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Dolphins WRs Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill ailing for 49ers' clash

Fri Dec 20 7:02pm ET
Field Level Media

Miami Dolphins receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are both ailing as the team prepares for Sunday's home game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Waddle (knee) was listed as doubtful on Friday's injury report after missing all three practices this week. He was injured in the second quarter of last weekend's 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans.

Hill is listed as questionable with a wrist injury that has bothered him all season. Hill has said he will consider getting the wrist surgically repaired after the season.

Hill has 67 receptions for a team-best 805 yards in 14 games this season. He has caught five touchdown passes.

Waddle has 54 catches this season for 700 yards and two touchdowns.

Miami ruled out long snapper Blake Ferguson (non-football illness) and listed receiver D'Wayne Eskridge (knee) as doubtful.

Also listed questionable were left tackle Terron Armstead (knee), right tackle Kendall Lamm (back) and linebackers Bradley Chubb (knee) and Cameron Goode (knee).

San Francisco will be without left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and running back Isaac Guerendo (foot/hamstring). Questionable for the contest are defensive end Nick Bosa (hip/oblique), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles, knee) and defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (ankle).

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 16

Player Notes
Kyler Murray Dec 20 10:00pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is a top-five quarterback play when the Cardinals travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers. Murray hasn't lit up the box score in recent weeks, but his Week 15 performance against the Patriots was a step toward returning to his usual output. He kept the ball clean last week, ending his streak of three games with a turnover. The Panthers' defense ranks 27th in points allowed to opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. It will be a colder game in Carolina, which could be an adjustment for the Cardinals' offense, but Murray has played well in cold games throughout his career. The matchup with the Panthers' defense and Murray's rushing ability make him a desirable start in fantasy in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Dec 20 10:00pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was a full participant in practice on Friday. The 27-year-old did not practice on Wednesday, but was back to a full participant the following two sessions to close out the week. The 6-foot-4 wideout has dealt with back issues seemingly all season long, but it has cost him just one week of playing time. The former second-round draft pick has been Anthony Richardson's preferred target in the passing game over the last four weeks since being reinstated as the starting QB, averaging over five catches per contest, albeit for just 60 yards per game. The fifth-year pro hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 6, which happened to be against his Week 16 opponent, the Tennessee Titans. Although he found paydirt in that first meeting, he did so on just three catches for 35 yards. With the Titans allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers and with Richardson completing less than 50% of his passes on the season, expectations for Sunday's divisional showdown should be tempered. While the Colts are 3.5-point favorites in this one, there is a low expected total of 42.5 and Pittman Jr. projects as a WR4 this week, so hopefully fantasy managers have other options.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Dec 20 10:00pm CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson could have an opportunity to demonstrate his pass-catching upside during Sunday's Week 16 game against the Buffalo Bills. New England faces Buffalo two times over the next three weeks, and this Sunday's contest could set the tone for Stevenson to win back some of the opportunities that he has ceded to Antonio Gibson lately. While Buffalo has been solid against the run, they're porous against pass-catching running backs. In fact, the Bills have allowed the most catches, most receiving yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2024. That bodes well for Stevenson, who has multiple catches in nine of his 13 games this season. He has caught an impressive 32 of 39 passes thrown his way this year, which is a higher total than Gibson, his backfield-mate. Touchdown opportunities have been limited for Stevenson this year, which means his fantasy managers need him to catch passes to produce points. There's no better matchup than the Bills for this to happen. As a result, he ranks as a high-end RB3 in most leagues as the fantasy playoffs carry on.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Dec 20 9:50pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has been the best fantasy wideout all year. In the former LSU Tiger's 14 appearances this season, he has amassed 102 catches (138 targets) for 1,413 yards and 15 touchdowns. He found the end zone eight times in the four games heading into the Week 15 win over the Titans. While Chase didn't score versus Tennessee, he still had nine catches. With the Browns on tap for Week 16, nothing should change regarding Chase, meaning he should continue to get plenty of attention from Joe Burrow (wrist, knee). Keep him starting in all fantasy formats against Cleveland.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Dec 20 9:50pm CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had three catches for 37 yards in the Week 15 win over the Titans. Unfortunately, that type of showing has been the norm for the 29-year-old nearly all season. Granted, he has had a few potent fantasy showings. However, with 45 catches for 497 yards during the 2024-25 campaign, Gesicki can't be trusted from a fantasy standpoint, although managers in need can plug him in and hope for the best against a Browns defense that has struggled against opposing tight ends all year.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Dec 20 9:40pm CT
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney picked a terrible time to have his worst outing of the season, recording zero catches on one target against a depleted Raiders defense. The 27-year-old posted a one-catch performance back in Week 1, but averaged almost five catches per contest from Week 2-14. Now, with confidence shaken combined with a rookie quarterback making his first start, fantasy managers who survived Week 15's debacle must decide whether or not to use Mooney in Week 16. The lack of success last week should probably be attributed to Kirk Cousins more than Mooney, however. Still, even though the Falcons are nine-point favorites on Sunday versus the Giants, Atlanta is likely to deploy a heavy dose of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier against a defense that has yielded the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs on the season. If the Falcons do need to ask Michael Penix Jr. to throw, then the receivers should see some success, as New York allows the third-highest completion rate to QBs and has only intercepted a pass twice on the entire year. All that being said, Mooney looks like a shaky WR3 in the fantasy playoffs this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Dec 20 9:40pm CT
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown has had an excellent 2024-25 campaign. The 24-year-old has 832 yards off 191 carries and 47 catches for 318 yards. He's also combined for 11 touchdowns, finding the end zone at least once in seven of his previous nine appearances. With the Browns on tap for Week 16, Chase will need to stay involved for the Bengals, a team barely alive for the postseason. But since the 2023 No. 163 overall pick has been a go-to option for Joe Burrow (wrist, knee) all year, there's no reason to believe that will change versus a Cleveland defense that has allowed 25.4 points per game this season. As expected, Chase remains a must-start in all fantasy setups in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum Dec 20 9:20pm CT
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum received attention from fantasy managers heading into the season, mostly due to head coach Sean McVay indicating he would be involved. While the rookie has gotten some action, amassing 48 carries for 187 yards and six grabs for 46 yards, it hasn't been at the level most envisioned. Instead, Kyren Williams remains the undisputed No. 1 option out of the backfield, with the 24-year-old already seeing more carries in 2024-25 than in his first two seasons combined. With that in mind, the Rams meet the Jets in Week 16. Unfortunately, the ship has sailed on Corum, at least for this season, so fantasy managers should keep him out of the starting lineup.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Dec 20 9:10pm CT
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is coming off a rough showing, failing to catch any of his three targets in the Week 15 win over the 49ers. However, outside of the hideous effort versus San Francisco, the wideout has played well during the 2024-25 campaign, catching 63 passes for 657 yards and six touchdowns. With the Jets on tap for Week 16, the Rams need a win to increase their chances of making the playoffs. The Jets defense has allowed only 10 touchdowns to opposing wideouts this season. Still, even with Puka Nacua commanding plenty of attention from Matthew Stafford from week-to-week, Kupp's upside keeps him a must-start in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Taylor Dec 20 9:10pm CT
Patrick Taylor

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. is expected to draw his first career start filling in for the ruled-out rookie Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) in Miami on Sunday. With Guerendo healthy enough to play, the undrafted 26-year-old Taylor Jr. received neither touch nor target in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The last time Taylor was involved was in Week 14 versus Chicago when he took seven carries for 25 yards, one touchdown, and one unfulfilled target. On the surface, Taylor Jr. may seem like a must-start since head coach Kyle Shanahan always rides his lead back heavily, but it's appropriate to temper expectations. If one includes Elijah Mitchell -- who was ruled out for the year in the preseason -- San Francisco is down to their fifth-string running back whose career YPC (3.9) is significantly below all four backs ahead of him. As a result, Shanahan may be compelled to use some combination of Taylor Jr., Israel Abanikanda, and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. Taylor Jr. is also less likely than his injured teammates to produce as a receiver. Miami's D is ranked 14th in running back half-PPR points against. The talent and usage questions place Taylor Jr. firmly in RB3/FLEX territory, even in a decent matchup.

From RotoBaller

Michael Penix Jr. Dec 20 9:10pm CT
Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will make his first career start in Week 16 against the New York Giants. The Falcons are heavy favorites in this one, but that is likely more a product of their one-two punch in the backfield of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier rather than a vote of confidence in the young signal-caller's arm. Not that Penix hasn't been on the big stage before or lacks upside; he led the Washington Huskies to the National Championship game this past January, ultimately losing to Michigan, with Atlanta subsequently taking him with the eighth overall selection in the 2024 Draft, so he's got the talent. But, while the Giants have allowed the third-highest completion percentage and have recorded a league-low two interceptions on the season, they've tallied the seventh-most sacks on the year, so Penix could be under pressure despite some things working in his favor. Hopefully the 24-year-old's receivers have quickly got accustomed to a left-hander throwing a football as well, which could make things a little more challenging than usual on Sunday. Whether it does or not, fantasy managers vying for championships who are also looking for a streaming option should look elsewhere as the former first-rounder projects as a risky, low-end QB2 in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Dec 20 9:00pm CT
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has missed time this season due to injury. However, he's been a quality wideout when healthy, as expected, catching 61 passes for 805 yards and three touchdowns in nine appearances. Although a few more end zone trips from the 23-year-old would be nice, fantasy managers are happy as long as he stays on the field. With the Rams currently sitting atop the NFC West, the team needs a win against the Jets in Week 16 to enhance their chances of earning a postseason berth. While the Jets defense can be a problem at times, that shouldn't keep Nacua out of any fantasy lineup on Sunday. Keep him starting.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Dec 20 8:40pm CT
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has had a quality season. He's already gone for over 1,000 yards on the ground while also combining for 14 touchdowns. Although the 24-year-old has averaged only 4.0 yards per carry, fantasy managers have been pleased with his production. With Los Angeles looking to make the playoffs, Williams and company will meet the Jets in Week 16. New York has allowed 23.2 points per contest this season, which isn't the most efficient mark in the National Football League. However, the Jets have surrendered only nine rushing touchdowns during the 2024-25 campaign, which isn't good news for Williams, who has relied heavily on his ability to find the end zone for most of his fantasy production. Still, the 24-year-old is one of the best backs in the league, so he remains a must-start in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Dec 20 8:40pm CT
Mac Jones

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones is a better-than-usual fantasy option in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Jones had a good outing last week against the New York Jets, giving him a good fantasy outing in two of the last three weeks. However, it is still hard to trust Jones beyond two QB/Superflex leagues given his overall body of work. The Raiders do serve as a plus matchup, but the Jaguars offense has struggled for the most part this season. Despite all of the injuries to the Jacksonville receiving core, Brian Thomas Jr. has been dominant as a rookie, and Brenton Strange caught 11 passes in the place of Evan Engram, giving him good enough options to succeed at least. It is hard to trust Jones in an important fantasy playoff matchup, but there are worse options in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Dec 20 8:30pm CT
Mac Jones

The New York Jets defense struggled in a Week 15 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, allowing a Mac Jones-led offense to score 25 points. New York will look to bounce back when they host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16. The Rams have been a tough matchup for opposing D/STs this season, allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. New York's defense has been a disappointing unit this season and is not a recommended fantasy option heading into their matchup against the Rams this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Dec 20 8:30pm CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off a rough showing, throwing for only 160 yards and completing 59.3% of his attempts in the Thursday night win over the 49ers. He also failed to throw a touchdown after hurling two in each of his previous three games heading into Week 15. The Rams are clinging to the top spot in the NFC West, although the team will need a win over the New York Jets to enhance their chances of making the postseason. Unfortunately, Stafford will have his work cut out for him, with the Jets allowing only 13 passing touchdowns this season. Granted, the signal-caller still has some value, at least in multi-quarterback fantasy formats. However, fantasy managers shouldn't expect a big day out of Stafford in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Dec 20 8:30pm CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London popped up as a limited participant in Friday's practice due to a knee injury but does not carry an injury designation for the contest and is expected to play. Of course, with fantasy championships potentially in play for some, managers will want to keep an eye out for any news in the event something changes. In Week 15, the 23-year-old scored for the first time since Week 9, however, his outlook is a bit uncertain with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. making his first career start in Week 16 against the Giants. New York has been decent in limiting fantasy production to wide receivers but have been poor against the run. With Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier in tow, the Falcons would be wise to lean on the run game in this one rather than let the rookie QB air it out, so London figures to be more of a WR2 this week rather than his typical WR1 status.

From RotoBaller

Anders Carlson Dec 20 8:20pm CT
Anders Carlson

New York Jets kicker Anders Carlson made one of his two field-goal attempts and added three extra points in a Week 15 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Carlson will look to keep it going at home against the Los Angeles Rams. The Ram have been generous to kickers this season, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, the Jets' kickers have not been a fantasy goldmine this season. Treat Carlson as a low-end option heading into Week 16 against the Rams despite the plus matchup.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Dec 20 8:10pm CT
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson broke a four-game scoreless streak with a short touchdown reception in a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15. The veteran receiver will look to keep it going at home in a Week 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have been a decent matchup for wideouts this season as they are allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Wilson has seen Davante Adams overtake him as the preferred target in New York but he is still seeing enough work to stay on the map as a mid-range WR2 in fantasy moving forward. He should be in all lineups in a game against the Rams that has sneaky shootout potential.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Conklin Dec 20 8:10pm CT
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin is expected back after missing Week 15's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a personal issue. The Jets will host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16 in what shapes up as a nice matchup for Conklin. The Rams have struggled against tight ends this season, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Conklin hasn't been a major piece of the Jets offense this season but he has shown a decent floor in PPR leagues with at least three catches and 32 yards in three of his past six contests. Conklin sets up as a mid-range TE3 in fantasy this weekend and should only be started out of desperation.

From RotoBaller