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All-Pro $50 - FFL: Playoff Week 2 | NFL: Week 17

NFL Christmas games on Netflix set streaming records

Thu Dec 26 8:02pm ET
Field Level Media

Despite blowouts in both Christmas Day games, Netflix drew a record audience of nearly 65 million total streaming viewers in the United States for the Kansas City Chiefs-Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans matchups, according to Nielsen on Thursday.

The early-afternoon matchup, featuring the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs rolling to a 29-10 victory at the Steelers, drew an average of 24.1 million viewers, per Nielsen, while the late-afternoon showdown between the Ravens and Texans -- a 31-2 Ravens rout -- topped the earlier stream with 24.3 million viewers.

Per Nielsen, they were the two most streamed NFL games in U.S. history, with Ravens-Texans peaking at more than 27 million for Beyonce's halftime performance.

Compared to last year's Christmas Day tripleheader broadcast with CBS, ABC and Fox each showing one game, this year's doubleheader didn't experience a noteworthy decline. In the first of a three-season Christmas Day partnership with the NFL, Netflix drew an average of 24.2 million viewers, compared to 28.68 million viewers in 2023.

Among viewers ages 18-34, Ravens-Texans was the most-watched Christmas Day game on record with 5.1 million viewers in the U.S.

"Bringing our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered," Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in a statement. "We're thankful for our partnership with the NFL, all of our wonderful on-air talent, and let's please not forget the electrifying Beyonce and the brilliant Mariah Carey."

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 16

Player Notes
Chad Ryland Dec 27 10:40am ET
Chad Ryland

For at least another week, Chad Ryland will maintain the starting kicker role with the Arizona Cardinals, but managers should still look for another option with the Cards playing the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17. The second-year kicker has filled in nicely for the injured Matt Prater (knee), connecting on 25 of 29 field-goal attempts and all 21 extra points. Though Ryland's performance hasn't been the issue, Arizona is beaten up at running back with both James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle), and now that they're officially eliminated from the playoffs, this is a meaningless game for them. For managers still playing, seeking a better kicker situation is the smart move.

From RotoBaller

DeeJay Dallas Dec 27 10:40am ET
DeeJay Dallas

Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas may see some added snaps on Saturday since James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) are both considered questionable. Dallas received one target and no carries in their last game against the Panthers, but he did turn it into a touchdown. That was his first offensive touchdown since 2021. The last time he started a game was in 2020 with the Seahawks, and his two starts produced mixed results. The Los Angeles Rams are in the middle of the pack against the opposing backfields as they allow 20.0 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats. Dallas, even if he gets extra opportunities, isn't a reliable option for fantasy managers looking to win their championship.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Mims Dec 27 10:40am ET
Marvin Mims

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. has been more productive in recent weeks but will still be hard to trust in fantasy championship matchups in most leagues in Week 17 when the Broncos travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals on Saturday in a game with huge playoff implications for both teams. Mims has scored both of his touchdowns on the year in the last five games and also has at least 40 yards in four of his last five games, including a 100-yard performance in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns. However, the 22-year-old second-year wideout played a season-high 47% of the snaps in last week's loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, and the most targets he's seen in a game in 2024 is five. Mims has plenty of big-play ability with the ball in his hands and will be facing a vulnerable Bengals defense, but his lack of consistent involvement in the offense makes him a flex play to avoid in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Dec 27 10:30am ET
Kyren Williams

The Arizona Cardinals defense/special teams should be left on waivers ahead of a Week 17 meeting against the Los Angeles Rams. Aside from having their full rotation of dangerous skill players in running back Kyren Williams and receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, the Rams have been adept at limiting negative plays, ranking in the top 10 in the league in sack rate and turnover rate. Conversely, Arizona ranks in the bottom 10 in scoring percentage allowed, yards per rushing attempt, and turnover percentage. With most leagues in the championship round, there's no reason to risk playing the Cardinals in this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 27 10:20am ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has had quite the rollercoaster ride of a rookie season, especially in terms of fantasy football. He's finished as a WR3 or better in six weeks this season but has finished outside of the top 50 in seven weeks. Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals aren't going downfield very often, which directly affects Harrison's value. In Week 17, they'll try to play spoiler against the Los Angeles Rams. While the Rams allow an average of 27.8 fantasy points per game to wideouts, their defense has improved in the second half of the season. They've only allowed one touchdown in the last two games, which leaves Harrison as a flex play in this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Dec 27 10:10am ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride may still be looking for his first receiving touchdown of the season, but he sits at the TE4 on the year in half-PPR formats. In Week 16, he posted his first finish outside of TE1 territory since Week 7. After some strong words about how his team played that week, McBride is sure to bounce back against the Los Angeles Rams who give up an average of 10.5 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. He's received around a 25% target share through this season, and there isn't any reason for that to change. Fantasy managers can still consider McBride a must-start, especially in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Dec 27 10:00am ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has had quite the rough stretch over his past seven games and is currently the QB11 on the season. Since Week 9, he's finished as a QB1 just two times, a QB2 three times, and finished even worse in the other two. They face off against their divisional foe, the Los Angeles Rams, in Week 17, and they've been improving on the defensive side of the ball. Murray finished as the overall QB1 the last time these two teams faced off in Week 2, but the tides have changed considerably. Murray holds QB2 value going into this matchup.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Dec 27 8:30am ET
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift was significantly involved in both the run and pass game in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The former Philadelphia Eagle rusher touched the ball 16 times on Thursday, turning 12 carries to 53 rushing yards while catching four passes for 28 receiving yards in Thursday's defeat. Week 17 continued Swift's streak of double-digit touches, as he has been trusted to handle the ball frequently in every game this season. The former Georgia Bulldog will likely continue to dominate backfield touches next week as the Bears will end their season on the road in Week 18 against the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Dec 27 8:10am ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore was heavily involved within the offense in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The former Carolina Panther receiver had six catches on eight targets for 54 yards receiving while adding eight yards rushing on two carries. However, he could not find the end zone for the fourth consecutive game. Despite his scoring drought, Moore continues to be a focal point for the Bears, as he has had at least six receptions for the seventh consecutive game -- the second-longest active streak in the NFL. Overall, he has caught 89 passes for 880 yards and five touchdowns over 16 games in 2024. Moore will likely continue to be heavily involved in the regular season finale against the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Dec 27 7:50am ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet delivered a solid floor in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears. Seattle could not get much going on offense all night long. After a fast start from Charbonnet, the Bears started to figure out Seattle's running game and limited him to just 57 rushing yards on 3.8 yards per carry. Charbonnet salvaged his fantasy day by adding three receptions for 19 yards. It was not the day many fantasy managers were hoping for. Charbonnet was in a great position to deliver RB1 value this week. His struggles were a microcosm of The Seahawks' struggle as a whole. Despite the offensive struggles, Charbonnet was the lone bright spot of the Seahawks offensive players who were likely to start in fantasy lineups this week. None of either quarterback Geno Smith or wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba or DK Metcalf were usable fantasy assets this week. Charbonnet projects to remain heavily involved in Week 18 against the Rams. If running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) were to miss another game, Charbonnet could bounce back in a big way next week.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Dec 27 7:50am ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant led the team in receiving on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears. Fant was a considerable safety valve for quarterback Geno Smith all game long. The Seahawks only scored six points en route to an ugly win over the Bears. Fant was the lone bright spot. He delivered near double-digit fantasy points for any fantasy managers that threw a dart at Fant. Even so, throughout this season, Fant has been far more important to the success of the Seahawks as opposed to fantasy managers. It was nice to see him break loose a couple of times in Week 17. However, his final stat line of four receptions for 43 yards was nothing to write home about. Look for Fant's role to remain significant in Week 18. Still, Fant's touchdown upside is severely capped and Week 17 marked just his fifth-highest yardage total on the season.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Dec 27 7:50am ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf did not carry his momentum from Week 16 into Week 17. Metcalf caught three passes for 42 yards on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears. In Metcalf's defense, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith did not play well in this game. The offense only scored six points, and Smith only threw for 160 yards. It continued a tough stretch for Metcalf which includes one touchdown since Week 7 and no 100-yard receiving games over that same span. Seattle should generate more fantasy output in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams for fantasy managers whose championships go into next week. The conversation about Metcalf is sure to be interesting next season. He started the year hot as a top-10 wide receiver. Upon returning from his sprained MCL in Week 11, Metcalf has been borderline unplayable. The emergence of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has tempered Metcalf's output. However, there is plenty of volume in this offense to go around. Perhaps the knee injury hampered Metcalf more than it seemed.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Dec 27 7:50am ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba recorded a huge dud in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears. JSN caught three of six targets for 32 yards. The Seahawks could not get anything going on offense, and JSN suffered as a result. Quarterback Geno Smith only threw for 160 passing yards which limited the output of Seattle's pass catchers. He also missed Smith-Njigba on a couple of easy throws across the middle that would have boosted JSN's output. Smith-Njigba still led the team in targets this week as he continues to operate as the No. 1 in this offense. The dud is not concerning considering how well he had been playing recently and that the Seahawks' offense struggled as a whole. It is disappointing timing in the middle of the fantasy playoffs. For fantasy managers with championships in Week 18, Smith-Njigba should be able to bounce back against the Los Angeles Rams next week.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Dec 27 7:50am ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith threw for just 160 yards and no touchdowns in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears. Seattle's offense only scored six points on the day as a result. Smith was 17/23 passing, but three and outs and short drives characterized Seattle's day. Smith also missed several easy throws throughout the game that would have moved the chains. The output was surprising considering Smith came into Week 17 at No. 3 in passing yards in the league. Smith's dud also significantly affected Seattle's pass catchers. No one on the Seahawks surpassed four receptions or 43 receiving yards. Seattle managed to come out of the week with a much-needed win. However, it was an ugly win at that. Smith will look to lead the Seahawks to the playoffs with better numbers in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Dec 27 6:50am ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze had a disappointing outing in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie wideout saw four targets from fellow rookie Caleb Williams, turning those targets to 15 yards receiving on one catch. Odunze struggled to find consistency on the year, as did nearly every Bears player. The 22-year-old has racked up 52 catches for 716 yards and three touchdowns over 16 games in 2024. Odunze will hope to end the season on a high note, though he may continue to struggle as his Bears play the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Dec 27 6:50am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen was reasonably involved within the offense in Thursday's 6-3 loss against the Seattle Seahawks, though disappointed in the production. The 32-year-old pass catcher tied for a team-high eight targets, though only caught five passes for 25 yards receiving. Allen struggled to gain momentum throughout the game as the defense swarmed him on every reception. Entering Thursday's contest, the veteran wideout was coming in hot, catching 15 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns in the previous two games. Overall, Allen has caught 67 passes for 719 yards and seven touchdowns over 14 games during his first season in Chicago. Allen will hope to bounce back in Week 18 as his Bears will end the season against the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Dec 27 6:40am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet was a statistical no-show in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The fifth-year Bear saw zero passes go his way from quarterback Caleb Williams, marking his third game this season without a single target. Overall, the 25-year-old has caught 45 passes for 471 yards and four touchdowns over 16 games this season. Kmet's game disappointed fantasy managers who looked his direction this week, and he will likely continue to be minimally involved within the offense in Week 18's season finale against the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Dec 27 6:30am ET
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams put up a dud in Thursday night's 6-3 loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17. The rookie quarterback completed 16 of his 28 passes for 122 yards and an interception, adding 37 yards rushing on his five carries. Williams has had a roller coaster of a first season in the NFL and has struggled to consistently produce, as Week 17 marked his seventh game with zero touchdowns. The former USC Trojan hopes to end his rookie campaign on a high note in Week 18 as his Bears will travel to play the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Joey Slye Dec 27 1:20am ET
Joey Slye

New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye should be avoided in fantasy football ahead of Saturday's Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Slye ranks 24th among kickers in fantasy points this year, and he has gone just 1-for-2 on field goals over his last two contests. Opportunities have been somewhat hard to come by for the veteran kicker as New England isn't a major scoring threat. He does have impressive leg power, but as long as the Patriots' offense lacks dependability, its veteran kicker will stay off the fantasy radar. That's especially true this week against a Chargers squad allowing the eight-fewest fantasy points to kickers in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Austin Hooper Dec 27 1:10am ET
Austin Hooper

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper remains a viable streaming option heading into Saturday's Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hooper has been one of the NFL's better backup tight ends this season, totaling 22 catches, 293 yards, and two touchdowns over his last six contests. In each of those six games, he has finished with at least three catches and at least 35 receiving yards. Since Week 10, he ranks 10th among tight ends in fantasy points per game (half-PPR), which is actually six slots higher than teammate Hunter Henry. Hooper's floor is a little lower against a Chargers defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends, but his track record and usage will keep him in the mid-range TE2 tier for Week 17. Managers could justify plucking him off waivers and starting him in leagues with at least 12 teams.

From RotoBaller