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Colts rule out C Ryan Kelly, LB Jaylon Carlies vs. Broncos

Sat Dec 14 2:49pm ET
Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts downgraded four-time All-Pro center Ryan Kelly and rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies from questionable to out for Sunday's game against the host Denver Broncos.

The Colts also added defensive end Tyquan Lewis (rib) to the injury report on Saturday and he was listed as questionable.

Indianapolis (6-7) placed offensive tackle Braden Smith on the reserve/non-football illness list and elevated guard Mark Glowinski from the practice squad to the active roster for the game against Denver (8-5).

The Colts had opened the 21-day practice window on Wednesday for Kelly, who went on injured reserve with a knee injury on Nov. 6, and for Carlies, who was on IR with a fibula injury and also has a shoulder issue.

While Kelly was limited at practice all week, Carlies was a full participant. Both can be activated any time during the three-week window.

Kelly, 31, has started all 121 regular-season and postseason games of his nine-year career, all with the Colts, who selected him 18th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Kelly earned Pro Bowl honors in 2019-21 and 2023 and was a second-team All-Pro choice in 2020.

Carlies, 23, has 21 tackles and one sack in seven games (three starts) since being selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft out of Missouri.

Smith, 28, didn't practice all week because of a personal matter and already had been ruled out. He has started 92 of 94 games, including 12 this season, since the Colts selected him in the second round of the 2018 draft out of Auburn.

Glowinski, 32, played in and started one game at right guard this season, a 25-24 win at New England on Dec. 1. He has played in 125 games (97 starts) over 10 seasons for the Seattle Seahawks (2015-17), New York Giants (2022-23) and Colts (2018-21, 2024).

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
Aaron Jones Dec 14 2:30pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (back) could have another strong outing this Monday night against their division-rival Chicago Bears. The veteran runner was outstanding in the two teams' last meeting, churning out 129 total yards and a touchdown in the road tilt. While the Bears have typically been sound against the pass this season, they've allowed gobs of yards on the ground (134.8 per game) and are tied for the third-most rush yards per attempt (4.8). Through 14 weeks, Chicago is letting up 25.5 fantasy points per game to running backs -; the eighth highest. Fantasy managers can comfortably slot Jones into their lineup as a solid RB2 with upside. He ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB20 in this week's ranks.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Dec 14 2:20pm CT
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is an excellent QB1 play in Week 15 despite a tough rematch with the Chicago Bears. Darnold and the Vikings squared off against the Bears back in Week 12, pulling out a thrilling OT victory on the road. Chicago has limited quarterbacks to just 13 passing scores and 15 fantasy points per game through 2024. However, they've let up 876 passing yards since their last meeting and a 6:0 TD:INT ratio. The 27-year-old has been superb in his first stint with the Vikes, turning in seven top-ten fantasy finishes at his position and no interceptions in four straight outings. He should be productive again this week and ranks as RotoBaller's QB6 ahead of their tilt on Monday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Dec 14 2:00pm CT
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely should be viewed as a risky TE2 heading into a Week 15 matchup against the New York Giants. The young tight end has shown elite potential at times this season. Last weekend, he brought in five of his eight targets for 38 yards and a score. In addition, he has scored double-digit PPR points in four of the 12 games this season. In three of those games, he scored at least 15.0 PPR points. However, Likely has struggled to produce consistently. During Weeks 6 through 12, he averaged just 4.8 PPR points per game and tallied just 27.7 yards per game. While he has produced a solid fantasy output when given the targets, he is hard to trust in standard formats and could be in store for another "bust" showing facing a Giants defense that has allowed the third-fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Dec 14 1:50pm CT
Ray Davis

Buffalo Bills rookie running back should be viewed as a high-risk RB3 heading into a Week 15 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Davis has typically been deployed as a change-of-pace option in the Buffalo backfield behind James Cook. Last weekend, during their loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Kentucky product did not log a carry and only saw 12 total offensive snaps. However, in Week 13, Davis ran the ball 11 times for 63 yards and a touchdown. Overall, since Week 8, Davis has averaged 4.8 rushing attempts per game but has produced well in this role, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. While Davis may see a few opportunities near the red zone, he is a high-risk option given his unstable role in the Buffalo offense. Facing a tough Detroit defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing running backs does not make Davis' path much clearer as, well.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Dec 14 1:40pm CT
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins hasn't thrown a touchdown pass since Week 9, a stretch of four consecutive games without one, while throwing eight interceptions during that time. The 36-year-old has struggled mightily outside of the three games played against the Buccaneers and Cowboys. In those other 10 contests, the veteran signal-caller has a 6:14 TD:INT while averaging 239 passing yards per game. The silver lining is that the Falcons take on the Raiders this week, a team that has yielded the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks on the season but have been even worse as of late, with 16 TD passes allowed in their last six games alone. It's possible that the Falcons rely on the run game when in a position to score, as they did last week with all three touchdowns coming via the rush. However, with Atlanta as four-point favorites in desperate need of a win to keep playoff hopes alive, in addition to Cousins possibly playing for his job and with an extra day to prepare, this could be the week to take a flier on the 4x Pro Bowler. It's a risky proposition though, as he projects as a low-end QB2 in Week 15 on Monday night.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Dec 14 1:40pm CT
D'Andre Swift

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Monday's divisional matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Swift was unable to practice during the first two practice sessions of the week but was upgraded to a limited participant on Saturday, suggesting there is some positivity surrounding his status. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status throughout the weekend, as he may be a game-time decision leading up to Monday's game. The 25-year-old has dealt with lingering injuries all season but has yet to officially miss time with them. Over his past three contests, Swift has averaged 15.0 total touches per game but has been unable to produce much, totaling just 8.0 PPR points per game. Given his injury concern and tough matchup facing the league's third-toughest rushing defense, fantasy managers should view him as a risky flex option if he can suit up. If not, Travis Homer would be given RB1 duties as Roschon Johnson (concussion) has been ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Dec 14 1:30pm CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki should be viewed as a risky tight end and should only be deployed in deeper 14+ team formats this weekend, facing the Tennessee Titans. After enjoying a solid start to the campaign, the veteran has taken a step back over the past few weeks. Over his past four games, he has averaged just 5.7 PPR points per game with 3.0 receptions per contest. However, he still sees a solid 4.8 targets per game, suggesting brighter days may be ahead. Since scoring 27.0 PPR points during Week 9, Gesicki has only eclipsed double-digit PPR points on one occasion. Facing the Titans, who have allowed the ninth-fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends, fantasy managers should only view him as a desperation play on Sunday, given his lack of stable production this season.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Dec 14 1:30pm CT
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) has been ruled out for Monday night's contest against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Johnson suffered this concussion during their Week 13 match against the Detroit Lions and has been sidelined since. Johnson was unable to practice all week and will set his sights on returning in Week 16 to face the Detroit Lions. While sidelined, Travis Homer has taken the No.2 role behind D'Andre Swift. During Weeks 8 through 12, Johnson was showing some fantasy upside, especially in the red zone, as he punched in three scores during this five-game span. Fantasy managers should consider grabbing Homer off the waiver wire as the top option, Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Monday's tilt. If Homer gets the starting nod, he should be viewed as a high-floor RB2 based on volume.

From RotoBaller

Riley Patterson Dec 14 1:20pm CT
Riley Patterson

According to Chris Easterling of Akron Beacon Journal, the Browns have elevated kicker Riley Patterson to the active roster. This could suggest that the Browns are opting to do a kicking change and moving away from Dustin Hopkins. Over his past five games, Hopkins has struggled as he has gone just 3-for-9 on attempts and 1-for-5 on attempts from 40 yards and over. This was a stark drop compared to the 91.7% FG rate he held last season. Patterson made just one start this season playing with the New York Jets during Week 9. Fantasy managers should monitor this situation leading up to kickoff in case the Browns choose to give Patterson the starting nod. This kicking situation should be avoided in all formats, given Hopkins' struggles and Patterson's lack of proven production.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Butker Dec 14 1:10pm CT
Harrison Butker

According to the team, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (knee) was activated off the injured reserve and does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. Butker has been sidelined for the past four games with a foot injury but is slated to return to action this weekend. In a corresponding move, the Chiefs have released kicker Matthew Wright. Wright has operated as the starting kicker over the past two weeks and went 8-for-9 on field goal attempts. Before his injury, Butker carried a 90.0% FG rate and was 21-for-22 on extra points. Fantasy managers should view the 29-year-old as a solid K1 for the remainder of the season. This weekend, he will face the Browns, who have allowed the 16th-most fantasy points to opposing kickers.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Dec 14 12:00pm CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary had a season-low two touches for eight yards in the Week 14 loss to the New Orleans Saints and should not be in any starting fantasy lineups for a Week 15 tilt against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens defense has given up lots of big plays in 2024, although they've been more stout against the run and are allowing only 17.8 half-PPR points to RBs per week, which ranks as the seventh-fewest in the NFL. The 27-year-old Singletary just hasn't had any standalone fantasy value since rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. took over the lead role in New York's backfield earlier this year. Singletary hasn't seen double-digit carries since Week 4 and has a combined 33 rushing attempts for 136 yards (4.12 yards per tote) and only one touchdown in seven games since Week 7. At best, he's a handcuff option for Tracy and should be left on benches in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Dec 14 11:50am CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard made his return from Injured Reserve due to a chest injury in the Week 14 overtime loss to the division-rival Miami Dolphins and caught his only target for an 18-yard pickup. Lazard did play 78 percent of the offensive snaps, but as expected, he was the clear WR3 behind Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams. There's no discounting the 29-year-old's rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and he should see more involvement down the stretch as he gets further away from his chest injury. However, it's going to be hard to count on him for consistent fantasy production as long as Wilson and Adams stay healthy. In Week 14, Wilson and Adams combined for 223 yards and a score on 21 targets, with Lazard seeing just the lone target. Lazard should be on the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy leagues and should be benched in Week 15 in deeper formats against the Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Van Jefferson Dec 14 11:50am CT
Van Jefferson

With Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) being ruled out for a second straight game, Van Jefferson will have an increased role again in a Week 15 battle on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the Week 14 win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns last week with Pickens sidelined, Jefferson played a team-high 74 percent of the offensive snaps, but it resulted in just one catch on one target for a 10-yard touchdown reception, his second of the season. The 28-year-old pass-catcher will no doubt be on the field plenty this weekend in Philly, but expecting him to put up fantasy relevant numbers is unrealistic in Pittsburgh's low-volume passing attack against an Eagles defense that has been stingy against pass-catchers in 2024. Jefferson has caught only four of six targets in the last three weeks.

From RotoBaller

Cam Little Dec 14 11:40am CT
Cam Little

Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little is difficult to trust for the fantasy playoffs in Week 15 against the New York Jets. The rookie kicker has had a good season and looks like he will stick around for the foreseeable future, but given all of the offensive injuries in Jacksonville, it is hard to see the upside from a fantasy perspective. Mac Jones as the starting quarterback has not thrown a passing a touchdown and has turned the ball over too often, meaning very few kick attempts for Little. The Jets are good enough of a defense to keep the offense at bay despite their record, similar to the Tennessee Titans last week who held them to just 10 points, all of which came in the fourth quarter. There are kickers likely available in free agency on much better offenses, making Little not a great starting option in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Dec 14 11:40am CT
Mike Williams

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams should once again be more involved in the offense in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday with George Pickens (hamstring) missing a second straight game. However, Williams still won't be recommended as a starting fantasy play in most formats in the first round of the playoffs this week in most leagues. The 30-year-old big-bodied deep threat played only 29% of the offensive snaps in last week's win over the Browns with Pickens out, but he did see his most targets (four) in his fifth game with the team and caught three passes for 36 yards. Pittsburgh could be facing limited passing volume for the second straight week on the road in a hostile environment against an Eagles defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest half-PPR points per game to receivers this year. Williams is no more than a desperation flex play that will most likely burn you.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Dec 14 11:30am CT
Jameis Winston

The Kansas City Chiefs defense will face the Cleveland Browns on the road in Week 15. The Browns offense has typically been a high-scoring unit with Jameis Winston at the helm, which does not bode well for the Chiefs defense. That said, Winston is an aggressive quarterback prone to taking sacks and throwing interceptions. The Chiefs are road favorites in a cold game that could see wind and rain. The Kansas City defense is ranked as the sixth-best defense in our RotoBaller rankings, making them a start-worthy unit. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting the Chiefs defense against a quarterback who has thrown nine interceptions in just six starts.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Dec 14 11:30am CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley enters the Week 15 matchup against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals as the WR28 in half-PPR points through 14 weeks of the season. He's coming off a seven-catch, 59-yard performance in last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in which he had 12 targets, just the second time all season he's seen double-digit looks. The efficiency has not been there (50.5% catch rate) in Tennessee's low-volume passing offense, which can make Ridley a very frustrating fantasy play. The 29-year-old is averaging 9.7 half-PPR points a game, which ranks 43rd among wideouts. The good news is he could have a boom week for fantasy managers on Sunday against a porous Bengals defense that has allowed 235.2 passing yards per game (sixth-most in the NFL). Ridley has opportunity, but he's also had fewer than 60 yards in three of his last four games. It's why he's a volatile WR2 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Dec 14 11:30am CT
Deshaun Watson

Despite being 3-10 heading into a Week 15 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Cleveland Browns expect quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles), reigning NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry to return in 2025, according to sources. Watson's role, however, is up in the air with the Browns moving forward after he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear midseason. Cleveland traded three first-round picks to the Texans to acquire Watson in 2022 and then signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. Since joining the team, he has played in just 19 games and has posted a weak 80.7 passer rating when on the field. A post-June 1 release of Watson would create around $119 million in dead money, which would be the most in NFL history. The Browns are stuck with Watson for now, and he'll be off the fantasy radar coming off his serious injury in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Jaquelin Roy Dec 14 11:20am CT
Jaquelin Roy

New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) and cornerback Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) are both listed as questionable to play in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals. In addition, defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (foot) is out and defensive tackle Christian Barmore (undisclosed) is questionable. It's been an injury-plagued year for Dugger, 28, although he has been active for each of the team's last three contests. After a career-high 109 combined tackles in 2023, Dugger has 52 tackles (35 solo) in nine games in 2024 and could be considered as a starting defensive back in IDP fantasy formats. Gonzalez, 22, should be available this weekend, although he's not much of an option in IDP leagues. The former first-rounder in 2023 has 55 tackles (46 solo), two picks, eight pass breakups and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown in his 13 starts.

From RotoBaller

Jason Sanders Dec 14 11:20am CT
Jason Sanders

Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders looks to continue his made field-goal streak in his matchup against the Houston Texans in Week 15. He has made 16 of his last 16 field-goal attempts and has been one of the hottest kickers in fantasy football. Since quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned from Injured Reserve, Sanders has seen plenty of looks in terms of both field goals and extra points. Things should continue to improve this week, as the Texans rank 17th in fantasy points and 24th in field-goal percentage to opposing kickers per game. His production has earned him a weekly start for the rest of the season. He ranks as the No. 10 kicker in the Week 15 RotoBaller rankings.

From RotoBaller