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Texans WR Tank Dell suffers knee injury vs. Chiefs

Sat Dec 21 3:16pm ET
Field Level Media

Texans wide receiver Tank Dell sustained a significant left knee injury during his 30-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.

While Dell made a diving catch of a C.J. Stroud pass, Texans receiver Jared Wayne tumbled into Dell as both went to the ground. Dell maintained possession of the ball but was removed from the game by emergency personnel via cart with his leg immobilized in a brace.

Stroud was visibly emotional as Dell departed. Both were selected during the 2023 draft.

Texans safety Jimmie Ward left the game in the first half via cart with a foot injury.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 16

Player Notes
Josh Allen Dec 22 7:20am CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (hand) played through a broken hand for most of this season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Allen reportedly suffered the fracture while diving on a scoring play in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, and he has been treating the injury ever since. The broken hand only makes Allen's MVP-caliber season all the more impressive. The 28-year-old has been spectacular under center, completing 64.4 percent of his passes for 3,395 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also has 484 rushing yards and a whopping 11 touchdowns, pushing the Bills to an 11-3 record so far.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Dec 22 7:20am CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III caught four of his five targets for 65 yards during Saturday's Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. With George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined, the Steelers called upon Austin to be one of their primary pass-catchers for the second week in a row. Over his last two games combined, he now has nine catches for 130 yards through the air. Austin's big-play upside gives him decent fantasy appeal, but Pickens' potential return on Christmas Day would knock Austin off the fantasy radar once again. Fantasy managers hoping to plug in Austin as a WR3/FLEX play in Week 17 should continue to monitor the Steelers' injury reports.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Dec 22 7:20am CT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris rushed for 42 yards on nine carries during Saturday's Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He also failed to haul in his only target of the game. The 26-year-old had one of his most efficient games of the season, but it was all for naught as he finished with fewer touches than Jaylen Warren for the first time in 2024. Warren has flashed efficiency and pass-catching upside, and he'll likely lead Pittsburgh's backfield in touches once again next week. Warren should be viewed as a high-end RB3 while Harris is a mid-to-low RB3.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Dec 22 7:10am CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco rushed nine times for 26 yards and caught one pass for negative one yards in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Despite being the younger back, Pacheco was out-touched and outproduced by the 29-year-old Kareem Hunt. Pacheco averaged just 2.9 yards per carry in this contest, compared to 5.0 yards per carry for Hunt. Hunt was also the only back to score in this game. Pacheco will look to bounce back next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank 10th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. The 25-year-old has failed to pull away as the clear lead back since returning from injury, which does not bode well since the Chiefs were content leaning on Hunt in Pacheco's absence. If the Chiefs are rolling with a hot-hand approach, it won't be easy to trust either running back in the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Dec 22 7:10am CT
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (back) is expected to be active for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Allen had been listed as questionable after spending this week on the injury report with fellow rookie running back Isaiah Davis (back). Both Allen and Davis should be good to go for Week 16 against the Rams, but neither player has much fantasy appeal in their given role behind Breece Hall. Both Allen and Davis are low-end RB4 options for fantasy purposes this week.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Dec 22 7:10am CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was an effective option in the 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, during which he compiled 92 total yards and caught a season-high five passes. The third-year back ran for a team-high 48 yards on 12 carries, but was more efficient as a pass catcher, catching all five of his targets for 44 yards. Warren tied for the team lead in targets on a day in which Pittsburgh played without its top receiver, George Pickens (hamstring). He'll face a tough matchup as a runner against Kansas City on Christmas Day, but could have some receiving value, especially if Pickens misses more time.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Dec 22 7:00am CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson finished with a solid performance marred by turnovers in a 34-17 defeat against Baltimore, completing 22 of 33 passes for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also rushed for 27 on three carries and lost a fumble. The veteran completed passes to nine different receivers in the game, but the absence of top option George Pickens (hamstring) was noticeable. Unfortunately for Wilson, both of his turnovers were costly. The fumble was inside Baltimore's five-yard line, while the interception was returned for a game-changing touchdown. However, Wilson is still a Superflex candidate as the Steelers prepare for Kansas City in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Dec 22 6:50am CT
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman caught only one pass Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but made it count for a 14-yard touchdown. He was targeted three times in the 34-17 victory, but Baltimore heavily leaned on its running game, rushing for 220 yards. The Minnesota product was questionable with a foot injury and played through it, but wasn't involved much as the Ravens completed only 15 passes in the game. Bateman should continue to be a boom-or-bust option as Baltimore takes on the Texans in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Marlon Humphrey Dec 22 6:50am CT
Marlon Humphrey

The Baltimore Ravens D/ST came through with a big performance in Week 16 against Pittsburgh, compiling two turnovers, three sacks, and a defensive touchdown in the 34-17 victory. Baltimore cornerback Marlon Humphrey nabbed a Russell Wilson pass and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, clinching the victory in the process. The much-maligned Ravens pass defense did a solid job against the Steelers, who were playing without top receiver George Pickens (hamstring). They'll try to keep the momentum going when they take on the Houston Texans on Christmas Day.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Dec 22 6:40am CT
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons (illness) is still expected to play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to a report from NFL Network. The star defender came down with a stomach bug and is listed as questionable to play in the game, but appears ready to go. Whether he plays his normal snap count, though, remains to be seen. For IDP leagues, Parsons is still a starting option against a Bucs offense that ranks in the middle of the pack with sacks allowed on 6.6% of their dropbacks.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Dec 22 6:30am CT
Jameis Winston

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (shoulder) will serve as the team's emergency quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, according to NFL Network. The Browns made a change this week, and will turn to quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the starter with Bailey Zappe serving as the backup, relegating Winston to the third option. The veteran has filled in since Browns starter Deshaun Watson (Achilles) went down, but was benched last week. In any case, Cleveland's QB situation is a no-go for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Dec 22 6:10am CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) is expected to serve as the team's backup quarterback in Week 16 at Indianapolis, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The second-year quarterback appeared on the injury report on Friday and is listed as questionable to play, but should be active. The Titans elected to bench Levis and start Mason Rudolph prior to the injury, so the news shouldn't have much impact on fantasy lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Dec 22 6:00am CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught seven passes for 65 yards and a touchdown in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Worthy led all Chiefs pass catchers in receptions, receiving yards, and targets for the second straight week. Patrick Mahomes is starting to lean on the rookie, making him the most trustworthy starter on the team. Despite the return of Marquise Brown, Worthy still was the offense's focal point. The speedster will try to continue that trend next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting Worthy now that he has established himself as the top receiving option on the team.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Dec 22 6:00am CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown caught five passes for 45 yards on eight targets in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Brown made his 2024 debut with the Chiefs in Week 16 and did not disappoint. The 27-year-old hauled in his first catch as a Chief on a fourth-down conversion to continue the drive. Brown and Patrick Mahomes also connected on a 20-yard pass for his longest reception of the game. Brown will build on that chemistry next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. The speedster seemed to be the WR2 for the Chiefs passing attack, as DeAndre Hopkins finished the game with just four targets. Brown finished second on the team in targets in his first game back from injury. Trusting Brown in the fantasy playoffs may be difficult since he just returned, but it may not be the worst decision fantasy managers could make.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Dec 22 6:00am CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught four passes for 37 yards in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. With the return of Marquise Brown, Hopkins appeared to take a backseat to other Kansas City pass catchers. The veteran receiver finished fourth on the team in targets and receiving yards in this contest. Hopkins provides a sure-handed receiving option, but his fellow wide receivers offer more explosiveness. Hopkins will look to be more involved next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. With Hopkins falling in the target pecking order, it will be difficult for fantasy managers to trust him in their lineups for Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Dec 22 5:50am CT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 28 of 41 pass attempts (68%) for 263 yards and a touchdown in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Mahomes also rushed five times for 33 yards and a touchdown. Despite coming into this game with an ankle injury, the veteran quarterback broke off the longest rushing touchdown of his career. The 29-year-old had one of his best games of the season, eclipsing 20 fantasy points for the third time this year. Mahomes will look to continue his productive run next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank third in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season. With Marquise Brown returning from injury in this game, Mahomes has another dangerous pass catcher to throw to. Fantasy managers will have to decide whether or not to start Mahomes in a difficult matchup next week.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Dec 22 5:50am CT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had five catches for 30 yards in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Kelce was held under 50 receiving yards for the third straight week. The 35-year-old still received ample volume, catching at least four passes each game. That said, fantasy managers have to be disappointed with his production lately. Fantasy managers advancing to the next round of the playoffs will have to hope for better production next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers rank 13th in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season, making them one of the more difficult matchups. Despite still demanding volume in the Kansas City passing attack, Kelce has failed to do much with his opportunities. Kelce should be viewed as a lower-end TE1 for Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Dec 22 5:50am CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt handled 11 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown in the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans. Hunt also caught two passes for 24 yards in the contest. Although he shared the backfield with the younger Isiah Pacheco, Hunt was more productive on the ground and through the air. Hunt averaged 5.0 yards per carry in this game. The 29-year-old will look to continue being the primary back next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank 10th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Kansas City is employing a nearly even split between the two backs, and Hunt has been the more valuable of the two. Fantasy managers will still struggle to start Hunt in a committee against a tough matchup.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Dec 22 5:00am CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. James Proche II was elevated from the practice squad in a corresponding move. Tillman was initially listed as questionable on Friday after logging limiting practices during the week. The 24-year-old remains in concussion protocol and was ruled out for Week 16 on Saturday. He will miss his fourth consecutive game after suffering a concussion in the Week 12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tillman's next chance to suit up will be Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins. Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore should see an increase in target share with Tillman out. Despite the plus matchup against the Bengals, Cleveland's passing game will be downgraded as a whole with the quarterback switch from Jameis Winston (shoulder) to Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Dec 22 2:40am CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) was limited in practice to start the week but participated in full on Saturday. He carries no designation going into the team's game against the Green Bay Packers on Monday. Chris Olave (concussion), Bub Means (ankle), and Alvin Kamara (groin) are out and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest/illness) is listed as questionable, leaving the Saints light on offense. This could translate to a bigger day than usual for Johnson. The Packers' defense ranks in the bottom ten in receptions, receiving yards, and fantasy points per game allowed to opposing tight ends. Unfortunately, Johnson's upside is in doubt with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler filling in for Derek Carr (hand). When Carr missed three weeks earlier this season, Johnson averaged 4.3 targets, three catches, and 38 yards per game with Rattler under center. Johnson projects to be a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE2 for Week 16.

From RotoBaller