Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17
Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17 It is Christmas morning, and the NFL has several gifts this season for football fans. Among them is the final Thursday Night game between the Seahawks and Bears. Fulltime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview:
It is Christmas morning, and the NFL has several gifts this season for football fans. Among them is the final Thursday Night game between the Seahawks and Bears. Fulltime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17 takes an abbreviated look at the game from a fantasy football and betting perspective.
The Seahawks had an opportunity to take control of the NFC West last week but lost a heartbreaker at home to the Minnesota Vikings. Now, Seattle has a tough task traveling east on short rest to frigid Chicago to take on the Bears. However, Chicago has lost nine straight games, which bodes well for the Seahawks’ odds of catching up with the Rams.
Meanwhile, the Bears are wrapping up a lost season that will result in a new regime next year. However, the players assuredly want to end things positively and get No. 1 pick Caleb Williams his fifth home win.
To do that, Chicago will have to pull the upset. Seattle is favored by 3.5 points and the total is a modest 44 points.
Matchup
| TEAM | OFFENSE | PASS | RUSH | YDS/PLAY | POINTS |
| Seattle Seahawks | 14 | 4 | 30 | 13 | 15 |
| Chicago Bears | 31 | 27 | 25 | 31 | 26 |
Chicago has mustered a miserable offense for most of the season. The Bears have only scored more than two touchdowns once during their nine-game losing streak. Meanwhile, Chicago ranks 23rd against the pass and 26th versus the run. Additionally, only the Jaguars allow more yards per play than the Bears.
The Bears’ struggles have been on both sides of the ball, and their -59 points differential is the second-worst in the NFC.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks face a must-win situation. They are currently out of the NFC playoff picture and cannot afford to lose another game, particularly to a bottom-dwelling opponent like the Bears.
The Seahawks are the second-most pass-heavy offense in football. And that strength matches up well against a Chicago defense that has started to slip. Chicago has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks over the last five weeks. Additionally, the Bears’ inability to consistently sustain drives on offense should give Geno Smith and company ample opportunities to score points.
Seattle Offense
Geno Smith is second in the NFC with 3,955 passing yards. However, touchdowns have been harder to come by. Smith has only…
How will Thursday’s Seahawks vs. Bears game go?
To get Jody’s BEST BET and finish reading this content…
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
Jody Smith’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 17
Jody Smith’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 17 FullTime Fantasy has been synonymous with accurate fantasy football rankings for years. Our rankings have garnered numerous industry accolades, with several top-5 finishes in season-long, weekly, and even sports betting accuracy. This is
FullTime Fantasy has been synonymous with accurate fantasy football rankings for years. Our rankings have garnered numerous industry accolades, with several top-5 finishes in season-long, weekly, and even sports betting accuracy. This is the home of Jody Smith’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 17.
Ranking You Can Trust
Our staff was ranked No. 1 in 2022, with not one but TWO analysts inside the top 10. With proven projections and former FantasyPro’s Most Accurate Expert Jody Smith, FullTime Fantasy Members get instant access to reliable and trustworthy weekly rankings.
Jody also ranks inside the top 10 at FantasyPros for multi-year accuracy. That makes his combined draft and weekly rankings one of the most accurate and reliable in the business.
Additionally, Jody and Adam Krautwurst co-host the FullTime Fantasy Podcast, which is live-streamed weekly on YouTube. The guys are also active in the FullTime Fantasy Discord channel, helping answer all fantasy and sports betting inquiries.
Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 17…
To get access to Jody’s Weekly FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS…
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
Injury Report: Week 17
Injury Report: Week 17 Happy Holidays and congratulations on advancing to the final week. (Insert Europe’s The Final Countdown) Unfortunately, many fantasy managers who overcame months of adversity still have ‘a few fractuosities to endure’. Our Injury Report: Week 17 will keep you up-to-date on all the fantasy-relevant news. By the way, the first person who can identify that quote gets a free Maui Madness entry. Hit me up @JodySmithNFL. Also, bookmarking our NFL Injury Report is a great way to stay updated on the latest injuries. Finally, FullTime Fantasy Members will get the latest NFL injury news and advice live each Sunday and Thursday in the FullTime Fantasy Discord. Click below to join us today! Jalen Hurts (QB) Philadelphia Eagles – Hurts was forced to exit last week’s loss early with a concussion. The average NFL player misses 1-2 weeks with a head injury, so Hurts is 50/50 at best to suit up in the finals. James Conner (RB) Arizona Cardinals – Moderately good news on James Conner’s knee. It sounds like there is at least a modest chance he will play in Week 17. However, Arizona plays on Saturday, which shortens Conner’s recovery time. Trey Benson and Michael Carter are priority waiver targets. “We’ll see how it goes throughout the week. I know he wants to play.” Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon with the latest on RB James Conner. The good news, Conner’s knee injury doesn’t sound serious. @PHNX_Cardinals pic.twitter.com/hksEGIBRjj — Bo Brack (@BoBrack) December 23, 2024 Alvin Kamara (RB) New Orleans Saints – Kamara missed Monday’s loss with a groin injury. The Saints have nothing to play for, so chances are that Kamara will not suit up again. However, he is only 50 rushing yards away from surpassing 1,000 yards for the first time, so that may be an objective important to him and the team to achieve this week or next. We are assuming Kamara will not play this week and have downgraded his Week 17 projections. CeeDee Lamb (WR) Dallas Cowboys – It appears Lamb aggravated that troublesome AC joint on a long catch versus the Bucs. His snaps were limited after the play. It’s a pain-tolerance issue, so Lamb could play through it this week. However, with the Cowboys’ season over, there is also a chance that the team rests their star wideout. We’ll have updates later in the week. Drake London (WR) Atlanta Falcons – Dealing with a hamstring injury that isn’t considered serious. However, all hamstring injuries are culpable of reoccurrence without proper rest. For now, London is more likely to play this week but his practice participation will need to be watched closely. George Pickens (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers – The bad news is that the hamstring injury that occurred in practice has now cost Pickens three games. However, the good news is that Pickens is expected to return this week in a crucial game against the Chiefs. Kenneth Walker III (RB) Seattle Seahawks – Walker (ankle) was unable to practice on Monday. Seattle faces Chicago on Thursday, which gives Walker very little time to heal. We expect him to miss this game, putting Zach Charbonnet in a position to compete for RB1/2 numbers. J.K. Dobbins (RB) Los Angeles Chargers – The Chargers opened Dobbins’s 21-day window. If Dobbins is activated from IR, he’ll be an RB2 in New England. Cade Otton (TE) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Missed Week 16 with a knee injury. Tyrone Tracy (RB) New York Giants – Tracy re-aggravated an ankle injury and did not practice Tuesday. Christian Watson (WR) Green Bay Packers – Green Bay’s oft-injured wideout exited Monday Night Football with a quad/hamstring injury. The Packers had the game well in hand at the time, so it’s possible that Watson’s absence was merely precautionary. His Week 17 practice status will be telling. Aaron Rodgers (QB) New York Jets – Dealing with an injured knee and potential high-ankle sprain. Tank Dell (WR) Houston Texans – A friendly-fire hit resulted in Dell suffering a dislocated knee and tearing multiple ligaments. Unfortunately, this is a devastating injury that not only ends Dell’s 2024 season but could result in him missing all of next year too. Issac Guerendo (RB) San Francisco 49ers – Missed last week due to a hamstring injury. San Francisco has nothing to play for, but reports indicate the rookie is trending in the right direction. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR) New Orleans Saints – MVS sat out Monday’s loss with a chest injury and illness. Even if he’s recovered in time for Week 17 action, having Spencer Rattler under center effectively neutralizes all New Orleans pass-catchers. Concussion Protocol Justice Hill (RB) Baltimore Ravens – Ruled OUT. Alec Pierce (WR) Indianapolis Colts – ENTER OUR WEEK 17 DRAFT CONTEST! How it Works: Firstly, draft your team using our On-Demand Simulator. Next, try to stack the team with players you think will do well this week. Finally, the highest Week 17 Score wins. (PLUS: You get to see the Thursday Night game and then draft!) Here’s our Week 17 Player Rankings to help. Firstly, it’s a best-ball contest, so no need to submit a lineup. We’ll optimize the best one. Secondly, you just sit back and watch your team climb the leaderboard. Weekly Prizes and a Grand Prize at the end of the season! Finally, the Grand Prize Winner (highest individual week of the season) gets to choose from the amazing prizes below. If you don’t know just how awesome and amazing the Panini Flawless Football briefcase is, make sure and watch the video starting at the 8-minute mark! Trading cards are back! MEMBER PERK! Fulltime Members get 5 Free On-Demand Drafts each month in our contest! DRAFT YOUR WEEK 17 TEAM and enter the REDEMPTION CODE you received by email.
Circa Survivor Report: Week 16
Circa Survivor Report: Week 16 CIRCA SURVIVOR WEEK 16: TWO UPSETS TRIM THE FIELD Over Weeks 13-15, a total of only four entrants were knocked out of Circa’s $14 million Survivor contest. In Week 16 alone, five contestants will find coal in their Christmas stockings. Fulltime Fantasy‘s exclusive dive into the field recaps the chaos of a wild week of NFL action. The slate, which included Thursday and Saturday action, saw favorites go 12-4 Straight-up (SU), resulting in chaos that has trimmed the field ahead of the holiday week. Four entrants were confident that an Arizona Cardinals club playing for an NFC playoff berth would beat a Carolina squad that had only won three of its first 14 games. Chuba Hubbard calls game 🎬 pic.twitter.com/QUrrCkrQxv — NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024 However, their hopes for a chance to advance for the life-changing prize were crushed when Chuba Hubbard danced into the endzone from 21 yards out in overtime to give the Panthers a 36-30 upset victory. FINAL: The @DallasCowboys win a thriller at the end! #TBvsDAL pic.twitter.com/yPRWdgR7oa — NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2024 On Sunday night, one contestant was left crying in his eggnog when Dallas upset Tampa Bay as 5-point home underdogs under the bright lights of Sunday night football. DaRon locks it up 🔒 📺: #TBvsDAL on NBC 📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/LvklCbYJ1e pic.twitter.com/GPFQfno0PL — Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 23, 2024 Trailing by just two points, with 1:40 remaining in the game, Baker Mayfield looked to drive the Buccaneers for the game-winning score. On the drive’s first play, Mayfield eluded the clutches of several Dallas defenders – pitching the ball ahead to Rachaad White. After the incredible connection, White was stripped by cornerback DaRon Bland before hitting the turf – sealing the upset 26-24 win for the Cowboys. BILLS WIN!!!!#NEvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/zYvLm7zQnz — Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 23, 2024 The biggest sweat of the day came for seven contestants who backed the heavily favored Bills in their AFC East showdown with the Patriots. Buffalo, who closed as 14-point home favorites, erased a 14-point deficit to escape with a 24-21 win that came down to the final play of the game. A blowout Green Bay win causes 21 entries to stay alive in the Circa Survivor Pool. We’ve got the Christmas Circa Survivor week right around the corner! Stay tuned.#CircaSurvivor #CircaSports #SurvivorSweat pic.twitter.com/e9Rs69xeR8 — Survivor Sweat (@SurvivorSweat) December 24, 2024 In Week 16, favorites emerged victorious at a 68.8% clip, while also posting a very lucrative 11-5 Against The Spread (ATS) mark. After seeing five entrants eliminated, only 45 of the starting 14,266 entries remain alive! While the NFL is only down to two weeks of NFL action, the quest for the biggest Survivor prize in history ($14,266,000) still requires three more winning selections. This is due to the fact that the Christmas Day double-header and the Thursday night game are their own week. If entrants advance they will then be required to pick a winner from either Saturday, Sunday, or Monday night. Entrants (who still have them available) will lean heavily on: Buffalo (-10) vs NY Jets, Philadelphia (-9) vs Dallas, Indianapolis (-8) at NY Giants, and Tampa Bay (-8) vs Carolina. From a betting perspective, favorites hold a sizable 169-71 SU (70.4%) and 125-109-6 ATS (53.4%) edge. Home teams hold a slim 123-112 SU (52.3%) advantage (five international games) while road teams hold the coveted 120-109-6 ATS (52.4%) edge. The Circa Survivor contest is a grueling contest that forces entrants to pick one winner every week, with no spread with one pivotal caveat. Entrants CAN NOT use the same team more than once during the season. Circa Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas is the proud home of FullTime Fantasy‘s renowned Fantasy Football World Championship! ENTER OUR WEEK 17 DRAFT CONTEST! How it Works: Firstly, draft your team using our On-Demand Simulator. Next, try to stack the team with players you think will do well this week. Finally, the highest Week 17 Score wins. (PLUS: You get to see the Thursday Night game and then draft!) Here’s our Week 17 Player Rankings to help. Firstly, it’s a best-ball contest, so no need to submit a lineup. We’ll optimize the best one. Secondly, you just sit back and watch your team climb the leaderboard. Weekly Prizes and a Grand Prize at the end of the season! Finally, the Grand Prize Winner (highest individual week of the season) gets to choose from the amazing prizes below. If you don’t know just how amazing the Panini Flawless Football briefcase is, make sure and watch the video starting at the 8-minute mark! Trading cards are back! MEMBER PERK! Fulltime Members get 5 Free On-Demand Drafts each month in our contest! DRAFT YOUR WEEK 17 TEAM and enter your REDEMPTION CODE you received by email.
Waiver Wire: Week 17
Waiver Wire: Week 17 Happy Festivus! And welcome to Championship Week! This is what all that work was for. Congratulations on overcoming all the adversity 2024 threw at us. With only one week left, our Waiver Wire: Week 17 will
Happy Festivus! And welcome to Championship Week! This is what all that work was for. Congratulations on overcoming all the adversity 2024 threw at us. With only one week left, our Waiver Wire: Week 17 will help you fortify that final roster.
This is not the time to change your routine or get cute with lineups. Keep doing what you’ve been doing. However, it is smart to be proactive in adding depth, especially if it blocks your opponent from reinforcing their roster.
Along with knowing who to pick up, FullTime Fantasy‘s Matchup Analyzer Tool will help you get the most out of your lineup.
NOTE: There are TWO games on Christmas🎄 and THREE Saturday games this week.
Alexander Mattison (RB) Las Vegas Raiders – In his return to the lineup, Mattison totaled 56 yards and a score. What was encouraging was the 16 touches that Mattison absorbed. The Raiders are just playing out the string but Mattison’s high-volume role makes him the top add to target where he is available. Also, teammate Ameer Abdullah remains a viable flex option in PPR formats.
Trey Benson (RB) Arizona Cardinals – James Conner suffered a knee injury in the second half of Week 16’s loss. With Arizona mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, there is…
To get access to Jody’s Weekly WAIVER WIRE PICKS…
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
Week 16 News & Notes (UPDATED)
Week 16 News & Notes As the fantasy playoffs roll on, keeping up-to-date on the latest fantasy-relevant news is important. Our Week 16 News & Notes catches you up on the latest injury updates and developments before you finalize this week’s lineups. And be sure to check out updated weekly rankings. Also, FullTime Fantasy Members will get the latest NFL injury news and advice live each Sunday and Thursday in the FullTime Fantasy Discord. Click below to join us today! This will be updated throughout the weekend. REMINDER: There are 2 Saturday games this Week Players Ruled OUT Alvin Kamara (RB) New Orleans Saints – Kendre Miller will take over as the starter. George Pickens (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers – Once again out with a hamstring ailment, torpedoing Pittsburgh’s passing attack. Issac Guerendo (RB) San Francisco 49ers – Patrick Taylor is next man up. Cade Otton (TE) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Xavier Legette (WR) Carolina Panthers – Trey Benson (RB) Arizona Cardinals – Alec Pierce (WR) Indianapolis Colts – Nelson Agholor (WR) Baltimore Ravens – John Metchie (WR) Houston Texans – Matt Prater (PK) Arizona Cardinals – Chad Ryland will fill in again. Tanner Hudson (TE) Cincinnati Bengals – JaMycal Hasty (RB) New England Patriots – Cade Stover (TE) Houston Texans – Jalen Brooks (WR) Dallas Cowboys – Questionable Tony Pollard (RB) Tennessee Titans – Hasn’t practiced all week. He re-aggravated an ankle injury last week. Even if Pollard plays, I would expect more work from Tajae Spears. Tyreek Hill (WR) Miami Dolphins – A personal issue has been added to the lingering wrist injury. We’ll keep an eye on his pre-game status. David Njoku (TE) Cleveland Browns – Njoku is still dealing with a hamstring injury but the switch of QB to Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a bigger issue. Zach Ertz (TE) Washington Commanders – I don’t expect Ertz to clear concussion protocol in time to play. Tyrone Tracy (RB) New York Giants – Could lose more reps to Devin Singletary even if he plays. Downgrade. Zach Charbonnet (RB) Seattle Seahawks – Ken Walker is back. Meanwhile, Charbonnet is dealing with an oblique issue. Cedric Tillman (WR) Cleveland Browns – David Moore (WR) Carolina Panthers – Braelon Allen (RB) New York Jets – Marquez Vades-Scantling (WR) New Orleans Saints – Hasn’t practiced all week and is now dealing with an illness. Additionally, with Spencer Rattler under center, MVS looks very iffy. Rashod Bateman (WR) Baltimore Ravens – Jalen Coker (WR) Carolina Panthers – Nick Folk (PK) Tennessee Titans – Luke Musgrave (TE) Green Bay Packers – Matt Gay (PK) Indianapolis Colts – DeeJay Dallas (RB) Arizona Cardinals – Mo Alie-Cox (TE) Indianapolis Colts – C.J. Ham (FB) Minnesota Vikings – EXPECTED TO PLAY Jakobi Meyers (WR) Las Vegas Raiders – Geno Smith (QB) Seattle Seahawks – Marquise Brown (WR) Kansas City Chiefs – Brown is making his season debut but will be on a snap count. Aidan O’Connell (QB) Las Vegas Raiders – Good spot for AOC to return, facing a horrid Jacksonville defense. He’s on the QB2 radar in Superflex formats. Roschon Johnson (RB) Chicago Bears – Sterling Shepard (WR) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tyler Higbee (TE) Los Angeles Rams – Zane Gonzalez (PK) Washington Commanders – NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY Jaylen Waddle (WR) Miami Dolphins – Malik Washington is a sneaky pick-up and replacement. Chris Olave (WR) New Orleans Saints – Returned to practice in a limited capacity, which is progress. ENTER OUR WEEK 16 DRAFT CONTEST! How it Works: Firstly, draft your team using our On-Demand Simulator. Next, try to stack the team with players you think will do well this week. Finally, the highest Week 16 Score wins. (PLUS: You get to see the Thursday Night game and then draft!) Here’s our Week 16 Player Rankings to help. Firstly, it’s a best-ball contest, so no need to submit a lineup. We’ll optimize the best one. Secondly, you just sit back and watch your team climb the leaderboard. Weekly Prizes and a Grand Prize at the end of the season! Finally, the Grand Prize Winner (highest individual week of the season) gets to choose from the amazing prizes below. If you don’t know just how awesome and amazing the Panini Flawless Football briefcase is, make sure and watch the video starting at the 8-minute mark! Trading cards are back! MEMBER PERK! Fulltime Members get 5 Free On-Demand Drafts each month in our contest! DRAFT YOUR WEEK 16 TEAM and enter the REDEMPTION CODE you received by email.
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 16
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 16 The NFL season is barreling toward its dramatic conclusion, and our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 16 brings crucial decisions for managers on the cusp of glory—or despair. With championship berths on the line, setting the right lineup is more important than ever. Let’s break down some key start/sit decisions for the week, helping you separate the stars from the duds in this critical stretch. Subsequently, our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 16 will help you navigate that turbulence to pick a winning lineup this week. Additionally, FullTime Fantasy has some of the top tools of the trade and accurate rankings. Quarterbacks Start ‘Em Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers Kyler Murray’s Week 15 performance against the Patriots didn’t quite deliver the fantasy fireworks managers hoped for. The Cardinals dropped 30 points, but much of the scoring came through the ground game and their opportunistic defense, leaving Murray outside the top 12 fantasy QBs despite solid passing yardage. However, don’t let last week’s disappointment cloud your judgment. The Panthers’ defense has been a sieve, surrendering 27 passing touchdowns this season—tied for the league’s worst. Even Cooper Rush torched them for three scores just last week. Murray sits comfortably in QB1 territory against Carolina. Unless you have an elite alternative, roll with him confidently. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions After a quiet Week 15 against Minnesota, Caleb Williams looks poised for a bounce-back game. The rookie sensation scorched the Lions in Week 13, tallying an electrifying 32.1 fantasy points, and now gets a favorable rematch at home. Detroit’s defense is riddled with injuries, including key contributors like Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis, leaving them vulnerable. Expect Williams to take advantage of the depleted Lions and produce as a low-end QB1 this week. Check out where Caleb William ranks in our Week 16 QB Rankings Sit ‘Em Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans Fantasy managers are used to Mahomes being a set-it-and-forget-it option, but recent weeks have been brutal. Mahomes hasn’t topped 17 fantasy points in three consecutive games and is now nursing a high ankle sprain. Combine that with the Houston Texans‘ pressure-heavy defense—third-best in generating QB hurries—and Mahomes is a risky play in Week 16. His ceiling feels capped, and with your fantasy season on the line, it’s best to look elsewhere. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs Stroud’s struggles are undeniable—he’s failed to crack 16 fantasy points in eight straight games and hasn’t been a QB1 since Week 4. While Kansas City’s defense isn’t impenetrable, Stroud’s lack of passing yardage and low touchdown production make him a fantasy non-factor. Championship week is no time to gamble on a name without the numbers to back it up. Running Backs Start ‘Em Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys Over the past three weeks, Rico Dowdle has been an absolute workhorse for Dallas, delivering three straight 100-yard games and operating as the clear lead back. This week, he faces a tough challenge against the Buccaneers’ stout run defense, which has stymied some of the league’s best backs. However, Dowdle’s high snap count and Dallas’ reliance on the ground game in tight matchups give him a solid floor. He’s a must-start unless you have multiple elite options. Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals Jerome Ford has stepped up in Cleveland’s backfield with Nick Chubb out for the season. Ford exploded for 18.4 PPR points in Week 15, buoyed by a 62-yard touchdown run. He now faces a Bengals defense that has been vulnerable to running backs, giving up seven double-digit fantasy performances in their last five games. Ford projects as a strong RB2, especially if the Browns’ offense can stay functional with Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center. Sit ‘Em Isaiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans Fantasy managers hoping for a Pacheco breakout have been left wanting. Since returning from injury, he’s been stuck in a timeshare with Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine, limiting his volume and effectiveness. The Texans’ defense, meanwhile, has quietly shut down opposing RBs, allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards since Week 11. Avoid this backfield quagmire if you can. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens Harris’s recent inconsistency makes him a risky play. While he posted a decent outing against Baltimore in Week 11, the Ravens’ top-10 run defense and Harris’ limited role in the passing game cap his upside. With just one reception over his last two games, Harris is a touchdown-dependent flex option at best. Wide Receivers Start ‘Em DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders Smith finally broke out in Week 15, notching his first 100-yard game of the season. Injuries have disrupted his season, but with Dallas Goedert sidelined, Smith should continue to see increased targets. Washington’s struggling secondary provides a golden opportunity for Smith to shine again. Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals Thielen has been a steady presence in Carolina’s offense, and while his Week 15 output was pedestrian, injuries to key teammates could elevate his role this week. Facing a Cardinals defense that’s been respectable against wideouts, Thielen still offers a solid floor with potential for a bounce-back performance. Sit ‘Em Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears Williams has struggled away from Detroit with 3 games of 8 fantasy points or less and failed to deliver in a prior matchup with the Bears. He’s a desperation play in Week 16 with limited production and a low ceiling. Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots Cooper’s usage has plummeted, and with Buffalo’s crowded receiving corps, he’s too volatile to trust. The fact is that Josh Allen doesn’t need Cooper to score points or win games. Last week’s goose egg in targets is a glaring red flag, making him a bench candidate this week. Tight Ends Start ‘Em Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots Kincaid’s target share remains encouraging, and the Patriots have struggled to contain top fantasy tight ends.
Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 16
Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 16 Last week’s NFC West showdown was a rain-soaked dud with zero touchdowns. On the surface, this week’s AFC West game looks like another low-scoring snoozer. However, with major playoff implications at stake, FullTime Fantasy‘s
Last week’s NFC West showdown was a rain-soaked dud with zero touchdowns. On the surface, this week’s AFC West game looks like another low-scoring snoozer. However, with major playoff implications at stake, FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 16 finds some fantasy appeal for both squads.
One year ago, the Chargers were 5-9 and had just lost their starting quarterback to a season-ending finger injury and fired Brandon Staley. A year later, Jim Harbaugh has turned the franchise’s fortunes around. LA is in an excellent position to secure an AFC Wild Card spot.
Coincidentally, the Denver Broncos are directly competing with the Chargers for that postseason berth. Sean Payton has also done a masterful job quickly turning the Broncos back into contenders.
While neither team sets the world on fire offensively, this game projects to be a hard-fought, competitive contest. Back in October, the Chargers won 23-16 in Denver and the Broncos look to even the score in LA.
The home team is favored by three and the total sits at 42 points.
Matchup
| TEAM | OFFENSE | PASS | RUSH | YDS/PLAY | POINTS |
| Denver Broncos | 22 | 23 | 20 | 24 | 11 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 26 | 25 | 23 | 19 | 20 |
Only the Chargers have allowed fewer points than Denver. Additionally, both teams rank outside of the top 20 in overall offense. Points will be at a premium on Thursday.
Jim Harbaugh has resurrected the Los Angeles defense. However, the offense is still a work in progress. The Chargers have topped 30 points once and been held under 20 six times. That includes their last three games. Two of those resulted in losses, culminated by last week’s 40-17 dismantling by the Buccaneers.
Injuries have played a big part in the Chargers’ offensive struggles. And facing a Denver defense that ranks fifth against the run while allowing the second-fewest yards per play won’t be easy.
Denver’s offense has been marginally better. The backfield has been a mess for fantasy managers but QB Bo Nix has exceeded expectations after a slow start. Denver has won four straight to improve to 9-5. The Broncos are a game up on the Chargers for second place in the tough AFC West.
When the Chargers defeated the Broncos in Week 6, Los Angeles dominated the time of possession 37:23 to 22:37. But without J.K. Dobbins and a banged-up Justin Herbert, the rematch favors the visitors.
Denver Offense
Bo Nix finished as QB9 in Week 6 versus this defense, mainly because he ran for 61 yards. In his last seven games, Nix is…
How will Thursday’s Broncos vs. Chargers game go?
To get Jody’s BEST BET and finish reading this content…
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
Jody Smith’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 16
Jody Smith’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 16 FullTime Fantasy has been synonymous with accurate fantasy football rankings for years. Our rankings have garnered numerous industry accolades, with several top-5 finishes in season-long, weekly, and even sports betting accuracy. This is
FullTime Fantasy has been synonymous with accurate fantasy football rankings for years. Our rankings have garnered numerous industry accolades, with several top-5 finishes in season-long, weekly, and even sports betting accuracy. This is the home of Jody Smith’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 16.
UPDATE: Jody currently ranks inside the TOP-10 in 2024 accuracy!
Ranking You Can Trust
Our staff was ranked No. 1 in 2022, with not one but TWO analysts inside the top 10. With proven projections and former FantasyPro’s Most Accurate Expert Jody Smith, FullTime Fantasy Members get instant access to reliable and trustworthy weekly rankings.
Jody also ranks inside the top 10 at FantasyPros for multi-year accuracy. That makes his combined draft and weekly rankings one of the most accurate and reliable in the business.
Additionally, Jody and Adam Krautwurst co-host the FullTime Fantasy Podcast, which is live-streamed weekly on YouTube. The guys are also active in the FullTime Fantasy Discord channel, helping answer all fantasy and sports betting inquiries.
Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 16…
To get access to Jody’s Weekly FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS…
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
Injury Report: Week 16
Injury Report: Week 16 Welcome to the penultimate week of the 2024 fantasy season. Congrats on advancing in your league’s playoffs! Before your finalize your semi-final lineups,. our Injury Report: Week 16 updates you on all the fantasy-relevant injury news and notes. Also, bookmarking our NFL Injury Report is a great way to stay updated on the latest injuries. Finally, FullTime Fantasy Members will get the latest NFL injury news and advice live each Sunday and Thursday in the FullTime Fantasy Discord. Click below to join us today! Saquon Barkley (RB) Philadelphia Eagles – Barkley missed a significant portion of the second half of Philly’s Week 15 win against the Steelers after taking a helmet to the thigh. Fortunately, the injury is being labeled ‘minor’. However, we will keep an eye on his practice participation starting on Wednesday. Alvin Kamara (RB) New Orleans Saints – A groin injury caused Kamara to exit Sunday’s game early. These injuries are particularly difficult for running backs to recover from quickly, which puts Kamara’s Week 16 status in doubt. Therefore, Kamara fantasy managers should be prepared to empty their remaining FAB for Kendre Miller as the potential replacement. Patrick Mahomes (QB) Kansas City Chiefs – A “mild” high-ankle sprain finds Mahomes questionable for Saturday’s game versus Houston. Mahomes has a history of pushing through ailments like this so he is more likely to play than other signal-callers. However, the Chiefs will be on short rest and have their eyes on preserving his health for January. Also, considering how he’s played this season, Mahomes is not a locked-in QB1. UPDATE: Mahomes was a full participant Tuesday. George Pickens (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers – After missing two games with a hamstring ailment, Pickens’s semi-finals week is off to a promising start. Now here’s a good sign on Tuesday…George Pickens getting some work in pic.twitter.com/ox2hckf89U — Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) December 17, 2024 A.J. Brown (WR) Philadelphia Eagles – Brown suffered an ankle injury but there didn’t seem to be a lot of concern in the post-game locker room. However, players often understate issues and swelling can occur later. We will keep an eye on his practice status all week. David Montgomery (RB) Detroit Lions – An MCL injury will require surgery and force Montgomery to miss the rest of the season. This comes as an extra painful injury to pre-season OVER bettors. David Montgomery is out for the remainder of the season… If you bet Over on his Season Total Rushing Yards, look away 🫣 pic.twitter.com/4RIFJK0laU — br_betting (@br_betting) December 17, 2024 Jaylen Waddle (WR) Miami Dolphins – Day-to-day with a knee injury that is ‘not major’ per Mike McDaniel. That’s reassuring because the footage looked bad. Therefore, we’re not as optimistic. David Njoku (TE) Cleveland Browns – Njoku missed Week 15 with a hamstring injury. He is questionable entering Week 16. However, the QB switch in Cleveland is also a big blow for Njoku’s fantasy potential. We advise fantasy managers to look for other options. Geno Smith (QB) Seattle Seahawks – Smith hurt his right knee on a low hit and never returned to action. Mike Macdonald is ‘optimistic’ that Smith will be able to practice and play this week. Mike Macdonald says Geno Smith should be able to practice and play this week. Says good signs all around. pic.twitter.com/id354NKHuh — Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) December 16, 2024 Wan’Dale Robinson (WR) New York Giants – In the league’s concussion protocol. Sincere McCormick (RB) Las Vegas Raiders – The rookie exited Week 15’s loss in the second quarter with a left ankle injury. If it’s the dreaded high-ankle injury, McCormick could miss the rest of the fantasy season. UPDATE: The Raiders placed McCormick on season-ending IR. Zach Ertz (TE) Washington Commanders – Ertz is in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Fantasy managers should be prepared for him to miss this week’s game. Washington’s in-house replacements don’t look appealing, so look elsewhere for reinforcements. Trey Benson (RB) Arizona Cardinals – Benson is dealing with an ankle injury. We will monitor his practice participation throughout the week. Nick Chubb (RB) Cleveland Browns – A broken foot will end Chubb’s brief 2024 campaign. With him out, Jerome Ford becomes the top Waiver Wire target for this week. Will Dissly (TE) Los Angeles Chargers – Still dealing with a shoulder injury, Will Dissly is not expected to play on Thursday. Marquise Brown (WR) Kansas City Chiefs – There’s a chance that Brown will make his 2024 debut this week. However, the Chiefs are likely to bring him along very slowly. Therefore, Brown isn’t ready to be inserted into playoff lineups. Tyler Higbee (TE) Los Angeles Rams – The Rams activated Higbee, who is recovering from last year’s torn ACL, from IR. Aidan O’Connell (QB) Las Vegas Raiders – O’Connell (knee) missed Monday’s loss but is ‘trending in the right direction’ per Rotoworld. Tommy DeVito (QB) New York Giants – Unlikely to play after getting concussed last week. With Drew Lock (heel) also dinged, Tim Boyle is the next man up. Nelson Agholor (WR) Baltimore Ravens – In the league’s concussion protocol. Younghoue Koo (PK) Atlanta Falcons – Sent to IR. ENTER OUR WEEK 16 DRAFT CONTEST! How it Works: Firstly, draft your team using our On-Demand Simulator. Next, try to stack the team with players you think will do well this week. Finally, the highest Week 16 Score wins. (PLUS: You get to see the Thursday Night game and then draft!) Here’s our Week 16 Player Rankings to help. Firstly, it’s a best-ball contest, so no need to submit a lineup. We’ll optimize the best one. Secondly, you just sit back and watch your team climb the leaderboard. Weekly Prizes and a Grand Prize at the end of the season! Finally, the Grand Prize Winner (highest individual week of the season) gets to choose from the amazing prizes below. If you don’t know just how awesome and amazing the Panini Flawless Football briefcase is, make sure and watch the video