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Randy Moss reveals he underwent surgery to remove bile duct cancer

Fri Dec 13 7:27pm ET
Field Level Media

Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss said Friday that he is recovering from a cancer surgery and will undergo radiation and chemotherapy.

Moss revealed the health crisis during an Instagram Live appearance. He said a cancerous mass was found in his bile duct between the pancreas and liver.

Moss said he was hospitalized for six days before being released on Friday.

"I didn't think I would ever be in a position like this, as healthy as I thought I was," Moss said.

Moss, 47, said he had a procedure to install a stent into his liver on Thanksgiving in an unrelated matter when doctors discovered the cancer cells.

He then underwent a six-hour surgery last week in Charlotte, N.C. to remove the cancer.

"I am a cancer survivor," Moss said. "Some trying times, but we made it through."

Next are the trials and tribulations that come with making sure the cancer doesn't return.

"Yes, it's going to be a tough road with some chemo and radiation, but like I said, man, I'm good," Moss said.

Moss took a leave of absence from his gig as an NFL analyst for ESPN on Dec. 6. Five days earlier, he said on Instagram that he "has been battling something internal" and requested prayers from his fans.

Moss played for five NFL teams but is most associated with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played the first seven of his 14 seasons and later briefly played for the team late in his career.

"I just want to, on behalf of the whole Minnesota Vikings organization, just send him our well wishes and support," Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said. "We love Randy and know our fan base feels the same way."

Moss earned five of his six Pro Bowl nods with Minnesota (1998-2004, 2010) and recorded six of his 10 1,000-yard seasons with the team. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Moss caught 982 passes for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns in 218 career games. He also played for the then-Oakland Raiders (2005-06), New England Patriots (2007-10), Tennessee Titans (2010) and San Francisco 49ers (2012).

Moss ranks second in career touchdowns catches behind Jerry Rice (197), fourth in career receiving yardage and 16th in career receptions. His 23 receiving touchdowns in 2007 for the Patriots are an NFL record.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
Bo Nix Dec 13 6:50pm CT
Bo Nix

Going into a Week 15 game with all kinds of playoff implications this Sunday in Denver against the visiting Indianapolis Colts, Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix will maintain low-end QB1 appeal in the first round of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues. The 24-year-old 12th overall pick out of Oregon ranks as the No. 15 QB in overall fantasy points through 14 weeks in his first NFL season, and he's also been the QB15 in the last five games, throwing for 1,089 yards on 140 pass attempts with nine touchdowns and only two interceptions. The young signal-caller did throw two picks in last week's thrilling win over the Cleveland Browns -- his first two INTs since throwing one in Week 9 -- but he fell just shy of 300 yards passing and has at least 273 passing yards in the last three games. Nix has plenty of upside against a Colts defense that has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to QBs per game in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Grant Calcaterra Dec 13 6:50pm CT
Grant Calcaterra

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra will aim to build on his first NFL touchdown as the team prepares to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15. Filling in for the injured Dallas Goedert (knee), Calcaterra recorded three catches for 16 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over the Panthers. The Steelers present a challenging matchup, allowing just 218.6 passing yards per game and only 14 passing touchdowns this season, tied for the fifth-fewest in the league. While Calcaterra has shown flashes, finishing as a top-10 PPR tight end three times in five starts, his upside is limited by just one touchdown and a single red-zone target in that span. Pittsburgh has been tough against tight ends, giving up the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position over the last five weeks. Calcaterra profiles as a low-end streaming option in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Dec 13 6:50pm CT
Russell Wilson

The Philadelphia Eagles defense/special teams unit will look to impose their will as they host the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Week 15 matchup that could turn into a defensive battle. They also lead the NFL yards allowed per game (284.2) and rank eighth in total sacks, though their takeaway production has been relatively average. The Steelers, averaging 24.8 points per game (10th in the league), could present a challenge, but the potential absence of wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) may force Pittsburgh to rely more heavily on their ground game, led by Najee Harris. The Eagles' ability to contain the run and apply pressure to quarterback Russell Wilson could be crucial to their Week 15 success. Start them as a mid-tier D/ST option.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Dec 13 6:40pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will look to build on last week's performance as the team hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15. Returning from a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury, Smith caught four passes for 37 yards and a touchdown in last week's narrow win over the Panthers. The matchup against Pittsburgh offers some potential, as the Steelers have allowed 218.6 passing yards per game, but have been stingy in the red zone, surrendering just 14 passing touchdowns (fifth-fewest). Over his last seven appearances, he has averaged 4.6 targets and 44.9 receiving yards per game. Pittsburgh has also been vulnerable to perimeter receivers, allowing the third-most receiving yards per game since Week 9. Smith remains a WR3/flex option with upside in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Dec 13 6:40pm CT
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will look to regain his consistency against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15. Elliott missed a 52-yard attempt in the third quarter last week, marking his sixth missed field goal this season. Despite his struggles from long rangegoing 0-for-5 on kicks over 50 yardsElliott remains reliable inside 40 yards, where he has been perfect this season. The Steelers defense is one of the toughest in the league, allowing just 18.3 points per game, which ranks fifth in the NFL. While opportunities may be limited in this defensive battle, Elliott's accuracy on shorter kicks keeps him in consideration for fantasy managers, though his ceiling is capped in a matchup where points may come at a premium.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Dec 13 6:30pm CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown will aim to rebound as the team hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15. Brown has scored only once in his last seven games, and his involvement has taken a back seat to the dominant rushing attack led by Saquon Barkley. Last week against the Panthers, Brown managed just 43 yards on four targets and was held out of the end zone. The Steelers' defense has been somewhat forgiving through the air, allowing 218.6 passing yards per game. However, Pittsburgh's secondary has also been opportunistic, recording 15 interceptions this season. Brown remains a turbulent WR1 due to his limited target volume but undeniable talent. Fantasy managers should cautiously expect a better performance, especially if the Eagles need to lean on their passing game.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Dec 13 6:20pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley heads into Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers after breaking the Eagles' single-season rushing record. Barkley rushed 20 times for 124 yards in last week's 22-16 win over the Panthers, marking his fourth consecutive 100-yard game and ninth of the season. The top-scoring fantasy RB in 2024 remains on pace to challenge Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. However, the Steelers defense poses a significant challenge, ranking fourth in the league with only 91.5 rushing yards allowed per game. They've also conceded just 12 rushing touchdowns this season. Yet, Pittsburgh has been more generous to running backs overall, surrendering 113.2 scrimmage yards per game. Despite the tough matchup, Barkley's high volume and consistent production make him a locked-in RB1 for Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Dec 13 6:10pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor received 25 carries in Week 13, even with Anthony Richardson logging nine rush attempts of his own, nearly topping the century mark in rush yards with 96. It was the sixth time this season that the 25-year-old was given 20 or more carries in the 10 games he's played, however, he's been almost entirely phased out of the passing attack. Even though the former second-round draft pick caught a touchdown pass in Week 13, it was his only target in the contest after not receiving even a single target the prior week. Without consistent receiving work, the former Pro Bowler is reliant on high volume in the running game as Richardson has monopolized the goal line work, tallying three rushing touchdowns and a two-point conversion on the ground over the last three weeks since being reinserted as the starting QB. High volume is not a given in Week 15 against a Denver defense that has allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and with the Colts as five-point road underdogs, they may be in catch-up mode for the latter part of this game. As talented as he is, the fifth-year pro projects only as a mid-to-low-end RB2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Dec 13 6:10pm CT
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will face the Pittsburgh Steelers at home on Thursday night in Week 15. Hurts has relied on his rushing prowess to remain a top fantasy quarterback, with 13 rushing touchdowns this season, just two shy of his previous season-high. Through the air, Hurts has thrown for under 200 yards in three consecutive games but still managed multiple touchdowns in all but three outings this season. Pittsburgh's secondary has allowed 218.6 passing yards per game but is tough in the red zone, with 15 interceptions compared to only 14 passing touchdowns allowed. Despite the tough matchup, Hurts' dual-threat ability and red-zone dominance keep him in QB1 territory for Week 15. Fantasy managers should temper expectations but confidently start him.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Dec 13 5:50pm CT
Jared Goff

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit suffered a setback last week against the Detroit Lions but look to bounce back on the road against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. The Packers D/ST prior to last week had been a top 10 fantasy defense for three weeks in a row, but ran into the Lions' potent offense in Week 14 as the Packers could only muster a sack and an interception of Jared Goff. In that three-week stretch of top 10 performances, the Packers averaged just over 15 points allowed, 8.7 fantasy points per game, three sacks and a fumble recovery. Against the Seahawks, the Packers can get back to their playmaking ways against a team that will pass quite a bit. They're still a startable unit this week in the hope they can sack Geno Smith and force some turnovers.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Dec 13 5:50pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson had a great fantasy day in Week 13, throwing two touchdown passes, rushing for a touchdown, and scoring a two-point conversion. Fresh off their bye week, the 22-year-old has had an extra week to prepare for Sunday's matchup, although it remains to be seen whether or not that was enough time to fix the problems that have led to a 47.4% completion rate on the season. The former first-round draft pick will take on a Denver defense that has been generally good against the pass, having allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, however, the Browns' Jameis Winston torched the defense for 497 yards and four touchdowns their last time out (albeit with three INTs as well). Holding Richardson's fantasy value afloat is his legs, averaging nearly nine attempts, 47 yards, and a TD per contest in the three games since being reinserted as the starter. View the second-year pro as a mid-range QB2 this week who has some upside with his legs given his nose for the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Dec 13 5:40pm CT
Nico Collins

The Miami Dolphins have been one of the best defenses in the NFL against wide receivers, but Nico Collins of the Houston Texans remains a must-start option in Week 15. Since returning from Injured Reserve, the fourth-year receiver is averaging nine targets and 88 receiving yards, putting him in elite fantasy territory. The Dolphins allow the lowest average depth of target in the league and rank second against fantasy receivers, but Collins has played more than half of Houston's snaps six times this season and finished in the top 15 in five of those games. He's one of the few matchup-proof options, and until he proves otherwise, he should be started in any format this week.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Dec 13 5:40pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson has been hot and cold this season with his fantasy production but looks to keep his good fortunes rolling as the Packers head west to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Watson is coming off a 114-yard performance against the Detroit Lions last week and has two 100-games in his last four games. These games haven't come with too much target volume as he caught four balls in each 100-yard game. As a wide receiver who is dependent on the big play, Watson's fantasy skill set is volatile, but with Romeo Doubs (concussion) active and out of concussion protocol, Watson's routes may come down slightly as he is usually the receiver that rotates in give Dontayvion Wicks some work. That said, with Watson able to do damage on few targets, he's a boom-or-bust flex option this week against the Seahawks in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Dec 13 5:40pm CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon is once again an RB1 candidate when his team plays host to the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. The veteran back has been ultra consistent in his first season in Houston, finishing inside the top 15 for running backs in eight of his 10 games this year. Interestingly, the Dolphins rank second against fantasy receivers but 21st against running backs, largely because backs have fared well as pass catchers against them. Miami has allowed running backs to catch 28 passes in just the past five games alone, which should open the door for a feature back like Mixon to do some damage through the air. Start him with confidence in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Dec 13 5:40pm CT
C.J. Stroud

The Miami Dolphins have been one of the toughest matchups in the NFL for fantasy quarterbacks, which means C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans should only be started in Superflex leagues in Week 15. The Dolphins rank third overall against fantasy quarterbacks, while last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year has finished outside of the top 10 at his position nine games in a row. Stroud now ranks a disappointing 19th among fantasy quarterbacks, and faces a Miami defense among the league's best in air yards allowed (fifth), passing touchdowns allowed (tied for fifth), and average depth of target (first). Now that most fantasy leagues are down to elimination games, managers who roster Stroud in one-QB formats should look to avoid this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Ka'imi Fairbairn Dec 13 5:30pm CT
Ka'imi Fairbairn

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn is once again a starting-caliber option as the Texans prepare to take on Miami in Week 15. The overall No. 2 fantasy kicker wobbled a bit with a devastating short-yardage miss in Week 12, but rebounded with a three-for-three performance in Week 13 prior to Houston's bye last week. Miami ranks 13th against fantasy kickers, and an indoor setting attached to the Houston offense is still a pretty good draw. Fairbairn should be considered a mid-range starter this week.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Dec 13 5:30pm CT
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Friday for the second straight day this week. Meyers was also listed as questionable for the Week 14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but was active and played 91 percent of the offensive snaps while catching seven of his 10 targets for 67 yards. It's possible the 28-year-old draws another questionable tag on Saturday for Monday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons, but as of right now, we'd be surprised if Meyers didn't suit up. He's been much more attractive in fantasy lineups ever since the Raiders traded Davante Adams to the New York Jets. Meyers has averaged 11.7 half-PPR points in his last four games, catching 27 of 42 targets for 313 yards. The matchup against the Falcons secondary is an excellent one, but he'll have more bust potential as a WR3/flex with Desmond Ridder likely starting at QB on Monday.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Dec 13 5:30pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz should be considered a TE2 as his team prepares to take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. The big tight end finally broke a long touchdown drought in his last outing and has a respectable 16 targets in his past three contests, but also has been limited to three or fewer catches in eight of 13 games this season. The former Stanford Cardinal has consistently been a high-floor, low-ceiling option: he never gets shut out completely, but rarely goes off with a week-changing performance. Against a Miami defense that ranks 17th versus his position, Schultz should be saved only for formats that start more than one tight end.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Dec 13 5:30pm CT
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) practiced in full for the second straight day this week on Friday. Mattison has missed the last three games due to an ankle injury, but the fact that he's been practicing in full this week suggests he'll be ready to return in Week 15 when the Raiders take on the Atlanta Falcons in primetime on Monday night. Zamir White (quadriceps) is out for the year after being placed on Injured Reserve. Ameer Abdullah has seen a much bigger workload in recent weeks without Mattison and White, but Sincere McCormick is now the team's starting RB moving forward. The 26-year-old Mattison should still be involved in the backfield, but he won't have enough volume in an offense that will likely be run by quarterback Desmond Ridder this week to warrant flex attention in the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell Dec 13 5:30pm CT
Tank Dell

Managers rostering Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell are likely reluctant to trust him at this point, which is probably the correct instinct in a difficult matchup against the Miami Dolphins. It has been quite the ride for the second-year receiver, who was initially the No. 3 behind receivers Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, then thrust into the top spot due to injuries, and now sits as an unpredictable second option following the return of Collins. Miami ranks second against fantasy receivers and has the lowest average depth of target in the NFL, which are not great signs for a deep threat who has finished outside of the top 40 at his position eight times in 12 games played. Dell should be reserved only for formats that with two or more flex spots in this one.

From RotoBaller