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Bengals leading rusher Chase Brown (ankle sprain) exits

Sat Dec 28 11:03pm ET
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The Cincinnati Bengals kept their slim playoff hopes alive, but they lost starting running back Chase Brown to an ankle injury in Saturday's 30-24 overtime victory over the visiting Denver Broncos.

Brown's injury happened with the Bengals driving late in the fourth quarter of a tie game but trying to run the clock down in anticipation of a go-ahead score. He ran 5 yards but hurt himself when he intentionally slid at the 1-yard line in an attempt to keep the clock moving. After his injury stopped the clock, Joe Burrow ran it in for a score on the next play with 1:29 left in the game.

The Broncos then scored the tying touchdown with eight seconds to play, and Khalil Herbert took Brown's place in the backfield.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told reporters after the win that Brown, who totaled 91 offensive yards, had sprained his right ankle. The second-year back rushed for 67 yards on 20 carries and caught four passes for 24 yards.

Cincinnati's fifth-round pick in 2023, the 24-year-old Brown was sharing running back duties with Zack Moss this season until Moss went down with a neck injury in the eighth game of the season.

In 16 games (10 starts) this season, Brown has 990 rushing yards and seven touchdowns along with 54 receptions for 360 yards and four scores.

As a rookie behind Joe Mixon last season, Brown played in 12 games and finished with 179 rushing yards along with 14 catches for 156 yards and one score.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17

Player Notes
George Kittle Dec 28 11:00pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle will clash with the Detroit Lions at home on Monday Night Football. Last week in Miami, Kittle hauled in eight of nine targets for 106 yards. Kittle has been an excellent fantasy asset this season, no doubt occupying the TE slot for more than a few teams fighting for a championship this week. He is the leader at the position in half-PPR points per game (13.7), and just 3.9 points off the total pace set by Las Vegas Raiders rookie phenom Brock Bowers despite Kittle missing two games to injury. Detroit's pass defense ranks sixth-worst in terms of yardage but is the single stingiest defense to tight ends in fantasy at 6.4 points allowed per game. Regardless, Kittle has been too steadily productive all year to start worrying about matchups. Fire up Kittle as a top-2 option in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Dec 28 11:00pm CT
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed for 63 yards on 12 carries during Saturday's Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in blowout fashion. He was unable to convert his lone target into a reception. Gibson had just six carries for 10 yards midway through the fourth quarter, but he padded his stats with some big runs during garbage time, including a 20-yard gain. The 26-year-old operated as the Patriots' lead back over Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed just two times for one yard. Stevenson found himself relegated to the backup role after a costly fumble in Week 16, which led to an increase in volume for Gibson. The 26-year-old boasts a solid 4.6 yards per carry this year, but he's nothing more than a low-end RB3 heading into Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Dec 28 11:00pm CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for one yard on two carries during Saturday's Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in blowout fashion. He also failed to catch his lone target. Stevenson had operated as the Patriots' primary running back for the entire season, but he was relegated to the backup role this Saturday after a costly fumble back in Week 16. It's unclear if the 26-year-old's benching is a one-time, temporary matter or if he'll remain the No. 2 option behind Antonio Gibson for next week's season finale against the Buffalo Bills, too. Until we get more clarity on the Patriots' backfield situation, Stevenson should be viewed as a mid-to-low RB4 option in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Dec 28 10:50pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 12 of 22 passes for 117 yards, one touchdown, and one lost fumble during Saturday's Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in blowout fashion. He also took four sacks and rushed six times for 32 yards on the ground. The rookie quarterback missed one drive as he was evaluated for a head injury, but he was able to return. However, he didn't play very well upon re-entering the game. He did take advantage of a free play by throwing a deep touchdown strike to DeMario Douglas, but other than that big play, his passing performance was uneventful. He now has five lost fumbles over his last eight games, and a total of 13 turnovers during that span. The UNC product continues to impress as a runner, but he needs to clean up the turnovers before fantasy managers can legitimately consider starting him in single-quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Dec 28 10:40pm CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will line up across from the Detroit Lions in Santa Clara on Monday night. Last week in Miami, Samuel Sr. broke out of a miserable five-game slump by gathering seven of nine targets for 96 yards and a touchdown through the air, with five carries for 25 yards on the ground. Detroit's defense versus opposing fantasy wide receivers has been vulnerable -- they represent the sixth-most generous to the position in half-PPR formats. Samuel Sr.'s floor may be too low for many fantasy managers to stomach in their lineup for championship week as he averaged 3.3 half-PPR points during the aforementioned slump. However, last week's performance showed that he still has a chasable ceiling, especially for fantasy gamers entering Sunday needing a comeback. Samuel Sr. is being ranked as a low-end WR2 in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Dec 28 10:10pm CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings gets the Detroit Lions at home on Monday night to close out Week 17. In last week's loss to Miami, Jennings caught four of six targets for 51 yards. Jennings has done a good job filling in for the IR-dwelling star receiver Brandon Aiyuk this season, leading the team in targets in each game he's played since Week 6 -- until last week when Deebo Samuel Sr. and George Kittle led with nine targets apiece. Detroit's defense has been vulnerable to opposing wide receivers, ranking as the sixth-leakiest defense to the position. The Lions' dangerous offense figures to keep San Francisco's foot on the gas pedal in this one, giving the Niners' No. 1 receiver a safe floor and an appealing ceiling. Jennings is a solid WR2 at worst, with a top-12 finish within the reasonable range of outcomes.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Dec 28 9:40pm CT
Isaac Guerendo

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) will return from a one-week absence when the team hosts the Detroit Lions on Monday night. Before missing last week's contest against Miami, Guerendo took 16 carries for 57 yards and caught four of four targets for 18 yards versus the Rams. The week before that, the fourth-rounder out of Louisville popped off for 25.8 half-PPR points against Chicago. Detroit has a quality rush defense, having allowed the fourth-fewest points per game to opposing running backs this season. Most recently, they held the Bears to 59 yards and no touchdowns on the ground. It's worth noting that San Francisco is down to their third-string left tackle and could be missing starting right tackle Colton McKivitz (knee), who is questionable. Consider Guerendo a back-end RB2 in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Dec 28 9:10pm CT
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin rushed for 69 yards on ten carries in Saturday's 30-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He'd add seven yards on 2-of-2 receiving. The second-year back saw one more carry than rookie Audric Estime and handily out-gained him by 45 yards. However, with the game picking up pace in a wild fourth quarter, the Broncos' rushing attack fell by the wayside late. McLaughlin is the most dynamic RB on this squad, but Denver has favored leaning on the pass this year with rookie QB Bo Nix adjusting to the big leagues so well. The former undrafted free agent will get a much more challenging task in Week 18 when his team lines up against their division-rival Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Mims Dec 28 8:50pm CT
Marvin Mims

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. reeled in 8-of-8 targets for 103 yards and two touchdowns in his team's 30-24 OT loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He lost one yard on his lone carry and returned one kick for 27 yards. The second-year wideout was used primarily in the short area of the field, as six of his receptions went for nine yards or fewer. However, his 25- and 51-yard TD strikes would account for most of the damage done, with both tying the game in the fourth quarter. After an abysmal start to the season, Mims Jr. has seen his involvement in Denver's offense increase -- compiling two 100-plus-yard outings over his last four appearances. The Oklahoma product will get a far stiffer test in the season's final week against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Dec 28 8:40pm CT
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton brought in 5-of-9 targets for 55 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 30-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was targeted just twice in the first half -- converting one for a gain of seven yards. However, the 29-year-old was much more involved after halftime. He'd haul in a six-yard TD on the Broncos' first possession of the third quarter and was targeted three times on their final drive of regulation (2/29) as they marched down the field to send it to OT. Sutton has seen his reception and yardage output scale back over the last three weeks, but he's still grabbed two scores and remains heavily involved as rookie quarterback Bo Nix's preferred option (24 targets). He and the Broncos will line up against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 with a spot in the playoffs on the line.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Dec 28 8:40pm CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will face the Detroit Lions at home for Week 17's Monday night matchup. Last week in Miami, Purdy threw a career-high 40 passes, completing 26 of them for 313 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also led the team in rushing yards with 26, indicating San Francisco's backfield depletion more than anything. This week, rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) has no injury designation which should be a boon to the 49ers offense. The Niners' offensive line won't be at full strength. They're down to their third-string left tackle and starting right tackle Colton McKivitz (knee) is questionable. Detroit's defense is healthy and ranked as the 12th most generous to opposing fantasy quarterbacks in Yahoo default scoring. Look for a game script similar to last week, as San Francisco tries to keep pace with an electric Lions offense. Purdy is a low-end QB1 for fantasy championship week.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Dec 28 8:40pm CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) is questionable to return to Saturday night's meeting with the Los Angeles Rams. The 29-year-old came into this weekend battling through a knee injury he picked up in Week 16's loss to the Carolina Panthers and apparently isn't entirely over it. Per the broadcast, he's available on the sidelines to reenter the contest. Conner gained four yards on four carries and another four through the air on 2-of-3 receiving before his exit. Backfield mate Michael Carter figures to handle most of the backfield touches with the veteran out of the lineup. DeeJay Dallas could mix in as a change of pace behind him.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Dec 28 8:10pm CT
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix completed 24-of-31 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday's 30-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He added 31 yards on seven carries and threw one interception in the outing. What started as a defensive battle turned into a scoring fest, with the teams combining for 34 points in the fourth quarter and OT. The 24-year-old again put up a solid performance -- tossing at least three TDs for the fourth time this year and the second in his last three games. It's been an incredible debut campaign for Nix, who will look to keep his team's playoff hopes alive in Week 18 when they line up for a rematch against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City held the rookie to 215 yards and two scores (no turnovers) back in Week 10 when Denver lost the game 16-14 on a blocked field goal.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Herbert Dec 28 7:50pm CT
Khalil Herbert

Cincinnati Bengals running back Khalil Herbert had 23 yards off four carries in Saturday's win over the Broncos. Chase Brown (ankle) had another solid fantasy showing, going for 67 yards on the ground off 20 touches and adding four grabs for 24 yards. However, with Brown suffering an ankle injury late in the contest, Herbert got some meaningful work. With that said, there's a chance Brown may not be healthy enough to play in Week 18 versus the Steelers. If that's the case, Herbert will enter the flex conversation while emerging as a DFS value option.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Dec 28 7:50pm CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas caught three of his four targets for 59 yards in Saturday's win over the Broncos. While he came close to accruing his second touchdown in as many weeks, he was held out of the end zone in Week 17. With Cincinnati needing a win over Pittsburgh in Week 18, Iosivas could continue to get the attention of Joe Burrow, even more so if the Steelers defense focuses on keeping Ja'Marr Chase at bay. However, the 25-year-old has a long way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers, despite having the best season of his young career.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Dec 28 7:40pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had 102 yards off nine catches in Saturday's overtime victory over Denver. Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II was all over Chase in Week 17. However, he still had a serviceable fantasy performance. With the Bengals sitting at 8-8, Cincinnati needs a win over the Steelers in Week 18 to keep their playoff hopes alive. The 24-year-old had six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown when these clubs met back on December 1. But as is the case with Chase, he is always capable of having big performances.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Dec 28 7:40pm CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki caught 10 passes for 86 yards in Saturday's win over Denver. With the Broncos defense paying close attention to Ja'Marr Chase, the veteran got more involved. Granted, he didn't play as well as Tee Higgins, who had three touchdowns. However, fantasy managers will take what they can get from Gesicki at this point. At any rate, the Bengals will meet the Steelers in Week 18. While Gesicki will likely see more attention from fantasy managers, he's certainly not a trustworthy fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 28 7:30pm CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) was active for Saturday's meeting with the Broncos. The wideout had one of the best performances of his career in Week 17, amassing 131 yards off 11 catches. He also scored three touchdowns, with one in overtime securing the win for the Bengals. Without question, Cincinnati needs him on the field in Week 18 versus the Steelers to keep their playoff hopes alive. With that in mind, he should continue to get the attention of Joe Burrow, especially if the Pittsburgh defense keeps a close eye on Ja'Marr Chase.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Dec 28 7:20pm CT
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) ran for 67 yards off 20 carries in Saturday's overtime win over the Denver Broncos. He added four catches for 24 yards. Although the 24-year-old didn't find the end zone, he still had a productive showing to help keep the Bengals' playoff hopes alive. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury late in the contest and didn't return. Cincinnati needs to beat the Steelers in Week 18. However, there's a chance Brown could miss that contest, meaning Khalil Herbert, who had 23 yards off four attempts, would be in line to start. Of course, Brown will do all he can to get out there.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Dec 28 7:20pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns off 39-for-49 passing in Saturday's overtime victory over the Broncos. He added 25 yards off four carries, one of which resulted in a trip to the end zone. The former LSU Tiger has now tossed at least three touchdowns in each of the Bengals' previous eight contests. While he likely won't win the MVP award this season, his name is certainly mentioned in the conversation. With that in mind, the Bengals need to beat the Steelers to keep their playoff hopes alive. As such, Burrow should be at his best despite the challenging matchup.

From RotoBaller