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) was lost for the year, but he's still been playable on a weekly basis in fantasy lineups. Since injuring his shoulder, Lamb also has 41 receptions on 60 targets for 429 receiving yards and two touchdowns. It speaks to Lamb's abilities on the football field that he remains a must-start wideout with WR1 upside in fantasy with Cooper Rush under center. Lamb should play on Sunday night and will have considerable upside against a vulnerable Bucs secondary.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers listed quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee) as a non-participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday due to a knee injury. It's unclear as of right now if Mayfield's knee injury is serious enough to keep him out of Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night or if the Bucs are just giving the veteran QB some extra rest late in the season. The 29-year-old went off in a very tough matchup in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, going 22-for-27 for 288 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Mayfield has a career-high 32 touchdown passes in 2024, and barring a late-season injury, he will surpass 4,000 passing yards for a second straight season. Keep an eye on Mayfield's practice status the rest of the week, but if he's available, he'll be a solid midrange QB1 for fantasy against a beatable Dallas defense.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) put in another day of full practice on Wednesday and looks well on his way to making his team debut on Saturday in Week 16 against the Houston Texans. Hollywood injured his left shoulder in the preseason and required surgery, causing him to miss his entire first season in KC until now. Brown has made great progress of late and could be activated from Injured Reserve by Friday in order to play on Saturday, but it's not a lock. And for fantasy purposes, if Brown is active, he won't be a recommended starter in fantasy lineups with trips to the fantasy championship next weekend on the line in most leagues. The Chiefs are fully expected to ease Brown back into the offense to close out the regular season so that he can potentially take on a bigger role in the postseason.

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Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (personal) missed the team's practice on Wednesday due to personal reasons. The Ravens still have one more day of practice this week on Thursday before heading into a big Week 16 divisional clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. The 27-year-old Hill should be back with the team before then and will look to continue his role as mainly a pass-catching change-of-pace option behind backfield leader Derrick Henry. Hill only has 198 rushing yards and one rushing score on 45 carries over 14 games in 2024, but he's added a career-high 42 catches on 50 targets for 383 yards and three more TDs. He's caught nine passes for 76 yards and a touchdown the last two weeks. Hill is a volatile fantasy asset because of his lack of volume behind King Henry, but fantasy managers could do worse with a flex option in deep PPR leagues.

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Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol and missed his second straight day of practice this week on Wednesday. Agholor suffered a concussion in the Week 15 win over the New York Giants and is now looking unlikely to play on a quick turnaround this Saturday against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Rashod Bateman (foot) also popped up on this week's injury report on Wednesday, so Baltimore's receiving corps is a little banged up heading into a crucial Week 16 divisional battle. If both Agholor and Bateman are out, expected to see more of Tylan Wallace and Devontez Walker in three-wide sets with Zay Flowers. Agholor, 31, has only 14 receptions (29 targets) for 231 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games this year and wouldn't be in consideration for a lineup spot in fantasy if he was healthy.

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Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) was limited during practice Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Fantasy Spin: Mixon should be on track to play against the Kansas City Chiefs as long as he does not suffer a setback before the game. He did not have a lot of success last week but should see a good amount of touches this week. He should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (foot) was added to Thursday's Week 16 injury report after putting in a limited practice. Bateman could now be up in the air to play on a short week this Saturday against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, but we'll have a better idea of his status when the Ravens release their final injury report for the week on Thursday. The 25-year-old is having the best season of his career and is coming off a three-catch, 80-yard, two-touchdown performance in the Week 15 win over the New York Giants. With Nelson Agholor (concussion) looking unlikely to play this weekend, Bateman's status is more important for the Ravens. If he were to be inactive, Tylan Wallace and Devontez Walker would be thrust into starting roles alongside Zay Flowers. Bateman will be a touchdown-dependent WR4/flex, if active, in a tough matchup against Pittsburgh.

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Los Angeles Chargers TE Will Dissly (shoulder) and CB Cam Hart (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 18, and have been ruled out for Week 16. CB Elijah Molden (knee) did not practice and is listed as doubtful. DT Otito Ogbonnia (pelvis) was limited during practice and is listed as questionable. TE Hayden Hurst (hip), OG Zion Johnson (ankle) and LB Denzel Perryman (groin) fully participated in practice but are listed as questionable. CB Kristian Fulton (knee) fully participated in practice and is not on the injury report. The Chargers did not hold a practice Wednesday, so the practice report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Ashton Dulin (ankle) both missed the first practice of Week 16 preparation on Wednesday. In addition, Alec Pierce (concussion) also did not practice, so Indy's receiving corps is a bit beat up heading into Sunday's game against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. Pittman has been battling through a back issue of late but hasn't missed a game because of it, and he played 96 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Our guess is the Colts are just resting the veteran wideout before he returns to practice later this week and plays on Sunday. The 27-year-old former second-rounder has become more of a hard-to-trust WR4/flex in the Colts' low-volume passing attack with young quarterback Anthony Richardson struggling with his accuracy. Pittman does have at least five catches and seven targets in the last four games, though.

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Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (neck) didn't take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Gay is dealing with a neck injury coming out of the Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday in which he made both of his field-goal attempts and his lone extra-point opportunity. He still has two more days to get back on the practice field before the team takes on the division-rival Tennessee Titans in Week 16. We'll have a better idea on Gay's availability for the weekend based on whether the Colts make any moves to give them kicking insurance in case Gay can't kick on Sunday. The 30-year-old booter has made 88.9 percent of his field goals (24-for-27) this year while going a perfect 23-for-23 on extra points in 13 games in his second season with the team. Especially with his availability in question, fantasy managers should be looking at other kicking options in Week 16.

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Denver Broncos CB Riley Moss (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Dec. 18, but has been ruled out for Week 16. DE John Franklin-Myers (foot), DT D.J. Jones (finger) and CB Patrick Surtain II (ankle) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report. The Broncos did not hold a practice Wednesday, so the practice report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) had his reps limited in practice for the second straight day on Wednesday in advance of the team's Week 16 contest on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mixon tweaked his ankle in the Week 15 win over the Miami Dolphins, but head coach DeMeco Ryans said the 28-year-old back came out of the game fine and that he would be fine to face the Chiefs on a short week. However, Mixon might need a full practice session on Thursday to avoid a questionable tag. With a tough matchup against the Chiefs stingy defense upcoming and when considering Mixon's downturn in recent weeks, it may be best to consider him more of an RB2 rather than an RB1 in fantasy in Week 16. After finding the end zone at least once on the ground from Weeks 6-11, Mixon has averaged only 3.1 yards per carry with one TD in his last three contests.

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