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FFL: Playoff Week 2 | NFL: Week 16

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (hand) ruled out vs. Giants

Sun Dec 21 3:26pm ET
Field Level Media

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy injured his right hand and was ruled out for the remainder of the game against the New York Giants on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.

McCarthy, the Vikings' first-year starter, appeared to injure his hand near the end of the first half. He was hit hard by Giants pass rusher Brian Burns and fumbled the ball. Giants safety Tyler Nubin returned the fumble for a touchdown.

McCarthy completed 9 of 14 passes for 108 yards and an interception before his injury. He also ran for a 12-yard touchdown with two minutes left in the first half.

Rookie Max Brosmer replaced McCarthy.

The Vikings also lost running back Jordan Mason (ankle) and center Ryan Kelly (concussion), who were ruled out before the start of the second half.

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Player Notes
Joe Burrow Dec 21 6:50pm ET
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow needed a bounce-back game after throwing two interceptions during last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Burrow delivered a massive performance for fantasy managers during Sunday's 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins. The 29-year-old completed 25-of-32 passing attempts for 309 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for six yards on two attempts during Sunday's victory. He connected with Tee Higgins for a nine-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He would later find running back Chase Brown for two short-yardage scores in the third quarter. Burrow would finish off his day with a 17-yard touchdown to Mike Gesicki in the fourth quarter. Burrow is back to his elite ways and will get a promising matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Dec 21 6:50pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was once again a tough player to stop during Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Chase has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a disappointing season for the Bengals. On Sunday, Chase hauled in nine of his 11 targets for 109 yards in Sunday's 45-21 victory over the Dolphins. This marked the third time in the last four games that Chase has surpassed the 100-yard mark in a game. The return of quarterback Joe Burrow has certainly helped boost his play in the previous four contests. Chase is one of the best wideouts in the league and will continue to be an elite fantasy option for next week's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Max Brosmer Dec 21 6:50pm ET
Max Brosmer

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer entered the game due to injury on Sunday and helped his team secure a 16-13 victory against the New York Giants by completing seven of nine passes for 52 yards. The undrafted rookie was called upon after starter J.J. McCarthy (hand) sustained his third injury of the year and did not return. For Brosmer, Sunday was markedly better than a four-interception disaster at Seattle in Week 13, as he and the Minnesota running game were able to move the ball just enough to kick what became the game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter. McCarthy's availability for a Christmas Day game against the Lions is unknown, but even if he doesn't play, it would be beyond risky to depend on Brosmer in any fantasy format, especially this deep into the season.

From RotoBaller

Trayveon Williams Dec 21 6:40pm ET
Trayveon Williams

Cleveland Browns running back Trayveon Williams came in after rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle, leg) exited early with a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Buffalo Bills. The veteran back caught all four of his targets for 38 yards and ran the ball three times for 17 yards, but saw fewer rush attempts than rookie running back Raheim Sanders. The Cleveland Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, who are a tough matchup for opposing running backs. With rookie running back Dylan Sampson (hand) still managing an injury and Judkins almost certainly missing the rest of the season, Williams should profile as the primary passing-down back in the upcoming gritty AFC North matchup.

From RotoBaller

Raheim Sanders Dec 21 6:40pm ET
Raheim Sanders

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Raheim Sanders led the Browns' backfield after rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle, leg) left the game early due to an injury during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Buffalo Bills. Sanders substituted in as the early downs back and turned his 11 rushing attempts into 42 yards. He also brought in one reception for four yards, but running back Trayveon Williams saw the majority of the backfield's passing opportunities. The Cleveland Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, who are a tough matchup for opposing running backs. With rookie running back Dylan Sampson (hand) still managing an injury and Judkins at risk of missing the rest of the season, Sanders may emerge as the starter against the Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Dec 21 6:40pm ET
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed 20 of his 29 pass attempts for 157 yards and one touchdown, but threw two interceptions in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Sanders managed to overcome an injured pinky finger on his throwing hand, which forced him out of the game for a few plays, and completed 69% of his passes, his best passing completion percentage of the year. Most notably, the rookie play caller had four rushes for 49 yards, also a season high. If Sanders continues to gain yards on the ground, which helps to support his fantasy points floor, he may become a more appealing deep league Superflex option. Looking ahead, the Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, whose defense gives up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks for the year.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 21 6:40pm ET
Aaron Jones

Despite yet another injury and yet another quarterback change, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle) put together an admirable performance with 93 total yards and the game-clinching first down in a 16-13 victory at the New York Giants. Despite departing the game on the first drive due to the injury, different from the shoulder ailment that has plagued him this season, the veteran running back returned to post 85 total rushing yards on 21 carries and two catches for eight yards. It was a necessary effort from Jones, who carried the offense after quarterback J.J. McCarthy (hand) and fellow running back Jordan Mason (ankle) left the game and didn't return. Jones figures to have full command of the backfield if Mason misses Thursday's game against Detroit, but everyone on the Minnesota offense would have a lower ceiling if McCarthy also misses time and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer has to start.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Dec 21 6:30pm ET
Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. hauled in four of his six targets for 34 yards and scored two total touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Buffalo Bills. Fannin Jr. set a franchise record for most receptions by a rookie in a season and, for the third straight week, he led the team in receptions and targets. The Browns offense continued to manufacture touches for Fannin Jr., as evidenced by his rushing touchdown after lining up as a fullback and receiving an inside handoff. Fannin Jr. has a great matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense in Week 17, which has allowed the second-most points to tight ends this season. With tight end David Njoku (knee) still on the mend and rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (knee, leg) suffering a serious injury in Week 16, Fannin Jr. is postured to remain a focal point in an offense that is looking for ways to get him the ball.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Dec 21 6:30pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison caught just two of three targets for 26 yards on Sunday in a 16-13 win at the New York Giants, and the lone missed connection was a costly one. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy found the third-year receiver in single coverage in the end zone for what appeared to be a touchdown, but Addison lost control of the ball as he attempted to complete the catch, forcing a field goal attempt instead. Even worse for the Vikings, McCarthy (hand) departed the game shortly before halftime and did not return. Backup Carson Wentz (shoulder) is already out for the year, so Minnesota once again had to turn to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, dimming the offense's outlook. If McCarthy misses a Christmas Day showdown with the Detroit Lions, trusting anyone on the Minnesota offense would be awfully difficult.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Dec 21 6:20pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson looked more like his old self on Sunday by catching six passes on eight targets for 85 yards despite losing his starting quarterback for the second half in a 16-13 victory against the New York Giants. The superstar receiver had multiple impressive catch-and-runs, made an excellent sideline catch, and was on pace for a big day, but settled for merely a good one after J.J. McCarthy (hand) was lost for the day right before halftime. Still, it was a welcome slump-buster for Jefferson, who caught more than five passes for the first time since Week 9 and surpassed 80 yards for the first time since Week 5. It was a welcome sight for managers who survived the worst three-game stretch of Jefferson's career, but the immediate future looks uncertain. If McCarthy cannot return in time for a Christmas Day showdown against Detroit, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer would be in line for another start.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 21 6:10pm ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave caught 10 of his 16 targets for 148 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 win over the New York Jets. Olave is having quite the redemption campaign in New Orleans this season, as he now has over 1,000 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns. He ranks among the top eight fantasy receivers in scoring (full-PPR) this season, which is also the highest mark of his career. One of the biggest factors toward Olave's success has been his health. Knock on wood, the 25-year-old has not yet missed a game this season. He missed three games over his first two pro seasons, and he was sidelined for a whopping nine contests last year. As long as Olave stays healthy for the final two weeks of the year, he'll continue to be a strong WR1 option rest-of-season. That includes Week 17, when the Saints face off against the Titans and could deliver another double-digit margin of victory.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 21 6:00pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 23 of his 29 pass attempts for 300 yards, two passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 16 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He also had eight rushing attempts, 42 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. Herbert put together a phenomenal fantasy performance with three total touchdowns and zero turnovers. He also made an impact on the ground and led the Chargers to a key win in the midst of the playoff hunt. After four consecutive games where Herbert was less than 100% due to injury, it was very encouraging to see him bounce back in such a huge way. After Sunday's big outing, managers should trust Herbert as a solid QB1 option heading into Week 17, despite facing off against a strong Houston Texans defense.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Dec 21 6:00pm ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook had 16 carries, 117 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 win over the Cleveland Browns. He also converted two targets into one catch for 17 receiving yards. Cook's quest for the NFL rushing title continued against a Browns defense that has been absolutely ripped apart by opposing running backs over the last three weeks. Buffalo's primary ball-carrier now has 14 touchdowns and over 1,800 scrimmage yards on the year, including five trips to the end zone in his last two games. Preseason concerns that Cook was due for regression have been completely unfounded, as he remains one of the top fantasy running backs while continuing to play a massive role around the goal line. He's a very strong RB1 option with a high ceiling heading into Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Mariota Dec 21 4:30pm ET
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (right hand, quad) is day-to-day ahead of Thursday's Week 17 contest against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Dan Quinn told the media. Mariota's right hand injury, which forced him out of Saturday's Week 16 loss to the Eagles, required stitches. He is also dealing with a quad ailment. Josh Johnson relieved Mariota on Saturday and finished the game. Now, it appears that the veteran journeyman has a chance to become the Commanders' third different quarterback to start a game this season. Managers invested in Mariota's availability should closely monitor the Commanders' injury reports from Monday through Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Quinshon Judkins Dec 21 4:10pm ET
Quinshon Judkins

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (leg, knee) has been diagnosed with a broken leg and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. He is also being evaluated for a knee injury. It's a devastating end to a promising rookie campaign for the second-round pick out of Ohio State. He finishes the season with 827 rushing yards, 171 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns through 15 games. Judkins will now begin recovering in hopes of making a full recovery ahead of the 2026 season. If healthy, he'll rank as a fringe top-12 running back in next summer's fantasy drafts. As for the Browns' short-term outlook, Dylan Sampson (hand) has a chance to return in Week 17 and lead Cleveland's backfield the rest of the way. Raheim Sanders should also earn more touches out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Dec 21 4:00pm ET
Gardner Minshew II

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew (left knee) likely tore his ACL during Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Tennessee Titans, according to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest. The veteran signal-caller exited in the first half after completing just three of his eight pass attempts for 15 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and zero turnovers. He also had eight rushing yards. This is deflating news for the Chiefs, who have now lost both Patrick Mahomes (knee) and Minshew to torn ACLs in back-to-back weeks. This crushing sequence of injuries will leave third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun in line to start on Thursday against the Denver Broncos. Outside of Oladokun, Kansas City has no healthy quarterbacks on its active roster or practice squad, so they'll likely make an addition or two within the next few days. In the meantime, Minshew will undergo additional testing to confirm his initial diagnosis.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Dec 21 3:40pm ET
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal (neck) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had just five carries for 11 rushing yards. After a couple of weeks splitting touches with Omarion Hampton, Vidal took on a smaller role this weekend while Hampton got more involved. Even if Vidal returns Sunday, he'll likely remain in a change-of-pace role. While he's sidelined, Hassan Haskins will operate as Los Angeles' No. 2 option out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Kaleb Johnson Dec 21 3:30pm ET
Kaleb Johnson

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (coach's decision) and wide receiver Roman Wilson (coach's decision) are both healthy scratches for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Detroit Lions. Johnson is inactive for the very first time in his rookie campaign. The 22-year-old played just 3% of the snaps last Monday versus Miami, and he has just 28 carries, 69 rushing yards, one catch, and nine receiving yards so far this year. Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell are the Steelers' only active running backs on Sunday. Meanwhile, Wilson is inactive for the third game in a row. He has 12 catches, 166 yards, and two touchdowns in his second NFL campaign, and he hasn't caught a pass since Week 11. At the wide receiver position, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek are active, offering additional depth behind DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Dec 21 3:20pm ET
Nick Chubb

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (ribs) is officially active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after practicing in full. The veteran will be tasked with leading Houston's backfield on Sunday after Woody Marks (ankle) was ruled out. Chubb has previously shown that he's capable of handling a lead-back workload both in Cleveland and Houston. However, he'll likely share plenty of opportunities this week with Jawhar Jordan and Dare Ogunbowale. Chubb ranks as a high-end RB3, and Jordan has the potential to sneak into the low-end RB3/flex tier.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Dec 21 3:20pm ET
Christian Kirk

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (illness) is officially active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. He had been listed as questionable after missing Friday's practice. The veteran receiver is healthy enough to suit up this weekend, but he'll likely continue to operate in a depth role behind wide receivers Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins. He could also be out-targeted and out-produced by tight end Dalton Schultz once again. As it stands, he ranks as RotoBaller's WR80 and can be benched or dropped to waivers in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller