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News
DK Metcalf is expected to receive a fine or suspension following his sideline incident. Sean McVay, Super Bowl champion liar, said Davante Adams is not expected to play. Quinshon Judkins suffered a severe ankle fracture and dislocation. Jordan Mason exited and did not return, while Aaron Jones briefly left before returning. J.J. McCarthy left with a hand injury and could miss the Christmas Day game despite negative X-rays.
Lamar Jackson exited in the second quarter with a back injury, dramatically reshaping the AFC playoff picture. Detroit and Baltimore now sit with slim postseason odds, while the door appears wide open for Josh Allen if he can cash in. Baltimore drew heavy criticism for giving Derrick Henry zero touches after going up 24 to 13, a decision that made football fans and fantasy managers alike question reality. Jordan Love entered concussion protocol, Malik Willis is dealing with a shoulder injury, and Gardner Minshew is feared to have torn his ACL. Josh Allen was evaluated for a foot injury after one of the worst fantasy performances of his career, a reminder that even MVPs can betray you at the worst possible time. Pat Bryant suffered a brutal concussion that sent him to the hospital during meaningless garbage time.
Fantasy Studs
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QB
Trevor Lawrence delivered the most complete performance of the week, showing decisiveness, accuracy, and confidence against an elite defense. Since the bye, his efficiency and TD rate have surged, signaling that something has finally clicked. Matthew Stafford, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, and Jared Goff rounded out the elite tier. Burrow did massive damage despite sitting most of the fourth quarter, while Herbert once again took advantage of Dallas, the defensive gift that keeps on giving fantasy goodness to all offenses.
RB
Ashton Jeanty shocked the fantasy world as the RB1 on the week, shredding Houston after weeks of doubt. Chase Brown scored three TDs and continues to rise into league-winner territory. Jaylen Warren crushed Andy’s championship hopes with two 45-yard TDs, while Derrick Henry delivered despite being mysteriously banished in the fourth quarter. Bijan Robinson, James Cook, R.J. Harvey, and Jahmyr Gibbs also landed as studs, with Gibbs salvaging a brutal rushing line through heavy receiving work and late TDs that felt inevitable and unfair.
WR
Puka Nacua delivered another monster performance, catapulting managers into fantasy championships on Thursday night. Chris Olave finished as the WR2 and continues to thrive with Tyler Shough, pairing elite usage with smarter self-preservation that could extend his career. DJ Moore detonated on Saturday night with a long TD. Strong weeks also came from Stefon Diggs, Zay Flowers, Courtland Sutton, Romeo Doubs, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tetairoa McMillan, a combination of expected and unexpected sources of fantasy points.
TE
Harold Fannin led the position with a ceiling game. Kyle Pitts returned to the end zone, and Juwan Johnson saw heavy volume, setting him up as a potential Week 17 streamer if injuries continue to pile up in New Orleans. Elijah Higgins mysteriously took Trey McBride’s lunch money for Arizona. Taysom Hill became the first player in history to have 1000+ career passing, rushing, and receiving yards.
Fantasy Duds
QB
Josh Allen’s 130-yard, zero-TD outing crushed semifinal hopes in one of the worst games of his career. Jaxson Dart posted zero fantasy points, throwing for 33 yards in a bizarre game plan that featured 16 straight rushing plays. Jacoby Brissett disappointed badly in a strong matchup against Atlanta after flashing false hope the week prior. Baker (no longer Laser) Mayfield continued his collapse, averaging just 155 passing yards per game since Week 12.
RB
Josh Jacobs was benched after a goal-line fumble despite not being injured, a decision that baffled both fantasy managers and common sense. Breece Hall, D’Andre Swift, Rico Dowdle + Chuba Hubbard, and Bucky Irving all failed to deliver when it mattered most. David Montgomery nearly vanished once again. Michael Carter outperformed Emari Demercado by six points.
WR
Drake London struggled in his return with Kirk Cousins, turning eight targets into minimal production. Amon-Ra St. Brown posted a rare, painful dud. DK Metcalf disappointed amid off-field distractions, while Nico Collins was erased by coverage. Emeka Egbuka’s disappearance continued as Tampa Bay’s passing volume collapsed, leaving managers searching for answers that may not exist.
TE
Trey McBride’s quiet outing was one of the most painful results of the week. Jake Ferguson, Colston Loveland, Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Travis Kelce, Darren Waller, and Colby Parkinson all failed to help fantasy managers. Kelce’s usage in particular raised real questions, and retirement whispers grew louder.
News
George Kittle left early with an ankle injury after trying to play through it, a replay that raised real concern as the ankle appeared to give out on a cut. Kittle does not believe it is a high ankle sprain, but the league has failed to police hip-drop tackles. Postgame fines may be the only real deterrent.
DK Metcalf was officially suspended for two games, a ruling that also voids $45 million in future guaranteed money. He is appealing, but the fallout is massive for both Pittsburgh and fantasy managers. Lamar Jackson’s injury was clarified as a significant back contusion with no structural damage, keeping him day-to-day. Josh Allen is also day-to-day with a foot injury and is still expected to play. Gardner Minshew avoided an ACL tear but landed on IR with a tibial fracture.
Injury reports continue to pile up. Aaron Jones was limited, Jordan Mason and J.J. McCarthy did not practice, Amon-Ra St. Brown missed practice with knee irritation, and both TreVeyon Henderson, Rashee Rice, and Kayshon Boutte are in concussion protocol. If Henderson misses time, Rhamondre Stevenson could become a true league winner.
The news segment ended with the annual reminder of why championship week belongs in Week 17.
Waiver Wire
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RBs:
Rhamondre Stevenson sits alone at the top of the list and somehow remains available in far too many leagues. With playoff motivation intact and Henderson in the concussion protocol, this is the type of pickup that can swing a title. Emanuel Wilson remains in play regardless of Josh Jacobs’ status, while Jacobs continues to manage knee swelling.
Michael Carter and Chris Rodriguez are both interesting, with Carter getting the slight edge in a better matchup. Blake Corum continues to feel uncomfortable but correct, producing weekly flex numbers even as Kyren Williams produces. Cleveland’s backfield turned into a mystery box following Quinshon Judkins’ injury, with Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams splitting work in a low-confidence situation.
WRs:
Parker Washington headlined the WR adds after a spike week. His usage has been volatile, but the matchup against Indianapolis keeps him firmly in the dart-throw tier that can make opponents nervous. Mack Hollins (if Boutte is inactive) and Adonai Mitchell follow as deeper options, with Mitchell’s volume holding steady even as the QB play inspires little confidence. Josh Downs remained usable after another solid target day, while Alec Pierce profiles as a big-play alternative, but is 60% rostered on Sleeper.
TEs:
Brenton Strange stayed relevant with continued red-zone usage, but the most polarizing recommendation is Taysom Hill. With injuries piling up in New Orleans, Hill’s rushing attempts and goal-line role create a cheat-code profile at the position, even if it feels terrifying in a championship lineup. Jake Tonges is the fallback option only for managers directly impacted by the Kittle injury.
DSTs:
New England rose to the top after Brady Cook took eight sacks, while Detroit is appealing with a matchup against Max Brosmer. The Saints, Broncos, Jaguars, and Buccaneers all landed in the streaming mix. The recipe for success is to target overwhelmed rookie or backup QBs whenever possible.
Full Stream Ahead
Jason: Trevor Lawrence vs IND
Lawrence remains shockingly available in many leagues despite playing like a top-tier QB since the bye. He draws Indianapolis this week, a defense that was just carved up through the air by Brock Purdy.
Mike: Tyler Shough vs TEN
Shough is an option for managers in need. He has delivered a reliable fantasy floor over the past month and gets a favorable matchup against Tennessee, where a competitive game script should keep his volume intact.
Andy: Jacoby Brissett vs CIN
Brissett is a swing for the fences in the highest over-under game of the week. Arizona’s defense is unraveling, and projected pass volume alone keeps Brissett in the streamer conversation despite last week’s disappointment.
Backup Options
DK Metcalf was among the most dropped players after his suspension, along with Quinshon Judkins following his injury. Colby Parkinson and Darren Waller also hit waiver wires after brutal letdowns.
Tre Tucker was highlighted as a last-chance WR play against the Giants, where volume and matchup outweigh team quality. Tucker played every snap last week and now stands as the clear No. 1 target in Las Vegas. Jawhar Jordan continued to earn trust after back-to-back weeks of meaningful workload, especially if Woody Marks misses again. Devin Singletary is a deep-league emergency option who should still see double-digit opportunities in the Giants-Raiders slog. Jake Tonges remains a name to know only if George Kittle sits.
News
J.J. McCarthy was ruled out with a hairline finger fracture, setting up Max Brosmer to start on Christmas Day. Brock Bowers was placed on injured reserve in a shocking, yet prudent move by the Raiders to get the number one pick. George Kittle is dealing with a mid-to-low ankle sprain and is considered unlikely to play, creating massive risk even if he suits up. DK Metcalf’s two-game suspension was upheld, voiding his guaranteed money. Marcus Mariota did not practice again, pointing toward 39-year-old Josh Johnson starting. Aaron Jones remained limited, Amon-Ra St. Brown is expected to try to play, and TreVeyon Henderson remains in concussion protocol, opening the door for Ramondre Stevenson to dominate.
Starts of the Week
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Andy:
QB Caleb Williams: San Francisco’s pass rush has disappeared, and Williams gets another strong matchup in a game environment that should push volume.
RB Chris Rodriguez: Rodriguez owns 63% of Washington’s rushing attempts and continues to dominate red-zone work in a high-total game.
WR Jakobi Meyers: Meyers holds a 25% target share and faces a Colts secondary that has been shredded through the air.
TE Tyler Warren: Warren saw nine targets last week and draws a bottom-third TE defense in a must-win home game.
Mike:
QB Drake Maye: Maye’s deep passing pairs well with a Jets defense ranked near the bottom against QBs over the last month.
RB Tyrone Tracy: Tracy has logged 18 opportunities in back-to-back games and faces a Raiders collapsing run defense.
WR Drake London: London still commands strong target volume and gets a dome matchup against a Rams defense vulnerable to WRs.
TE Harold Fannin Jr.: Fannin owns a 31% target share and continues to function as the focal point of the passing game.
Jason:
QB Trevor Lawrence: Lawrence is QB2 since the bye, with Jacksonville leaning pass-heavy and a soft Colts secondary allowing big production.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson: Stevenson projects as a bell cow against the league’s worst recent run defense.
WR Jauan Jennings: Jennings has been a consistency machine since Week 9 and should see even more work if George Kittle is limited.
TE Juwan Johnson: Johnson is the clear No. 2 option in his offense and offers reliable volume against a favorable matchup.
Fantasy Forecast
6-8-1 DAL at 4-11 WAS (DAL -7, O/U 50.5)
Dallas enters as a TD favorite in a high-total game between two shaky defenses. Dak Prescott is playable but carries blowout risk if Washington can’t keep pace with Josh Johnson at QB. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are locked in. Jake Ferguson continues to fade with limited yardage and no recent scores. Javonte Williams is still startable despite the neck issue. On the Washington side, Chris Rodriguez is the engine, and Terry McLaurin is viable regardless of QB play. Deebo Samuel is no longer worth forcing into lineups.
8-7 DET at 7-8 MIN (DET -7.5, O/U 43.5)
Minnesota’s 18-point implied total makes this uncomfortable across the board. Justin Jefferson is difficult to bench, but comes with obvious risk attached to Max Brosmer. Jordan Addison is not in play. Detroit’s offense continues to flow through Jahmyr Gibbs, with David Montgomery seeing his role shrink. Amon-Ra St Brown is expected to suit up and remains a strong start. Stay in the flames with Jameson Williams. Jared Goff is usable but capped by matchup and game script.
12-3 DEN at 9-6 KC (DEN -13.5, O/U 36.5)
Denver is a massive road favorite in one of the lowest totals of the week. Bo Nix is a strong start with Denver leading the league in pass rate over expectation since the bye. R.J. Harvey is a must-start with the Broncos projected to control this game. Kansas City’s 11.5 implied total makes all Chiefs benchable. Travis Kelce is the lone desperation option. Courtland Sutton continues to quietly deliver WR1 production.
10-5 HOU at 11-4 LAC (LAC -1.5, O/U 39.5)
This profiles as a low-scoring defensive battle. Justin Herbert faces constant pressure behind a decimated offensive line, which keeps expectations in check. Quentin Johnston carries boom-bust risk and is difficult to trust. Nico Collins is the clear must-start on Houston. Woody Marks practiced in full and is playable if active, though the matchup limits his ceiling. Dalton Schultz remains a steady option in a thin TE landscape.
7-8 BAL at 9-5-1 GB (GB -3, O/U 40.5)
Jordan Love remains in concussion protocol, with backup Malik Willis carrying a questionable tag as well. Josh Jacobs, if active, is a scary start after last week, while Emanuel Wilson becomes a strong contingency if Jacobs sits. Zay Flowers benefits if Baltimore turns to Snoop Huntley. Derrick Henry remains a must-start despite frustrating usage recently. This game carries volatility and needs monitoring right up to kickoff.
News
Lamar Jackson is doubtful to play, and trade rumors have begun in Baltimore. Jordan Love remains questionable but is trending toward availability. Josh Jacobs was removed from the injury report and is expected to play. TreVeyon Henderson practiced in a non-contact jersey and has a chance to clear concussion protocol for Sunday. A.J. Brown missed practice after wisdom teeth surgery; the questionable timing creates late-week volatility. George Kittle did not practice but still carries a chance to suit up, making Sunday night pivot planning critical.
Fantasy Forecast
3-12 ARI at 5-10 CIN (CIN -7.5, O/U 53.5)
Joe Burrow profiles as a top QB play with ceiling intact. Ja’Marr Chase is overdue for a blow-up, and Tee Higgins remains locked in. Chase Brown stays in the RB1 conversation. Even Mike Gesicki is a TE option. For Arizona, Trey McBride remains elite. Michael Wilson is the preferred WR play with volume stability, while Marvin Harrison Jr carries risk due to limited snaps and health. This game has real shootout potential if Arizona can force Burrow to keep throwing.
9-6 PIT at 3-12 CLE (PIT -3, O/U 34.5)
This is the lowest over-under total of the year. It projects as slow, ugly, and ground-based. Pittsburgh’s game plan could change depending on Baltimore’s result, making Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren tricky. Gainwell offers more PPR safety without DK Metcalf. Stay away from Cleveland’s backfield, and Harold Fannin Jr is the only pass catcher worth starting.
5-10 NO at 3-12 TEN (NO -2.5, O/U 39.5)
Tyler Shough continues to gain confidence and fantasy relevance, operating as a viable QB streamer. Chris Olave remains a high-end WR start, and Juwan Johnson offers a clean path to targets. If you want to embrace the chaos, start Taysom Hill at TE. He had 12 rushing attempts last week and is set up as the goal-line RB, and is a three-way TD threat. Tony Pollard stays hot, fueled by volume and incentive bonuses.
11-4 JAX at 8-7 IND (JAX -6, O/U 48.5)
Trevor Lawrence remains a top-tier start with both floor and ceiling. Travis Etienne is locked in. Among the WRs, Jakobi Meyers offers the safest weekly floor, Brian Thomas Jr carries upside despite low production, and Parker Washington remains a viable flex. Jonathan Taylor is still a volume-based start despite Jacksonville ranking as the toughest RB defense over the past six weeks. Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Michael Pittman are ranked in that order – all three tough to trust. Tyler Warren remains heavily targeted and usable at TE.
7-8 TB at 6-9 MIA (TB -6, O/U 45.5)
Tampa Bay’s offense has lost consistency, with Baker Mayfield’s production plummeting. Mike Evans is matchup-proof with limited upside with Mayfield. Emeka Egbuka is not playable in championship week. Bucky Irving still profiles as an RB2 despite efficiency concerns and Sean Tucker siphoning goal-line work. Miami remains condensed around De’Von Achane, who is a must-start. Jaylen Waddle is volatile but playable, while the rest of the Dolphins offense offers little confidence.
12-3 NE at 3-12 NYJ (NE -13.5, O/U 42.5)
Drake Maye is a strong start despite a probable run-heavy script. Rhamondre Stevenson profiles as one of the safest RB starts of the week if TreVeyon Henderson sits. Hunter Henry benefits from consolidation and remains a strong TE option. Stefon Diggs carries upside if the Jets force passing volume, and Kyle Williams is a sneaky play with Kayshon Boutte out. On the Jets’ side, you can consider Breece Hall…the end.
12-3 SEA at 8-7 CAR (SEA -7, O/U 42.5)
Seattle controls its destiny and should lean on Kenneth Walker, who remains explosive but nerve-wracking due to Zach Charbonnet’s involvement. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is locked in regardless of the matchup. Carolina’s backfield remains muddled, making Rico Dowdle a fade against one of the league’s best run defenses. Tetairoa McMillan stays in play, as Carolina should be playing from behind. There are better options than either of these QBs.
2-13 NYG at 2-13 LV (NYG -1.5, O/U 41.5)
The 2025 Dung Bowl is upon us. Gross. Both defenses struggle against the run, making Tyrone Tracy and Ashton Jeanty the only players worth prioritizing. Passing games are unreliable, and Jaxson Dart carries no fantasy confidence after last week’s usage. Wan’dale Robinson is a PPR-only consideration. Both teams are better off losing for next year’s draft, so only pride is on the line.
10-5 PHI at 11-4 BUF (BUF -1.5, O/U 43.5)
This game funnels through the ground. Saquon Barkley remains an elite play against a Bills defense allowing a league-worst rushing efficiency. Josh Allen is fully cleared and locked in. Jalen Hurts remains strong but would take a hit if A.J. Brown sits. Dallas Goedert continues to produce near the goal line and remains a top TE play.
11-4 CHI at 11-4 SF (SF -3, O/U 52.5)
Caleb Williams headlines as a high-variance QB with a ceiling in this environment. Jauan Jennings benefits from injuries around him and remains a strong WR option. Christian McCaffrey is the axis of fantasy championships galore. If George Kittle plays, he’s in. If not, pivot planning is essential due to kickoff timing. Rome Odunze is out, and Luther Burden is in.
11-4 LAR at 6-9 ATL (LAR -7.5, O/U 49.5
The Monday night game will decide titles. Matthew Stafford has regained elite form and profiles as a strong QB start. Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua remain locked in. Atlanta’s ability to push the scoring will hinge on Drake London’s health, but the Rams offense has plenty to play for with seeding and draft capital on the line. L.A. has the Falcons’ 2026 first-round pick.
Fantasy Faceoff
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Jason aka Sad Krampus:
QB Joe Burrow: More than 267.5 passing yards
RB Chase Brown: More than 53.5 rushing yards
WR Tre Tucker: More than 4.0 receptions
TE Harold Fannin Jr.: More than 3.5 receptions
Mike:
QB Jacoby Brissett: More than 209.5 passing yards
RB Ashton Jeanty: More than 69.5 rushing yards
WR Tee Higgins: More than 57.5 receiving yards
TE Trey McBride: More than 7.5 receptions (Demon)
Andy:
QB Jaxson Dart: Less than 27.5 pass attempts
RB Tony Pollard: More than 11.5 rushing attempts
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba: More than 9.0 targets
TE Juwan Johnson: More than 42.5 receiving yards
Join Mike this week for Sunday Live to get all of your last-minute Championship lineup decisions answered.
Good luck in Week 17, FootClan!