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Chiefs activate K Harrison Butker (knee) from IR

Sat Dec 14 12:54pm ET
Field Level Media

The Kansas City Chiefs activated Harrison Butker from injured reserve on Saturday and released fellow kicker Matthew Wright.

Butker, who is eligible to kick in Sunday's game at Cleveland, has been on IR since Nov. 14. He missed four games following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and returned to practice this week.

In his place, the Chiefs used Spencer Shrader and Wright, who combined to hit 11 of 12 field goals and eight extra-point attempts.

Wright was named the NFL's special teams player of the week after he connected on a 31-yard game-winning field goal on the final play of the game last Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. The kick clinched the ninth consecutive AFC West title for the Chiefs.

Butker, 29, has not played since the Chiefs' 16-14 home win over the Denver Broncos on Nov. 10. He is 18 of 20 on field-goal attempts (long of 53) and 21 of 22 on extra-point attempts this season.

For his career, the three-time Super Bowl champion has converted 89.2 percent of his field goals and 94.6 percent of his PATs. Butker needs 25 points to become the third player in Chiefs history with 1,000.

Also on Saturday, the Chiefs (12-1) downgraded left tackle D.J. Humphries to out due to a hamstring injury. He initially was listed as doubtful.

They also activated linebacker Swayze Bozeman and tight end Anthony Firkser from the practice squad.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
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

Patrick Mahomes Dec 14 11:20am CT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will take on the Cleveland Brown in Week 15. Mahomes had an underwhelming performance last week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 29-year-old passed for 210 yards and one touchdown in Week 14. Mahomes will now face the Browns, who rank 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season. With Jameis Winston at the helm for the Browns offense, the potential for a high-scoring game is on the table. If the Cleveland passing attack can push the pace and score against the Chiefs, Mahomes may need to perform at a higher level than usual. The issue with the Kansas City offense this season has been the lack of ceiling performances, but a matchup with Cleveland could be what fantasy managers need in the first round of the fantasy playoffs. Mahomes is ranked QB13 in our RotoBaller rankings this week, just outside the QB1 range. Fantasy managers will have to hope for a high-scoring game this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Dec 14 11:20am CT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 15. Kelce had a lackluster performance last week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 35-year-old had five catches for 45 yards in Week 14, a far cry from the top-tier TE1 numbers he was putting up earlier this season. Kelce will look to turn it around this week against the Browns, who rank 23rd in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season. If the Jameis Winston-led Browns offense can make it a competitive game against the Chiefs, Kelce may be able to deliver a more productive game for fantasy managers. The veteran tight end is ranked TE4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a clear TE1 option this week. Fantasy managers will have to hope for more productivity from Kelce in the first week of the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Dec 14 11:20am CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Cleveland Browns on the road in Week 15. Pacheco had 14 carries for 55 yards and two catches for six yards against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 14. Pacheco was the clear leadback for the Chiefs, earning 18 opportunities compared to six for Kareem Hunt. In his third game back, Pacheco should tighten his stranglehold on the opportunities out of the Kansas City backfield. The 25-year-old will have to run against the Browns, who rank seventh in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. The Cleveland front is a formidable unit to face, but the Chiefs have demonstrated a willingness to run the ball often, especially with the ball in Pacheco's hands. Pacheco is ranked RB26 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him an RB2/RB3 option this week. Despite the difficult matchup, fantasy managers should find a way to get Pacheco into their lineups.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Dec 14 11:20am CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 15. Hopkins put forward a decent fantasy performance last week against the Chargers, catching four passes for 32 yards and a touchdown. Hopkins will look to continue being a reliable option for Patrick Mahomes when the Chiefs take on the Browns in Cleveland. The Browns rank 24th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season, making them a favorable matchup for the veteran receiver. The 32-year-old is ranked WR38 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a WR3/flex option this week. Hopkins has scored four of his five touchdowns with the Kansas City Chiefs, meaning he has a legitimate chance to score a touchdown every week. Fantasy managers will hope to see him in the endzone this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Dec 14 11:20am CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 15. The rookie receiver performed well against the Chargers in Week 14, hauling in five catches for 41 yards. While his performance was serviceable, Worthy has yet to demonstrate the ability to be an explosive fantasy producer. The 21-year-old will look to have a big game against the Browns, who rank 24th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Since Week 11, the speedster has demonstrated his ability to be a reliable part of the Kansas City passing attack. Worthy's role on the Chiefs gives him a safe floor, but since the Chiefs spread the ball around so often, his ceiling is low. Worthy is ranked WR47 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, making him a deeper flex option against the Browns. Fantasy managers can start Worthy if they need a flex play with a decent floor, but don't expect him to win you the week.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Wright Dec 14 11:10am CT
Matthew Wright

The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing kicker Matthew Wright on Saturday, according to a source. It means that Harrison Butker (knee) is expected to be activated from Injured Reserve to make his return in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns. Even though Wright was the NFL Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 14 -- the 28-year-old made eight of his nine field goals in his two games with KC -- he will now be back on the open market with four games to go in the regular season. Butker was listed as questionable for this Sunday's game against the Browns, but it's looking like he'll be active as KC's placekicker. Fantasy managers that haven't been happy with their kicking position should take a look at adding Butker if he's available on the waiver wire, even though he'll be a bit more risky in his first game back since Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Dec 14 11:00am CT
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith has been one of the best tight ends in the 2024 season. The 29-year-old has seen career highs in targets, receptions, and yards. Smith has contributed heavily to Miami winning four of their last five games. This week, he gets a matchup against a Houston Texans defense that has been stingy, allowing fantasy points to tight ends. They allow the third-fewest yards and the least receptions per game to opposing tight ends. Despite this, Smith has been too consistent for any fantasy manager to leave him on the bench. Miami has struggled defensively as of late and may need to throw a ton in this game to have a chance. He should still expect to see plenty of looks; he should be started in all formats. He comes in as RotoBaller's TE5 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Dec 14 11:00am CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson is a risky flex streaming option in Week 15 when the Cardinals host the New England Patriots. Wilson has delivered multiple double-digit fantasy performances this season; however, these performances have come at an inconsistent rate. He has caught four touchdowns and remains involved in the offense near the red zone. However, since the bye week, the Cardinals' offense has struggled to put up points. With it being fantasy football playoff season, the risk of playing Wilson is simply too high in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Dec 14 11:00am CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson doesn't provide much fantasy value in the Week 15 matchup against the New England Patriots. The former Florida State standout hasn't had many opportunities this season, despite showing flashes of explosive runs. Benson has carried the ball just nine times over his last four games. With Conner fully healthy, there isn't a high projected workload for Benson, making him not a viable fantasy option in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Dec 14 10:50am CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle looks to build off his nine-reception, 99-yard performance against the New York Jets in Week 14. The 26-year-old is seemingly finding his footing late in the season as the offense looks fluid. Waddle and Miami travel to take on the Houston Texans in Week 15, a team that tends to struggle at defending wide receivers. They allow the sixth-most fantasy points, the seventh-most yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns per game to wideouts. The offense has recently seen an uptick in passing plays, helping Waddle garner more targets. With Miami's recent defensive struggles, they could find themselves in a shootout with quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston offense. Waddle is a high-upside WR3 play in Week 15. He comes in as RotoBaller's WR30 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Dec 14 10:50am CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) has no injury designation after logging a full practice on Thursday. He is coming off one of his best performances of the season and one that fantasy managers hope he can replicate. He caught 10 of 14 targets for 115 yards and a touchdown against the New York Jets defense, his most since Week 1. Now he goes up against the Houston Texans defense, which ranks in the bottom 10 of the league at allowing fantasy points, yards, and touchdowns to opposing wide receivers. With the offense passing the ball considerably more in the last several games, we could see a late-season breakout from the Miami receiving group. Hill enters week 15 as a top-10 receiver play and should be started in all formats. He comes in as the WR6 in this week's RotoBaller rankings.

From RotoBaller