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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Wildcard

NFL moves Vikings-Rams game to Arizona due to wildfires

Thu Jan 9 7:57pm ET
Field Level Media

Monday's NFC wild-card playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams will be moved from Inglewood, Calif., to the Arizona Cardinals' stadium in Glendale, Ariz., the NFL said Thursday.

The game was moved out of the Los Angeles area as wildfires continued to ravage Southern California. The league said in its news release it was "in the interest of public safety" to make the move.

The game is still slated for 8 p.m. ET on Monday. The league had revealed Wednesday that its contingency plan for the game would be to move it to Arizona's State Farm Stadium.

The Rams took off from practice Wednesday and returned Thursday, but they headed home early and canceled post-practice media availability as a new fire had broken out in the West Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Both the Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers are preparing for playoff games this weekend. The Chargers, the fifth seed in the AFC, will face the fourth-seeded Texans in Houston on Saturday.

It isn't the first time a high-profile NFL game has been relocated due to wildfires in Southern California. The Chargers, based in San Diego at the time, had a "Monday Night Football" game against the Miami Dolphins in 2003 moved the Cardinals' home stadium at the time.

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Player Notes
George Pickens Jan 9 11:10pm ET
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens failed to make an impact in the team's final game of the regular season but will need to step up against the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL playoffs. Pickens was injured for Pittsburgh's most recent meeting with Baltimore, but back in Week 11, he earned 12 targets and logged eight receptions for 89 yards against his division rival. The Ravens allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to wideouts this season, so this is certainly a matchup that Pickens can find success in. Unfortunately, quarterback Russell Wilson and the Steelers' offense as a whole have been wildly inconsistent, making it extremely difficult to rely on Pickens' production. That said, he has a high ceiling this weekend and can be considered a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 in fantasy contests.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Jan 9 10:50pm ET
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely displayed some pretty big flashes of fantasy relevance throughout the regular season. Moving into the Wild Card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he'll benefit from Zay Flowers (knee) being ruled out. The last time the Ravens took on the Steelers, Likely found the end zone with three receptions for 29 yards. He doesn't automatically become a must-start because Mark Andrews is still the number-one option while Rashod Bateman presents a deep threat. Likely should be more involved, but has a lower floor for fantasy managers looking to deploy him in DFS lineups.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Jan 9 10:50pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren closed the regular season with a quiet performance and will look to get more involved against the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. Warren played well against Baltimore in 2024, averaging 80 total yards and 4.5 receptions over two meetings with his AFC North foe. While it has been difficult to project Warren's utilization on a weekly basis, he should get plenty of opportunities on Saturday. The Ravens are heavy favorites at home, meaning Pittsburgh may be forced to shy away from the run and push the ball downfield. Najee Harris is a capable pass-catcher, but Warren has been the more prolific receiver over the past two seasons. Because of this, the 26-year-old offers some upside in PPR fantasy contests this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Jan 9 10:40pm ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris averaged 52.5 rushing yards and 15 receiving yards in his two meetings with the Baltimore Ravens this season. He will hope to be more effective against his division rival in the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. The Ravens have been stout against the run all year, surrendering the fewest yards per carry in the league. Additionally, Baltimore is heavily favored at home, so Pittsburgh may be forced to rely on Russell Wilson and the passing game to keep up. Harris has contributed as a receiver throughout his career but will likely cede some opportunities through the air to teammate Jaylen Warren. Fantasy gamers should view Harris as a volume-based RB2 in playoff leagues or DFS contests this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Nelson Agholor Jan 9 10:30pm ET
Nelson Agholor

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor finds himself in a bit bigger of a role heading into the Wild Card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran saw career lows in targets, receptions, and yards this season, but he'll move up the depth chart with Zay Flowers (knee) getting ruled out. Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely will also play bigger parts in the passing game, so Agholor will still have competition for targets. He could be a sneaky option with a lower price in DFS lineups, but he's still a risky play.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Jan 9 10:00pm ET
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews finally scored his first career touchdown against their division rivals in Week 16 and the two sides will go against each other for a third time on Saturday. Andrews also finished the season on quite the hot streak, getting into the end zone in each of the last six games. With Zay Flowers (knee) ruled out for at least the Wild Card round, Andrews will likely take on an even bigger target share than usual. He's a top-end tight end option for playoff leagues and DFS cash games.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Jan 9 10:00pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson struggled over the last four weeks of the regular season, which included a Week 16 loss to the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Wilson will have a chance to redeem himself against Baltimore in the first round of the NFL playoffs this weekend. Although the Ravens gave up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, Wilson did not manage to turn in a top-12 fantasy finish in either of his meetings against them. With how inconsistent Pittsburgh's air attack has been, it is difficult to trust the 13th-year pro as anything more than a last-resort DFS dart throw in the Wild Card Round.

From RotoBaller

Derius Davis Jan 9 9:50pm ET
Derius Davis

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis could find himself with an expanded role in a Wild Card Round matchup against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Davis went on a solid hot streak near the end of the season, scoring touchdowns in Weeks 16 and 17. With Joshua Palmer (foot) ruled out and Quentin Johnston (thigh/illness) questionable, Davis could be needed to work alongside Ladd McConkey and D.J. Chark. Davis hasn't seen more than 37% of the team's offensive snaps in any game this season, and he averaged somewhere around 16%, so even with the injuries ahead of him, he shouldn't be expected to take on an enormous role. Still, he could be a value pick in playoff fantasy contests who happens to find himself in the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Lavonte David Jan 9 9:50pm ET
Lavonte David

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (knee) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. The veteran linebacker was upgraded to full after getting in a limited session to begin the week. It sounds like David tweaked his knee during the regular season finale. However, it appears to be minor with David returning to a full session on Thursday. Barring any setbacks, David should be good to go ahead of Sunday's Wild-Card game against the Washington Commanders. There should be more information on his status following Friday's practice session.

From RotoBaller

Will Dissly Jan 9 9:50pm ET
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly has a high floor and some projectable ceiling when the Chargers take on the Houston Texans on Saturday of Wild Card Weekend. Dissly figures to operate as a safety outlet for quarterback Justin Herbert in a game where J.K. Dobbins (ankle) and Quentin Johnston (thigh/illness) may be limited or unable to play. Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey will surely be the focus of the passing game, but Dissly could be the second read on many plays if other Chargers are forced to miss the contest. Dissly only scored two touchdowns in the regular season, but after Week 6, he averaged five targets per game and could be needed more in the red zone because of the injuries to the offense.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Jan 9 9:50pm ET
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is an excellent fantasy option on Wild Card Weekend against the Houston Texans. Dicker was one of the most reliable and consistent kickers throughout the regular season, and he ended the season with a pair of top-five kicking performances in Weeks 17 and 18. In what should be a close game, Dicker can be expected to be given several chances to put up points. The regular season's third-ranked fantasy kicker should remain in the top tier for the playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Jan 9 9:40pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey could have an even bigger role than usual in the first round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans. McConkey quickly became the focal point of the LA passing game and thrived there in his rookie season. In the regular season finale, he took a backseat to Quentin Johnston (thigh/illness), but with Johnston questionable and Joshua Palmer (foot) ruled out, McConkey could end up being the only remotely reliable option for quarterback Justin Herbert to throw to. The rookie wide receiver is an unquestioned WR1 option in the Wild Card Round regardless, but he enters the absolute top tier if Johnston is unable to play.

From RotoBaller

Simi Fehoko Jan 9 9:40pm ET
Simi Fehoko

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Simi Fehoko (elbow) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's Wild-Card game against the Houston Texans. Fehoko is on the injured reserve, but he had his 21-day practice window opened on Tuesday. He has practiced in full each of the last two days, which is good news ahead of Saturday's game. If active, Fehoko might see a bigger role than normal with Joshua Palmer (foot) ruled out and Quentin Johnston (thigh, illness) questionable for this game. He's too risky of an option to be trusted in DFS lineups.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark Jan 9 9:40pm ET
D.J. Chark

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver D.J. Chark could be looking at an increased role in the passing game when the Chargers open up their playoff campaign against the Houston Texans on Wild Card Weekend. Chark barely saw the field this season due to a combination of injury and depth chart issues, but with fellow wide receivers Quentin Johnson (thigh/illness) questionable and Joshua Palmer (foot) out, it could fall on Chark to work alongside rookie Ladd McConkey as the top two LA wide receivers. Chark was able to catch his first touchdown of the season in last week's Week 18 win, so he's on the closest thing to a hot streak that he'd had in a Chargers uniform. If Johnston plays, Chark is unlikely to make much noise, but he'd be a value pick with some upside if he's the second wide receiver on the depth chart for the game.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Jan 9 9:30pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert could find himself missing some key weapons in the Wild Card Round against the Houston Texans. The Chargers have listed starting wide receiver Quentin Johnston (thigh/illness) and starting running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) as questionable for Saturday's game. Both have been critical parts of the Chargers offense this season, but Herbert could find himself with Gus Edwards in the backfield and essentially only Ladd McConkey catching passes. Still, Herbert finished the season off well, putting up top-10 fantasy performances at his position for the past three weeks in a row. He's a strong option for playoff leagues made stronger if "QJ" and Dobbins are able to suit up.

From RotoBaller

Jeff Okudah Jan 9 9:30pm ET
Jeff Okudah

Houston Texans defensive back Jeff Okudah (concussion) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's Wild-Card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Okudah was limited to start the week, but two full practices gives him the green light for Saturday's game. Barring any setbacks, Okudah should be out there and likely starting this playoff game. The former first-round pick has only managed to play in six games for the Texans this season. However, Okudah has shown to be a reliable asset on defense when he's healthy enough to play. Having Okudah out there is certainly a benefit for this secondary this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Jan 9 9:30pm ET
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal could see his role increase in the Wild Card Round against the Houston Texans. With starting running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) questionable to play and Gus Edwards (ankle) returning from a two-game absence, Vidal could be needed as the next guy up. He showed some positive signs in his rookie year, but struggled to see the field near the end of the season, appearing on 11% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 17 and on only one snap total in Week 18. Still, if Dobbins is unable to suit up, Vidal figures to have a role in the backfield, especially since the presumed starter Edwards is usually a non-factor in the passing game. Vidal would not be worth fantasy consideration if Dobbins plays, however.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Jan 9 9:00pm ET
Nico Collins

The good news for Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is that he has an almost unmatched target share with his team set to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in a Wild Card playoff game on Saturday. The bad news is that Houston's offense has been consistently below average for more than a month, averaging just 15.6 points in its past five games. Further, the Chargers rank third against PPR wide receivers and have held opposing offenses to the fourth-lowest scoring percentage in the NFL. While the matchup isn't ideal, the Michigan Man still hit 1,000 receiving yards despite missing five games and most of another, putting him in rare territory. Though Vegas is predicting a low-scoring game, Collins still can be considered a mid-tier WR1 for managers in playoff formats.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Jan 9 9:00pm ET
Joe Mixon

A midseason hot streak had Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon among the top options in fantasy football, but things have changed with Houston entering the playoffs against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 28-year-old is averaging 38.7 rushing yards across his past six games, and the Texans' offense has struggled overall, scoring a measly 15.6 points since December. Now comes a Chargers defense that ranks third against fantasy running backs and fourth in scoring percentage allowed, which are not encouraging signs. Mixon is still on the fringe of being a RB1 due to his unchallenged workload in the Houston backfield, but managers in playoff formats shouldn't bet the farm on a huge performance, either.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Jan 9 9:00pm ET
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud should be considered among the lowest tier of starting quarterbacks for managers in playoff leagues with Houston set to play host to the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round. The results just haven't been there for the Texans or their second-year starter, who finished as the No. 18 fantasy quarterback, a far cry from where he was drafted in preseason. The Chargers are a mid-tier defense against fantasy quarterbacks, but Houston's offense has averaged just 15.6 points in its past five games. Los Angeles ranks fourth in the NFL in scoring percentage allowed, fifth in yards after catch allowed, and fourth in net yards per passing attempt, which is not a great omen for Stroud or a struggling Houston offense.

From RotoBaller