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Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (rib) out vs. Broncos, resting until playoffs

Mon Dec 30 7:43pm ET
Field Level Media

Kansas City will rest running back Isiah Pacheco at practice this week and has ruled him out for the regular-season finale Sunday at Denver because of a rib injury, with Chiefs coach Andy Reid saying that he will be ready for the postseason.

"He'll be available playoff-wise. He is tender," Reid said Monday. "I'll probably hold him back this week in practice just a bit so he can be fresh and ready to go."

Pacheco, 25, has played in only seven games (six starts) this season and has 83 carries for 310 yards and one touchdown, along with 12 receptions for 79 yards. The starting running back sustained a broken right fibula in his team's victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2.

He played in Kansas City's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day and sustained the rib injury.

Kansas City selected Pacheco in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has rushed for 2,075 yards and 13 TDs on 458 attempts and caught 69 passes for 453 yards and two TDs in 38 games (30 starts).

Reid also said that left tackle D.J. Humphries is making steady progress from his hamstring injury. The Chiefs signed Humphries, a 2021 Pro Bowl selection with Arizona, on Nov. 23, but he has played in only one game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 8.

"He's doing good," Reid said. "I can't make you any promise. I want to get him out to practice and kind of see where we're at. But he is doing good in his rehab part. That's different than being on the field. So, I'd like to just see how he does there."

The Chiefs (15-1) can afford to rest players as they have clinched the No. 1 overall seed and a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs, while the Broncos (9-7) are fighting for the last wild-card berth.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17

Player Notes
Josh Palmer Dec 30 9:10pm CT
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (heel) shouldn't require a stint on the injured reserve, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh. Palmer was seen wearing a walking boot following Saturday's win over the New England Patriots. This comes after Palmer was forced to exit during the second half on Saturday due to a heel injury. The expectation is that the Chargers are going to hold out Palmer for Week 18. However, the 25-year-old might be ready to play in time for the playoffs. The absence of Palmer should mean more targets for Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. Possibly, DJ Chark gets more involved as the third wideout, but he's not a reliable fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Molden Dec 30 9:00pm CT
Elijah Molden

Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Elijah Molden (knee) is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering an injury during Saturday's game against the New England Patriots. It's a shame to see his season come to and end this way, but Molden suffered a broken fibula over the weekend. He'll finish the season with 75 tackles, seven passes defended, and three interceptions in 15 games (12 starts) with the Chargers. The loss of Molden means that recently signed safety Eddie Jackson could be asked to take on a larger role during the regular season finale.

From RotoBaller

Charlie Kolar Dec 30 8:50pm CT
Charlie Kolar

Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (arm) has been designated to return from the injured reserve on Monday. Kolar has missed the last four games after fracturing his forearm in Week 12. The team will evaluate his progress in practice, but Kolar is hopeful to get back on the field this weekend. If active, Kolar will serve as the third tight end for Saturday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Kolar wasn't bringing much to the table before the injury. He has one reception or less in every game besides one this season. He won't offer much fantasy value, but having him would provide depth at the position.

From RotoBaller

Anders Carlson Dec 30 8:30pm CT
Anders Carlson

New York Jets kicker Anders Carlson has been waived by the organization on Monday. This doesn't come as a huge surprise given Greg Zuerlein (knee) was activated from the injured reserve over the weekend. Carlson was decent during his five games with the Jets. He connected on 8-of-10 field goals and missed two extra point attempts during his time in New York. The 26-year-old has decent potential, so we'll see if another team decides to scoop him up. Otherwise, Carlson will remain with Jets on their practice squad if he clears waivers.

From RotoBaller

Jamin Davis Dec 30 8:20pm CT
Jamin Davis

The New York Jets have claimed linebacker Jamin Davis off waivers on Monday. The former first-round pick was released by the Minnesota Vikings following their Week 16 victory. Davis hasn't done much this season with 18 tackles and one sack across nine games between the Washington Commanders and Vikings. He figures to serve as depth for the regular season finale, but a decent performance might land him a contract with the Jets next season. However, it's unclear how much Davis is going to play during the Week 18 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Dec 30 8:03pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr (hand) is expected to participate in a simulated game this week to see if he has a chance to play in Week 18, according to interim head coach Darren Rizzi.

Fantasy Spin: Carr has not played since early December because of his hand injury but may have a chance to play in the finale depending on how he feels during the simulated game. He is not a starting option in standard leagues but could be a possible option in two-quarterback leagues.

From TheHuddle

Rashee Rice Dec 30 7:20pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Monday that there are no plans for wide receivers Rashee Rice (knee) and Skyy Moore (abdomen) to return during the postseason. Rice injured his knee in Week 4 and needed season-ending surgery on his ACL, MCL and meniscus, so it's no surprise that he won't be ready for another playoff run in January. The 24-year-old should have a good shot at being healthy for the start of the 2025 season, but he could be facing a suspension due to off-the-field legal issues. Moore, meanwhile, has been on Injured Reserve since late October due to a core-muscle injury. When healthy, the 24-year-old has found himself buried on the WR depth chart. He couldn't corral any of his three targets in six games this year before getting hurt, and Moore had only 43 catches for 494 yards and one TD in 30 games (11 starts) in 2022 and 2023 combined.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Dec 30 7:10pm CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown said on Monday that there has been no thought or talk of sitting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Brown expects all the team's healthy veteran players to suit up as well. Williams, the first overall pick back in April, has had a tough rookie season in the NFL, but it hasn't all been his fault -- the Bears fired their head coach and offensive coordinator midseason. The 23-year-old from USC has taken a league-high 67 sacks and has looked like a rookie for most of the year. There's no denying his playmaking abilities and elite arm strength, but it hasn't been the year many expect for Williams, who has thrown for 3,393 yards, 19 TDs and six picks in 16 starts. If the Packers rest some of their starters, Williams could end up having a decent final game in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Mecole Hardman Dec 30 7:10pm CT
Mecole Hardman

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Monday that there's a chance that wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) could "potentially" return in the postseason. The Chiefs locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC and will have a first-round bye, which will give their injured players an extra week to try and heal up. The 26-year-old wideout was placed on Injured Reserve back on Dec. 7, but he'll be eligible to return for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos. Hardman isn't going to be activated for that game, but depending on how he recovers, he could be available for the Divisional Round of the playoffs that runs from Jan. 17-23. In 12 games before his injury, Hardman didn't make much of an impact (12 catches for 90 yards) in a banged-up receiving corps, so fantasy managers in postseason formats shouldn't expect much from him if he returns in January.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 30 7:00pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh wouldn't commit on Monday to whether the starters will play this Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. If the Pittsburgh Steelers win on Saturday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, the Chargers would be locked into the No. 6 seed and would face either the Baltimore Ravens or the Steelers in the wild-card round. However, if the Steelers lose on Saturday, the Bolts would have a chance to move up to the No. 5 seed with a win over the Raiders. The fifth seed in the AFC will travel to face the Houston Texans on wild-card weekend. "We'd love to be the fifth seed," Harbaugh said. The decision on whether to play quarterback Justin Herbert and the rest of the starters this weekend will all come down to whether LA has a chance to move into the No. 5 seed.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Dec 30 6:50pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said there's a chance that running back Tony Pollard (ankle, illness) could play in Week 18 against the division-rival Houston Texans after missing the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Tyjae Spears (concussion), however, is more uncertain after suffering a concussion against the Jags on Sunday. Callahan hasn't sounded very optimistic about Spears' chances of playing in the regular-season finale. The Titans have nothing to play for this weekend and will prioritize playing time for younger players, so even if the 27-year-old Pollard is feeling well enough to return to action, there's no guarantee he'll be the Titans' featured back all game. If the team rules out both Pollard and Spears by this Friday, Tennessee's backfield would be split by Julius Chestnut and Joshua Kelley to close out the year.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Dec 30 6:40pm CT
Tyler Huntley

According to Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, quarterback Tyler Huntley will get more practice repetitions than Tua Tagovailoa (hip) this week as the team prepares to face the division-rival New York Jets on the road in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday in another must-win game. "I don't think it's a lock he plays this week. The hip was more banged up than people realize... It's fair to say his status [for Jets] is in question," ESPN's Adam Schefter said. As of right now, the 26-year-old is on the wrong side of questionable for Week 18 after he missed the Week 17 win over the Cleveland Browns. It will all depend on how Tua's body responds to practice reps this week, but fantasy managers in two-QB superflex leagues should plan on being without Tagovailoa this weekend. Huntley wasn't terrible in his fourth start in 2024 against the Browns, throwing for 225 yards and a TD while also adding 52 rushing yards and a score on the ground.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Dec 30 6:40pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said on Monday that he's optimistic on wide receiver Jaylen Waddle's (knee) status for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival New York Jets. McDaniel said that Waddle was held out for the second straight game in the Week 17 win over the Cleveland Browns because of the risk of aggravation. Even if the 26-year-old pass-catcher is able to gain clearance to play this Sunday against the Jets, he could be taking passes from quarterback Tyler Huntley with Tua Tagovailoa (hip) up in the air to play. That would likely make Waddle a shaky WR4/flex, at best, for fantasy managers with a championship on the line. Waddle is having the worst season of his career in 2024 in his fourth year in the league with only 700 receiving yards and two TDs on 54 receptions. The former first-rounder had 1,000 yards in his first three seasons.

From RotoBaller

Mike McDaniel Dec 30 6:40pm CT
Mike McDaniel

The Miami Dolphins are not ready to rule out offensive tackle Terron Armstead (knee) for the Week 18 regular-season opener after he was injured in the Week 17 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. "He's going to see what he can do and [we] will approach the week with mindset of getting Patrick ready to start but allowing Terron to see if he can get himself ready to play," head coach Mike McDaniel said on Monday. The 33-year-old left tackle was injured in the first half and didn't return in the second half. Armstead's availability for another must-win contest in Week 18 against the division-rival New York Jets will be determined by how much he can get done in practice this week. If he cannot go, expect Patrick Paul to make the start at left tackle for a Dolphins offense that could be without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) for a second straight game.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Dec 30 6:30pm CT
Chase Brown

The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping that running back Chase Brown (ankle) will be able to play in a must-win game in Week 18 against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday after he sprained his ankle in last Saturday's thrilling overtime victory over the Denver Broncos to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. "Chase Brown is a special player, and I think he's got a bright, bright future in this league as one of the top backs, really in anything you ask him to do," offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. "And so, obviously, we're hopeful that we're going to have him. And I know he's going to work really hard to be able to be out there for us." If Brown is unable to go, the Bengals have confidence that Khalil Herbert can fill the void after rushing the ball four times for 23 yards in relief of Brown in Week 17. If Brown is active, he'll be a must-start in fantasy lineups for those still playing for hardware in their leagues.

From RotoBaller

Alex Erickson Dec 30 6:23pm CT
Alex Erickson

New England Patriots WR Alex Erickson reverted back to the practice squad Monday, Dec. 30, after being on the active roster for the Week 17 game.

From TheHuddle

Derek Carr Dec 30 6:20pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi said on Monday that the team will evaluate where quarterback Derek Carr (hand) is this week after he didn't make much progress last week when they simulated some game-like situation. The head coach said the function the Saints are looking for with Carr is mostly taking a snap, having grip strength, and being able to switch hands. Carr has been out since fracturing his left (non-throwing) hand in Week 14. While the veteran signal-caller still wants to play, the Saints have been eliminated from postseason contention and won't risk the QB's health if they aren't satisfied with his progress this week. The 33-year-old has once again battle a multitude of injuries in 2024 and has been a low-upside, low-end QB2 in fantasy, averaging 18.0 points per game, which ranks him as the QB23. Rookie Spencer Rattler will make another start if Carr is eventually ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Dec 30 6:20pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that the team will play to win this week at the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday. As things currently stand after their Week 17 win over the Atlanta Falcons to clinch a playoff spot on Sunday night, Washington is the NFC's sixth seed. If they can beat the Cowboys this weekend, they will stay in the No. 6 spot and travel to either the Los Angeles Rams or the winner of the NFC South (Buccaneers or Falcons). A loss to Dallas and a win by the Green Bay Packers, and the Commanders would head to Philadelphia to face the Eagles in the wild-card round. The Commanders would much rather stay in the No. 6 seed, so rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the rest of the starters should suit up in Week 18 for fantasy managers that are still playing for a championship.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Dec 30 6:10pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi reiterated on Monday that running back Alvin Kamara (knee) still wants to play before the end of the 2024 regular season this Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18. While Kamara has not been ruled out for the regular-season finale, Rizzi said the final decision is up to the medical staff. The 29-year-old has missed each of the team's two last games due to an adductor injury. The fact that Kamara wants to play in one more game doesn't really change the fact that the Saints have nothing left to play for. When it comes down to it, Kamara's long-term health is much more important than getting him out there at less than 100%. Backup Kendre Miller (concussion) is also in danger of missing Week 18, so Clyde Edwards-Helaire could lead New Orleans' backfield for the second straight week.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Dec 30 6:00pm CT
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) aggravated his chest injury in the Week 17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday but checked out OK after the game. Valdes-Scantling was injured in the fourth quarter and never returned. MVS missed the Week 16 loss to the Green Bay Packers because of his chest injury, so the Saints pulled him on Sunday out of caution. It sounds like he's fine, but it doesn't mean he'll play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buccaneers with nothing on the line for New Orleans. He had a three-game stretch from Weeks 10-13 in which he caught seven passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns, but he's since caught six of 16 targets for 115 yards and no scores in the last three games. MVS is an unreliable boom/bust deep threat that should only be considered in fantasy if quarterback Derek Carr (hand) returns in Week 18.

From RotoBaller