• Jonathan Taylor reaches 200 dashing yards: Taylor grew to become simply the second operating again to build up over 200 yards in a recreation, and the one one with over 150 dashing yards along with three dashing touchdowns.
• All Detroit Lions gamers assist their fantasy managers: Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta scored at the least 14 PPR factors in opposition to the Chicago Bears.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full entry to all of our in-season fantasy instruments, together with weekly rankings, the Begin-Sit Optimizer and extra. Join now!
Estimated studying time: 20 minutes
PFF’s fantasy soccer recap focuses on participant utilization and stats, breaking down all of the important info it is advisable obtain fantasy success in 2024.
New York Giants @ Atlanta Falcons
- Bijan Robinson: 22 carries, 94 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 receptions, 9 receiving yards
- Tyrone Tracy Jr.: 7 carries, 26 yards, 4 receptions, 43 receiving yards, 1 landing
Monitor Drake London’s well being: The Falcons lead large receiver suffered a hamstring damage late within the third quarter.
The Falcons began this recreation down a number of large receivers. Casey Washington was energetic resulting from a concussion. KhaDarel Hodge was questionable for the sport resulting from a rib damage. Hodge is normally the fourth large receiver on the depth chart. He was energetic however didn’t play any snaps on offense.
To assist make up for the misplaced depth, Chris Blair was signed to the 53-man roster whereas Dylan Drummond was a observe squad elevation. Blair was an undrafted participant from Alcorn State in 2020. After a profitable season with the XFL’s DC Defenders, he joined the Falcons in 2023. He had one profession NFL recreation previous to Sunday – Week 12 of 2023.
Over the primary six drives, London performed 46 of 47 snaps. Blair was rotated in additional usually than a backup large receiver normally is on this Falcons offense throughout that point. London was damage early on the next drive. Blair took London’s place and performed every of the ultimate 17 performs of the sport. That included taking part in forward of Ray-Ray McCloud III in two-receiver units.
If London misses subsequent week, Hodge could be the first alternative if he’s wholesome. If not, it could be Blair, who solely acquired one goal, the place he made his first NFL catch, however a London damage would seemingly simply imply extra targets for each Darnell Mooney and McCloud.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. scores however lacks quantity: Tracy was the Giants’ clear lead operating again, however one other blowout damage his fantasy potential.
Tracy’s worth has fluctuated during the last two months. He fumbled 3 times over two video games, which led to a short lived lower in taking part in time. Final week, he ran 10 instances whereas Devin Singletary ran eight, and Singeltary scored a landing final week.
This week, Tracy was the clear lead operating again on early downs and short-yardage conditions. He ran the ball seven instances in comparison with simply Singletary’s 4, however the Giants centered nearly totally on the passing recreation this week.
Tracy ended up taking part in lower than common as a result of the Giants have been down by 27 factors within the fourth quarter, so Eric Grey performed all 9 of his snaps within the recreation’s final six minutes. Tracy ought to have a extra favorable alternative subsequent week in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts, who’ve allowed the sixth-most fantasy factors to operating backs previous to this week.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Tight finish Kyle Pitts has performed in lower than 50% of the Falcons’ offensive snaps in three of the final 4 video games.
- Newly signed Giants tight finish Greg Dulcich performed 5 of his eight snaps within the final 5 minutes of the sport.
Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers
- Chuba Hubbard: 25 carries, 152 yards, 2 touchdowns, 4 receptions, 13 receiving yards
- James Conner: 15 carries, 117 yards, 1 landing, 4 receptions, 49 receiving yards
Monitor James Conner’s well being: The Cardinals star operating again suffered a knee damage within the third quarter and didn’t return.
The Cardinals began this week down a number of operating backs. Their third down again Emari Demercado landed on injured reserve earlier than Week 15, and DeeJay Dallas took his place. Trey Benson has been the first backup all season, however he was inactive resulting from an ankle damage. Dallas was additionally questionable resulting from an sickness.
The damage to Benson led Conner to taking part in greater than common over the primary six drives, as he performed 31 of a potential 40 snaps. Dallas performed eight snaps throughout that point, primarily as a third-down again. As soon as Conner left resulting from his damage, Carter took over because the
Veteran Michael Carter was elevated from the observe squad to take Benson’s place. Carter continued the place Conner left off, operating 5 instances for 18 yards and catching 5 passes for 60 yards.
The Cardinals operating backs must be the highest gamers to select up off the waiver wire this week except we hear some very optimistic information on Conner. Benson could be the clear early down again if he’s wholesome, and if not, it is going to be Carter. The Cardinals have a comparatively common matchup in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams. Whoever begins ought to obtain 15 or extra carries, which might be adequate for some fantasy beginning lineups throughout championship week.
The Cardinals play on Saturday night time. That provides each Conner and Benson one fewer day to recuperate. On the brilliant facet, we must always know who the starter is in time for fantasy managers to make an knowledgeable resolution on their lineup.
Adam Thielen leads Panthers regardless of restricted taking part in time: The sport script led to Thielen not taking part in as a lot in different weeks.
Thielen spent most of his profession as an outdoor large receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. Final season, when he joined the Panthers, he performed on the surface in two-receiver units and within the slot in three-receiver units. That modified this season below the brand new teaching employees, as he’s solely performed in three-receiver units.
That hadn’t mattered a lot the final 4 weeks as a result of the Panthers used 11 personnel on 80% of their performs. This week, the Panthers have been taking part in with a lead for many of the recreation, which led to extra two-tight finish units. Carolina used 11 personnel on two-thirds of their snaps, and there have been a couple of performs out of 11 personnel the place Thielen wasn’t on the sphere. This meant Thielen wasn’t on the sphere as usually as common.
This occurred regardless of Xavier Legette being inactive resulting from a hip damage whereas Jalen Coker and David Moore have been listed as questionable on Friday. The accidents seemingly impacted everybody’s goal share, as Thielen led the group in targets, receptions and receiving yards.
Thielen is a possible fantasy starter subsequent week in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whereas Coker is among the high waiver choices in deeper leagues. Coker solely caught two passes for this recreation however had a comparatively excessive goal share and nearly scored a landing.
Miscellaneous Notes
- The Panthers elevated Mike Boone from the observe squad to be one in every of their backup operating backs. Raheem Blackshear had been coping with accidents just lately, however he served as the first backup on this recreation.
Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears
Jahmyr Gibbs dominates touches with out David Montgomery: The Lions’ common starter is out for the foreseeable future resulting from a knee damage.
The damage to Montgomery left Gibbs because the consensus high operating again for fantasy functions this week. Gibbs touched the ball 20 instances within the first half alone, recording 17 carries and three receptions. He was on the sphere for all 15 snaps on the primary two drives and 30 of the Lions’ first 34 offensive snaps on the primary 5 drives, which all ended up being scores. After that time, the Lions began rotating Gibbs out extra continuously.
Craig Reynolds has been the third-string operating again all season, and he was the primary backup on the sphere. Jermar Jefferson was elevated from the observe squad for this recreation, and he additionally performed some snaps. Fourth-round rookie Sione Vaki was used significantly for the two-minute drill to finish the primary half.
Within the second half, Gibbs performed 15 of Detroit’s 26 offensive snaps, taking half of the operating again carries whereas Reynolds and Jefferson took 1 / 4 every. If something, it was shocking Gibbs performed as a lot as he did within the second half given the three-score lead and his significance within the playoffs.
Gibbs stays an apparent must-start, but when he have been to undergo an damage, it could seemingly be a committee that will change him.
Roschon Johnson returns for Chicago: Johnson missed the final two video games resulting from a concussion.
Johnson was a full participant in observe all week, so it was no shock that he returned. Johnson had been the third-down again and first backup for many of the season. Whereas he was out, Travis Homer took his place. Homer began the season because the third-down again. Homer suffered a hamstring damage final week and was inactive for this recreation.
This made a seamless transition again to Johnson as the first backup. The Bears had been relying much more closely on D’Andre Swift over the previous month in comparison with earlier within the season, and that continued to be the case this week. Swift performed a really excessive proportion of Chicago’s early down snaps and likewise break up third downs.
Neither operating again had a lot success this week, because the Bears have been taking part in from behind by a number of scores all recreation. Subsequent week, the Bears will face the Seattle Seahawks, the place they need to discover a little bit extra success.
Miscellaneous Notes
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals
- Jerome Ford: 11 carries, 92 yards, 1 landing, 5 receptions, 39 receiving yards
- Ja’Marr Chase: 6 receptions, 97 yards, 1 landing, 1 carry, 7 dashing yards
Jerome Ford leads the way in which with out Nick Chubb: The Brown’s former All-Professional suffered a season-ending foot damage.
Ford’s function within the offense was similar to most video games from early within the season, the place Ford was the first early-down and receiving again. Ford confirmed a spark on the primary offensive play of the sport with a 66-yard run. He scored a landing within the third quarter and was the clear chief within the backfield in each carries and targets.
Ford ended up taking part in simply over 80% of Cleveland’s offensive snaps, which is a brand new career-high. The Browns performed from behind all through the sport, however Ford nonetheless touched the ball 16 instances regardless of the sport script.
The one drawback is he wasn’t all the time the operating again as soon as the Browns obtained to the objective line. D’Onta Foreman had been a wholesome inactive in the course of the previous a number of weeks when Chubb was energetic, however he was additionally the goal-line again in the course of the first six weeks. Foreman fumbled on one in every of his alternatives, which probably impacted his taking part in time over the remainder of the sport.
The Browns have an analogous matchup in opposition to the Miami Dolphins subsequent week, a run protection that Ford might play properly in opposition to, but when the Browns fall behind, he won’t see sufficient quantity to completely belief him.
David Njoku performs by damage: Njoku was questionable for this recreation resulting from a hamstring damage.
Njoku didn’t observe on Wednesday or Thursday and was restricted on Friday. There was no clear indication as as to if he was taking part in or not till inactives have been introduced an hour and a half earlier than kickoff.
Njoku’s taking part in time was restricted in comparison with most weeks. He had constantly performed over 75% of Cleveland’s offensive snaps when wholesome and just lately was nearer to 100%. On this recreation, Njoku was constantly on the sphere with 12 personnel with Jordan Akins. In 11 personnel, he performed solely 24 of 46 snaps, whereas Akins and Blake Whiteheart rotated in. Njoku has by no means graded notably properly as a run blocker, making this utilization a little bit shocking. Sometimes, if the most effective receiving tight ends is on a snap rely, they’re off the sphere in 12 personnel and extra constantly on the sphere in 11 personnel.
This type of utilization would normally be tough for a good finish for fantasy functions, however Njoku was focused on a ridiculous 38.5% of his routes. That was the third-best fee for a good finish in a recreation with at the least 25 routes.
Even when Njoku misses most of observe all through this week, he must be in fantasy beginning lineups so long as he’s energetic subsequent week.
Monitor Tee Higgins’ well being: Higgins missed a little bit time resulting from an ankle damage.
Higgins was restricted in observe this week resulting from a knee damage. His taking part in time was comparatively regular within the first half, taking part in 29 of a potential 34 snaps. He spent a little bit time within the damage tent within the third quarter.
He was capable of return within the fourth quarter however didn’t play within the final six minutes of the sport. The Bengals have been up by two scores and operating out the clock, so this merely might have been a precaution, because the Bengals didn’t want his run blocking. Regardless, when you plan on beginning Higgins this week, it could be value keeping track of the damage report simply to verify he has no setbacks.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Jerry Jeudy averaged 38 receiving yards per recreation with Deshaun Watson because the beginning quarterback, 112 yards per recreation with Jameis Winston, and 20 yards Sunday with Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
- Equally, Elijah Moore averaged 19 yards per recreation with Watson, 49 yards per recreation with Watson, and 21 yards Sunday with Thompson-Robinson.
- Cedric Tillman has missed 4 consecutive video games resulting from a concussion. Michael Woods II has been his alternative all through this stretch.
- The Browns elevated James Proche from the observe squad for this recreation. He didn’t play on offense however was the group’s punt returner.
- Bengals large receiver and returner Charlie Jones was inactive for the seventh straight week resulting from a groin damage.
- Bengals backup tight finish Tanner Hudson was inactive resulting from a knee damage, resulting in extra taking part in time for each Cam Grandy and Tanner McLachlan.
- Bengals’ receiving tight finish Mike Gesicki has performed 43% of Cincinnati’s offensive snaps in seven of the Bengals’ eight losses and 36% or much less of the snaps of their seven wins, together with a 34% snaps fee on this recreation.
Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts
- Jonathan Taylor: 29 carries, 218 yards, 3 touchdowns
- Tyjae Spears: 10 carries, 27 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 receptions, 39 receiving yards
Tyjae Spears leads the Titans offense once more: Spears performed in over 50% of the Titans’ offensive snaps for a second-straight week.
All through this season, Tony Pollard has executed an important job within the run recreation, preserving Spears in a restricted function. Spears has additionally handled a number of accidents, which seemingly impacted Spears taking part in time.
Now, Pollard has been taking part in with accidents. He was questionable this week resulting from an ankle damage. Regardless of this, he performed 11 of Tennessee’s 15 offensive snaps within the first quarter, which included 5 carries. Within the second quarter, the Colts scored three touchdowns and a subject objective. A mix of the sport script and Pollard’s damage left Spears taking part in 33 of 46 snaps over the remainder of the sport, leaving solely 13 snaps for Pollard.
Spears scored two touchdowns for the second straight week. The Titans play the Jacksonville Jaguars subsequent week, and that recreation is rather less more likely to be a blowout loss. Which means the distribution of snaps between the 2 operating backs will seemingly rely upon Pollard’s well being. If Pollard is wholesome, he ought to play over 50% of the snaps, get many of the touches and be the operating again who will almost definitely rating. If not, then Spears might have an enormous week.
Chig Okonkwo posts one other nice recreation: The Titans’ lead tight finish caught 9 passes 81 yards.
Okonkwo has spent all season sharing the receiving snaps with Josh Whyle. His taking part in time has typically elevated all through the season, but when something, it declined in latest weeks.
He was a non-factor for the primary 11 weeks, with 20 or fewer receiving yards in eight of 10 video games and just one landing. In Week 12, he confirmed some promise with a 70-yard landing reception. That was his solely catch in that recreation, however he had set a brand new career-high in receiving yards. In Weeks 13 and 14, he caught three passes every.
Final week, he caught a career-high eight receptions. The one concern was that when Mason Rudolph took over at quarterback, Whyle began catching extra passes. On this recreation, Okonkwo dominated snaps in a approach we haven’t seen all through his profession. He was Mason’s major goal, resulting in a brand new profession excessive in each reception and receiving yards.
The Titans play the Jacksonville Jaguars subsequent week, which is a typically favorable matchup. Whereas Okonkwo solely caught three passes for eight yards in opposition to them in Week 14, there’s definitely an opportunity he has a a lot better recreation this time after these final two weeks.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Colts large receiver Alec Pierce was inactive resulting from a concussion. Adonai Mitchell took his place within the beginning lineup, as he’s executed each time a beginning large receiver for the Colts has missed time this season.
- Titans large receiver Tyler Boyd has seen his taking part in time slowly however absolutely decline all through the season. He’s typically solely performed in 11 personnel. This week, he performed 31 of 46 snaps in 11 personnel, whereas Mason Kinsey took 13 snaps from him.
- Titans large receiver Colton Dowell has been on injured reserve however returned to observe this previous week. He was not activated for this recreation.
- The Titans signed kicker Brayden Narveson to the 53-man roster on Saturday. Their common kicker, Nick Folks, was inactive for this recreation.
Los Angeles Rams @ New York Jets
Breece Corridor’s taking part in time returns to regular: Corridor seems to be absolutely wholesome after taking part in on a restricted foundation final week.
Corridor missed Week 14 and didn’t observe on Wednesday or Thursday main as much as Week 15, making it appear to be his season might be over. Nonetheless, he was a full participant final Friday and performed in a three-man committee for that recreation.
This week, Corridor didn’t seem on the damage report, and Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis have been each restricted with again accidents. Allen was listed as questionable however in the end performed. Corridor ran 14 instances for 52 yards and caught 5 passes for 38 yards. He wasn’t as efficient as common and didn’t rating a landing, so his 13 PPR factors have been lower than splendid.
The Jets play the Buffalo Payments subsequent week. The Jets will seemingly have to spend the complete day passing the ball, which might result in numerous receptions by Corridor.
Tyler Higbee makes his season debut: Higbee tore his ACL and MCL within the wild-card spherical of the playoffs final season.
Colby Parkinson started the season because the clear starter. At one level, the group turned extra towards Davis Allen however in the end settled on a rotation led by Parkinson in latest weeks. The Higbee addition brought on the tight finish room to maneuver to a four-man rotation.
Higbee was the highest tight finish in 11 personnel, however all 4 performed at the least 5 snaps from that personnel grouping. In 12 personnel, the group primarily used Hunter Lengthy and Parkinson. Whereas Higbee scored a landing, that was the one reception by a good finish on this recreation. Parkinson ran essentially the most routes however solely on 42% of the Rams’ cross performs. There’s definitely an opportunity Higbee performs extra subsequent week, however that’s too massive of a threat for a fantasy championship recreation. Higbee must be left on the waiver wire.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Rams backup large receiver Tyler Johnson was a wholesome inactive for the primary time this season. He was a starter at instances early within the season when Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp have been injured. He doesn’t play on particular groups and had solely caught one cross within the earlier 5 weeks.
- This left Tutu Atwell because the clear backup large receiver. Jordan Whittington performed extra usually, however he solely performed on run performs. Half of them occurred within the final two minutes of the sport.
- Aaron Rodgers, at one level, left for the medical tent after a sack-fumble, however he was capable of return to the sport on the following drive.
- Jets rookie large receiver Malachi Corley was energetic after being a wholesome inactive in latest weeks, however he didn’t play an offensive snap. This was a uncommon recreation the place a group solely used three completely different large receivers on offense. The Jets solely used three completely different large receivers on offense. It was solely the fourth time this season {that a} group caught with three large receivers in a recreation.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Commanders
Olamide Zaccheaus emerges as the brand new WR2: Zaccheaus posted the most effective video games of his profession in opposition to his former group.
Zaccheaus began the season competing with Dyami Brown for the surface receiver spot reverse Terry McLaurin regardless of being extra skilled within the slot. The Commanders signed Noah Brown after the Houston Texans launched him, pushing each gamers down the depth chart.
Zaccheaus ultimately emerged within the slot, splitting time with Luke McCaffrey. Not too long ago, Noah Brown landed on injured reserve whereas slot receiver Jamison Crowder returned from injured reserve. This allowed Zaccheaus to play each within the slot and out large.
This week, each he and Crowder performed extra snaps, resulting in much less taking part in time for each Brown and McCaffrey. Zaccheaus has a second-straight revenge recreation subsequent week, going up in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons. Whereas Zaccheaus could be left on the waiver wire in most leagues. In very deep leagues, he might be a wonderful choice off the waiver wire.
Monitor Jalen Hurts’ well being: The Eagles Professional Bowl quarterback suffered a concussion within the first quarter and was dominated out for the sport within the second.
Kenny Pickett took over at quarterback for the remainder of the sport. A mix of the quarterback change and the sport plan had a exceptional influence on the goal share of the Eagles gamers. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith mixed for 22 of the Eagles’ 24 targets. Brown was focused 5 instances on the primary two drives in comparison with Smith’s one goal. Brown continues to be the chief even with Pickett, incomes a goal on 35.7% of his routes.
Whereas Hurts will ideally be able to play in Week 17, anybody who has him will want a backup plan. As for anybody with Saquon Barkley, Brown or Smith, it’s in all probability protected to have all three gamers in fantasy beginning lineups whatever the quarterback. The Eagles play the Dallas Cowboys, which is a good matchup for all three gamers. The Cowboys’ greatest power on protection from a fantasy perspective is stopping tight ends, however that doesn’t matter when the Eagles aren’t targetting their tight ends.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Eagles third-string operating again Will Shipley suffered a concussion on a particular groups play within the first quarter and was additionally dominated out.
- Eagles backup large receiver Britain Covey was inactive resulting from a neck damage.
- Commanders tight finish Zach Ertz was questionable this week resulting from each a shoulder damage and a concussion, however he was energetic for this recreation, and his taking part in time was regular.
- The Commanders claimed large receiver Ok.J. Osborn off waivers 11 days in the past, however he’s been inactive for the group every of the final two video games.
Minnesota Vikings @ Seattle Seahawks
Monitor Kenneth Walker III’s well being: Walker missed the final two video games resulting from a calf damage.
Walker didn’t observe on Wednesday however was a full participant on Thursday and Friday. Whereas he was good to go, there was some concern about his taking part in time. Zach Charbonnet performed properly throughout Walker’s absence and was named a captain for this recreation. Charbonnet additionally wasn’t 100% resulting from an indirect damage that stored him off form on Wednesday.
Regardless of this, the taking part in time break up between the operating backs was similar to most video games this season. Walker was the clear early down again, and Charbonnet was the clear third-down again. Walker performed two-thirds of the two-minute drill snaps when wholesome this season, so seeing him take two-minute drill snaps on this recreation wasn’t shocking. Walker had a quiet day within the run recreation however tied his career-high in receptions with eight, making his fantasy manufacturing very completely different relying in your league’s scoring settings. The most important shock is Kenny McIntosh additionally obtained concerned for a couple of snaps on offense and acquired his first carry earlier than Charbonnet did.
Walker suffered an ankle damage with six minutes left within the recreation and was rapidly dominated uncertain. Typically, when an damage occurs late, it’s exhausting to know the severity, however the truth that he was dominated uncertain rapidly was not a great signal. After the damage, Charbonnet and McIntosh break up time, suggesting Charbonnet nonetheless isn’t 100%.
The Seahawks have a good matchup in opposition to the Chicago Bears. The sport script and the Bears’ protection ought to result in a number of carries by whoever is beginning at operating again. It might be value choosing up McIntosh off the waiver wire, simply in case each Walker and Charbonnet can’t play. That might be a greater use of a roster spot with one week left than one other participant you’re assured you received’t be beginning.
Aaron Jones dominates carries: Jones was sharing the backfield with Cam Akers for many video games within the second half of the season.
Jones had a really massive function within the Vikings offense early within the 12 months, ending a number of video games over 70% of Minnesota’s offensive snaps, together with one recreation with a 92% snap fee. Nonetheless, he’s been held below 64% in 5 of his earlier six video games. Akers was constantly taking part in 16-27 snaps throughout that stretch. The one exception was an away recreation in opposition to the Chicago Bears, the place the group received in additional time.
This was an analogous recreation the place no group ever had a multiple-score lead in a back-and-forth efficiency. This implies that the Vikings nonetheless belief Jones to be their clear lead operating again however haven’t needed to overwork video games after they don’t want him as a lot later within the recreation. The Vikings have been profitable all of their video games since Akers grew to become a part of the offense.
The Vikings face the Inexperienced Bay Packers subsequent week. That’s one other recreation that must be comparatively shut, so Jones ought to consistently be on the sphere once more. That must be excellent news for any Jones fantasy supervisor.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Vikings tight finish T.J. Hockenson‘s snap fee was barely greater this week, though he’s nonetheless not on the identical stage as final season.
- Vikings fullback C.J. Ham was questionable for this recreation and didn’t journey with the group, however he was in the end energetic and performed.
- The Seahawks signed quarterback Jaren Corridor to the 53-man roster on Saturday since Geno Smith wasn’t 100%.
- Seahawks backup tight finish Brady Russell was inactive resulting from a foot damage.
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Payments
- James Prepare dinner: 11 carries, 100 yards, 1 landing, 3 receptions, 26 receiving yards, 1 receiving landing
- Kayshon Boutte: 5 receptions, 95 yards, 1 landing
Antonio Gibson leads the Patriots operating backs in snaps: Rhamondre Stevenson posted his second-lowest snap fee of the season.
The snap distribution between Stevenson and Gibson was regular in most methods. Stevenson was the lead operating again on early and third downs. The one space the place Gibson dominated was within the two-minute drill to finish each the primary half in addition to the final 4 minutes of the sport when the Patriots have been operating a two-minute offense.
Whereas it’s regular sufficient for a passing-down again to take two-minute drill snaps, on this case, it’s noteworthy as a result of Gibson solely performed 10 of New England’s 88 two-minute drill snaps over the primary 15 weeks. Regardless, we shouldn’t anticipate the Patriots to run 19 two-minute drill performs once more subsequent week.
Dalton Kincaid solely runs 14 routes: Kincaid led the group in targets with seven, however a 50% targets per route fee is unsustainable.
The Payments spent all the first half taking part in from behind. That’s the form of recreation script the place Kincaid must be main the tight finish room in offensive snaps. Kincaid had a lead within the first half, however with 13 of 24 snaps in comparison with Dawson Knox‘s 12. The Payments tied the sport within the third quarter and took a lead with Kincaid solely taking part in 5 of 18 snaps within the quarter. The Payments had a lead within the fourth quarter, so Kincaid solely performed two of the 17 snaps. The Payments have been operating the ball for many of the quarter, which included a sixth offensive lineman and fullback Reggie Gilliam on the sphere, and never as a lot of Kincaid or Knox.
Kincaid solely caught 4 of his passes for 15 yards. No Payments participant had greater than 26 receiving yards. Curtis Samuel was questionable for this recreation resulting from a rib damage, main the 4 different large receivers to all see a slight improve in snaps, but it surely didn’t assist any of their fantasy manufacturing.
The Payments have one other residence recreation in opposition to the New York Jets subsequent week. Fortunately the early forecast doesn’t counsel climate might be a lot of an element, but it surely’s totally potential the group once more focuses on the run recreation and not one of the Payments receivers put up a lot manufacturing. It’s potential Josh Allen and James Prepare dinner are the one viable fantasy starters for that recreation.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Patriots rookie large receiver Ja’Lynn Polk‘s taking part in time has typically declined since Week 6. This was his clear worst recreation that he’s performed, ending with solely three offensive snaps.
- Patriots third-string operating again JaMycal Hasty was inactive resulting from an ankle damage. Terrell Jennings was signed to the energetic roster to function the third operating again.
- The Patriots elevated large receiver Alex Erickson off the observe squad for the primary time this season.
- Payments operating again Ray Davis performed important snaps, however most of it got here within the second half. He performed 4 snaps and ran the ball as soon as within the first half. His taking part in time is essentially dictated by the sport script.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Las Vegas Raiders
Alexander Mattison leads a two-man rotation: Honest McCormick landed on injured reserve final week, leaving the Raiders skinny at operating again.
The Raiders had additionally misplaced Zamir White weeks in the past, leaving Mattison and Ameer Abdullah as the highest operating backs on the depth chart. Each began the season as passing-down backs however ended up taking part in in all conditions on this recreation.
The Raiders would have one operating again take a feature-back function for a couple of drives after which change. Mattison performed 14 of the Raiders’ 15 offensive snaps on the primary three drives, and Abdullah took 11 of 14 on the next two. Mattison performed 17 of 19 snaps on the next 5 drives, after which Abdullah performed 17 of 25 to shut the sport over three drives.
This implies Mattison ought to have extra fantasy worth of the 2, however Abdullah was simpler as a runner and caught extra passes this week. There’s a likelihood that, primarily based on Abdullah’s good play this week, Abdullah will get the beginning subsequent week. Due to the break up and uncertainty, it’s in all probability finest to keep away from this backfield subsequent week.
Brenton Unusual seemingly will get benched: Unusual didn’t play a single offensive snap within the fourth quarter.
Evan Engram landed on injured reserve. In his absence, Unusual caught 11 passes for 73 yards final week. That put Unusual within the fantasy starter dialog this week. Unusual performed 27 of Jacksonville’s 38 offensive snaps within the first half. He stayed in to cross block a little bit extra usually than splendid, however his taking part in time was comparatively regular for a Jaguars beginning tight finish this season.
On the finish of the primary half, the Jaguars made it to subject objective vary, however Unusual fumbled. Unusual performed 4 of 9 snaps on the primary drive of the third quarter, all for run performs. Luke Farrell ran two routes on the drive whereas Josiah Deguara ran one route. On the next drive, Unusual was focused on second-and-20. The ball hit Unusual at the back of the hand. Unusual needed a penalty on the defender on the play and didn’t get one. He didn’t seem injured on the play, and that was his final play of the sport.
It will likely be exhausting to belief Unusual or some other Jaguars tight finish this week given the seemingly benching. Ideally, we will get a proof from coaches in the course of the week. The Jaguars play the Tennessee Titans, which isn’t a good matchup, giving extra motive to look elsewhere at tight finish for Week 17.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Raiders tight finish Brock Bowers caught 11 passes. This was the 14th time this season {that a} tight finish had double-digit receptions. Bowers has 4 of these 14 video games whereas no different tight finish has greater than two.
- Jaguars large receiver Josh Reynolds performed slight improve extra snaps in his second recreation with the group. This led Devin Duvernay to play fewer snaps this week.
San Francisco 49ers @ Miami Dolphins
- De’Von Achane: 17 carries, 120 yards, 1 landing, 6 receptions, 70 receiving yards
- Deebo Samuel: 7 receptions, 96 yards, 1 landing, 5 carries, 25 receiving yards
Patrick Taylor is the following man up at operating again: Taylor had a really related function to Jordan Mason or Isaac Guerendo after they began.
The 49ers have Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell on injured reserve whereas Isaac Guerendo was out resulting from each a foot and a hamstring damage. This left Taylor, who began the season as their fifth operating again on the depth chart, because the starter.
He was the one true halfback to take a snap. Deebo Samuel lined up in a halfback place 10 instances, whereas fullback Kyle Juszczyk took three snaps as the first operating again on third downs. Samuel and Juszczyk have been primarily the backup operating backs on this recreation, which had been true for different video games this season.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn was elevated off the observe squad for a third-straight recreation, and Israel Abanikanda was on the gameday roster for the primary time this 12 months, however neither performed a snap on offense. Taylor solely ran the ball eight instances, partly because of the recreation script. He was thrown to 5 instances however dropped a number of passes. He caught a kind of passes for one yard.
The 49ers play the Detroit Lions subsequent week, so the sport script could also be even worse than this. Taylor could be an choice for that recreation as a result of each operating again who dominates snaps has an opportunity to place up a fantasy beginning efficiency. Nonetheless, there’ll seemingly be at the least 24 higher choices for a operating again subsequent week.
Malik Washington steps up with out Jaylen Waddle: Waddle was inactive resulting from a knee damage.
Washington has been one in every of Miami’s few constants at large receiver this season. He’s run the third-most routes behind Tyreek Hill and Waddle. The one different large receivers with at the least 100 snaps for Miami this season are Braxton Berrios, who’s on injured reserve, and Odell Beckham Jr., who was launched.
Washington’s taking part in time has steadily improved this season, and this was his first time as a transparent every-down starter. He caught three passes for 28 yards, with most targets and receptions going to De’Von Achane, Hill and Jonnu Smith.
The Dolphins additionally wanted depth past Washington. Dee Eskridge was additionally inactive resulting from a knee damage, whereas Grant DuBose went again on injured reserve after a scary blow to the pinnacle final week. Veteran River Cracraft served because the third large receiver this week, whereas Erik Ezukanma was a observe squad elevation because the fourth large receiver.
The Dolphins additionally used extra formations with a number of operating backs on the sphere. Achane lined up within the slot 11 instances, which was essentially the most for him in a recreation since Week 4. If Waddle misses one other recreation, it’s in all probability finest to depart Washington and the opposite large receivers on the waiver wire. It’ll largely imply extra touches for his or her common fantasy starters.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Dolphins rookie operating again Jaylen Wright seems to have fallen to fourth on the depth chart. He didn’t play an offensive snap, whereas Jeff Wilson Jr. performed seven. Wright had gained 63 yards on 26 carries since Week 9 (2.4 yards per carry).
- This recreation was the twentieth 100-yard receiving efficiency of George Kittle’s profession, and his third efficiency of the season.
- 49ers rookie large receiver Ricky Pearsall caught 4 passes for 37 yards. Whereas that wasn’t the most effective efficiency by a large receiver, that’s greater than his receptions and receiving yards from the earlier 5 video games mixed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
- Bucky Irving: 16 carries, 68 yards, 1 landing, 3 receptions, 24 receiving yards
- Jalen McMillan: 5 receptions, 57 yards, 1 landing
Monitor CeeDee Lamb’s well being: Lamb didn’t play a lot within the second half resulting from his shoulder damage.
The Cowboys started the day down one in every of their seven large receivers. Jalen Brooks popped up on the damage report Thursday with a knee damage, and he was inactive. Lamb has been restricted in observe for many of the season with shoulder, again, foot and ankle accidents. Most just lately, it’s been a shoulder damage.
Lamb caught six passes for 100 yards within the first half however was clearly uncomfortable. There was discuss on the printed about how he was avoiding falling on his shoulder throughout final week’s recreation because of the ache. He performed 26 of the 36 potential snaps within the first half, which was a barely decrease fee than common. Brandin Cooks ended up main the large receiver room in snaps within the first half. Lamb solely took one snap within the third quarter and didn’t take one other snap till the final 10 minutes of the sport. He performed extra constantly close to the top of the fourth quarter because the Cowboys secured their victory.
The Cowboys additionally misplaced Jalen Tolbert to a finger damage. Tolbert was rotating with KaVontae Turpin all through the primary half in three-receiver units. Tolbert didn’t play a single snap within the second half. Ryan Flournoy was the first alternative for Lamb all through the half. Turpin break up a while with Jonathan Mingo. Flournoy and Turpin break up time within the slot.
It is best to have a backup plan in case you have Lamb in your roster. The Cowboys have a tough matchup in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles subsequent week. Should you’re in a smaller league, it’s at the least potential you could possibly have sufficient different sturdy large receiver choices that Lamb would possibly should be benched. Nonetheless, many components will contribute to the place Lamb is ranked, together with observe stories this week and what Lamb and coaches say. Chances are high that in case you have Lamb, and he’s energetic, then he must be in your beginning lineup subsequent week.
Monitor Sterling Shepard’s well being: Shepard suffered a hamstring damage within the third quarter and didn’t return.
McMillan wasn’t 100% main as much as this recreation. He didn’t observe on Wednesday and was restricted on Thursday and Friday with a foot damage. This led him to see a slight lower in snaps, taking part in 23-of-42 snaps on the primary six drives. Ryan Miller has been the backup slot receiver since Chris Godwin’s damage, and he noticed a slight uptick in snaps.
Shepard’s final play was in the midst of the third quarter, the place he ran a jet sweep and suffered the damage after gaining 14 yards. Miller took over because the slot receiver for the remainder of the sport. The Buccaneers have been down by a number of scores, so Miller was constantly on the sphere for three-receiver units. Miller caught his solely two targets, however one was for a landing within the final three minutes of the sport.
If Shepard misses time, this may largely imply extra targets and touches for the Buccaneers’ common starters.
Payne Durham steps up at tight finish: Cade Otton was inactive this week resulting from a knee damage.
Otton was initially dominated uncertain on Friday however was in the end dominated out on Saturday. The Buccaneers have largely caught with 11 personnel this season, and Otton had performed a ridiculous 92% of offensive snaps over the primary 15 weeks, so no different tight finish had run many routes for Tampa Bay this season. Durham has been the clear second-time finish choice all season, however he had solely run 59 routes. He caught two passes this season earlier than as we speak and 5 passes final season.
He caught 5 of his seven targets for 29 yards this week. Whereas that wasn’t an important efficiency, it was definitely higher than a number of different tight ends this week. If Otton misses one other week and also you require a good finish, there are higher choices on the waiver wire in most leagues. In very deep leagues, Durham is ok to think about.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Buccaneers backup large receiver Kameron Johnson has returned to observe, however was not activated but from his knee damage.
Desk Notes
- Snaps embody performs referred to as again resulting from penalties, together with offensive holding or defensive cross interference. The opposite three stats have these performs eliminated.
- Targets could differ from official NFL sources. The almost definitely discrepancy could be from a transparent thrown-away cross, the place the NFL could give the goal to the closest receiver, whereas this information won’t.
- Carries are solely on designed performs. Quarterback scrambles received’t rely for the full variety of carries within the recreation.
