I hope you had a Week 15 bye, my fellow fantasy football addicts. If not, there’s a fair chance you’re already looking for your next fix. If you survived last weekend’s onslaught of surprises, congratulations! You’ve cleared a major hurdle. As the weather turns to bitter cold, “August and Everything After” leads up to this. I’m back with you to do laps around the league to get you up to speed on the latest trends and fantasy football news you need to take another step toward the championship.
Assuming you’re still alive and kicking in these playoffs, the department store Christmas music list seems a little less unnerving. Conversely, if you’ve been eliminated, you’re probably wishing you could kick someone right in the jingle bells. Winners, remember the have-nots… “Fall on your knees; O hear the angel voices!” You’ve made it this far, and that’s something to be proud of in this season full of twists and turns.
Start packing the sleigh; next week, we’ll have deliveries to make on our way to the finals. For now, take this edition of fantasy football news with you into Week 16 and get a leg-lamp up on the competition. You, too, could win a coveted major award!
These notes are fragile, so handle with care. Grab the toboggan and let’s go.
Fantasy Football News & Notes for Week 16
Fantasy Football News
Perfect Blue Buildings
The injury bug came back in a big way this week…@FF_Stallion looks at the biggest fantasy football injuries of Week 15!https://t.co/xHJl2Yqrcx pic.twitter.com/fXQ0BT9iS7
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) December 16, 2024
The hits just kept on coming as far as injuries to key players in Week 15. The magnifying glass is a bit bigger now than it was earlier in the season, though. Even the slightest injury to a star player (see: Patrick Mahomes) who is coasting to the NFL Playoffs is cause for concern. Sure, players like that will be fine, but what if the organization decides to take the “Let him heal” approach in preparation for the postseason?
In this instance, will we be staring down Carson Wentz in the fantasy championship, talking ourselves into the slinger savior? According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Mahomes is listed as “week-to-week” with a high ankle sprain, so it’s probably best to plan accordingly for this week, even though he was listed as a full practice participant today.
Lions Running back David Montgomery (MCL) has been lost for the season, dealing a serious blow to contenders. Jahmyr Gibbs managers, meanwhile, are rejoicing in an additional workload (more on that later). The Saints’ Alvin Kamara, also a mainstay on top teams this season, has a groin adductor, which is a groin strain that runs down the tendons in the leg and aids with balance. Backup running back Kendre Miller has been running hard the last two games (19 rushes for 78 yards and a touchdown) and will likely be the top waiver-wire target this week.
Time & Time Again
Nick Chubb is injured again. This week, the Cleveland Browns running back broke his foot. I’m not here to tell you that when you rush back from one injury, it can put undue pressure on other parts. Oh, wait, yeah, I am. I’m no doctor, but if you were relying on Chubb in the playoffs you were already cooked. Cincinnati product Jerome Ford (rostered in 34% of leagues) is now thrust back into the spotlight of a shaky Cleveland offense.
Miami Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle (knee) will miss this week and is likely done for the season. Tennessee Titans RB Tony Pollard left against the Bengals with the same ankle injury that was bothering him before the game. He should be back again this week but may see decreased touches, sharing with Tyjae Spears. Philadelphia Eagles RB NFL MVP candidate Saquon Barkley missed most of the second quarter (undisclosed) and was not his usual self during Week 15 (19 rushes for 65 yards). It’s unclear whether he was actually hindered, and the Eagles have yet to address it. Kenneth Gainwell is a “just-in-case” handcuff for Barkley managers still playing. A.J. Brown also suffered a minor ankle injury, but it does not appear to be a high sprain. Bullet dodged?
A Long December
Zero RB doing Zero RB things at the time it’s meant to…. https://t.co/UrKez6Cvwo
— Tom Strachan (@NFL_TStrack) December 16, 2024
There’s reason to believe that maybe this year will be better than the last. And then, this. This is why we can’t have nice things. I noted Barkley not being himself. That cost some managers a trip to the semifinals. How about Derrick Henry? His 14 carries for 61 yards is a turd job that even Amber Heard would look glowingly upon. God forbid you have both running backs; you just got all that hard work pulled right out from under you.
Kyren Williams, De’Von Achane, Bijan Robinson, Breece Hall, Brian Robinson, Joe Mixon, Jonathan Taylor and others scored between 10 and 14.6 Points Per Reception (PPR) fantasy points. Add Barkley and Henry in, and that’s hardly the point totals you expect from your bell-cows. Meanwhile, 26 wide receivers eclipsed 15 points, with 14 going over 20 points. This caused a seismic shift in the fantasy playoff landscape.
With so many monster running backs ousted from the competition, it’s up to the teams remaining to follow the fantasy football news and try to sign the next big thing: The league-winner.
Somewhere in Middle America
It’s holiday crunch time. Some people love toting their Starbucks holiday cups as they hop from store to store, humming a festive tune. For many of us, we’d rather be dead or in Omaha. Not because we’re bah-humbug, but we can’t wait to be through the necessary evil of preparations.
It just occurred to me that I’m going have to wrap all this shit. Oh! And untangle those damn lights. One goes out they all fucking go out! In no time, you’ll find yourself in the unenviable situation of idle chit-chat, like when checking out with the cashier or perhaps wrapping gifts across from someone or helping the family hang your preschool ornaments. Maybe you’re stuck in an aisle fighting over a toy with Mrs. Clause like Jerry Seinfeld absconding with a babka.
No matter the situation, stick to what you know. What you know is football. You’ll either impress people or send them screaming in the other direction like so many Christmas banshees. Speaking of people you should run screaming from:
Diontae Johnson once again creating separation while not putting up any numbers in the box score. https://t.co/V0SZaZoYzv
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) December 16, 2024
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- As I noted last week, Brian Thomas Jr. is getting more looks with Mac Jones at quarterback. The LSU product had his most targeted three-game stretch of the season (29 targets for 244 yards). He went out in Week 15 and made me look good. His final line against the Jets: 10 catches on 14 targets, for 105 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He belongs in lineups from now on.
- Not to be upstaged in the same game, the old Green Bay connection awoke from hibernation for the New York Jets of New Jersey (Central Park adjacent) when Aaron Rodgers hit Davante Adams nine times for 198 yards and a pair of one-way flights to paydirt. Adams wound up being the PPR WR1.
- Cincinnati could have any number of players take their fantasy managers to the finals. The Bengals are still not eliminated mathematically from the playoffs and just keep on scoring.
- Tight ends are still coming around. Sam LaPorta was just the TE1, Brock Bowers is still doing Bowers things and Mark Andrews has the most receiving touchdowns (eight) since Week 6 among players not named Ja’Marr Chase (10)
What to Watch for Around the NFL in Week 16
Kelcedentally in Love
With Mahomes’ status up in the air, what is the Kansas City Chief’s game plan? Will it be time to go full-Isiah Pacheco? Or does it matter whether it’s Wentz or someone else under center when Travis Kelce starts his superhuman late-season push?
If you’ll recall, last season, Mr. Swift blew up in the postseason to the tune of 37 receptions, 355 yards and three end zone trips. It always feels like he can turn it on at any time, so he might need to do so earlier than usual this year for the defending champs. Through 14 games at age 35, the University of Cincinnati tight end is on a similar pace to 2023. Either way, the Chiefs have done a lot of their damage on defense this season and just barely do what they need to win. Regardless of the offense they put on the field, as long as those loveable refs are there Kansas City will be fine.
For what it’s worth, the fire is so delightful that Mahomes and even Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (gasp!) were at practice today. I assume they were roasting more than chestnuts.
Hanginaround…
I feel terrible for the Detroit Lions because they are literally the only team in the NFL that is suffering injuries at this point in the season.
— Ekim (@Ekim79450521) December 17, 2024
By now, you’ve surely heard that Dan Campbell‘s team has suffered a slew of injuries. The latest being Montgomery, Carlton Davis and Alim McNeill (another blow to the defense) headed to the Injured reserve (IR). The Lions are still 12-2 (tied with Minnesota) and have games remaining against Chicago (this week), the 49ers (on “Monday Night Football” on Dec. 30) and what will be presumably for all the division marbles at home hosting the Vikings Week 18.
Gibbs managers should reap the benefits of missing Montgomery’s “Knuckles” to Gibbs’ “Sonic.” His stats in games without the early-down back in the lineup are sensational. There will be a few “breather” runs for Craig Reynolds and perhaps some trickery from a one Sione Vaki sleigh.
Browns Gonna Brown
Much to the grinchy chagrin of NFL fans (and fantasy managers) everywhere, Cleveland is benching Jameis Winston. Since beating Pittsburgh, the Browns had a tough stretch of games: at the Broncos, at the Steelers and home against the Chiefs. For some reason, they’ve decided to roll out Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) for this week at the Ohio-rival Bengals. After a sloppy game against Tennessee that Cincinnati won by 10, the home team is licking its chops for this one.
As noted, the Queen City on the banks of Ohio has not yet been mathematically eliminated, and the star players (including Chase Brown) can break off a big play at any moment. In addition, a certain statistic makes this personal for Joe Burrow. Considered by many to be an MVP candidate were the team in better standing, the Bengals quarterback has only beaten Cleveland twice in his career. He was pressured mercilessly in his five losses and will probably get a healthy dose of the same.
Zac Taylor’s job as head coach is safe if history is any indication. However, a loss to the Browns would all but cement a ticket out of town for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Depending on the offensive line’s play, it might do the same for line coach Frank Pollack. Every year, Cincinnati gives him promising new tools (if not top-dollar ones), and Pollack turns them into a burning trash heap.
On the other sideline, Kevin Stefanski’s job is also safe after winning Coach of the Year and making the playoffs twice in four seasons. However, it is possible that a major coaching overhaul may occur and that Stefanski could start 2025 on a pig spit.
RELATED: Between Bets: 2024 College Football Bowl Game Picks for Dec. 20
Fantasy Football Quick Hits for Week 16
- Kenneth Walker (calf) missed Week 15, but the Seahawks staff is confident he’ll return this week. In his stead, Zach Charbonnet has performed admirably. He’s worth keeping in case of a re-injury to Walker before Week 17.
- Just do yourself a favor: Cut Deebo Samuel and stream a replacement based on matchups.
- Reigning in Baltimore? In less than one season, Derrick Henry is already the No. 10 all-time rusher for the Ravens.
- Pick up Michael Penix Jr! Kirk Cousins was predictably terrible against the Raiders, and if Atlanta gets eliminated this week, how great would the story be of starting Penix Jr. in the championship against Jayden Daniels? Update: That was quick, Raheem Morris named Penix Week 16 starter right after this article was published.
- I’ve been saying it all season, and it’s coming. D’Andre Swift is nursing a groin injury, the Bears have two tough games and Roschon Johnson should return from a concussion this week. He will take over the job and likely start during your fantasy football championship.
- Lamar Jackson strengthened his NFL MVP case with his sixth-career game of five-plus passing touchdowns with zero picks, joining Tom Brady and Drew Brees. The difference is Jackson did it at six years younger than Brees and 12 younger than the G.O.A.T.
- Drafting is easy, let me show you. Marvin Harrison Jr. has 51 catches, 733 yards and seven touchdowns. Rashod Bateman, in 40 less routes run, has 38 catches, 654 yards and seven touchdowns. Maybe you can win a trivia game at the bar with that one.
- 7.9% of Yahoo! fantasy teams list their playoff matchup last week when Jonathan Taylor dropped the football for a fumble before breaking the plane
- Captain’s log, stardate 121724: Trey McBride trails Brock Bowers by one catch and is TE2 on the season. He has more rushing touchdowns (one) than receiving touchdowns (zero). It is well, with my soul. “How Great Thou Art!”
Sunday “Round Here”
I’m “good” at fantasy football. I draft well. I make shrewd pickups during the season. I weather injuries. I plan ahead. I consistently make the playoffs. I lose in the first round to a guy that started Desmond Ridder.
— scrotum phillips (@mustachetoilet) December 17, 2024
Sometimes, them’s just the breaks. You do everything you can for 17 weeks and then lay down and get run over by someone who forgot to set their lineup. I wish you nothing but the best in Week 16, loyal readers! That’ll do it for the fantasy football news this week. Get your plan in motion so I can see you back here next week for Christmas Eve hijinks. Slam headfirst into the waiver wire and add on all the upside you can handle.
Get your Thursday players into your positional slots, and leave the flex open for unforeseen circumstances. Start your studs that got you there. Don’t tinker, and for God’s sake, hang your damn stockings with care, as St. Samwise soon will be there!
If you need last-minute help, I’ll see you on Twitter/X from 10 a.m. ET until the games start on Sunday to answer your start/sit questions, or Saturday night for “Sleepers and Streamers.” You can also find me here at In-Between Media (IBT) again on Friday with player prop bets for Sunday’s games!
Check out all of our Week 16 fantasy football content:
- Fantasy Football Whiplash! | Week 16 News & Notes (2024)
- Week 16 NFL DFS Picks & Lineup Advice (2024)
- Week 16 NFL Betting Advice Mailbag (2024)
- Week 16 Shore Thing Sleepers (2024)
- Week 16 In the Scope Targets (2024)
- PropKings: NFL Week 16 (2024)
Thanks for checking out my Week 16 fantasy football news and notes! Track me down on Twitter/X @BuyAndSellYou for more redraft and dynasty fantasy football content.
*Photo Credit: Kimberly P. Mitchell – USA TODAY Sports*
