Guest of the League
Lets Trade Biotches!!!!
FFL: Offseason | NFL: Week 18

Anthony Richardson out; Joe Flacco to start as Colts QB

Fri Jan 3 3:03pm ET
Field Level Media

Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to ongoing severe back pain, Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Friday.

"Just didn't make enough progress this week with the back," Steichen said of Richardson, who didn't practice for the second straight week.

Richardson, who missed Week 17's 45-33 loss to the New York Giants, told reporters Wednesday that he could barely stand up or walk and had to crawl around the house on Dec. 24.

"I've been dealing with stuff like this since about eighth grade, but it's never been this severe," Richardson said. "It was definitely a little scary last week, not being able to move. But, like I said, I'm standing up now and I'm looking forward to playing this week if I can."

Veteran Joe Flacco will again take Richardson's place in Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars. With Richardson out with an oblique injury when the Colts lost 37-34 to the host Jaguars in Week 5, Flacco started and passed for 359 yards and three touchdowns. He completed 26 of 38 for 330 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to the Giants last Sunday.

In addition to the oblique and back injuries, Richardson, the fourth overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draft, struggled this season with his accuracy and completed just 47.7 percent of his passes with 12 interceptions. He also threw eight touchdowns, ran for six more and had a 6-5 record as a starter this season.

The loss to the Giants eliminated the Colts from the playoffs, marking the fourth consecutive non-playoff season for Indianapolis.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17

Player Notes
Mason Rudolph Jan 3 2:50pm CT
Mason Rudolph

The Houston Texans defense/special teams is a worthwhile option in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans, albeit with a qualifier. The Texans plan to start their regulars, but Houston is already locked into the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs regardless of what happens Sunday. For its part, Tennessee plans to play both Will Levis and Mason Rudolph at quarterback, per Titans head coach Brian Callahan. The pair has thrown a combined 21 interceptions this season and Houston sacked Levis eight times in the first meeting earlier this season, so the matchup is there for Houston. It's certainly possible the Texans pull their starters at some point, but with the Titans in range of a top-three pick in the NFL Draft and set to juggle quarterbacks, the Texans are a solid play.

From RotoBaller

Ka'imi Fairbairn Jan 3 2:50pm CT
Ka'imi Fairbairn

Though Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn has been a top-tier fantasy option this season, he should be avoided in a dodgy Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The veteran has an OK matchup against a Titans team that ranks right in the middle against fantasy kickers, but he comes with risk due to Houston's playoff positioning. The Texans already have locked down the AFC South and the No. 4 seed, so Sunday's results have no effect on them. Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans said he intends to start the team's regulars, but with much bigger fish to fry next week and nothing to gain Sunday, he certainly will be thinking ahead. As a result, Fairbairn's DFS value in Week 18 has to be tied to the likelihood he will be attached to a second-string offense at some point in the game.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Jan 3 2:50pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz is a fringe TE2 in a dicey Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Even without the surrounding circumstances, Tennessee is a top-five defense against fantasy tight ends that held the former Dallas Cowboy to two catches and 20 receiving yards in the first meeting. Beyond that, any of Houston's offensive regulars are a dangerous bet due to the upcoming playoffs: The Texans are set in stone as the No. 4 seed and cannot move, so they have nothing to gain against Tennessee. Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans said he intends to play starters, but he also must be thinking about the Wild Card round next week. That means Schultz and the rest of the Houston regulars could find themselves on the sidelines at some point, diminishing their weekly value.

From RotoBaller

Robert Woods Jan 3 2:50pm CT
Robert Woods

Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods should not be considered a playable option in an unappealing Week 18 matchup against Tennessee. First, the veteran played only 38% of Houston's snaps in the first full game without fellow receiver Tank Dell (knee), and now Houston plans to debut recently added receiver Diontae Johnson in this one. Additionally, Tennessee is a top-five defense against fantasy receivers and Houston cannot change its playoff seeding, so there is a solid possibility Houston begins thinking ahead to its Wild Card game in the middle of Week 18. Woods wasn't a great play anyway, but DFS players should look elsewhere given the circumstances.

From RotoBaller

Travis Homer Jan 3 2:40pm CT
Travis Homer

The Chicago Bears ruled out running back Travis Homer (hamstring) for the Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the division-rival Green Bay Packers. It doesn't come as much of a surprise since Homer has been sidelined with his hamstring injury since Week 15. When healthy, the 26-year-old was buried on Chicago's RB depth chart this year in a bad offense behind both D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. That limited role afforded him just six rushing attempts for 23 yards while also catching three passes for 11 yards. Homer mainly contributed on special teams for Chicago in his second year with the team. The former sixth-round selection by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 out of Miami didn't see a single carry and failed to catch his only target in 16 games with the Bears in 2023. Homer will become an unrestricted free agent in March and will look for a bigger role elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Jan 3 2:40pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was not asked to do much in Week 17 and will hope to be more involved in a Week 18 bout with the Cincinnati Bengals. Just a few weeks ago, Boswell drilled five extra points and three field goals in a win against Cincinnati in which the Steelers put up 44 points. The Bengals have surrendered over 26 points per contest this season, so it's no surprise this divisional contest has a healthy projected point total of 48.5. Boswell offers plenty of upside on Saturday and should remain in fantasy lineups that still have something to play for.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Jan 3 2:30pm CT
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) has officially been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, meaning rookie Spencer Rattler will make his sixth start of the year to wrap things up for the Saints. Carr suffered a fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand in the Week 14 win over the New York Giants and wasn't able to return to the field this year. The 33-year-old finishes up a disappointing second season in the Big Easy in which he battled multiple injuries yet again. In a career-low 10 games played in 2024, Carr also had career-lows in passing yards (2,145) and touchdowns (15) while throwing five interceptions. Given the Saints' salary cap situation heading into the future, it's likely they'll approach a contract restructure for Carr to return in 2025, where he could compete for the starting job with Rattler.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Jan 3 2:30pm CT
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (concussion) didn't practice all week and has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he suffered a concussion in the Week 17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Alvin Kamara (groin) is doubtful to play as well, which means Clyde Edwards-Helaire could lead the Saints' backfield against the Bucs this weekend, with veteran Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims also pitching in. The 22-year-old Miller dealt with more injuries in his sophomore season in the NFL after playing in only eight games as a rookie in 2023. The former TCU product played in just eight games in 2024 and had 39 rushing attempts for 148 yards and one touchdown, adding five catches for 33 yards. Miller's standing in the organization has likely soured after two injury-filled years to begin his career.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Jan 3 2:20pm CT
Kyren Williams

The Los Angeles Rams will rest running back Kyren Williams for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks at Sofi Stadium on Sunday, according to head coach Sean McVay. The Rams are prioritizing rest for their best players this weekend despite the fact that they could slip to the No. 4 seed in the NFC for the playoffs if they lose to Seattle and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints. With Williams sitting the final game of the regular season out, rookie Blake Corum should get all the backfield touches he can handle on Sunday with backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo running the offense. The Rams' offense is unlikely to be as efficient without their top weapons, but for the volume alone, Corum has easy RB2 upside. Williams finishes his third season in the NFL with a career-best 1,299 rushing yards and a career-high 14 TDs on 316 carries over 16 starts.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Jan 3 2:20pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (groin) is listed as doubtful to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kamara hasn't practiced or played since suffering an adductor injury in Week 15 and he's unlikely to see the field to close out the 2024 season this weekend. Head coach Darren Rizzi said Kamara will go through a workout on Saturday morning, at which point he'll likely be officially ruled out for Week 18. The lone incentive for the 29-year-old to play on Sunday is the fact that he's 50 yards from the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his NFL career. Still, it's unlikely he'll have a shot to reach that milestone. With Kendre Miller (concussion) already ruled out, it's looking like the Saints' backfield will be led by Clyde-Edwards Helaire, who made his team and season debut in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Jan 3 2:10pm CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (illness) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 18 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The rookie wideout missed the first two days of practice before getting in a full session on Friday. Odunze appears to be over the illness and will suit up for the regular season finale. The 22-year-old finished with one reception for 15 yards during last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Odunze hasn't been a productive fantasy option over the last few games. That being said, Odunze might have flex value, but probably won't offer much more for fantasy managers playing their championship games in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Jan 3 2:10pm CT
Matthew Stafford

The Los Angeles Rams will rest quarterback Matthew Stafford in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Sean McVay. Even though the Rams can fall from the No. 3 seed to the No. 4 seed in the NFL postseason picture with a loss to Seattle coupled with a win by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, the Rams are prioritizing rest for key players on both sides of the ball. LA will also sit star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp and starting running back Kyren Williams. With Stafford getting the week off, backup Jimmy Garoppolo will make his first start for the Rams at home at Sofi Stadium against the visiting Seahawks. Stafford finishes his fourth season with the Rams with 3,762 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his 16 starts.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Jan 3 2:10pm CT
Puka Nacua

The Los Angeles Rams will sit wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday at home against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Sean McVay. Even though the Rams could drop to the No. 4 seed in the NFC postseason picture with a loss coupled by a win by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, the Rams are prioritizing rest for their key players on both sides of the ball. Without Nacua and Kupp on the field this weekend in the season finale, the Rams will likely be rolling with Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson and rookie Jordan Whittington in starting three-wide sets with backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo running the offense. Fantasy managers should obviously temper expectations for the Rams' offense without their best players, but Robinson could be a sneaky sleeper play in DFS lineups.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Jan 3 2:00pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth will be looking to end an up-and-down regular season on a positive note against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. Freiermuth was heavily involved in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, logging a season-high seven receptions, but his best fantasy showing of the year came against this same Bengals team back in Week 13. The fourth-year pro hauled in six passes for 68 yards and a touchdown against his division rival, who has surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in the NFL. Furthermore, Freiermuth has performed notably well against Cincinnati throughout his career, scoring double-digit half-PPR fantasy points in five of seven matchups. Fantasy managers with something to play for on Saturday can deploy Freiermuth as a top-12 option in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Jan 3 2:00pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye (hand) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 18 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said that Maye would start on Sunday. Now, Maye is in danger of missing the regular season finale due to a right hand injury. If he sits, Joe Milton III would be in line to start this weekend. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett is also on the roster, but the Pats are likely to go with Milton over him. The former sixth-rounder is an intriguing prospect, but Milton isn't someone worth streaming especially against the Bills defense.

From RotoBaller

Ameer Abdullah Jan 3 1:50pm CT
Ameer Abdullah

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) is listed as doubtful for the Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Abdullah has been absent in practice this week after apparently picking up a foot injury during last week's win over the New Orleans Saints. The 31-year-old rushed 20 times for 115 yards and hauled in three of his four targets for 32 yards during last week's game. The absence of Abdullah would probably mean that Alexander Mattison would serve as the lead back on Sunday. Mattison has been held to 36 rushing yards or less in each of his last six games. Fantasy managers should be able to find a better streaming option for Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Jan 3 1:40pm CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie wideout was a limited participant in practice each of the last two days. This was likely just the Giants monitoring Nabers' reps, so fantasy managers can expect him to be out there this weekend. He hauled in seven of his eight targets for 171 yards and two touchdowns during last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Fantasy managers can plug Nabers in as a WR1 against an Eagles defense that is resting most of their starters.

From RotoBaller

Nick Folk Jan 3 1:30pm CT
Nick Folk

Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk (abdomen) has been ruled out for the Week 18 matchup against the Houston Texans. Folk will now miss his third game in a row due to an abdominal issue. He'll finish the season nearly perfect on his kicks. Folk made 25-of-25 extra point attempts and 21-of-22 field goal attempts during his 14 games with the Titans this season. The 40-year-old will be a free agent this offseason, but he shouldn't have any issues finding another opportunity, assuming he wants to continue his career. Matthew Wright will kick for the Titans for the regular season finale. He made all three of his kicks during last week's game.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Boyd Jan 3 1:30pm CT
Tyler Boyd

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Houston Texans. The 30-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Titans during the offseason in hopes of giving his offense a lift. Instead, Boyd had a down year with only 39 receptions for 390 yards and finished with zero touchdowns in 16 games. The expectation is that the rebuilding Titans will go in a different direction and let Boyd walk into free agency. The Titans will have Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine serve as their primary receiving options during Sunday's regular season finale.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Jan 3 1:20pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) has been ruled out for the Week 18 matchup against the Houston Texans. Spears will sit out the regular season finale after suffering a concussion during last week's game. Before that, Spears rushed for 95 yards on 20 carries, which was his best running performance of the season. Lead back Tony Pollard (ankle) is considered a game-time decision, so the Titans could be in a bad spot if he's unable to play. Julius Chestnut and Joshua Kelley could end up having bigger roles for Sunday's game. However, neither back is considered a viable streaming option for Week 18.

From RotoBaller