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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 12 | NFL: Week 12

Chiefs keep healthy RB Isiah Pacheco on shelf till Black Friday

Fri Nov 22 3:25pm ET
Field Level Media

Chiefs coach Andy Reid is holding something special back for the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.

Reid said Friday he won't put running back Isiah Pacheco on the field at Carolina on Sunday, when the Chiefs visit the Panthers for a Week 12 matchup, to give him more time to recover from a broken fibula. Because of the short week of preparation before Friday's game with the Las Vegas Raiders, Reid opted not to activate Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu to face the Panthers.

Reid said Thursday that the Chiefs, including input from trainers and offensive coaches, were already considering protecting Pacheco by taking the decision out of his hands this week.

"He's a spark plug now, emotionally," Reid said. "He's something that way, and he's worked his tail off to get to the point that he's at now. We've got to keep an eye on him that way. He would have played three weeks ago if he had his choice, but that's sometimes how it goes. I appreciate that mentality. That's what's helped him get to this point."

Pacheco and Omenihu practiced the entire week.

With three more light practice days before the weeknight game, both players could return for the division clash on Friday.

Kareem Hunt, who is averaging 3.7 yards per carry as the primary ballcarrier during Pacheco's absence, remains the starter.

Pacheco was placed on injured reserve Sept. 18 with a broken fibula sustained in a Week 2 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. Omenihu has been recovering from a torn ACL sustained in last year's AFC Championship Game victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Pacheco, 25, rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown and caught seven passes for 54 yards in two games before the injury. He has accumulated 2,328 yards from scrimmage with 15 touchdowns in 33 games (26 starts) since Kansas City drafted him in the seventh round in 2022.

Omenihu, 27, had a career-high seven sacks in 11 games (one start) in his first season with the Chiefs in 2023. He has 18.5 sacks in 72 career games (11 starts) with the Houston Texans (2019-21), San Francisco 49ers (2021-22) and Kansas City. He was a fifth-round pick by Houston in 2019.

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Player Notes
Aaron Jones Nov 22 2:40pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (ribs) will look to bounce back in Week 12 when his team squares off against the Chicago Bears in a divisional clash. The 29-year-old had a tough go last Sunday in the Vikings' 23-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans -; putting up his worst fantasy performance thus far in 2024 (5.3 PPR points). However, Chicago presents as a solid opportunity to put the subpar outing behind him. The Bears defensive unit is affording their opponent's rushing attack 4.8 yards per carry this season and allows an average of 17.4 fantasy points per game to the running back position. With Minnesota's division rivals being staunch against the pass, they could be in store for a heavy dose of Jones. The veteran ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB16 for Week 12.

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Zamir White Nov 22 2:40pm CT
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that running backs Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps) are both doubtful to play in the Week 12 divisional tilt on Sunday against the visiting Denver Broncos. The Raiders are extremely banged up on both sides of the ball heading into this weekend's game against the upstart Broncos. With Mattison and White unlikely to suit up, expect the Raiders to use a combination of Ameer Abdullah and rookie Dylan Laube, who fumbled on his lone rushing attempt this year, in their backfield. Abdullah is probably the better bet for fantasy managers in a pinch at the RB position with six teams on bye in Week 12, but you shouldn't expect much from this lackluster offense against a top-five defense. In deeper leagues, Abdullah could pass as a low-upside RB3/flex.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Nov 22 2:40pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson said he "would expect things to go up" in Week 12 against the division-rival Chicago Bears and for the rest of the season in terms of his offensive snaps. Fellow TE Josh Oliver (ankle) has already been ruled out, so Hockenson should be on the field more in his fourth game of the season on Sunday. The 27-year-old has seen his snap percentages slowly increase since Week 9, as he played 45% of the snaps in Week 9, 46% in Week 10 and 48% last week. While Hockenson hasn't been amazing in his first three games, he hasn't been invisible, either, catching 13 of his 16 targets for 112 yards, including an eight-catch, 72-yard performance in the Week 10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bears defense isn't an ideal matchup, but Hockenson should have a higher fantasy ceiling and floor as at least a low-end TE1 this weekend.

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Cam Akers Nov 22 2:40pm CT
Cam Akers

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers has a road matchup against their division-rival Chicago Bears on tap this Sunday. Akers has been far from efficient with his rush attempts over the last two weeks (23/63[2.74 YPC]), but he had at least 12 touches in each appearance and got into the end zone for the third time this season in Week 11's victory over the Tennessee Titans. It's unclear whether his workload has been due to backfield mate Aaron Jones (ribs) and his injury. Still, he's seen his snap share rise in each of the previous three contests. Chicago has been a decent matchup for fantasy running backs, allowing 17.4 points to the position -; a bottom-half of the league number. The 25-year-old's workload could be spotty, but he has a good shot at being effective with his touches against a unit allowing 4.8 yards per carry on the season. He's RotoBaller's PPR RB34 in this week's rankings.

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Mike Evans Nov 22 2:30pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was listed as limited in practice on Friday and has been given a questionable tag for the Week 12 game on Sunday against the New York Giants. Evans, who has missed the last three games with a right-hamstring injury, was also limited in practice on Wednesday but was able to put in a full session on Thursday. The full expectation is that the 31-year-old veteran will play this weekend, with head coach Todd Bowles saying Evans will play "as long as he's healthy and fresh." The future Hall of Famer should be returned to starting fantasy lineups everywhere if he's active, but he'll also have more bust potential against the G-Men if he doesn't see his usual workload as Tampa's WR1. The Giants defense hasn't been the greatest matchup for opposing pass-catchers, but they have allowed 10 TDs to the position through 10 games in 2024.

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Nico Collins Nov 22 2:30pm CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is expected to have a bigger workload in Week 12 on Sunday against the division-rival Tennessee Titans in his second game back from a hamstring injury that kept him out for five games. Collins looked explosive on a long touchdown catch on the first play of the game in Monday's win over the Dallas Cowboys that was called back due to a penalty, but he ended up playing only 47% of the offensive snaps to finish with four catches for a season-low 54 yards. "I'm feeling good, man," Collins said. "I can't wait for it. We've got to keep building. It felt good to be back out there with the guys. Another week under my belt and I keep working." Collins leads the Texans with 621 receiving yards and has 36 receptions, three touchdowns and is averaging 17.3 yards per catch. He's a must-start for fantasy managers in Week 12 against the Titans.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Nov 22 2:20pm CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) has been removed from the final Week 12 injury report and will return on Sunday to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Slayton has officially cleared the league's concussion protocol coming out of the bye week and will play this weekend for the first time since suffering a concussion in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old could return to a substantial role, too, with rookie Malik Nabers (groin) being questionable to play against Tampa. However, the move to quarterback Tommy Devito as New York's starter could also limit the fantasy upside of all of the Giants' pass-catchers the rest of the season. The biggest beneficiary for the G-Men if Nabers is inactive on Sunday will likely be receiver Wan'Dale Robinson.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Nov 22 2:10pm CT
Malik Nabers

After coming down with a groin injury in Friday's practice, New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 12 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he told ESPN New York's Jordan Raanan in the locker room that he intends to play. While it's good news that the 21-year-old is feeling good enough to say he intends to play this weekend, the ultimate decision on Sunday will come down to the coaching staff. Nabers' fantasy value could also be taking a pretty big hit with quarterback Tommy Devito taking over under center moving forward. The bottom line is that fantasy managers need to have a plan in place in case Nabers is ruled out Sunday morning. In his last four games, Nabers has 26 catches on 42 targets for 221 yards and no scores. If he's unable to go or is limited, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton (concussion) would see more work.

From RotoBaller

Josh Oliver Nov 22 1:50pm CT
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Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Oliver hasn't been able to practice all week due to a lingering ankle issue. His absence won't mean too much for the Vikings offense. Oliver has taken a backseat with T.J. Hockenson back in the mix. Last week, Oliver hauled in all three of his targets for 34 yards in the win over the Tennessee Titans. The absence of Oliver means that Hockenson should see a full-time role and could be an uptick for his value. However, Hockenson should already be treated as a TE1 heading into this game.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Nov 22 1:50pm CT
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (foot) is ready to go ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Darnold was limited by a foot injury to begin the week. However, Darnold appears to be fine now after back-to-back full practice sessions. Fantasy managers should expect Darnold to be a full-go for Sunday's important divisional game. Darnold has cooled off a bit since his hot beginning to the season, but is still a viable fantasy option. Fantasy managers should treat him as a low-end QB1 for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Nov 22 1:40pm CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (groin) has been tagged as questionable ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Swift has been progressing throughout the week as he sat out of Wednesday's practice. Swift was limited on Thursday and was able to get through a full practice session on Friday. The fact that Swift was able to get through a full practice session on Friday should mean that he'll be ready to go this weekend. If he sits, Roschon Johnson figures to become the lead back and would see an increase in snaps. Swift should be considered a RB2 for this tough matchup against the Vikings rush defense.

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Keenan Allen Nov 22 1:30pm CT
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Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (ankle) popped up on Friday's injury report, which now gives him a questionable tag for the Week 12 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Allen appears to have suffered an ankle injury during Friday's practice. The severity of the injury is unknown, but now the oft-injured wideout is uncertain for Sunday. Fantasy managers should get a backup in place considering this injury happened late in the week. If Allen sits, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze figure to have increased roles in the offense.

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Jaycee Horn Nov 22 1:20pm CT
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Carolina Panthers defensive back Jaycee Horn (calf) will be available ahead of Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Horn has been limited in practice all week due to a calf issue. Despite that, Horn appears to be feeling good enough to play this weekend. He has been a key defender for the Panthers this season. Horn has 44 tackles, 10 passes defended, and one interception through 10 games. His presence on the field is a plus for the Panthers, but this defense isn't worth streaming against the Chiefs offense.

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Cedric Tillman Nov 22 1:18pm CT
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Dynasty | Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman had two catches for 28 yards in a win against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: Uh oh. After three straight solid games, Tillman has now posted just five total catches for 75 scoreless yards the past two weeks. Even worse, it seems Jerry Jeudy is emerging as Jameis Winston's top target. The quick dynasty ascension for Tillman will stop for the moment until we see more moving forward. At this point, he's a tough start in dynasty leagues.

Mike Evans Nov 22 1:13pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (hamstring) practiced in full on Friday, Nov. 22, and no longer appears on the injury report for Week 12 against the New York Giants.

Fantasy Spin: Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Friday that Evans "will play as long as he is healthy and fresh." The Buccaneers would be wise to ease Evans back into action after he missed the team's last three games, but they may not feel they can afford that luxury. A healthy and rested Evans should be considered a strong WR1 option in an offense that no longer has Chris Godwin in it, so the 31-year-old needs to be back in lineups this weekend.

From TheHuddle

Isiah Pacheco Nov 22 1:10pm CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Pacheco was designated to return from the injured reserve last week. He has been able to get through some limited practice sessions, but Pacheco isn't quite ready for game action. The Chiefs have decided to hold him out for at least one more game. Kareem Hunt will continue working as the lead back and should have RB1 value for this favorable matchup against the Panthers defense. Fantasy managers can be hopeful to get something out of Pacheco next week.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Nov 22 1:00pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (back, foot) was able to return to the practice field on Friday and is expected to play on Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders in Week 12. Lamb is dealing with multiple injuries this week. He practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday before being downgraded to a DNP on Thursday. While he could be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report, fantasy managers should leave the team's WR1 in their starting fantasy lineups for this weekend with a favorable matchup on tap. Lamb's fantasy upside the rest of the year took a hit with the season-ending injury to quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring), but Lamb was able to catch eight of 12 targets for 93 yards in last week's loss to the Houston Texans with Cooper Rush leading the offense. Treat Lamb as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Jadeveon Clowney Nov 22 12:53pm CT
Jadeveon Clowney

Carolina Panthers RB Miles Sanders (ankle) did not practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 12 versus the Kansas City Chiefs. LB Amare Barno (knee) was upgraded to a limited practice on Friday, Nov. 22, but is listed as doubtful. PK Eddy Pineiro (knee) and WR Jalen Coker (quad) did not practice on Friday but are listed as questionable. WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable. LB Jadeveon Clowney (knee), DE LaBryan Ray (hand), LB D.J. X. Johnson (concussion), RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) and LB D.J. Wonnum (quad) practiced in full on Friday but are also listed as questionable. CB Jaycee Horn (calf) was limited in practice all week but has been removed from the injury report. OG Damien Lewis (illness), DL A'Shawn Robinson (rest), OT Ikem Ekwonu (ankle), S Xavier Woods (shoulder) and OT Taylor Moton (rest) practiced in full on Friday and also no longer appear on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Brandon Aubrey Nov 22 12:50pm CT
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Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has been one of the lone bright spots for the team this season. The 29-year-old did miss a 40-yard kick on Monday night, but he drilled a 53-yarder and a 64-yarder that was wiped off of the board due to an unnecessary roughness penalty. Aubrey's leg has arguably been Dallas' best offensive weapon this year. The star kicker faces a solid matchup this week against Washington although with the way Dallas' offense is trending, he is a tough start. He can be considered for lineups but there are better options out there, especially with CeeDee Lamb (back, foot) potentially missing this weekend's contest.

From RotoBaller