Player Weekly Points

Lamar Jackson Eclipses 4,000-Yard Mark In Season Finale

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson led the team to another AFC North title while dismantling the Cleveland Browns by a score of 35-10 on Saturday. The two-time MVP finished the game with 217 yards and two touchdowns on 16-for-32 throwing and nine carries for 63 yards. This game put him over the 4,000 passing-yard mark for the first time in his career and he became the first QB to ever finish with at least 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards. He also leads the league in seven different passing stats according to pro-football-reference. Jackson and company will host a first-round playoff game once the matchups are decided.

Lamar Jackson Looks To Take Division Crown In Week 18

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is in the race for his second consecutive MVP and third overall while leading the team into a regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns. Jackson and company control their playoff destiny, and if they beat the Browns, they win the AFC North and get a home playoff game. The last time these two teams faced off, Jackson posted 289 yards and two touchdowns on 23-for-38 throwing despite losing 24-29. The Browns have a long injury list this time around and have decided to rest some players since they're out of the playoff race. Fantasy managers still competing in Week 18 will want to keep Jackson in all lineups.

Lamar Jackson Collects Three Touchdowns Against Texans

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson moved to 2-0 on Christmas Day games after leading the team to a 31-2 blowout over the Houston Texans. The MVP candidate finished the game with 168 yards and two touchdowns on 10-for-15 throwing while adding four carries for 87 yards and another touchdown. The first score of the second half came on a 48-yard run by Jackson, who outran the entire defense into the end zone. The Ravens were so comfortably in the lead after the third quarter that Jackson was able to get some rest in the fourth. They now control their division destiny and will take on the Cleveland Browns to finish the regular season.

Ja'Marr Chase Leads The Way In Week 18

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught 10 of his 14 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's win over the Steelers. The former LSU Tiger didn't find the end zone in Week 17 versus the Broncos. However, he showed up in a big way on Saturday to help keep the Bengals' postseason hopes alive. With that said, Chase has had an impressive year, amassing 1,708 yards, 127 grabs, and 17 touchdowns, making him a top-five overall option in fantasy drafts entering the 2025-26 campaign.

Ja'Marr Chase Will Need Another Big Showing On Saturday

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has been a top fantasy option all year, leading all wideouts in catches (117), yards (1,612), and touchdowns (16). With Cincinnati still alive for the postseason, the former LSU Tiger will need to be at his best in Week 18 versus the Steelers. Chase played well enough when the Bengals met the Steelers on December 1, catching six passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. Granted, it wasn't his best performance. However, Chase may need to see more targets this time around, especially if Tee Higgins (knee, ankle), who is questionable, doesn't suit up. But even if Higgins is on the field, Chase is a must-start, obviously. He's also worth considering for all DFS contests, despite his hefty rostering cost.

Ja'Marr Chase Plays Well Enough On Saturday

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had 102 yards off nine catches in Saturday's overtime victory over Denver. Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II was all over Chase in Week 17. However, he still had a serviceable fantasy performance. With the Bengals sitting at 8-8, Cincinnati needs a win over the Steelers in Week 18 to keep their playoff hopes alive. The 24-year-old had six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown when these clubs met back on December 1. But as is the case with Chase, he is always capable of having big performances.

Saquon Barkley Officially Inactive Against Giants

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (coach's decision) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New York Giants. He had been listed as doubtful, so his absence this weekend was widely expected. After all, the Eagles' plan to rest many key starters has been well-documented. The 27-year-old finishes his first season with the Eagles just 100 rushing yards shy of Erick Dickerson's single-season record. Although he didn't break the record, Barkley still had a phenomenal season with 2,005 rushing yards, 278 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns, making him the clear RB1 in fantasy football. Kenneth Gainwell will lead Philadelphia's backfield in Week 18.

Eagles To Rest Saquon Barkley And Other Key Starters In Week 18

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Philadelphia Eagles are planning on resting key starters, including running back Saquon Barkley, during their Week 18 tilt against the New York Giants. Barkley will finish just 100 yards away from Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. Starting quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) is still in the league's protocol and would have faced an uphill battle to suit up anyway. In addition, top wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will likely also sit out in this contest. This would pave the way for either Kenny Pickett (ribs) or Tanner McKee to get the start under center, with Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley sharing the backfield. Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, and Ainias Smith will likely be top pass catchers. Fantasy managers should consider targeting Gainwell on the waiver wire as he would likely get the start at running back and would be a viable RB2 in all formats.

Saquon Barkley Hits 2,000-Yard Mark In Week 17

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley dominated in the team's 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, carrying the ball 31 times for an incredible 167 yards. He also added two receptions for two yards. Despite not finding the end zone, Barkley's performance was enough to place him in the Top-5 fantasy running backs of Week 17 heading into Sunday night. Barkley etched his name into the history books during this game, becoming only the ninth player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. He now sits just 101 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's all-time single-season rushing record. This game was also Barkley's 11th 100-yard rushing performance. The Eagles will rely on Barkley's brilliance again in Week 18 when they host the New York Giants, with a chance to make history on the line.

Baker Mayfield Leads Impressive Comeback To Clinch Division Title

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 21 of 32 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 18 victory over the New Orleans Saints. He also took one sack and rushed nine times for 68 yards on the ground. The Buccaneers fell into an early 13-3 deficit with a playoff spot on the line, but Mayfield led three touchdown drives in the second half to vault Tampa Bay over New Orleans. Along the way, he added 89 yards to Mike Evans' ledger, bringing the veteran receiver over 1,000 yards for the 11th consecutive season. Mayfield was a top-five fantasy quarterback this season, cementing himself as a premier NFL starter despite his 18 turnovers.

Baker Mayfield Remains Elite Option For Week 18

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off a stellar performance against the Carolina Panthers last week. Mayfield threw for 359 yards with five touchdowns and zero interceptions in the blowout win last weekend. The 29-year-old now looks to end his 2024-2025 regular season on a high note with a plus-matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The last meeting between these teams Mayfield threw for 325 yards with four touchdowns. The Saints are banged up on both sides of the ball and this is a must-win game for the Bucs. Fantasy managers who have championship games this weekend should consider Mayfield a QB1. Otherwise, Mayfield is probably an expensive, but reliable DFS option for this weekend.

Baker Mayfield Tosses Five Scores In Week 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield went 27-for-32 with 359 yards and five scores in their blowout victory over the Carolina Panthers. Mayfield connected with his top wideout Mike Evans twice, both times in the red zone. He also found rookie wide receiver, Jalen McMillan for two scores, once from 10 yards out and the other time from 16 yards out. His fifth passing score was caught by tight end Payne Durham. Since Week 14, Mayfield has thrown at least two passing scores in each contest and tallied at least three in three of them. Over this span he has tallied at least 280.0 passing yards in each game. Mayfield will look to cap off the best season of his career with a Week 18 matchup against the New Orleans Saints as the Buccaneers inch towards a playoff berth.

Jahmyr Gibbs Scores Four Touchdowns As Lions Claim Top Seed

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs totaled 139 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 23 carries during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. He also caught all five of his targets for 31 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. When all was said and done, Gibbs totaled 170 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns while leading the Lions to a division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture. The 22-year-old running back was terrific while playing alongside David Montgomery (knee) for most of the 2024 season, and he has jumped to the elite tier ever since his backfield-mate went down with a knee injury. Even if Montgomery returns for the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, Gibbs will remain a high-end RB1 for fantasy purposes thanks to his nearly unparalleled rushing, receiving, and touchdown upside.

Jahmyr Gibbs A Top Fantasy Option For Week 18

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has had a stellar season. He's appeared in all 16 of Detroit's contests, posting career-highs in rushing yards (1,273), receiving yards (486), rushing touchdowns (13), and receiving touchdowns (three). Without question, the 22-year-old has been a reliable fantasy option for managers. That trend should continue in Week 18 versus the Vikings, with the Lions looking to secure the top spot in the NFC heading toward the postseason. Gibbs played well when these clubs met in October, amassing 116 yards on the ground while finding the end zone twice. With David Montgomery (knee) out, as expected, and Craig Reynolds (back) questionable, Gibbs should be heavily involved. Truth be told, even if Reynolds is active, Gibbs will consume most of the chances out of the backfield. Keep him starting in all formats.

Jahmyr Gibbs Has Another Big Game In Week 17

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 117 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries during Monday's Week 17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. He also caught all four of his targets for an additional 46 yards through the air. Gibbs' touchdown came in the fourth quarter as he scored from 30 yards out, with help from some of his teammates' key blocks. The second-year running back hasn't missed a beat since taking on an expanded role with David Montgomery (knee) sidelined. He has 431 total yards and four touchdowns over his last three games, ranking as the overall RB1 in PPR leagues during that span. Fantasy managers should continue to view Gibbs as a top running back option heading into Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings. Unlike some other NFL teams, the Lions are still fighting for a playoff position the No. 1 seed in the NFC and therefore will be playing all their starters, including Gibbs.

Bijan Robinson Runs For 170 Yards With Two Scores In Week 18

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ran for 170 yards and two touchdowns on 28 attempts during their overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Robinson brought in two of his five targets for three yards through the air. Robinson punched in his first score of the afternoon in the second quarter from three yards out. Later in the fourth quarter, Robinson tallied his second touchdown, on a four-yard run. His 28 attempts and 170 yards were the highest totals of his career. Since Week 10, Robinson has tallied at least 90 rushing yards in all but one contest. Overall, the Texas product tallied at least 100 rushing yards five games and tallied 15 total touchdowns. Given his role as the workhorse of the Atlanta offense, he should be viewed as a high-end RB1 heading into the 2025 season and remains an elite dynasty asset.

Bijan Robinson An Elite RB Play Against Porous Panthers Run Defense

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is expected to get a full workload on Sunday as his team still has designs on making the playoffs. If the Falcons win and the Saints beat the Buccaneers, Atlanta is in. Robinson is having a fantastic season, now top 5 in fantasy scoring for RBs with over 1700 all-purpose yards and 13 total TDs. Not to mention, the last time these two teams met, the 22-year-old stampeded his way to 95 yards and two scores on 15 carries (6.3 YPR), adding three catches for 10 yards as well. The Panthers have been run on all season, allowing the most fantasy points to running backs in all of football. With the playoffs in sight, look for Robinson to rumble his way to top-tier RB1 status on Sunday.

Bijan Robinson Scores Twice In Week 17 Overtime Loss

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson handled 17 carries for 90 yards and scored two touchdowns in Sunday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders, adding three catches for eight yards as well. Robinson had 13 carries by halftime, but with Washington running two seven-minute-plus drives in the second half, the Falcons did not get a chance to run many plays and when they did, they were passing as they tried to play catch-up in the fourth quarter. It could have been an even more lucrative night as Atlanta ran Robinson out of the wildcat, but when they did so on 1st-and-goal from the five-yard line in the fourth quarter, the snap went over Robinson's head for a huge loss, with the drive ending in a 13-yard TD pass to Kyle Pitts instead. Nevertheless, the second-year pro surely helped fantasy managers to some championships on Sunday, and with one game left to go in the regular season, the former first-round draft pick will face the Panthers at home next week, a team he scored two TDs against earlier this season.

Derrick Henry Caps Off Season With Two Touchdowns

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry posted a huge game to finish off the regular season and help the team go back-to-back as AFC North champs. The veteran back posted 138 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries to go along with two catches for 23 yards on three targets. He averaged a ridiculous 6.9 yards per carry as he punished the Browns' defense. Henry now has six seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards and fell just 106 yards shy of his career high. The Ravens now wait to see who they will host in the first round of the playoffs.

Derrick Henry Still At RB1 Value In Week 18

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry will suit up and try to win an AFC North crown in his first season with the team on Saturday in the Week 18 regular-season finale. He's registered back-to-back games with at least 20 fantasy points in half-PPR formats, and now he sets his sights on the Cleveland Browns in the season finale. Henry posted 73 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries the last time he played the Browns and fell just shy of a RB1 status for the week. At home, Henry averages 119.0 yards and a touchdown per game, and the Browns won't have a full team of starters. He comes in as an RB1 yet again to finish off the season.

Derrick Henry Roasts The Texans On Christmas

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry received his favorite present of all, facing the Houston Texans run defense. Going into the Christmas game, he averaged 102.2 yards per game against them with 12 rushing touchdowns. In this one, he finished with 147 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries to go along with two receptions for 18 yards on two targets. The only time he was contained in this matchup was when he was tackled for a safety in the second quarter. Coincidentally, those were the only points the Texans scored. Henry will face off against the Cleveland Browns in the regular season finale to try to win the division.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Held To Six Receptions Against Vikings

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught six of his seven targets for 77 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. St. Brown had been riding a three-game touchdown streak, so fantasy managers will be understandably disappointed he didn't find the end zone on Sunday night despite leading the Lions in receiving yards. He finished the regular season as the overall WR3 in PPR leagues, and he was just 1.3 points behind the No. 2 wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. All in all, it was an impressive year for the 25-year-old, who totaled double-digit touchdowns for the second year in a row and set a career-high for number of visits to the end zone. Even with the Lions' offense placing attention on Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery, fantasy managers were able to enjoy the fact that St. Brown carved out an enormous role for himself and delivered a terrific season once again, playing in all 17 games. He should be a mid-first-round pick in 2025 fantasy drafts, and managers could absolutely justify making him the second wide receiver off the board after Ja'Marr Chase.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Ready To Cap Off Another Productive Season

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has had another quality year, as expected. He's amassed only 1,186 yards, significantly down from the 2023-24 campaign. However, the wideout has posted a career-high 12 touchdowns this season. With the Lions looking to secure the No. 1 spot in the NFC, St. Brown and the Lions will meet Minnesota on Sunday night. He played well when these clubs met back in October, catching all eight targets for 112 yards and a touchdown. With another high-scoring contest anticipated between the NFC North powerhouses, St. Brown remains a top fantasy asset in all formats.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Scores Another Touchdown In Week 17 Win

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught eight of his 10 targets for 60 yards and one touchdown during Monday's Week 17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. The 25-year-old continues to play spectacular football, finding the end zone in four consecutive contests. He also ranks as the overall WR1 in PPR leagues since Week 11, putting up a whole 10 fantasy points more than the next-highest scorer, Puka Nacua. St. Brown has some of the best hands in the league, and his availability has been unmatched. He remains a high-end WR1 for Week 18 and should be one of the first few receivers off the board in 2025 fantasy drafts.

Josh Jacobs Scores For Eighth Consecutive Game In Week 18 Loss

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs maintained his massive touchdown streak despite the Packers' 24-22 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 18. Jacobs did not see the volume he normally does and did not record a touch following his nine-yard touchdown plunge in the second quarter. After that score, Jacobs ceded the way for Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks to rest up for the Packers' playoff push. With his touchdown in Week 18, that makes 12 total touchdowns in Jacobs' final eight games. With the Packers headed to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in the Wild Card round, Jacobs is a locked-in RB1 for playoff contests.

Josh Jacobs Doesn't Anticipate Massive Workload Sunday

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs acknowledged that he doesn't expect to handle a large number of touches during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Chicago Bears. "Just being honest, being realistic, I don't see me taking that many carries in this game," Jacobs previously said. "Obviously, I want to play. I'm going to push to play, and I'm playing. But I don't see myself taking 30 carries." The Packers are locked into a Wild Card spot, so the Packers might consider reducing some of their starters' workloads to preserve their health. That list of players would surely include Jacobs, who has 1,625 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns this season. He could still lead the Green Bay backfield on Sunday, but we would expect Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson to remain involved so that Jacobs can stay fresh for the playoffs.

Josh Jacobs Off Injury Report, Maintains RB1 Status For Week 18

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (wrist) practiced in full on Friday after two limited practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday and will be good to go for Sunday's season finale when the Packers host the Chicago Bears. Jacobs has been fantastic since the team's Week 10 bye with a rushing touchdown in seven consecutive games and a top-12 fantasy finish in six of the last seven games. He's been the engine that powers this Green Bay offense as of late and as Jacobs goes, so do the Packers. Quietly, Jacobs has also put up at least four targets in four of the last seven games as well. With the Packers facing division-rival Chicago in Week 18, Jacobs is a solid RB1 for the team's regular season finale.

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce Officially Inactive Sunday

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (coach's decision) and tight end Travis Kelce (coach's decision) are officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Denver Broncos. Both players had been listed as doubtful, so their absence this weekend was widely expected. After all, the Chiefs' plan to rest many key starters has been well-documented. Mahomes finishes the regular season with 3,928 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Meanwhile, Kelce registered 97 catches, 823 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking outside the top three fantasy tight ends for the first time since 2015. Carson Wentz will start at quarterback for Kansas City while Noah Gray and Peyton Hendershot operate as the Chiefs' top tight ends.

Patrick Mahomes Doubtful For Week 18

According to the team, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes suffered this ankle injury during their Week 15 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Mahomes has yet to miss time due to the injury but is expected to take a seat on Sunday with the Chiefs already locked into the top seed in the conference. As a result, Carson Wentz is expected to get the starting nod. This ankle injury has not seemed to bother Mahomes as he has averaged a strong 27.8 PPR points per game over the past two weeks. During this span he has scored five total touchdowns. Wentz should be viewed as a risky QB2 facing the Denver Broncos who need a victory to clinch a playoff spot. Wentz will be without Isiah Pacheco (ribs) and is also expected to not have Kareem Hunt and Travis Kelce who are both listed as doubtful.UPDATE: Per A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman, head coach Andy Reid said that Mahomes will not play in Week 18.

Patrick Mahomes Limited As Week 18 Prep Begins

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) was limited during practice on Wednesday. The Chiefs are expected to rest key starters, including Mahomes, in Week 18, so his appearance on the injury report isn't something worth worrying about. In his age-29 season, Mahomes threw for 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading his Chiefs to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Carson Wentz should start at quarterback against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but there's been speculation that the Chiefs could also give Chris Oladokun some snaps under center.

De'Von Achane Firmly In RB1 Territory In Bounce-Back Opportunity

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane will be looking to bounce back as a strong RB1 for fantasy managers in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Jets in a must-win game for Miami. Achane put up a dud for fantasy managers with a 10-carry, 25-yard performance in the win over the Cleveland Browns last week, adding two catches for 13 yards. While that was a frustrating performance for those in championship matchups, the 23-year-old has been a top-10 fantasy RB this year and needs to remain locked into starting lineups this weekend, even with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) looking likely to miss a second straight game. Achane has seen double-digit carries in all but two games this year and should see as much work as he can handle against the Jets in a game Miami must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

De'Von Achane Disappoints In Week 17

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane finished with his second-worst fantasy output of the season Sunday at Cleveland, gaining 25 rushing yards and catching only two passes for another 13 yards in the 20-3 victory. The electric back was a victim of circumstances outside of his control, as the Miami offense shifted into survive-and-advance mode without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip). Cleveland keyed on Achane and dared quarterback Tyler Huntley to beat them, and the backup did just that, completing 22 of 26 passes, leading the team with 52 yards rushing, and accounting for two second-half touchdowns. Unfortunately for managers who relied up Achane in the championship round, the quarterback change was awful timing. Miami has not yet revealed which quarterback will start in Week 18 against the New York Jets.

De'Von Achane Drops To Risky RB2 Territory Without Starting Quarterback

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane becomes a risky RB2/high-end flex option if Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is unable to play this afternoon. Tagovailoa was initially listed as questionable but was then downgraded to doubtful on Saturday. Achane has been enjoying an impressive stretch of performances over his past six contests averaging a stellar 21.4 PPR points per game. Over this span he has seen 13.0 rushing attempts per game and brought in 5.7 receptions per game. However, when Tagovailoa missed time earlier this season with a concussion, Achane saw his production drop significantly. During Weeks 3 through 5, the sophomore back averaged a mere 5.8 PPR points per game. While redraft managers may not have a strong pivot, DFS players should consider fading Achane, especially at his hefty salary.

Kyler Murray Throws Season-High Four Touchdown Passes In Week 18

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray threw for a season-high four touchdown passes in the 47-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the regular season finale. Murray had perhaps his best outing of the season, finishing with 25 completions on 35 attempts for 242 yards and four touchdowns. He also added three carries for 22 yards on the ground, ending the season on a high note and building momentum going into next year. This is big for the Cardinals' offense and Murray as they look to continue improving under head coach Jonathan Gannon. Murray and the Cardinals' passing game should have confidence as they aim to break through and make the playoffs next season.

Kyler Murray Is A Low-End QB1 In Week 18

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is a low-end starting quarterback in Week 18 when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers. Murray and the Cardinals will look to end their season on a high note after watching their playoff hopes dwindle post-bye week. Murray had a solid performance last week, topping 300 yards despite throwing two interceptions. A strong showing in this matchup will help build momentum for the Cardinals heading into next season. With nothing to play for in terms of playoff implications, we can expect the Cardinals to play more freely and open up the playbook to put an exclamation point on their season. Murray should still be viewed as a starter in Week 18.

Kyler Murray Throws For 321 Yards In The Week 17 Loss

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray passed for 321 yards in a 9-13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Despite throwing two interceptions late in the game, Murray played well in a bounce-back performance after the loss to the Carolina Panthers. Murray's official stat line was 33 completions on 48 attempts for 321 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. While Murray operated the offense at a high level, the Cardinals struggled with field position and red zone efficiency, which were the main factors in the offense scoring only nine points. With running back James Conner (knee) not returning after a first-half injury, the Cardinals were forced to rely on Murray's rushing ability more, and he rushed for 32 yards on four carries. This was a solid fantasy performance for those who played Murray during their championship weeks. The Cardinals and Murray will look to end the season on a high note with a win against the 49ers in Week 18.

Brock Purdy Officially Ruled Out In Week 18

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Purdy suffered a right-elbow contusion at the tail end of the Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday night. While the injury isn't considered serious and Purdy should have a normal offseason, the Niners will hold him out in a meaningless game to close out the year. With Purdy sidelined, backup Joshua Dobbs will make his first start under center this year. The 25-year-old Purdy wasn't able to replicate his breakout 2023 season for San Fran, but he was still solid for fantasy purposes (QB10 overall heading into Week 18), especially when considering he was without All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) and receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) for most of the year.

49ers Downplay Brock Purdy's Elbow Injury

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said it was a medical decision to sit quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals this Sunday and also downplayed the signal-caller's injury. "It's nothing more than when you hit your funny bone. When you get an NFL helmet in the wrong place it irritates the nerve. Brock is going to be fine. It's going to quiet down," Lynch said. The 25-year-old injured his elbow late in the Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions and hasn't practiced yet this week. With the Niners already eliminated from the playoffs, there's just no reason for the team to throw Purdy out there against Arizona. Veteran Joshua Dobbs will get the start instead. Entering Week 18, Purdy is the QB10 in overall fantasy points, although his 2024 was a step down from his breakout in 2023.

Brock Purdy Misses Another Practice

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday after suffering a right-elbow injury at the end of the Sunday night loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 17. Although Purdy's injury is considered minor and he hasn't officially been ruled out yet, the Niners have already announced that backup Joshua Dobbs will get the start in a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Expect the 25-year-old Purdy to be officially ruled out on Friday's final Week 18 injury report. If the former seventh-rounder has played his last game of the 2024 season, he'll finish with a career-low 65.9% completion percentage with 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 15 starts. It was a step back from his breakout in 2023, but Purdy was also missing key weapons on offense for most of the year due to injury.

Alvin Kamara Inactive For Season Finale Sunday

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (groin) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This news does not come as much of a surprise given that Kamara had been listed as doubtful and did not practice this past week. The 29-year-old finishes the 2024 season with 950 rushing yards, 543 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns through 14 games. He was well on his way to his first-ever 1,000-yard rushing season before suffering a season-ending groin injury in Week 15. He'll come up 50 yards shy of that mark but still finishes 2024 as the overall RB8 in PPR leagues. With Kendre Miller (concussion) also sidelined, the Saints will rely on a combination of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jamaal Williams, and Jordan Mims out of the backfield in Week 18.

Alvin Kamara Doubtful To Play In Season Finale

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

Alvin Kamara Not Practicing On Wednesday

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (groin) did not practice on Wednesday. The star running back has been sidelined over the past two games and could be in danger of missing the final game of the season. While he has been sidelined, Kendre Miller has taken over starting duties. However, he was also a non-participant due to a concussion on Wednesday. During the first 14 games of the season, Kamara has averaged a strong 18.9 PPR points per game. He has averaged over 100 all-purpose yards per game, tallying 16.3 attempts and seeing 6.4 targets per game. If Kamara cannot return to action Miller would likely reclaim starting duties. If Miller is also unable to play, then Jamaal Williams, Jordan Mims, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire would share the backfield against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Justin Herbert Has A Big Game In Week 18

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had a big game to close out the regular season in a Week 18 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert completed 28 of his 36 pass attempts for 346 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 42 yards on the ground on four carries. Herbert had a long run of 41 yards that almost ended in a touchdown but was able to make one of his two touchdown passes right after to score the six points. That touchdown went to Will Dissly, and his other one went to D.J. Chark. Herbert took only one sack, losing 10 yards on the play. He and the Bolts will face the Texans on Saturday in the Wild Card Round.

Justin Herbert A Potentially Good Option In Week 18 Lineups

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is potentially a strong fantasy option in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Chargers will either be locked into the No. 6 seed or have a chance at the No. 5 seed in the final game of the regular season, depending on the results of Saturday's games. If the Bolts have a chance to better their playoff position, Herbert will certainly play and should be a top-10 option at the position against a Raiders defense with nothing to play for. Fantasy managers should have a backup option available, however, as Herbert and other Chargers starters could sit out if the team is locked into the sixth seed, which would give the start to backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said he'd "do what's best for the team" when asked about whether starters would play.

Chargers Non-Committal On Whether Justin Herbert, Starters Will Play In Week 18

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh wouldn't commit on Monday to whether the starters will play this Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. If the Pittsburgh Steelers win on Saturday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, the Chargers would be locked into the No. 6 seed and would face either the Baltimore Ravens or the Steelers in the wild-card round. However, if the Steelers lose on Saturday, the Bolts would have a chance to move up to the No. 5 seed with a win over the Raiders. The fifth seed in the AFC will travel to face the Houston Texans on wild-card weekend. "We'd love to be the fifth seed," Harbaugh said. The decision on whether to play quarterback Justin Herbert and the rest of the starters this weekend will all come down to whether LA has a chance to move into the No. 5 seed.