Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce posted a strong bounce-back effort in Week 16's 48-27 loss to the 49ers, reeling in all four of his targets for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Pierce has been a solid fantasy asset all season. However, he looked to be fading two weeks ago when Indy named veteran QB Philip Rivers their starter. At the time, the 25-year-old's downfield skill set didn't appear to be a match for Rivers' current play style. That changed on Monday night, though, when the 44-year-old began pushing the ball a bit more. If Rivers won't be pigeonholed into a short, quick attack, then Pierce will still hold a bit of value down the stretch. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect a ton of volume from the former Cincinnati Bearcat, but he'll at least still be the recipient of valuable downfield targets. Pierce has led all Colts' receivers in snaps in eight of their last nine outings.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has been on a tear over the previous few weeks and is poised to retain an elevated role in the offense amid injuries to his teammates. Moore felt like an afterthought in Chicago's attack early in the campaign. Through the first nine games of the year, the University of Maryland alum had recorded just one touchdown and three double-digit fantasy performances. However, he's been more involved over the last month or so, particularly with fellow wideout Rome Odunze (foot) battling a nagging foot issue. While it's unclear if Odunze will miss a fourth straight outing, he's yet to practice in any capacity since Week 15. Furthermore, rookie Luther Burden III (ankle) could also be out again. If one or both are inactive, fantasy managers can rely on Moore as a solid WR2 with upside against a vulnerable San Francisco 49ers defense on Sunday Night Football.

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Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness) will not be available for the team's divisional clash with the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 26-year-old was a late addition to Washington's injury report, as he came down with an illness early on Thursday. Despite initially garnering a questionable tag, he'll now miss his second game in three weeks. With Rodriguez inactive, backfield mates Jeremy McNichols and Jacory Croskey-Merritt will each see a significant uptick in work. Notably, in the last game sans Rodriguez, Croskey-Merritt barely eked out McNichols in snaps (32-30). However, he handily out-touched the latter 18-10. With that in mind, McNichols appeared to be the preferred passing-down back, so game script may determine who sees more work against the visiting Cowboys.

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Dallas Cowboys placekicker Brandon Aubrey remains a high-end fantasy asset for Week 17's road clash with their division-rival Washington Commanders. The Notre Dame product has been sensational when called upon in 2025, connecting on all but one extra-point try (42-of-43) and knocking through 32-of-36 field goal attempts. Notably, the four kicks Aubrey has missed have all been from 50-plus yards out. He'll benefit from another excellent matchup this Thursday in the hosting Commanders, who have yielded the sixth-most points per game to their opponents on the season (26.9). Owners can continue to rely on the 30-year-old as an elite fantasy play, and he'll rank as RotoBaller's No. 1 kicking option ahead of Week 17's outing.

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Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis won't be an optimal choice for fantasy when his team takes on the hosting Washington Commanders on Christmas Day. The fourth-year pro has seen a bit of extra work over the previous two weeks, notching eight carries in consecutive outings while getting a boost in playing time. In both appearances, Davis' extended play came while backfield mate Javonte Williams tended to injuries. With Williams presumably back to full health ahead of a road outing with the Commanders, considering he carries no designation, owners can look elsewhere for assistance in the fantasy playoffs. Even in an excellent matchup with the league's fourth-worst rush defense (141 yards per game), the 27-year-old is little more than a desperation flex play for fantasy. Davis lands as RotoBallers PPR RB57 for Week 17.

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers has entered streaming territory ahead of his Week 17 tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite not appearing in an NFL game since the 2020 season, the 44-year-old has looked quite comfortable in the Indianapolis offense and has flashed solid upside for fantasy. In his season debut in Week 15, Rivers faced a tough Seattle defense and went 18-for-27 with 120 yards and a 1:1 TD:INT. However, on Monday evening, Rivers took a massive step forward, going 23-for-35 with 277 yards, two scores, and just one interception during their loss to the 49ers. On Sunday, Rivers has a very favorable matchup against a Jaguars defense that is allowing the ninth-most PPR points to opposing QBs. Rivers carries high-end QB2 upside and viable streaming appeal for those in deeper 12+ team one-QB formats.

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New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen) could see a larger role on Sunday afternoon when they face the New York Jets. During their victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night, wideout Kayshon Boutte and running back TreVeyon Henderson both exited with a concussion and are now in concussion protocol, which could open up more targets for Hollins this weekend. However, Hollins is also dealing with an abdominal injury himself, as he was unable to suit up during Wednesday's practice. Managers should not continue to monitor his status throughout the week, as he could have sleeper appeal in deeper three-WR leagues given his potential for a larger role, especially if Boutte cannot pass through the league's protocol. Since Week 11, Hollins has logged at least 75% of the snaps in all but one of his last six games and is averaging a strong 8.5 targets per game over his last two. He would carry FLEX upside in deeper leagues if Boutte cannot play.

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson is set to remain in a lead role during their Week 17 contest against the Atlanta Falcons despite his disappointing showing last week. On Thursday, with No. 2 WR Davante Adams (hamstring) out of action, Parkinson was expected to see a larger role in the passing game, but was only able to bring in two of his four targets for a mere 21 yards. Instead, depth wide receiver Konata Mumpfield was able to draw eight targets, and rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson found the back of the end zone. However, with Adams set to miss another game, managers in 12+ team formats should view Parkinson as a viable low-end TE1 in the fantasy championships. Before his Week 16 dud, Parkinson averaged a strong 13.5 PPR points per game from Weeks 10 through 15 and should be poised to bounce back on Monday night.

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According to Jason Lieser of The Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) is "increasingly unlikely to play" on Sunday night when the Bears travel to Santa Clara to face the 49ers. Lieser noted that there is a chance Oduzne may also be held out of action in Week 18. Odunze has been on the shelf for the last three games due to this foot injury, and appears to be on track to miss another week of action. However, head coach Ben Johnson has noted that the second-year wideout has not been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to Sunday's game, but should look to find another viable option for another week, given his current trajectory. With Odunze set to miss another contest, managers should expect DJ Moore to continue to operate as the WR1, with rookie tight end Colston Loveland taking on an increased role.

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According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness) was added to the injury report and is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Dallas Cowboys. The 25-year-old missed their Week 15 contest due to a groin injury but quickly reclaimed the starting role last weekend, taking 15 carries for 63 yards and a score during their loss to the Eagles. Over his last four games, Rodriguez has logged at least 10 carries in each game and averaged a solid 9.7 PPR points, operating as the preferred option in the backfield. Managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to kickoff in case Rodriguez faces a setback and is unable to play. If he is ruled out, managers should view seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt as a viable FLEX play in deeper formats, facing a Dallas defense that is allowing the seventh-most PPR points to opposing running backs.

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Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (illness) is expected to play on Christmas afternoon when the Lions face the Minnesota Vikings. The veteran RB was listed as a non-participant during Tuesday's practice session but upgraded to limited participation on Wednesday. However, he was still listed as questionable on the team's final injury report. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status leading up to kickoff, but it appears the 28-year-old is trending towards suiting up. Last weekend, Montgomery had a disappointing fantasy day, tallying just 14 yards on a mere four attempts during their loss to the Steelers. However, over his last three games (Weeks 13 through 15), Montgomery found the back of the end zone in each contest and averaged 12.1 PPR points per game. Managers should view Montgomery as a mid-end FLEX play, serving as the change-of-pace option behind Jahmyr Gibbs.

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had another outstanding performance last week against a strong Chargers defense despite the loss, completing 21 of 30 passes for 244 yards (8.1 Y/A) with two touchdowns. Prescott remains one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in a high-volume passing offense with two elite wide receivers in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. The 32-year-old signal caller gets a beautiful matchup on Christmas Day against a horrid Washington Commanders defense, which the Cowboys scored 44 points against back in their Week 7 meeting. The Commanders have allowed the third most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and have shown little to no resistance against the pass in recent weeks. Prescott profiles as a set-and-forget top-three QB option in Week 17.

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Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (neck) posted his worst fantasy performance of the season last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, handling a season low nine carries for 34 yards while adding two catches (three targets) for nine yards. It marked his fewest total yards in a game since Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers. Williams played through a neck injury last Sunday but doesn't carry an injury designation heading into the Christmas game versus the Washington Commanders. The former Denver Bronco has a dream spot on Christmas Day against the Commanders to rebound and finish his strong first season in Dallas on a high note. The 25-year-old compiled 19 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown to go with one reception (four targets) for two yards in their Week 7 matchup. Washington is one of only four teams to allow over five yards per carry while also allowing the third-highest rate of runs that result in 10 yards or more over the last five games. Williams ranks as a borderline RB1 in Week 17.

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb posted his lowest yardage total of the season last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, catching six of seven targets for 51 yards. It snapped a three-game streak of 100+ receiving yards and was also the star wideout's first game averaging less than 10 yards per reception since Week 12 of last season against the Washington Commanders. The 26-year-old is primed for a big performance against a vulnerable Washington secondary on Christmas Day. He terrorized them for 110 yards and a touchdown on five catches (eight targets) in his first game returning from an early-season three-game absence due to an ankle injury. Lamb remains an elite WR1 option in fantasy for Week 17.

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens rebounded last week against the Chargers after a two-game lull entering Week 16. Pickens racked up seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown on nine targets in Week 16, marking his fifth game with at least 130 receiving yards, tied with Puka Nacua for the most in the league. It's been a tremendous first season in Dallas for the former Pittsburgh Steeler, ranking as the WR4 in PPR points. He gets another opportunity to add to his career highs in various receiving stats on Christmas Day against a porous Washington Commanders defense that has allowed the sixth most PPR points per game to wide receivers. Pickens should be fired up again as a borderline WR1 in Week 17.

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Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson hasn't scored in five straight weeks and is coming off two of his four lowest yardage totals in the past two weeks. Ferguson was remarkably consistent for most of the season leading up to Week 15, catching at least four passes in 11 of the first 13 games and at least five in 10 of those contests. The 26-year-old tight end hasn't been as productive with CeeDee Lamb back in the lineup and has become dependent on finding the end zone, which he has only done once since scoring twice against the Washington Commanders in Week 7. He'll look to bounce back this week as he faces Washington again on Christmas Day. The Commanders' defense has been bad in all facets, including against tight ends, allowing the third-most PPR points per game. Ferguson can be trusted as a mid-range TE1, ranking as RotoBaller's TE8 in PPR leagues in Week 17.

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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee, ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. This is now back-to-back days that Jacobs has been able to get through a limited session. Jacobs has been playing through lingering knee and ankle issues since Week 11. It has resulted in a smaller workload with 12 carries in each of his last two games. Fellow back Emanuel Wilson actually out-touched Jacobs during last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. The 26-year-old rushed for 82 yards and could see a larger share in the backfield, given that Jacobs is still banged up. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Jacobs has been a must-start fantasy RB all year with 14 total touchdowns in 14 games, but he's literally limping to the finish line.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Pearsall sat out during Monday's win over the Indianapolis Colts due to nagging knee and ankle issues. He's clearly still dealing with the issues, but at least he was able to practice in a limited capacity. Fantasy managers will need to monitor his status over the next few days ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. Another absence from Pearsall would mean increased roles for Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Demarcus Robinson. Jennings is the most consistent contributor out of the three wideouts right now for the Niners offense. Even if Pearsall plays in Week 17, it will be hard to recommend him for a flex spot in fantasy football lineups with championships on the line.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring) was absent during Wednesday's practice session. Austin is still dealing with a hamstring issue after exiting early during Sunday's win over the Detroit Lions. The 26-year-old has mainly been a rotational player, but he is expected to see a larger role with DK Metcalf (suspension) done for the final two games of the regular season. If Austin were to miss Week 17, Adam Thielen and Roman Wilson would likely see more playing time. Austin hasn't finished with more than one reception in a single game since Week 12. He's not exactly a trustworthy fantasy option heading into the upcoming matchup versus the division-rival Cleveland Browns if he's active on Sunday.

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Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (knee) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Schultz was limited in practice to begin the week, but he is back to a full session a day later. Barring any setbacks, Schultz will be ready to go for Saturday's Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Schultz has hauled in 11 receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns over his last two games. He draws a tough matchup this weekend on the road against the Bolts, but he remains a TE1 target for this game in fantasy football. He has been a solid contributor in this offense over the last few months.

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