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FFL: Playoff Week 2 | NFL: Week 16

Raiders QB Geno Smith back as starter vs. Texans

Fri Dec 19 8:03pm ET
Field Level Media

Quarterback Geno Smith will return to the starting lineup for the Las Vegas Raiders after a one-game absence, coach Pete Carroll said Friday.

Smith missed last Sunday's 31-0 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles due to shoulder and back injuries. He returns to face the Houston Texans, who feature the NFL's top defense.

Smith sat out the final quarter of a 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos on Dec. 7 due to the right shoulder injury and a cut on his throwing hand.

Kenny Pickett replaced Smith in the Denver contest and started against the Eagles. Things didn't go well against Philadelphia as Las Vegas managed just 75 total yards and seven first downs. Pickett was 15-of-25 passing for 64 yards and one interception and he was sacked four times.

Smith has thrown for 2,648 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also has been sacked 49 times in 13 games.

The Texans feature two of the best pass rushers in the NFL in defensive ends Danielle Hunter (12 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (10.5). Houston leads the league in scoring defense (16.3 points per game) and total defense (269.2 yards per game) and also has intercepted 16 passes.

The Raiders (2-12) have lost eight straight games while Houston (9-5) has won six in a row.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 16

Player Notes
Rhamondre Stevenson Dec 19 11:10pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson continues to see his ball-carrying role decline with Tre'Veyon Henderson earning more touches. However, Stevenson has consistently led the Patriots in snaps when healthy, and he continues to carve out decent volume on passing downs, which keeps him on the bottom end of the fantasy radar for Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. Stevenson has played more than 60% of the offensive snaps between his last two games, and he also has six total catches during that span. He has managed to finish both of those games with double-digit fantasy points in full-PPR leagues thanks to his pass-catching role. The 27-year-old has proven to be a solid pass-blocker and receiver, which will benefit him against the Ravens, who have allowed the third-most catches and fifth-most receiving yards to opposing running backs in 2025. Stevenson ranks as the overall RB41 in RotoBaller's Week 16 fantasy rankings, but managers in half-PPR or full-PPR leagues could justify starting him as a low-end RB3/flex.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Dec 19 11:00pm ET
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott went perfect on the day against the Raiders, making all four of his extra points and hitting his only field goal from 27 yards out. It was a much needed confidence-gainer after he had missed a kick in the previous three games. However, only hitting one field goal-and from short distance-was not a great formula for fantasy points. This week, Elliott will kick against a Commanders defense that allows 26.8 points per game to opposing offenses-seventh-most in the league. However, in fantasy playoffs, there are more secure options with Elliott often missing and lacking opportunities. Look elsewhere before starting him in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Dec 19 11:00pm ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has continued to play high-quality football during the back half of the season. He ranks 10th among quarterbacks in fantasy points per game since Week 11, displaying impressive consistency with a moderate ceiling. Managers won't gripe about Maye continuing to rank among the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks, but he could truly make his mark in the fantasy playoffs if he returns to the top-three form that he flashed earlier this season. On Sunday night in Week 16, he'll take on a Baltimore Ravens defense that most recently held Joe Burrow to 225 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Maye's rushing ability could set him apart this weekend, as he ran for 43 yards and two touchdowns last weekend against the Bills. Through 14 games this season, he has 362 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. The Ravens have allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards to quarterbacks, but they have also surrendered the 12th-most rushing touchdowns to the position. Baltimore also has just nine interceptions this season, which means we could see another turnover-free game from the former No. 3 selection, who has been picked off just seven times in 2025. All in all, Maye should continue to be a top fantasy quarterback against the Ravens. RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings have Maye ranked as high as QB3 for Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Darius Cooper Dec 19 10:50pm ET
Darius Cooper

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper has now recorded at least one catch in consecutive games for the first time in his career. His two catches for 29 yards came on Philly's last drive of the game, where Cooper got some more time to shine thanks to the starters sitting out. So, he still seems a long ways away from being a viable option in the first team, but the fact that he's getting time on the field and catching all of his targets are definitely positives for the undrafted youngster. While he's trending in the right direction, it's still not enough for him to be in fantasy lineups this week as he faces the Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Dec 19 10:30pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert has totaled his most receptions in a two-game window this season in the past two weeks, following up an eight-catch game against the Chargers with six more against the Raiders. After a lengthy slump, Goedert has stepped his game back up lately, also breaking his five-game scoring drought versus Las Vegas. On Saturday, he's up against a Commanders defense that allows the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Just last week, the Giants' leading receiver against Washington was TE Theo Johnson who racked up 72 yards. It seems like a perfect storm for Goedert as his involvement has ramped up; he was the only Eagles player to have more than three targets in their most recent contest, finishing with seven. As fantasy playoffs continue, consider him a low-end TE1 in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Dec 19 10:30pm ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Tre' Harris (hip) is off the injury report and is ready for a Week 16 clash with the Dallas Cowboys. Harris took full advantage of Quentin Johnston's (groin) absence last week, recording a season-high 85% snap share and sparking the offense with a 37-yard reception that led to a Bolts' touchdown. This week, he faces a Dallas Cowboys secondary that ranks last in passing yards and touchdowns allowed. While Harris' volume is tied to Johnston's availability, his big-play ability and high snap share make him an intriguing deep-league flex or DFS punt with upside. RotoBaller ranks him as the WR65, but the matchup offers a higher ceiling than the ranking suggests. He is a low-end WR4/5 with sneaky upside if Johnston is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Dec 19 10:30pm ET
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) is coming off the best game of his career, recording 11 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns in the team's 29-28 win over Tampa Bay last week, now sitting with 73 catches and 797 yards for the year. The 25-year-old has had a consistent role in the offense for much of the season, but got a boost as the main beneficiary of Drake London's (knee) absence over the last four weeks. Pitts was a limited participant in practice during the week, and although London did not practice on Friday, both players are expected to suit up for Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals. It will be the first time Pitts, London, and Kirk Cousins will all be on the field together this season, so it will be interesting to see how the targets get divvied up. Still, the 6-foot-6 tight end looks like a top-five option this week against an Arizona defense that has yielded the seventh-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, including an 8-76-1 line for the Texans' Dalton Schultz just last week.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Dec 19 10:30pm ET
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker remains one of the most reliable fantasy options after going 3-for-3 on field goals last week against the Kansas City Chiefs. Heading into a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Dicker is in an ideal environment for scoring. The Cowboys' explosive offense should keep the Chargers aggressive, while the Dallas defense's secondary struggles often lead to drives stalling in field goal range. RotoBaller projects Dicker as K4 for the week, reflecting both his individual accuracy and the high-scoring potential of this game script. With the Chargers' offense getting healthier, Dicker should see multiple scoring opportunities in a controlled dome environment. Start him with complete confidence as a top-tier fantasy kicker this week.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Dec 19 10:20pm ET
Keenan Allen

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen remains a focal point for Justin Herbert, leading the team with seven targets in his last outing. However, his fantasy floor is fragile, as he posted a season-low 43.1% snap share and has seen only two red-zone targets in his last seven games. The Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is favorable, as Dallas ranks 30th in EPA/Pass and fifth in completion percentage allowed. While the porous Cowboys secondary boosts the outlook for all Chargers pass-catchers, Allen's limited route participation makes him a touchdown-dependent option in an offense that has favored the ground game. RotoBaller has Allen ranked as the WR41 this week. He is a viable deep-league streamer or FLEX candidate in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Dec 19 10:20pm ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) is officially listed as questionable for Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys after missing the last game with a groin injury. Before the injury, Johnston's production had slowed, totaling just 14 catches over his last five games. If he suits up, he will face a Dallas Cowboys defense that has allowed more passing yards and touchdowns than any other team in the NFL. The Cowboys' 25th-ranked sack percentage could allow Johnston time to get downfield, but his recent lack of volume and the "re-injury" risk make him a volatile play. RotoBaller has Johnston as the WR57 this week if he plays. He remains a touchdown-reliant, low-end WR4, deep-threat gamble.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Dec 19 10:10pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith tied his lowest target count in a game this season against the Raiders, mustering just two looks. He was not alone, however, as only one Philly player (Dallas Goedert) achieved more than three targets in the runaway victory. Plus, Smith was able to make the most of his little involvement, tallying 50 yards on two catches. Coming up, he'll face off against a Commanders defense that has been weak against the pass this season. In fact, Washington has allowed more than 300 passing yards in three of their last six outings. However, Smith has not dazzled recently, having failed to find the end zone since Week 10 and tallying more than four receptions in a game just twice in that same span. In what could be another game where Philly doesn't need to rely on throwing the ball, Smith may be outcasted yet again. The defensive matchup is favorable, but his involvement is no guarantee. Consider him a low-end WR3/FLEX this week.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Dec 19 10:00pm ET
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai struggled in Week 15, totaling just 33 yards on 11 carries against the Cleveland Browns. The 2025 seventh-round pick has been a pleasant surprise this season, forming an elite committee with D'Andre Swift. Both backs are the only two on a team with over 650 rushing yards, leading Chicago to the NFL's second-best rushing attack behind only the Buffalo Bills. With Swift (groin) listed as questionable for Week 16, Monangai could see a significantly increased workload against the Green Bay Packers. However, the Packers have one of the league's strongest run defenses, ranking sixth against running backs this season. Monangai's fantasy value this week will depend on Swift's status, potentially rising from a risky FLEX option to a low-end RB1 if Swift is inactive.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Dec 19 10:00pm ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore is in a smash spot entering Week 16's matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Moore hauled in four of five targets for 69 yards and two touchdowns in last week's dominant victory over the Cleveland Browns. Now, the Bears will be without top receiver Rome Odunze (foot) and ascending rookie Luther Burden III (ankle), which opens up targets for Moore and the rest of the Bears' receiving corps. They face the Green Bay Packers in Week 16, who have allowed the 13th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. It's been a rocky road for Moore this season, but with the injuries to Odunze and Burden, along with an ideal matchup, he is a locked-in WR2 in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Olamide Zaccheaus Dec 19 10:00pm ET
Olamide Zaccheaus

Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus is in line for more targets in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers. Zaccheaus was held without a catch in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns despite Rome Odunze (foot) being inactive. Now, both Odunze and rookie Luther Burden III (ankle) have been ruled out for Week 16, which catapults Zaccheaus to the WR2 in this Bears offense. They face the Green Bay Packers this week, who have given up the 13th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. While Zacchaeus has only had over 50 receiving yards once this season, he carries low-end FLEX value against the Packers.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Dec 19 10:00pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is looking to rebound after a disappointing two-game stretch in which he totaled just 32 yards and posted a season-low 11.5% target share. Despite the recent lack of volume, McConkey faces a prime opportunity against a Dallas Cowboys defense that has allowed the most passing yards and touchdowns in the league. Dallas ranks 30th in EPA/Pass and is fifth in completion percentage allowed, providing a soft landing for the 24-year-old. With the Cowboys' pass rush ranking only 25th in sack percentage, Justin Herbert should have the time to find McConkey in the intermediate areas of the field. If Quentin Johnston (groin) is ruled out again, McConkey's target share should naturally gravitate back toward his season average. RotoBaller ranks him as the WR22 this week, and he is a strong WR2/3 option.

From RotoBaller

Colston Loveland Dec 19 10:00pm ET
Colston Loveland

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland hauled in four of five targets for 63 yards in the dominant 31-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Loveland had his second-best showing of the 2025 season in Week 15, and injuries across the Bears' receiving room put Loveland in a good spot entering this week. Both Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden III (ankle) have been ruled out for Week 16, which could cause the Bears to rely on two-TE sets much more often this week. The Packers have been strong against tight ends this season, allowing the fifth-fewest receiving yards to tight ends this season. While the rookie tight end is in a prime position to have a big outing against the Packers, he's still a low-end TE1 in Week 16 who carries a ton of risk in this Bears system.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Dec 19 9:50pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown saw a sizable dip in looks last week, being targeted just twice after reaching double digits in the previous four games. It wasn't a pass-heavy day for the Philly offense, as Jalen Hurts threw the ball just 15 times in a blowout victory. Brown did make up the slack by catching a touchdown-his fourth in the last four weeks. This Saturday, the Eagles travel to Washington where Brown will look to continue his hot back half of the season. The Commanders allow the ninth-most fantasy points to WRs this year, but the main concern is another early Philadelphia lead causes another run-heavy offense. Regardless, Brown has shown consistency lately, and deserves a high-end WR2 nod in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Dec 19 9:50pm ET
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams enters Week 16 with a lot on the line as they face division rival Green Bay Packers. Williams is in the midst of a breakout season, throwing for 3,150 yards, adding 21 touchdowns, and throwing six interceptions in 14 games. The 2024 first overall pick has averaged 18.7 fantasy points per game, ranking him QB9 on a per-game basis. This Packers defense has been strong all year, allowing the tenth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Injuries will factor for both sides as well, with the Bears down two key receivers in Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden III (ankle), while the Packers are without star Micah Parsons, who tore his ACL last week. Once again, volume will be the question surrounding Williams' fantasy stock this weekend, as he provides QB2 value against the Packers.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Dec 19 9:43pm ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce needs 203 yards over the final three games to become the oldest tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

Fantasy Spin: Kelce's 797 yards not only put him within striking distance of the record, but they also put him second among tight ends in receiving yards this season. The veteran has remained a reliable TE1 for most of the year, but the injury to Patrick Mahomes puts Kelce's pursuit of the record and his fantasy value in jeopardy. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him struggle in Week 16.

From TheHuddle

Bijan Robinson Dec 19 9:30pm ET
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is coming off a productive performance in Week 15's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers, tallying 92 yards and a touchdown on the ground with an additional 82 yards gained through the air. After scoring just two touchdowns via rush through the season's first nine games (and two via pass), the 23-year-old has four rushing scores in the last five games, which is a welcome turn of events after Tyler Allgeier seemed to be eating into his goal-line opportunities. Allgeier was limited to just two rushes last week, his fewest touches since Week 9. Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals is a favorable one for the Atlanta backfield, with Arizona yielding the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, including letting the Texans' Jawhar Jordan gain 101 yards on the ground in his first career game last week. Robinson projects as one of the top options at running back this week, with the likely return of Drake London (knee) elevating the offense as a whole.

From RotoBaller