Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 29 of 38 pass attempts (76%) for 320 yards and three touchdowns in the 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mahomes passed for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns for the first time this year in Week 17. The veteran quarterback also rushed once for 12 yards in this game. After leading the league in interceptions to begin the year, Mahomes has now gone six straight games without a turnover. With this win, the Chiefs have officially locked up the top seed in the AFC. Given that the team has nothing to gain by playing their starters next week, it should be assumed that we have seen the last of Mahomes in the regular season. That said, Mahomes did tell the media that he will prepare to start in Week 18 against the Broncos until Coach Andy Reid says otherwise.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is off the injury report and ready to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day in Week 17. Mahomes was listed on the injury report with an ankle injury but practiced fully all week and has been removed ahead of the matchup. The 29-year-old had a good game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, passing for 260 yards with one touchdown through the air and one on the ground. Despite entering last week's contest with an alleged high-ankle sprain, Mahomes had his third-highest rushing total of the season. The Chiefs quarterback will look to continue his production this week against the Steelers, who rank fourth in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season. Mahomes is ranked QB18 in our RotoBaller rankings, putting him outside of QB1 range in a difficult matchup. Fantasy managers may need to consider other options at the quarterback position.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) said he should be in a better place injury-wise with his ankle for the Christmas Day game in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers than he was in Saturday's win over the Houston Texans. The 29-year-old two-time MVP suffered a mild high-ankle sprain in the Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns but didn't miss any practice time last week and played in the 27-19 win over Houston on Saturday. Mahomes wasn't 100%, but he was feeling good enough to run the ball five times for 33 yards and a touchdown. His ankle could be something he has to manage for the remainder of the season, including the playoffs, but his performance on Saturday should make fantasy managers comfortable at least using him as a QB2 in superflex leagues. The Chiefs are still trying to lock up a bye in the first round of the playoffs, so Mahomes won't be rested on Wednesday.

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hubbard has managed limited practices on Thursday and Friday, which is an encouraging sign of his availability for Week 17. Hubbard has had a stellar 2024 campaign, ranking as the RB11 on the season. He has 1,195 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Combined with 171 yards and one touchdown through the air. Fantasy managers can confidently start Hubbard this week, as the Buccaneers defense is nothing to write home about. In addition to the matchup, Hubbard has earned a 77.3% snap share on the season and is earning most of the opportunities out of the backfield of late. Hubbard is a borderline RB1 and comes in as RotoBaller's RB12 in the latest rankings for fantasy championship week.

After being listed as a DNP on Wednesday, Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (knee) returned to practice on Thursday and was listed as limited. The Panthers were most likely just resting Hubbard early in the week, although he may have to upgrade to a full practice on Friday to avoid a questionable tag heading into Sunday's Week 17 date against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As of right now, fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned that the 25-year-old will be in danger of missing this weekend's contest. He recorded his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season in last week's overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. Hubbard has been money for fantasy managers in 2024 and needs to remain locked into starting lineups in Week 17 with championship trophies on the line in most leagues.

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard tallied 152 yards and two scores on 25 attempts in the Week 16 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. Hubbard caught four of his five targets for 13 yards. With quarterback Bryce Young only attempting 26 passes, the Panthers leaned on their RB1 to deliver the victory. Hubbard punched in his first score of the afternoon in the opening quarter on a four-yard run. The 25-year-old would then tally his second score on a game-winning 21-yard run in overtime. This was a nice bounce-back outing for Hubbard, as he tallied just 32 rushing yards last weekend. Over his previous seven contests, Hubbard has found the end zone seven times and tallied at least 70 rushing yards in all but two games. Hubbard remains a solid RB2 heading into a Week 17 tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have allowed the 15th-fewest points to opposing RBs this season.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings had a relatively sleepy game in a 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. The man they call "Third-and-Jauan" caught four-of-six targets for 51 yards. It was the first time since Week 6 that an active Jennings failed to lead the team in targets, this time being surpassed by fellow wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. and tight end George Kittle --both with nine. For Jennings managers contemplating lineup choices for a potential championship in Week 17, Samuel Sr.'s re-emergence could give some pause. However, San Francisco will almost certainly be forced into a pass-heavy script against the offensive juggernaut Detroit Lions, giving Jennings a safe floor in Santa Clara on Monday night.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings will face the Dolphins in Miami on Sunday. The former Tennessee Volunteer disappointed last Thursday despite a team-high nine targets. The opportunities only translated to two receptions for 31 yards. In fairness, an offensively sluggish, rain-soaked first half didn't help. Weather isn't expected to be a factor this week in Miami, but the Dolphins' pass defense offers its own challenge. Miami is ranked second-best in the NFL at limiting wide receiver fantasy half-PPR points. Still, Jennings is firmly entrenched as quarterback Brock Purdy's favorite option, as one would have to go back to Week 6 to find another 49er surpassing an active Jennings in targets. Despite the tough matchup, Jennings should rebound with a useful fantasy line as a solid WR2.

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) is dealing with a knee injury he suffered in Week 16 and is officially listed as questionable for Saturday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, he is "trending in the right direction" to suit up on Saturday. Although it is great news he is trending in the right direction to play, fantasy managers might want to limit their expectations as the Cardinals were knocked out of the playoffs with their loss last week, as the knee injury he is dealing with could limit Conner's effectiveness and volume. Regardless, Conner has treated fantasy managers excellently this year. Producing as the RB10 with 1,090 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns on the season. This week, Conner can be started as an RB2 with upside if he's active.

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The lead back sustained the injury during last weekend's game against the Carolina Panthers. Conner remained a limited participant during practice, which is a promising sign. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status leading up to kickoff as No.2 running back Trey Benson (ankle) is also listed as questionable. Over his past three games, Conner has averaged an impressive 26.5 PPR points per game and found the end zone four times over this stretch. If Conner is active, fantasy managers should feel confident starting him in all formats as an RB2. If both Conner and Benson cannot play, Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas would operate in a committee and are viable flex options.

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) has been making "good" progress since suffering a knee injury in last week's overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. However, Gannon said he's unsure if he'll know the statuses of both Conner and rookie Trey Benson (ankle) by Thursday or if they'll be game-time decisions for Saturday night's divisional clash against the Los Angeles Rams. Both Conner and Benson have been limited in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, which is a good sign, but with the Cardinals eliminated from postseason contention, they may choose to play it on the safe side and either hold them both out or keep them limited if they suit up on Sunday. Conner should serve as Arizona's lead back if he's active in Week 17, but right now he should be considered more of a shaky RB3/flex for fantasy lineups.UPDATE: Conner practiced again on Thursday.

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey delivered a fantastic performance for fantasy managers looking to advance through their playoffs during the 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The K3 on the season finished four-for-four on field goals while making both of his extra points. He made two 58-yarders, a 53, and a 49-yarder to accrue his ninth double-digit fantasy outing. This was also his second performance of 20 or more fantasy points. He'll go into a Week 17 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles trying to overtake Ka'imi Fairbairn and Chris Boswell.

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, who has one of the strongest kicking legs in all of football, needs to be in all fantasy lineups in Week 16 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. Aubrey enters Week 16 action as the No. 4 kicker in overall fantasy points on the season thanks to 32 made field goals (third-most in the league) on 38 attempts (third-most in the league). He's also made all 26 of his extra-point tries in 14 games played. He was busy in last week's win over the Carolina Panthers, too, making three of his four field-goal attempts and all three of his extra points. Aubrey's 8.7 fantasy points per week rank him as the No. 6 fantasy kicker on the year. The Buccaneers defense is leaky enough and should give the Cowboys plenty of kicking opportunities. They've allowed 23.3 points per game. Kicking at home indoors again this week, Aubrey needs to be in all starting lineups.

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey was perfect again last week in the narrow loss to Cincinnati, drilling 2-of-2 field goal attempts and 2-of-2 extra point attempts. He draws a good matchup this week against the Carolina Panthers, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing kickers in 2024. Even with how inefficient the offense has been with Cooper Rush under center, Dallas is bound to score some points in Week 15. Aubrey is a safe option against Carolina.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs was a background player in the Packers' 34-0 rout over the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. After coming off a two-touchdown game against the Seattle Seahawks in his return from two games missed while on concussion protocol, Doubs blended into the background as the run game was the star of the Packers' win. Doubs caught 2-of-3 targets for 20 yards in the victory as 10 different Packers earned a target, and the blowout nature led Green Bay to run the ball to salt away the victory. With the Packers headed to Minnesota to face the Vikings in a divisional showdown in Week 17, Doubs is a desperation flex option for fantasy managers with a low floor and capped ceiling.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs looks to keep his strong start after returning from concussion protocol going as Doubs and the Packers host the New Orleans Saints. Doubs, who hadn't played since Week 12, cleared concussion protocol to suit up in Week 15 and he scored twice and caught three passes for 40 yards on five targets. With Doubs back in the fold for the Packers, he adds a solid, consistent option to the Packers' pass-catching group, but the Packers have been leaning towards the run in recent weeks. Not to mention that the Packers and Jordan Love have also spread the wealth among their targets, so not one player has been the clear go-to receiver in the latest stretch of games. Doubs is a solid flex option for fantasy managers in a good matchup against the Saints, but the ceiling is low.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs made his return from concussion protocol and made a huge statement for the Packers in their 30-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. Doubs, who hadn't played since Week 12, cleared concussion protocol without an injury designation after three consecutive full practices to score twice and catch three passes for 40 yards on five targets on the evening. Doubs' second touchdown in the fourth quarter was an excellently thrown ball by Jordan Love where Doubs had to reach low to where only he could make a play on it, cementing the Packers' victory to put them up by three scores. With Doubs back in the fold for the Packers, Green Bay will host the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. For fantasy managers, Doubs is a solid flex option in a good matchup.

The Houston Texans claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, according to sources. The move comes after the news that Texans wideout Tank Dell (knee) will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL and dislocating his knee in Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson, whose short tenure with Baltimore didn't go well at all, will now face his former team this Wednesday on Christmas Day with the Texans. While Johnson is an intriguing weapon being added to Houston's offense with both Dell and Stefon Diggs (knee) out for the year, it would be foolish to expect the 28-year-old pass-catcher to be able to come in immediately and make a fantasy-relevant impact on a short week with his new team. However, Johnson could be a nice DFS play in postseason contests if he gets up to speed quickly and sees a big enough role.

The Baltimore Ravens waived wide receiver Diontae Johnson on Friday. Johnson will now go on waivers and can be claimed by another organization on Monday. If he is not claimed, Johnson will hit the open market and be free to sign with any team he wants. The 28-year-old was acquired at the trade deadline this year from the Carolina Panthers, but he wasn't exactly a great fit in Baltimore's offense. Everything came to a head when Johnson, unhappy with his role, refused to enter the Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was subsequently suspended for the Week 15 win over the New York Giants and is now no longer with the team. He ended up catching just one pass on five targets for six yards in four games with the Ravens, but he had a 30-357-3 line in seven games with Carolina and should latch on quickly with another organization, potentially a contender looking for more receiver depth.

The Baltimore Ravens announced on Monday that recently suspended wide receiver Diontae Johnson and the team have mutually agreed to excuse him from team activities this week. Johnson was suspended for the Week 15 win over the New York Giants due to conduct detrimental to the team when he refused to enter the Week 13 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 28-year-old has been unhappy with his role in Baltimore since being acquired at the deadline from the Carolina Panthers and now is unlikely to play in Week 16 when the team takes on the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. In four games active with Baltimore, he has just one catch on five targets for six yards. Johnson should have been dropped from fantasy rosters long ago, and it remains to be seen if he'll even see the field again in 2024.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had only two catches for 14 yards in the Week 16 win over the Browns. That type of production has been the norm for the 29-year-old for most of the 2024-25 campaign. However, Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Broncos, meaning Gesicki and others may need to step up. Considering Gesicki has 26 catches for 312 yards and two touchdowns in five games without Higgins this season, he's worth considering in deeper fantasy setups in Week 17. But Higgins will need to be ruled out first.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had two catches for 14 yards in Sunday's win over the Browns. The veteran had another underwhelming showing in Week 16. However, that's not surprising with Joe Burrow primarily focused on feeding Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown. With that in mind, Gesicki should continue to have a tough time getting involved moving ahead, keeping him off the radar for fantasy managers when the Bengals play the Broncos in Week 17.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had three catches for 37 yards in the Week 15 win over the Titans. Unfortunately, that type of showing has been the norm for the 29-year-old nearly all season. Granted, he has had a few potent fantasy showings. However, with 45 catches for 497 yards during the 2024-25 campaign, Gesicki can't be trusted from a fantasy standpoint, although managers in need can plug him in and hope for the best against a Browns defense that has struggled against opposing tight ends all year.