3 days agoDenver Broncos kicker
Wil Lutz had a serviceable day for fantasy managers in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football and also kept his made-kick streak alive. Since having the potential game-winning field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs blocked in Week 10, Lutz has gone 11-for-11 on field goals and 19-for-19 on extra points in a span of five games. He made both of his field-goal attempts (long of 55 yards) and all three of his extra-point opportunities in the 34-27 loss to the Bolts on Thursday night to give his fantasy managers a solid 11 points in most scoring formats. The 30-year-old veteran has been one of the most accurate kickers in the league (90.6%) and is getting plenty of opportunities in what has become a capable offense under rookie QB
Bo Nix. Lutz will be a must-start in a good matchup in Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com
3 days agoBaltimore Ravens wide receiver
Tylan Wallace is not a playable option despite a decent opportunity and matchup in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens could be looking for additional pass-catching options with
Rashod Bateman (foot) and
Nelson Agholor (concussion) both questionable against a Steelers pass defense that ranks in the middle of the pack against fantasy receivers. But at this stage, Wallace's 115-yard performance in Week 10 is the aberration, not the norm. Outside of that week, he has seven total catches for 76 yards. Managers shouldn't risk playing Wallace in the fantasy playoffs, even in the deepest of leagues.
--Nick Piotrowicz - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
3 days agoDenver Broncos fullback
Michael Burton got into the action in the 34-27 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium on a short touchdown pass from rookie quarterback
Bo Nix in the second quarter. Burton is not a big part of Denver's offense, but he caught one of Nix's two touchdown passes on the evening for his second touchdown in the last three games. He also fell into the end zone on a goal-line carry in the Week 13 win over the Cleveland Browns. The 32-year-old veteran has mostly served a blocking role for Denver's struggling ground game this year, but he'll occasionally get a touch or two. On the year as a whole through 15 games, Burton has only six rushing attempts for five yards and a touchdown while adding 10 catches on 10 targets for 65 yards and another score. He should continue to be ignored for fantasy purposes.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com
3 days agoBaltimore Ravens tight end
Isaiah Likely should be considered a very high-risk bet in the fantasy playoffs with the Ravens playing host to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16. The third-year tight end's ups and downs have been wild this season, ranging from a TE1 showing in Week 1 to a zero-target performance despite playing more than half of Baltimore's offensive snaps in Week 12. With receivers
Rashod Bateman (foot) and
Nelson Agholor (concussion) questionable and Pittsburgh ranking a middling 17th against tight ends, Likely certainly could find himself drawing more targets. But betting on which weeks Likely will pop is like a scratch-off lottery ticket. Tread carefully.
--Nick Piotrowicz - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
3 days agoNow that Baltimore Ravens running back
Justice Hill (personal) is slated to play in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he can be considered a fringe flex option for fantasy managers in PPR formats. The veteran back hasn't done much as a change-of-pace rusher behind starter
Derrick Henry, but he has been an effective receiver by drawing 50 targets and turning them into 42 catches and three touchdowns on the year. The Steelers rank ninth against fantasy running backs, though Hill logged a top-30 finish among running backs in the first meeting with Pittsburgh. He's a low-ceiling option, but his receiving floor makes him playable, especially in formats with more than one flex spot.
--Nick Piotrowicz - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
3 days agoPittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Mike Williams has both opportunity and a great matchup in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens, but starting him at this stage of the fantasy playoffs is not advised. Pittsburgh will again be without top receiver
George Pickens (hamstring) and Baltimore has been unusually poor against the pass, ranking 31st against fantasy receivers. However, it's awfully difficult to start a receiver that played only 29% and 35% of the team's snaps without Pickens the past two weeks. Williams may see a slight uptick in production against Baltimore, but he's just not getting enough run in the Steelers' offense to gamble on this week.
--Nick Piotrowicz - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
3 days agoDespite what could be additional opportunity, fantasy managers should steer clear of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Van Jefferson in a Week 16 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Top Pittsburgh receiver
George Pickens (hamstring) missed the previous two contests and is out again against Baltimore, but that hasn't really led to much for Jefferson, who had two catches for 10 yards and a touchdown in those two games despite playing the majority of the offensive snaps. The Ravens rank 31st against fantasy wide receivers, but it's tough to trust the journeyman to be a beneficiary. Managers holding Pickens should look elsewhere for a backup plan.
--Nick Piotrowicz - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
3 days agoDallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons is heading into the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in 2025 but is hoping to get a long-term deal done before free agency opens in March. That fifth-year option is worth $21.4 million, but Parsons doesn't seem to be worried about securing the largest contract in the league. He said "It would be nice to be surrounded by good players," and went on to say that making more money to have a harder time winning doesn't sound fun. The Cowboys have yet to be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, so Parsons could have a chance to build his contract case even further after registering 8.5 sacks, 32 total tackles (21 solo), eight tackles for loss, and 19 QB hits through 10 games.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Todd Archer
3 days agoThe New York Jets announced on Thursday that they have completed an interview with Jim Nagy during their ongoing search for the team's next general manager. Nagy is currently the executive director of the Reese's Senior Bowl which showcases college football players in an all-star game that have used all of their eligibility. He was also an NFL scout for 18 years and worked for the Seattle Seahawks, most recently, from 2013-2018 as the southeast scout. Nagy was the third candidate interviewed after Thomas Dimitroff and Jon Robinson.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: New York Jets
3 days agoNew England Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore (illness) has been placed on the non-football illness list after a statement from the team was released on Thursday. The Patriots stated that Barmore "experienced some recurring symptoms that required further evaluation." Barmore will have to sit out for the rest of the season so that he can hopefully return next year symptom-free. He finishes with 1.0 sacks, six total tackles, one tackle for loss, and one QB hit across four appearances.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: New England Patriots
3 days agoGreen Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) was back at practice on Thursday and considered a full participant during a snowy session. The two-time pro bowler hasn't played since Week 11 and has only logged a total of 10 snaps after Week 8. Getting one of their top defensive backs would do wonders for the Packers defense, especially against a New Orleans Saints team that's hurting and may need to go to their rookie quarterback. This season, Alexander has registered two interceptions (one pick-six), seven passes defended, and 16 total tackles (15 solo).
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Rob Demovsky
3
days
agoAccording
to
Ken
Rosenthal
of
The
Athletic,
the
Toronto
Blue
Jays
are
"not
as
interested"
in
re-signing
infielder
Bo
Bichette
in
comparison
to
first
baseman
Vladimir
Guerrero
Jr.
Rosenthal
noted
that
the
Blue
Jays
will
likely
have
to
make
a
read more...
3
days
agoAccording
to
Ken
Rosenthal
of
The
Athletic,
the
Yankees
are
likely
to
target
an
inexpensive
option
at
first
base.
This
will
likely
make
it
very
challenging
for
them
to
sign
either
Christian
Walker
or
Pete
Alonso.
With
the
read more...
3 days agoAccording to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Blue Jays are continuing to pursue a contract extension for their first baseman,
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Rosenthal noted that the Blue Jays have several contracts to take care of including Guerrero's extension,
Bo Bichette's potential extension, and even the possibility of signing free agent
Alex Bregman. While it will be difficult to accomplish all three of these tasks, Rosenthal noted that all three objectives remain "in play." Guerrero is projected to earn near $30 million in his final year of arbitration and will hit free agency at age 27. Given the massive contract
Juan Soto earned this offseason, Guerrero could be store for a massive payday. The first baseman finished second in AL MVP in 2021 and is coming off another excellent campaign where he posted a .323/.396/.544 line with 30 home runs and 103 RBI.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ken Rosenthal
3 days agoAccording to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, the Seattle Mariners have claimed free agent catcher
Nick Raposo off of waivers. Raposo was released by the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this week. Last summer across 78 games at the Triple-A level, the 26-year-old held a .206/.280/.340 line with ten doubles, eight home runs and a 25:59 BB:K ratio. In 2023, Raposo held a .260/.315/.420 line across Double-A. Raposo may contend for a spot on the Opening Day Roster but will likely open the campaign at Triple-A as he has yet to master that level. Fantasy managers in dynasty formats should not consider stashing him anytime soon as he will likely need more time to develop and has yet to flash any true offensive upside.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Daniel Kramer
3 days agoAccording to Ken Rosenthal of MLB on FOX, the Athletics have signed free agent infielder
Gio Urshela to a one-year contract. Urshela spent the 2024 campaign playing in Detroit and Atlanta. Across 128 games, the infielder held a .250/.286/.361 line with 19 doubles, nine home runs and no stolen bases. Urshela showed a great eye at the plate with a 15.6% K rate and 20.3% whiff rate which were both significantly above the average marks. In addition, he also generated a .264 xBA which suggest he could be due for some positive regression in 2025. In 2022 and 2023 he posted a .285 AVG and .299 AVG respectively. Fantasy managers should expect him to have an everyday role at the hot corner with the Athletics and could be worth a look in deeper AL-only formats given his low strikeout rate and solid batting average.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ken Rosenthal
3 days agoAccording to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Texas Rangers have signed free agent relief pitcher
Hoby Milner to a one-year contract. Milner has spent the past four season working in the Milwaukee bullpen. Across 64 2/3 innings last summer, the southpaw posted a 4.73 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP. However, under the hood he generated a strong 3.24 xERA which suggests he should be in store for some positive regression in 2025. He also allowed hard contract at a low 36.2% rate and barrels at stellar 2.7% rate. In addition, he showed great command with a 5.2% walk rate. Last season he was typically deployed in the seven and eighth innings as a set-up man. Fantasy managers should monitor who else the Rangers sign as Milner could contend for save opportunities or be an elite contributor in leagues that score holds.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Mark Feinsand
3 days agoLos Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar scored twice in their victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday evening. Kopitar tallied his first goal in the final minutes of the second frame on a backhand shot to beat goaltender Aleksei Kolosov. Later in the third period, Kopitar would extend the Los Angeles lead on a wrist shot. The veteran center is now riding a three-game point streak. During this span, he has posted two multi-point efforts. Since the start of December, Kopitar has been held off the scoresheet just once and has tallied eight total points across seven games. Overall, the 37-year-old has registered 37 points across 32 total games this season. Fantasy managers should continue to view him as a solid center option in standard formats as he continues to see heavy ice time on a nightly basis.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoTampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy tallied his third straight victory in Thursday evening's 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. In this game, Vasilevskiy stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced. Tampa Bay was heavily out-shot in this contest, but the 30-year-old was able to lead the way. Over his previous six starts, Vasilevskiy has held a 5-1 record with a strong .924 save percentage and a 2.01 goals-against average. Overall, through 25 games, he sits with a 15-9-1 record and a .911 save percentage with a 2.38 goals-against average. Fantasy managers should continue to view Vasilevskiy as a high-end goaltender, not only given his elite production, but also heavy workload. He should be expected to get the starting nod on Sunday evening when the Lightning host the Florida Panthers.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoEdmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl tallied an assist on all three of Edmonton's goals during their 3-2 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins. The Bruins got out to an early two-goal lead in the opening frame, but the Oilers took control of the game the rest of the way. Draisaitl logged his first helper on Zach Hyman's 11th tally of the season in the second period. Then in the third, Draisaitl tallied the secondary assist on Connor McDavid's game-tying strike. In overtime, Draisaitl would earn his third point of the evening on Connor McDavid's game-winner. This was his seventh straight multi-point showing. During this span, the 29-year-old has tallied 18 points (six goals, 12 assists). Draisaitl remains a high-end fantasy option in all formats and is a safe lineup anchor in DFS.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoPittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust tallied four points (two goals and two assists) during Thursday's overtime victory over the Nashville Predators. Rust scored his first goal of the game in the opening frame on a backhand shot to beat Juuse Saros. In the second period, Rust tallied two secondary assists, one on the power-play, and the other in even-strength play. Then in overtime, Rust would play the hero and complete the Penguins comeback and secure the victory on a wrist shot. This was Rust's second four-point performance of the month. Over his previous six games, he has tallied 12 points (six goals, six assists) while registering 19 total shots and seven blocks. Given how well the top line in Pittsburgh has performed, Rust should remain locked into all lineups on Saturday evening when he travels to Newark to face the Devils.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoPittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby snapped his 10-game goal drought and added three assists during Thursday's overtime victory over the Nashville Predators. Crosby's first assist came on Bryan Rust's first goal of the evening. Later in the second period, Crosby would snap his multi-week-long goal drought by scoring his ninth of the season on the power play. Later in the period, Crosby would register the secondary assist on Rickard Rakell's tally. Then in the third, Crosby would once again kickstart the offense with his third helper of the evening, this time on Erik Karlsson's game-tying strike. Even during his 10-game goal drought, Crosby still averaged a point per game. Over his previous 12 contests, he has been held off the scoresheet just twice and has registered three multi-point showings. He will look to stay hot on Saturday evening against the New Jersey Devils.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoColorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon tallied two assists on the man advantage during Thursday's victory over the San Jose Sharks. MacKinnon's first helper of the evening was the secondary assist on Valeri Nichuskin's ninth tally of the season. Later in the final frame, MacKinnon tallied the primary assist on Mikko Rantanen's 19th goal of the season. Since the start of December, MacKinnon has tallied 16 total points (six goals, ten assists) with three of them coming on the power-play. Over his previous six games, he has been held off the scoresheet just twice and logged at least three shots on goal in each game. MacKinnon remains a high-end center in all formats and a top play in DFS in all matchups. He should be viewed as a high-upside option on Friday evening facing the Anaheim Ducks.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoThe Kansas City Chiefs defense will face the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16. The Chiefs defense just had their best game of the season against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15. The Chiefs racked up four interceptions, two fumbles recovered, and five sacks while holding the Browns offense to just seven points. To put that into context, the Kansas City defense had collected four interceptions in their last eight games and only had two fumbles recovered in their previous 11 games. The Chiefs defensive unit should be in for a tougher matchup against the Texans this week. The Chiefs defense is ranked as the seventh-best defense in our
RotoBaller rankings, putting them firmly in the start category this week. Despite facing CJ Stroud,
Nico Collins, and
Joe Mixon this week, the Kansas City defense should be capable of putting forth a start-worthy performance.
--Joshua Costello - RotoBallerSource: All Chief'd Up! - Twitter
3 days agoKansas City Chiefs kicker
Harrison Butker will face the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16. Butker returned from injured reserve in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns and showed some signs of rust. The Chiefs kicker knocked through all three extra-point attempts but missed his only field goal attempt from 29 yards away. Butker will look to improve this week, another week removed from the injury. The 29-year-old is ranked as the ninth-best kicker in our
RotoBaller rankings, making him a start-worthy asset this week. Fantasy managers should be able to trust Butker in the fantasy playoffs.
--Joshua Costello - RotoBallerSource: NFL on CBS - Twitter
3 days agoKansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Xavier Worthy will face the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16. Worthy is coming off arguably the best game of his young career, catching six passes for 46 yards and converting rush attempts into 30 yards and a touchdown. The rookie receiver led the Chiefs pass catchers last week, so it will be interesting to see if that trend continues this week against Houston. The Texans rank 24th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season, making them one of the more advantageous matchups. Worthy will also have to compete with
Marquise Brown, who is returning from an injury, for pass-catching opportunities moving forward. Worthy is ranked WR45 in our
RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a flex option for Week 16. Fantasy managers may be better off looking in another direction for the fantasy playoffs.
--Joshua Costello - RotoBallerSource: Austin Abbott - Twitter
3 days agoKansas City Chiefs wide receiver
DeAndre Hopkins will face the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16. Hopkins had five catches for 36 yards in last week's win over the Cleveland Browns. The 32-year-old has been consistently involved in the Kansas City offense due to his reliability and route-running. Hopkins will look to stay involved this week against the Texans, who rank 24th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Although the matchup is juicy, Hopkins must contend with
Marquise Brown returning from injury this week. The veteran receiver is ranked WR37 in our
RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, putting him in the WR3/Flex range this week. With numerous available pass catchers in the Kansas City offense, it will be difficult for Hopkins to receive a large workload. Hopkins is a tough player for managers to trust in the fantasy playoffs.
--Joshua Costello - RotoBallerSource: Jeremy Fowler - Twitter
3 days agoKansas City Chiefs running back
Kareem Hunt will take on the Houston Texans in Week 16. Hunt was nearly phased out of the Chiefs backfield with
Isiah Pacheco returning from injury, but his usage ramped back up in Week 15. The 29-year-old handled 13 carries last week against the Cleveland Browns, earning the same number of touches as Pacheco. It will be interesting to see how many opportunities Hunt receives this week against the Texans, who rank fourth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Hunt is ranked RB46 in our
RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option this week. With the two Chiefs running backs splitting touches in a poor matchup, it will be difficult for fantasy managers to trust either of them in the fantasy playoffs.
--Joshua Costello - RotoBallerSource: JJ Zachariason - Twitter
3 days agoKansas City Chiefs running back
Isiah Pacheco will face the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16. Pacheco appeared to emerge as the lead back in Week 14, earning 16 touches compared to six for
Kareem Hunt, but that changed in Week 15. The two running backs each handled 13 carries last week against the Cleveland Browns, and Hunt outproduced Pacheco. It will be interesting to see how the backfield split shakes out this week against the Houston Texans, who rank fourth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this year. The 25-year-old is ranked RB25 in our
RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a low-end RB2/Flex option this week. Fantasy managers will have a tough time trusting Pacheco in the fantasy playoffs, especially with Hunt stealing touches.
--Joshua Costello - RotoBallerSource: JJ Zachariason - Twitter
3 days agoKansas City Chiefs tight end
Travis Kelce will take on the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16. Kelce is coming off a down game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15. The 35-year-old had four catches for 27 yards in the contest. Kelce will try to top those numbers this week against the Texans, who rank fourth in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season. Despite having an injury scare in last week's game,
Patrick Mahomes practiced fully all week and is good to go for Saturday. Mahomes' health significantly impacts Kelce's fantasy production, so it's a good sign that he's off the injury report. Kelce is ranked TE7 in our
RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, making him a solid TE1. Fantasy managers will hope for a vintage Kelce performance in the fantasy playoffs this week.
--Joshua Costello - RotoBallerSource: Kansas City Chiefs - Twitter
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