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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Week 18

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce tops Pro Bowl fan voting

Tue Dec 31 2:58pm ET
Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce narrowly beat out Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs as the fans' top vote-getter for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games on Feb. 2 in Orlando.

Amid another strong season for the AFC's No. 1 seed, Kelce totaled 252,200 votes when balloting ended on Dec. 23, just ahead of Gibbs (252,082).

Following Gibbs were a trio of quarterbacks -- the Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels (242,352), the Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow (239,526) and the Lions' Jared Goff (225,858).

NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" will reveal the rosters for the AFC and NFC on Thursday.

Gibbs and Goff helped the Lions -- who have a chance to clinch the NFC's No. 1 seed Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings -- finish first among all NFL teams in total votes, ahead of the Vikings, Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Along with the fan votes, players and coaches also have a say in the makeup of the rosters. Players and coaches had a Dec. 27 deadline to submit their ballots.

The Pro Bowl Games, which culminate in a flag football game led by head coaches Peyton Manning (AFC) and Eli Manning (NFC), will air on Feb. 2 from 3-6 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.

A Pro Bowl Skills Show will be held on Jan. 30 from 7-8:30 p.m. ET in a made-for-TV event on ESPN. NFL stars will display their skills and competitiveness in unique competitions on and off the field.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17

Player Notes
Drake Maye Dec 31 2:50pm CT
Drake Maye

If the New England Patriots retain head coach Jerod Mayo for a second season in 2025, The Athletic's Chad Graff mentions Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach and former NFL quarterback Josh McCown as an option to join Mayo's staff in New England as the offensive coordinator. McCown has been one of the best position coaches in the league in 2024 and has helped quarterback Sam Darnold lead the Vikings to an amazing 14-2 record. The former NFL QB also helped coach and mentor current Patriots QB Drake Maye in high school. McCown is in a good situation in Minnesota right now, but perhaps Mayo would be able to sell McCown on a young and talented QB that he's familiar with. All of this could be a mute point if the Patriots fire Mayo as the head coach following the Week 18 regular-season finale. And if Mayo is retained, there's no guarantee current offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt would be fired.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Dec 31 2:20pm CT
Matthew Stafford

Despite the fact that the Los Angeles Rams could fall from the No. 3 seed to the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoff picture with a loss in the Week 18 regular-season finale to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, head coach Sean McVay said that resting starters this weekend is "probably the direction that we'll go." The Rams have rested their starters with a playoff berth already secured throughout McVay's tenure as the head coach. McVay said he's looking forward to getting players like quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie running back Blake Corum extended playing time. It means that fantasy managers still playing for a championship shouldn't be counting on Rams players like quarterback Matthew Stafford, receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams in their lineups in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Kevin Stefanski Dec 31 1:50pm CT
Kevin Stefanski

Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) is in the concussion protocol, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. The 26-year-old rushed five times for 33 yards and caught three of his five targets for 15 yards in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Running back Jerome Ford (ankle) was banged up in Week 17, and his status for Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens is to be determined. Cleveland signed John Kelly to the active roster from the Chargers' practice squad, so it could be D'Onta Foreman and Kelly leading the backfield this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Yannick Ngakoue Dec 31 1:30pm CT
Yannick Ngakoue

Veteran pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue is being waived by the New England Patriots on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The 29-year-old posted nine tackles and two QB hits for the organization since joining the team in November. Ngakoue has posted 70.5 career sacks in 134 games since entering the NFL in 2016, but his production has fallen off a cliff since his 9.5-sack season in 2022. However, a team that qualified for the postseason might be interested in bringing him in as a rotational rusher.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Dec 31 1:20pm CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) suffered a right-elbow contusion in the Monday Night Football loss to the Detroit Lions. The 2022 seventh-round pick is unlikely to play in the team's season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, but no long-term issues are expected. Purdy regressed this season after a fantastic 2023 campaign, throwing for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions en route to the 49ers missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. After Purdy exited the Week 17 game, backup Joshua Dobbs completed three of his four passing attempts for 35 yards and rushed for a seven-yard touchdown. He'll likely draw the start in the Week 18 finale and could have fantasy or DFS upside if key 49ers' pass-catchers are active.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Dec 31 1:20pm CT
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody will assume his placekicking duties in the Week 18 season-finale against the Arizona Cardinals, according to David Lombardi of The Athletic. The 25-year-old has struggled since returning from the Injured Reserve list and missed three of his seven kicks in Week 17's loss to the Detroit Lions. Moody has not lived up to his third-round price in the 2023 NFL Draft, so the organization could add kicking competition heading into next season. However, he'll keep his job for at least one more week. It's tough to trust him in DFS or fantasy football based on his recent struggles.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Dec 31 1:10pm CT
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) was designated to return from Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. The rookie third-round selection has been out of action since late October due to a hamstring injury. However, he did not catch a pass this year and only played in one game before being sidelined. The team could get him back for the playoff push, but it would be a surprise if he makes an impact despite the lackluster Pittsburgh wide receiver room. Wilson can continue to be stashed in deep dynasty leagues, but his fantasy outlook moving forward is not looking promising.

From RotoBaller

Bailey Zappe Dec 31 12:00pm CT
Bailey Zappe

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Tuesday that he might play both quarterbacks Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Jameis Winston (shoulder) is likely to serve as the emergency third QB for the third straight week. The 25-year-old Thompson-Robinson struggled in his second straight start in the 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17, going 24-for-47 for 170 yards with an interception. He also carried the ball four times for 10 yards and lost a fumble. DTR is not the future at the position in Cleveland, so the Browns could get Zappe a little run as the team limps to the finish line in 2024. Obviously for fantasy purposes, nobody should have either Thompson-Robinson or Zappe in their starting lineups in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Dec 31 11:50am CT
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that the team is hoping to get wide receiver Curtis Samuel (ribs) back for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New England Patriots on Sunday. Samuel was inactive for the second straight game in the team's blowout win over the division-rival New York Jets this past weekend, but his injury obviously isn't too serious, and he'll have a shot to play in the final regular-season game of the year. However, with the Bills expected to rest most of their starters against New England, it would be a surprise if the 28-year-old saw extensive run on offense this weekend. When healthy, Samuel has had a tough time standing out in 2024 in a crowded receiving corps that also includes Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, rookie Keon Coleman and Mack Hollins. He has only 24 catches, 201 yards and one TD in 13 games in his first year in Buffalo.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Dec 31 11:40am CT
Diontae Johnson

New Houston Texans wide receiver Diontae Johnson practiced with the team for the first time on Monday since being claimed off waivers last week from the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson was acquired by the Ravens from the Carolina Panthers at the trade deadline, but things didn't exactly work out in Baltimore. Johnson was unhappy with his role -- he caught just one of five targets for six yards in four games played -- and was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team right before the Ravens cut him. He's happy to turn the page and join a Texans team that was looking for depth after a devastating knee injury to receiver Tank Dell. Johnson has 31 catches for 363 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 with the Panthers and Ravens. His time in Houston to close out the year will be an audition of sorts, but his path to fantasy relevance in playoff leagues will be an uphill battle.

From RotoBaller

Mitchell Trubisky Dec 31 11:40am CT
Mitchell Trubisky

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that the team plans to use a blend of starters and backups in a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots. The Bills locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC with their win over the division-rival New York Jets in Week 17. Quarterback Josh Allen will start the game but will only play for a very brief time, which means backup Mitchell Trubisky should see most of the snaps this weekend. Allen holds the longest active streak among NFL QBs with 114 consecutive starts, dating back to 2018. Trubisky has played only 53 offensive snaps all year and will get a little run in the regular-season finale against the Pats. The 30-year-old veteran and former first-rounder has gone 4-for-5 for 78 yards and a TD in parts of eight games in 2024. We hope fantasy managers in superflex leagues don't have to rely on him in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Dec 31 11:30am CT
Jameis Winston

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that he's going to work through the team's quarterback situation this week as they head into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. There's a chance that both Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe could play this Saturday. Veteran Jameis Winston (shoulder) is likely to be the emergency third QB for the third straight week as he battles through a shoulder injury. The 30-year-old Winston gave the Browns offense an initial spark when he took over for Deshaun Watson (Achilles) midway through the year, but his turnover issues became too much and he was benched in Week 15 in favor of Thompson-Robinson. DTR hasn't looked very great in his two starts under center, but the Browns have to play out the string. None of the three QBs figure to be the answer for Cleveland going forward into 2025.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Dec 31 11:30am CT
Greg Joseph

The New York Jets are signing kicker Greg Joseph from the practice squad to their 53-man active roster on Tuesday, according to Joseph's agent. The seven-year veteran was signed to New York's practice squad last week and will serve as the kicker for their Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday. It will be the fifth different kicker that the Jets have used in 2024 in yet another disappointing season that will end with no playoff appearance. Greg Zuerlein (knee) came off Injured Reserve last week but didn't attempt a kick in the blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills. In seven games this year with the New York Giants and Washington Commanders, the 30-year-old Joseph went 15-for-18 on his field-goal tries while making all eight of his extra points. Fantasy managers still playing for a title should look to avoid Joseph in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Dec 31 11:20am CT
Brock Purdy

According to San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York, head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch will be back with the organization next year after a disappointing 2024 season in which the team failed to reach the playoffs despite playing in the Super Bowl the year prior. The 49ers just could never really recover this year due to injuries to key playmakers on both sides of the ball, most notably running back Christian McCaffrey (knee), wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (triceps). York said that both Shanahan and Lynch have remained steady throughout the process and continue to be the best leaders for this team heading into 2025. The front office still believes in the roster and think that they are set up well for success next season. While York wouldn't discuss a potential extension for quarterback Brock Purdy, he did say he hopes he's around for a long time.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Dec 31 11:10am CT
Cedric Tillman

The Cleveland Browns placed wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, meaning he will not be able to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Tillman suffered a concussion in the Week 12 upset win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and was never able to make it back onto the field to close out his second year in the NFL due to his head injury. It's a shame, too, since the 24-year-old wideout had just been coming into his own as a big part of Cleveland's passing attack at the time when quarterback Jameis Winston was giving a spark to an offense that looked dead in the water with Deshaun Watson (Achilles). From Weeks 7-11, Tillman caught 24 passes on 40 targets for 302 yards and three TDs. He should be fully ready for next year, but his fantasy value will all hinge on what Cleveland does at QB.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Dec 31 9:00am CT
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody went 0-for-2 on field goal attempts and 3-for-4 on extra points during Monday evening's loss to the Detroit Lions. Moody missed field goals from 51 and 58 yards out. This was also his first missed extra point of the campaign. Entering Monday night, he had held a disappointing 76.7% FG conversion rate. He has struggled from 50+ yards out all season, as he has gone 3-for-8 from this range. However, Moody has been perfect from within 40 yards out. This is a stark drop in production compared to the 84.05% FG conversion rate he posted in his rookie campaign last season. Given his struggles, fantasy managers should not view Moody as a viable streaming option in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Allen Robinson Dec 31 8:50am CT
Allen Robinson

Detroit Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson II brought in his lone target for 21 yards during their victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday evening. Robinson's lone reception came in the third quarter. While the vast majority of the passing opportunities went to Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, it is a positive sign for Robinson to see more targets than the presumed No.3 option, Tim Patrick. Robinson has now seen at least one target in two of his past three contests. However, given how often Jared Goff looks to his top pass-catching options, Robinson may only see a handful of targets in each game moving forward. As a result, fantasy managers should not view Robinson as a viable play in Week 18 and in any postseason competitions.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Dobbs Dec 31 8:40am CT
Joshua Dobbs

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs was sharp in relief on Monday evening. He went 3-for-4 with 35 yards and added seven yards and a score on his lone rushing attempt. Dobbs came in to relieve Brock Purdy (elbow), who suffered an injury on their final offensive drive of the game. Dobbs connected with Jauan Jennings twice, once on a 15-yard strike, and the other on a nine-yard pass. His other completion went to his tight end, George Kittle, for 11 yards. Dobbs would then rely on his legs to punch in the seven-yard score in the red zone. When Purdy missed time earlier this season due to a shoulder injury, Brandon Allen was given the No.2 role; however, it appears that Dobbs now holds that spot on the depth chart. If Purdy cannot play in Week 18, Dobbs will likely get the starting nod and could be worth a look as a deep league streaming option and a value play in DFS against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Jermar Jefferson Dec 31 8:30am CT
Jermar Jefferson

Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson was given just three attempts during their victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday evening. However, all three attempts were within the San Francisco ten-yard line. With David Montgomery (knee) sidelined, Jahmyr Gibbs has been deployed as the workhorse option in this backfield, but with the Lions having little to play for regarding their position in the standings, they opted to give Gibbs occasional rest on Monday evening. While Gibbs still finished the game with 18 attempts and four targets, he would have likely been given this goal line work in a must-win situation. Instead, Jefferson was given some high-value touches but could not punch in any of them as he finished with just nine total yards. In addition, Jefferson saw four fewer carries than the presumed No.2 option, Craig Reynolds. Fantasy managers should expect Gibbs to take on a three-down role during Week 18 and throughout the entire postseason, leaving just a handful of attempts for Jefferson and Reynolds.

From RotoBaller

Tim Patrick Dec 31 8:20am CT
Tim Patrick

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick did not see a target during Monday's victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Instead, quarterback Jared Goff relied on his top playmakers, Amon-Rs St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, who all saw the vast majority of targets and attempts. This was Patrick's second time this season not seeing a single target in a game. Last weekend, during their victory over the Bears, Patrick saw just one pass his way but was unable to bring it in. This is a significant drop off compared to the solid 5.2 targets per game he saw during Weeks 11 through 15. During this stretch, he averaged 40.4 yards per game with 3.5 receptions per game. Being deployed as the clear No.4 option in this offense makes Patrick a difficult player to project weekly. Fantasy managers should continue to view him as a high-risk, desperation flex play heading into a Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

From RotoBaller