Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was benched in favor of first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr. this week after throwing nine interceptions in a five-game span in which the team went 1-4. Cousins, 36, is unlikely to be the No. 1 QB in Atlanta again this year, and the chances that the 13-year veteran signal-caller comes back in 2025 as the backup are slim. Cousins has a no-trade clause after signing a four-year, $180 million deal last offseason with around $100 million guaranteed. If the Falcons cut Cousins, they'll get hit with $65 million in dead money. If they designate him a post-June 1 cut, they dead money would spread over the next two seasons -- $40 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026. A trade could be pulled off if Cousins approves it, and in that scenario, the Falcons would be on the hook for the remaining $37.5 million of remaining proration. Cousins also has a $10 million roster bonus for 2026.

The Atlanta Falcons are benching quarterback Kirk Cousins heading into their Week 16 game against the New York Giants in favor of first-rounder Michael Penix Jr., according to head coach Raheem Morris. Despite signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason, the Falcons are turning the page as they try to secure a playoff spot in the final three weeks. In the last five games, the 36-year-old Cousins has really struggled, throwing only one touchdown and nine interceptions. He went 11-for-17 for only 112 yards with a touchdown and interception in Monday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Cousins leads the NFL with 16 interceptions and has failed to give the Atlanta offense the boost he was expected to provide. Penix, 24, has lots of upside as the eighth overall pick, but he's raw -- he's played in two games and has gone 3-for-5 for 38 yards. The strong-armed lefty will be a low-end QB2 with upside.

When asked if quarterback Kirk Cousins was still the Atlanta Falcons' starter heading into Week 16 against the New York Giants this Sunday, head coach Raheem Morris was non-committal. "We just got back. We still have to go through that process. All those things will happen over the course of the week. We didn't play well enough at the quarterback position," Morris said. The Falcons didn't really need the arm of Cousins in their 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night, and he went 11-for-17 for 112 yards, one touchdown and a league-high 16th interception of the season. In the four previous games, the 36-year-old veteran failed to throw a TD while tossing eight interceptions. Atlanta could probably get away with another similar game script against New York this weekend, but Cousins' downfall could lead the team to turn to rookie first-rounder Michael Penix Jr. Stay tuned.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley aims to rebound in Week 16 against the Washington Commanders after being held to just 65 rushing yards in last week's 27-13 win over the Steelers. The game marked Barkley's second-lowest rushing total of the season, snapping his streak of four consecutive 100-yard performances. Barkley also missed part of the second quarter with an undisclosed injury but returned to and finished the game. Washington's run defense presents an opportunity for Barkley to get back on track. The Commanders rank 25th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (132.1) and have surrendered 13 rushing touchdowns this season. Barkley's ability to exploit favorable matchups makes him a strong RB1 candidate for fantasy managers looking ahead to this divisional showdown.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (undisclosed) missed a large chunk of the team's Week 15 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday but later returned to the contest. Barkley said he was "dealing with a little something" but didn't go into much further detail. "I'm not going to go too much into that, but the guys stepped up big, Kenny was able to make some big plays for us and I was able to tough it out," the star RB said. The league's leading rusher was looked at in the medical tent in the first half and was seen getting work on his right leg before returning in the second half. The 27-year-old did have a healthy 19 carries but gained only 65 rushing yards while adding two catches for nine yards. It was a disappointing performance from the fantasy MVP in 2024, and fantasy managers that were lucky enough to advance will be hoping Barkley will be ready in Week 16 against the Commanders.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (undisclosed) returned to Sunday's intrastate battle with the Steelers. The back had 31 yards off seven carries. However, he exited the contest to be evaluated in the blue medical tent before remaining on the sidelines. Of course, fantasy managers were concerned. Fortunately, he's back in, although his health will be a major topic of discussion for the remainder of this contest and heading into the Week 16 matchup versus the Commanders.

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) practiced in full for the second straight day this week and is on his way towards clearing the league's concussion protocol and returning to action this Sunday in Week 16 against the division-rival Detroit Lions. Johnson has missed the team's last two games due to a concussion but is trending in the right direction to return this weekend. He still needs final clearance from an independent neurologist later this week, though, to get the final green light to play. Even if Johnson is active against the Lions on Sunday, he won't have any real standalone fantasy value with a lot on the line in leagues this weekend. He's been the clear backup behind D'Andre Swift on game days and hasn't been a reliable producer, although he has chipped in six rushing touchdowns. Perhaps if Chicago's offense was more reliable.

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) was listed as a full participant for the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. Despite the estimated practice participation, it appears that Johnson has made notable progress through the league's concussion protocol and will have a chance to play in Week 16 against the division-rival Detroit Lions on Sunday after missing each of the last two games due to a concussion that he suffered in the Week 13 loss to the Lions. If the 23-year-old clears the concussion protocol later this week and is active this weekend, he won't be a realistic starting option in fantasy football as the clear backup behind D'Andre Swift in Chicago's lackluster offense. In his second NFL season in 2024, Johnson has seen just 48 rushing attempts for 139 yards (2.9 yards per carry) and has added 11 receptions for 88 yards in 11 games.

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) has been ruled out for Monday night's contest against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Johnson suffered this concussion during their Week 13 match against the Detroit Lions and has been sidelined since. Johnson was unable to practice all week and will set his sights on returning in Week 16 to face the Detroit Lions. While sidelined, Travis Homer has taken the No.2 role behind D'Andre Swift. During Weeks 8 through 12, Johnson was showing some fantasy upside, especially in the red zone, as he punched in three scores during this five-game span. Fantasy managers should consider grabbing Homer off the waiver wire as the top option, Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Monday's tilt. If Homer gets the starting nod, he should be viewed as a high-floor RB2 based on volume.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has been the best fantasy wideout all year. In the former LSU Tiger's 14 appearances this season, he has amassed 102 catches (138 targets) for 1,413 yards and 15 touchdowns. He found the end zone eight times in the four games heading into the Week 15 win over the Titans. While Chase didn't score versus Tennessee, he still had nine catches. With the Browns on tap for Week 16, nothing should change regarding Chase, meaning he should continue to get plenty of attention from Joe Burrow (wrist, knee). Keep him starting in all fantasy formats against Cleveland.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had nine catches for 94 yards in Sunday's win over the Titans. The former LSU Tiger had eight touchdowns in his four appearances leading up to Week 15. While he didn't find the end zone in this one, he still had a quality showing, especially for those participating in PPR formats. With the Bengals still alive for the postseason, Chase and company will host the Browns in Week 16, with the wideout catching five passes for 55 yards and a touchdown when these clubs met back in October.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase continues to get it done. The former LSU Tiger is the best wideout in the National Football League, and he's coming off a potent 14-catch, 177-yard, two-touchdown performance in the Monday night win over the Dallas Cowboys. With the Bengals barely holding on to their playoff hopes, Chase and company will meet the Titans in Week 15. Tennessee's defense has played well enough during the 2024-25 campaign. However, no matter who Chase is up against, he is always in line to finish as a top fantasy producer. Of course, this isn't news to many.

According to Jonas Shaffer of the Baltimore Banner, wide receivers Rashod Bateman (foot) and Nelson Agholor (concussion) are listed as questionable for Saturday's divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bateman popped up on the injury report on Wednesday but was downgraded to a non-participant earlier this afternoon. However, seeing him with a questionable tag keeps the door open for him to suit up, even though he may face an uphill battle. Agholor suffered a concussion last weekend during their victory over the New York Giants. He could not practice all week and will need a quick turnaround to clear the league's protocol in time for kickoff. If one of the wide receivers sits out, fantasy managers should expect Zay Flowers to see a start increase in targets as well as tight end Mark Andrews.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (foot) did not practice on Thursday due to a foot injury and was wearing a walking boot in the locker room. Bateman popped up on the Week 16 injury report on Wednesday and was listed as limited in practice. Mid-week additions to the injury report are usually bad news, and that's especially the case for Bateman after he was downgraded to a DNP on Thursday. The Ravens receiving corps could be thinned out on Saturday in a tough matchup against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers if both Bateman and Nelson Agholor (concussion) cannot play. Tylan Wallace and Devontez Walker could be thrust into bigger roles alongside Zay Flowers and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely in the passing game. The 25-year-old Bateman is in the midst of a career year in 2024, but fantasy managers could be without him in semifinal matchups this week.

Baltimore Ravens wide receivers Rashod Bateman (foot) and Nelson Agholor (concussion) were both missing from practice on Thursday. Agholor was working on a side field but is unlikely to play on Saturday against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers after not practicing on Tuesday or Wednesday. Bateman, meanwhile, popped up on the Week 16 injury report on Wednesday and was listed as limited. We'll have to wait and see how the Ravens list Bateman on Thursday's final injury report, but a DNP on the final day of practice isn't a good sign for his availability this weekend. If both Bateman and Agholor are ruled out, it will mean more targets for both Zay Flowers and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, with receivers Tylan Wallace and Devontez Waker seeing bigger roles in the passing game as well. Against a tough defense, quarterback Lamar Jackson's struggles against Pittsburgh could continue.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. caught three of his five targets on the night for a team-high 62 receiving yards in the 34-27 Thursday night loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Week 16. Mims averaged a healthy 20.7 yards per catch thanks to a nifty 53-yard reception in which he found the edge and scampered down the sideline while almost making it all the way to the end zone before a defender forced him out of bounds. His five targets ranked third on the team on a night in which rookie quarterback Bo Nix found 10 different receivers through the air. The Broncos have certainly involved the 22-year-old second-year wideout more in the second half before of his big-play abilities with the ball in his hands. Mims basically has to hit on a big play with limited opportunities each week to pay off as a boom/bust WR4/5 in deeper fantasy leagues.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. shouldn't be in starting fantasy lineups when the Broncos take on the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 on Thursday Night Football. Mims caught three passes for a season-high 105 yards in the Week 13 win over the Cleveland Browns thanks to a 93-yard touchdown reception. He followed that up by catching all four of his targets but for just 20 yards in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 22-year-old second-year wideout has big-play potential anytime he touches the football, but Denver has mostly been utilizing him on shorter pass plays, limiting his fantasy upside. Outside of his 100-yard game recently, Mims doesn't have more than four receptions or 49 yards in any of his 14 games in 2024. In the Week 6 loss to the Chargers, he didn't catch any of his three targets. Mims has no business being started by fantasy managers in the semifinals in most leagues.

None of the Denver Broncos wide receivers were able to do much in the Week 15 win over the Indianapolis Colt on Sunday with rookie quarterback Bo Nix struggling and throwing for only 130 yards on the day. Marvin Mims Jr. caught all four of his targets but had only 20 receiving yards. He also had one carry that went for no gain. The disappointing performance comes on the heels of the 22-year-old's three-catch, 105-yard, one-touchdown performance in the Week 13 win over the Browns. Mims' big day before the bye week came thanks to a 93-yard touchdown strike against Cleveland. The Broncos have made it a point to get Mims involved in the second half of the season, but it's been only minimal involvement. Outside of his 100-yard game in Week 13, Mims hasn't cleared 50 yards or four receptions, making him a desperation flex option for fantasy managers in deep leagues.

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin is expected back after missing Week 15's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a personal issue. The Jets will host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16 in what shapes up as a nice matchup for Conklin. The Rams have struggled against tight ends this season, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Conklin hasn't been a major piece of the Jets offense this season but he has shown a decent floor in PPR leagues with at least three catches and 32 yards in three of his past six contests. Conklin sets up as a mid-range TE3 in fantasy this weekend and should only be started out of desperation.

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (personal) has been downgraded to out ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Conklin didn't travel with the team for this game while he deals with a personal matter. His absence means that Jeremy Ruckert will move into the No. 1 tight end role for this game. Ruckert doesn't offer much fantasy value considering he hasn't seen more than two targets in a game since Week 8. He might see a few more targets with Conklin unavailable, but it probably won't be enough to warrant streaming him in fantasy formats.

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin has shown some signs of life over his past two games, catching seven of his 10 targets for 65 yards over that span. Conklin will look to remain involved in the team's offense heading into a road matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15. The Jaguars have been generous to opposing tight ends this season, allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to the position. Despite the plus matchup, Conklin hasn't shown much of a ceiling in fantasy this season and should be treated as nothing more than a high-end TE3 for Week 15.

New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger heads into Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons looking to build on steady production as the team's lone starting tight end since Theo Johnson's season-ending injury. Over the past two games, Bellinger has tallied eight receptions on 10 targets for 80 yards, averaging 10 yards per catch but has yet to find the end zone. The Falcons' defense has been tough on tight ends recently, ranking 4th in fewest fantasy points allowed to the position over the past four weeks. However, Atlanta's overall struggles against the pass (225.9 yards allowed per game, 27 passing touchdowns surrendered) leave a glimmer of upside for Bellinger, giving the Giants hope in favorable game scripts.

New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger turned in a steady performance in Sunday's 35-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Playing in his second game as the starting tight end following Theo Johnson's season-ending injury, Bellinger caught all three of his targets for 35 yards, including a 17-yard reception, and averaged 11.7 yards per catch. While his contributions were efficient, he was not a major factor in the red zone and did not record a touchdown. Bellinger finished the game with five fantasy points, providing a reliable but limited role in the Giants' struggling offense.

New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger had a decent outing in Week 14, catching 5 of 7 targets for 45 yards in his first game as the team's primary tight end following Theo Johnson's injury. Despite the increased involvement, Bellinger only scored seven fantasy points against the Saints and has yet to score a touchdown this season, capping his fantasy value. In Week 15, he faces a Ravens defense that ranks 6th against tight ends over the last four weeks but is last in the league against the pass, allowing 264.9 yards per game and 23 touchdowns. While the matchup offers some volume potential, Bellinger's lack of explosive plays and situation as a backup TE (now thrust into the starting role) makes him a risky fantasy option this season.