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High Stakes $250 - FFL: Playoff Week 2 | NFL: Week 16

Colts WR Alec Pierce (concussion) out vs. Titans

Fri Dec 20 3:27pm ET
Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce will miss Sunday's game against the visiting Tennessee Titans due to a concussion.

Starting linebacker E.J. Speed (knee) also will miss the AFC South contest.

Pierce was injured during last weekend's 31-13 loss to the Denver Broncos when his head hit the turf in the end zone after a fall. He leads the Colts with 645 receiving yards and is averaging a league-best 22.2 yards per catch.

Pierce has 29 catches with five going for touchdowns.

Speed is third on the Colts with 129 tackles, seven for loss, along with one interception. Speed had 12 stops against Denver.

Star center Ryan Kelly (knee) is expected to be activated for the contest. He has missed the past five games.

The Colts (6-8) need a win to keep their AFC playoff hopes alive.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 16

Player Notes
Rachaad White Dec 20 4:30pm CT
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White remains in a timeshare in the backfield, but that hasn't stopped him from producing over the last few weeks. White struggled on the ground through most of the season, but has rushed for 64 yards or more in each of the last three games. It's also worth noting that White has hauled in two touchdowns through the air over that span. White has proven to be a viable red zone option for the Bucs and that should continue in Week 16. He'll get a plus-matchup against the Dallas Cowboys defense. Fellow back Bucky Irving (back, hip) has been cleared to play, but that shouldn't stop White from offering at least flex value this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Dec 20 4:30pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a locked-in WR1 in a meeting with the Seattle Seahawks this weekend. The former LSU Tiger has been as steady as they come in 2024 -; notching at least 14 fantasy points in all but two outings. Jefferson matched a season-high with 14 targets in last weekend's win against the Chicago Bears and recorded his third straight game with seven receptions. He gets a Seahawks D in Week 16, which has let up the tenth-most touchdowns to wideouts this season (15), and the 25-year-old has gotten into the end zone in back-to-back weeks after a six-week stretch in which he scored nary a touchdown. Fire him up as RotoBaller's PPR WR3 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Dec 20 4:30pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (rest) has been removed from the injury report after getting in a few limited practice sessions this week. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried as the Bucs were just trying to keep their veteran wideout fresh for this Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Evans is good to go and should be treated as a WR1 for this plus-matchup against the banged up Cowboys defense. Last week, Evans hauled in nine of his 11 targets for 159 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The 31-year-old has finished with 68 receiving yards or more in every game since returning from injury. He should continue being an elite fantasy option this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Dec 20 4:30pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson found the end zone via the rush for the fourth time in the last four weeks in Week 15, but had another horrendous day throwing the football, completing 50% or less of his passes for the eighth time in the nine full games he's played in 2024 while throwing two interceptions. Things won't get any easier in Week 16 as the Colts have a divisional matchup with the Titans who have allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Wide receiver Alec Pierce has been ruled out after sustaining a concussion last week, which actually may help improve the 22-year-old's completion rate since he likes to throw the ball deep and Pierce leads the entire NFL in average depth of target. Therefore, targets could be focused more on intermediate, higher-percentage throws. Regardless of whether or not that holds true, with fantasy titles hanging in the balance, managers who are streaming QBs will want to look elsewhere if possible as the former first-round draft pick projects only as a mid-range QB2 in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Higbee Dec 20 4:20pm CT
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (knee, illness) has been removed from the Week 16 final injury report on Friday and will make his 2024 debut in Week 16 on Sunday versus the New York Jets. Higbee practiced in full on Wednesday and Friday and was rested on Thursday while being under the weather. The 31-year-old veteran is just now playing for the first time in 2024 after tearing both his ACL and MCL in an ugly collision in the playoffs last season. It's great news for the Rams offense as they look to stamp their ticket to the playoffs in the final three weeks of the season, but fantasy managers with everything on the line in the postseason these next two weeks shouldn't be expecting Higbee to help them out. Most likely, the Rams will ease Higbee back into the fold and he'll join a TE committee in LA that already includes Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen. Consider him a shaky TE2 streamer, at best.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Dec 20 4:20pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (hip, back) is ready to go for Week 16 after getting through a full practice session on Friday. Irving was limited during the first two practice sessions of the week, but has been removed from the injury report after getting in a full session to end the week. Irving has rushed for over 70 yards in four of his last five games. Irving has two 100-plus yard games in two of his last three outings. The only thing holding him back is the fact that he remains in a committee with Rachaad White in the backfield. Despite that, Irving should still be able to produce high-end RB2 value for the Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Dec 20 4:20pm CT
Diontae Johnson

The Baltimore Ravens waived wide receiver Diontae Johnson on Friday. Johnson will now go on waivers and can be claimed by another organization on Monday. If he is not claimed, Johnson will hit the open market and be free to sign with any team he wants. The 28-year-old was acquired at the trade deadline this year from the Carolina Panthers, but he wasn't exactly a great fit in Baltimore's offense. Everything came to a head when Johnson, unhappy with his role, refused to enter the Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was subsequently suspended for the Week 15 win over the New York Giants and is now no longer with the team. He ended up catching just one pass on five targets for six yards in four games with the Ravens, but he had a 30-357-3 line in seven games with Carolina and should latch on quickly with another organization, potentially a contender looking for more receiver depth.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Dec 20 4:10pm CT
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold will get a rough matchup this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks on the road. The 27-year-old had his fourth outing of the season with fewer than 16 fantasy points last weekend in a win over the Chicago Bears and has another stiff test on tap in Week 16. The Seahawks are vulnerable on the ground but have allowed the twelfth-fewest passing yards per game to opponents (213.6). Despite letting up a friendly 21:11 TD:INT ratio, Seattle is affording fantasy QBs 17.0 points per game -; a top-eleven mark in the NFL. Still, the Vikings deploy one of the better sets of offensive weaponry in the league, and Darnold should put up a fight with a first-round playoff bye on the line. He comes in at RotoBaller's QB8 ahead of the fantasy semi-finals.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Dec 20 4:10pm CT
Cade Otton

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are now saying that tight end Cade Otton (knee) is doubtful to play on Sunday night in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Todd Bowles said that Otton will likely be a game-time decision this week, but it doesn't sound like they're expecting to play him against Dallas. Otton missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning to a limited showing on Friday, but he was sporting a large brace on his injured left knee. Fantasy managers should have already moved Otton to the bench this week. After a three-game stretch from Weeks 7-9 in which he had 25 catches for 258 yards and three touchdowns that coincided with receiver Mike Evans being out with an injury, Otton has come back down to Earth in the last five games, clearing 35 receiving yards just once and not scoring at all. Fantasy managers should look to avoid a committee at TE in Tampa involving Payne Durham, Ko Kieft and Devin Culp.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Dec 20 4:10pm CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee) has been removed from the injury report after getting in back-to-back full practice sessions. That means, Mayfield will be good to go for his plus-matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16. Mayfield has been one of the best fantasy QBs all season long. The 29-year-old has thrown seven touchdowns over his last two games and should remain an elite option for this weekend. Fantasy managers shouldn't have to think twice about plugging in Mayfield as a QB1 for Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 20 4:10pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones has another exploitable outing on tap in Week 16 in a road tilt with the Seattle Seahawks. The veteran is in the midst of a nice stretch, with a touchdown in four straight games and three appearances of at least 16 fantasy points. He's commanded fewer targets recently than earlier in the season (likely due to the emergence of Jordan Addison). However, he has still registered at least two receptions in all but two contests. Despite allowing just nine rushing scores, Seattle has favored fantasy RBs in 2024 -; letting up the seventh-most rushing yards (109.43) and tenth-most fantasy points per game (24.8) to running backs. Jones clocks in as RotoBaller's PPR RB16 in this week's ranks.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Dec 20 4:00pm CT
Tyreek Hill

According to David Furones of the Sun Sentinel, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist/personal) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. This is a situation to keep a close eye on as Hill logged a full practice on Thursday but was downgraded to a limited participant on Friday. Hill also opened the week as a non-participant. The veteran wide receiver has been dealing with a lingering wrist injury all season but has yet to be sidelined. Last weekend, the entire Miami offense struggled and Hill was only able to tally 36 yards on two receptions. However, prior to this, Hill averaged 19.3 PPR points during Weeks 11 through 14. If Hill can play, he should be viewed as a must-start option especially with Jaylen Waddle (knee) listed as doubtful. If Hill cannot play, Malik Washington becomes a viable low-end WR2 in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Dec 20 3:50pm CT
Zach Ertz

According to Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports, the Washington Commanders are listed tight end Zach Ertz (concussion) as questionable for Sunday's divisional match against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz suffered a concussion during their Week 15 victory over the New Orleans Saints. During the week, he was a non-participant on Wednesday, but was upgraded to a limited participant on Thursday and Friday. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status as he will need to pass the league's protocol in order to suit up. Entering Week 15, Ertz found the back of the end zone in each of his past three games. If Ertz cannot make a quick turnaround, fantasy managers should expect John Bates to move up to the starting role with rookie Ben Sinnott moving up to the No.2 spot. Bates should not be viewed as a viable option given his lack of proven offensive production throughout his career.

From RotoBaller

Sean McDermott Dec 20 3:40pm CT
Sean McDermott

The Buffalo Bills DST has allowed over 80 points in its last two games but the matchup against New England is more intriguing than recent contests against the Lions and Rams. The Patriots offense averages 17 points per game, second-worst in the NFL. Their implied point total is 16.25 points on Sunday. The Drake Maye-led squad also averages 1.3 giveaways per game. Sean McDermott's defense can easily bounce back in this divisional matchup. The Bills are ranked as a top DST in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Dec 20 3:40pm CT
Isaac Guerendo

According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Bay Area, San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's match against the Miami Dolphins. Guerendo was unable to participate in any team practices this week. He entered his Week 14 game with a foot injury and then left it with a hamstring concern. Fantasy managers should closely monitor his status next week as he may be in danger of missing more time. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Patrick Taylor Jr. to lead a depleted San Francisco backfield on Sunday. Throughout the season, he has tallied 50 yards on 14 attempts and brought in one of his two targets for 12 yards. Taylor should be viewed as a high-floor flex option this weekend facing a Miami rushing defense that has allowed the 12th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Dec 20 3:30pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) has not enjoyed the second-year breakout predicted by many. Through a three-game absence and underwhelming play, Kincaid is the current TE23. The knee injury that cost him time keeps him on the injury report, but there aren't any concerns about Kincaid missing more time. The New England defense is average against tight ends, so the matchup isn't anything to worry about. However, the Bills are favored by 14 points, which could lead to a reliance on the ground game. Kincaid is just outside the TE1 range this week and fantasy managers could look elsewhere given his lack of production.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Dec 20 3:30pm CT
Braelon Allen

According to Dennis Waszak Jr. of the Associated Press, the New York Jets have listed rookie running back Braelon Allen (back) as questionable for Sunday's match against the Los Angeles Rams. Allen logged two limited sessions to open the week but was upgraded to a full participant on Friday. However, the rookie still carries a questionable tag. Allen saw an increased workload in Week 14 with Breece Hall sidelined as he tallied 43 yards on 11 attempts and added 38 yards on four receptions. Even if Allen is able to suit up on Sunday, he should not be viewed as a viable fantasy option as Breece Hall will be expected to lead the backfield. Seeing that Hall was not on the injury report all week suggests he is past his minor knee injury and will take on his normal workhorse role.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Dec 20 3:20pm CT
Tony Pollard

According to Jim Wyatt of the Titans, running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Pollard was unable to participate in practice all week but the team is leaving the door open for him. However, fantasy managers should begin to find an alternative option as he will likely face an uphill battle to suit up. Pollard has battled a lingering ankle injury over the past few weeks and was even forced out of last weekend's game due to it. If Pollard is unable to suit up, Tyjae Spears would step into the lead role. If Pollard is eventually ruled out, Spears would become a viable RB2 in all formats in a favorable matchup as the Colts have allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing running backs this season.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Dec 20 3:20pm CT
Khalil Shakir

If you want consistency, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir will deliver. Buffalo's slot receiver has failed to reach double-digit PPR fantasy points twice: Once in his first game back from an ankle injury and once in a snowstorm. That's led to Shakir's current standing as the WR25. He has a target share north of 23% and maintains his status as Josh Allen's favorite wide receiver. A blowout will be the primary concern for Shakir's fantasy managers. The Bills are a 14-point home favorite and could take their foot off the gas earlier than usual. Shakir ranks as a low-end, but safe, WR2.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Dec 20 3:20pm CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman was quiet in all but one play (a 64-yard reception) against the Detroit Lions. Despite his lackluster usage, the rookie was on the field for 63% of the snaps in his first game back from a wrist injury. That was more than any other Buffalo receiver. Coleman may play the most but Buffalo often rotates their receivers and Josh Allen spreads the football around. Khalil Shakir, who mans the slot, is the most reliable of the group. The Bills are favored by 14 points, which could lead to more rushing attempts rather than downfield throws, an area where Coleman shines. The second-round pick is in the WR5 range in the rankings this week.

From RotoBaller