One Cinderella advances to the Super Bowl, while another falls just short, and three teams still have a chance win the league championship as we head into the final week.
The Madd Dogs entered the playoffs with a 3-10 record but have won three straight playoff games, including an upset over the top-seeded Roosters this week. They will play the Weemsters, the league's leading scorer, in the Super Bowl this week. The winner gets 20 percent of the pot for winning the playoff tournament.
Meanwhile, Wichita Walt has moved back into first place overall and will play the OG Cardinals this week in a matchup of the two highest other seeds. A win would give the Warriors the title;
Here's a rundown team by team:
Wichita Walt -- Wins the title with a win, drops to either second or third with a loss, depending on whether the Weemsters win the Super Bowl or not. The Warriors could actually drop to fourth if they lose, and the Roosters outscore the Warriors by 69 points in the final week, which seems unlikely.
Weemsters - A lot riding on the final week for the Weemsters, who have a 48-point lead in the scoring race. They could sweep all the honors if they win the Super Bowl, and Wichita Walt loses his game. That would give the Weemsters first overall, and 70 percent of the pot. The Weemsters take second if they win, and Wichita Walt wins. But if the Weemsters loses, and the OG Cardinals and Roosters both win, the Weemsters drop all the way out of the money to fourth place, though they would likely still win the scoring title.
OG Cardinals - The Cardinals made a dramatic comeback this week against the St. Louis Browns to move into third place, which gave them a matchup against Wichita Walt this week. The Cardinals can win the league championship if they win, and the Weemsters win. A loss, and they finish either third or fourth, depending on whether the Roosters win their game.
Roosters -- Eliminated from title hopes with the loss this week, they can still take second with a win, a Wichita Walt win and a Weemsters loss in the Super Bowl. They take third if the Cardinals win and Weemsters lose, but finish out of the money in fourth if both the Cardinals and Weemsters win.
Big Czeck - Unless the Big Czech outscore the Cardinals by 68 points, they lose tiebreakers to both the Cardinals and Weemsters, so the best they can likely do is fourth place with a win
Madd Dogs - It's all or nothing in the Super Bowl this week for a 20 percent share of the pot. The Dogs are also leading the pickem contest by three games, with two weeks stlll to go there.
The Scotts, Browns, Bucking Broncos and Hurricanes have been eliminated. The Broncos came so close to getting into the Super Bowl but Jordon Love not able to get that second TD Monday night. If Love had scored one more, it would have changed a lot of the things in the league seedings and title chances of several teams. The Browns are second in scoring an have a longshot chance of catching the Weemsters but must must outscore them by 48 points this week.
A couple of upsets in the playoffs this week as the No. 1 and 2 seeds fall and a couple of Cinderellas -- the Dogs and Broncs -- march on to the semifinals. The Roosters now hold the top seed and face the Madd Dogs while the hottest team in the league and leading scorer Weemsters take on the Bucking Broncos.
Two weeks left in the regular season and Wichita Walt, though they lost in the playoffs, still hold the lead in the regular season standings with more points than the Roosters. The two 9-7 teams and the two 8-5 teams are both still alive, but obviously need to win and have the leaders drop a game or two. And nobody wants to be tied with the Weemsters, who have opened up pretty good scoring leading with the Browns 40 behind in second. The non playoff teams are seeded and go 1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 5, 3 vs. 6. Next week, the Super Bowl matchup and then power seeding with 1 vs. 2, 3 vs. 4, etc., among the other teams.
With three weeks to go in the Pickem contest, the Madd Dogs hold the lead with Weemsters and Broncos not far behind.
Yes, the pickem pool goes through week 18. But the league, scoring title and playoffs all end after week 17.
Dale,
I can't remember about week 18 Does our pool go to week 17 or 18?
Acquired | OG Cardinals | Anthony Richardson QB IND | Thu Dec 26 12:50pm ET |
Released | OG Cardinals | Dalton Kincaid TE BUF | Thu Dec 26 12:50pm ET |
Released | OG Cardinals | James Conner RB ARI | Thu Dec 26 12:50pm ET |
Released | OG Cardinals | J.K. Dobbins RB LAC | Thu Dec 26 12:50pm ET |
Acquired | OG Cardinals | Drake Maye QB NE | Thu Dec 26 12:50pm ET |
Not ready for the fantasy football to end? Keep the fun going. We have six ways you can keep playing fantasy football. Don't let the party end, there is more football to be played.
Weemsters (10-6) | 5 | |
Madd Dogs (6-10) | 0 | |
Wichita Walts Winged Warr (11-5) | 6 | |
OG Cardinals (10-6) | 0 | |
Trojan Roosters (10-6) | 16 | |
The Big Czeck (9-7) | 7 | |
Great Scott's (8-8) | 0 | |
St. Louis Browns (7-9) | 24 | |
Keltner's Bucking Broncos (5-10-1) | 0 | |
Hamilton Hurricanes (3-12-1) | 6 |
W | L | T | |
---|---|---|---|
Wichita Walts Winged Warriors | 11 | 5 | 0 |
Weemsters | 10 | 6 | 0 |
OG Cardinals | 10 | 6 | 0 |
Trojan Roosters | 10 | 6 | 0 |
The Big Czeck | 9 | 7 | 0 |
Great Scott's | 8 | 8 | 0 |
St. Louis Browns | 7 | 9 | 0 |
Madd Dogs | 6 | 10 | 0 |
Keltner's Bucking Broncos | 5 | 10 | 1 |
Hamilton Hurricanes | 3 | 12 | 1 |
Los Angeles Chargers tight ends Will Dissly (shoulder) and Hayden Hurst (illness) are listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the New England Patriots. Dissly has been unable to suit up the past two weeks but was able to log a full practice on Thursday afternoon, which is a promising sign. Hurst returned from injured reserve last weekend but could only practice once this week (in a limited capacity) due to an illness. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring their status before Saturday's kickoff. Dissly has shown flashes of potential throughout the season, as he averaged a solid 10.8 PPR points per game during Weeks 7 through 11. If Dissly can suit up, he should see a majority of the opportunities. If Hurst can also suit up, both will limit each other's ceiling. If both tight ends are eventually ruled out, Stone Smartt would get the starting nod and would be a viable low-end TE1 in deeper 14+ team formats.
From RotoBaller
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. A source noted that the star wideout is not expected to undergo surgery but will go through a process for treatment. The 25-year-old has been dealing with this lingering shoulder injury for several weeks and will now set his sights on the 2025 season. Through 15 games, Lamb caught 101 passes for 1,194 yards and six scores. He added 70 rushing yards on 14 carries. He averaged 17.6 PPR points per game and saw his production drop slightly once Dak Prescott underwent season-ending hamstring surgery after Week 9. With the Cowboys out of the NFC playoff picture, they will opt to ensure their top playmaker is at full strength for the 2025 campaign. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Jake Ferguson, Brandin Cooks, and Jalen Tolbert to operate as the top pass catchers over the final two weeks of the season.
From RotoBaller
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) was placed on the injured reserve. As a result, Walker will miss at least the next four contests, which will keep him out for the remainder of the regular season. In addition, the Seahawks would have to advance to at least the NFC Championship to give Walker an opportunity to return to action. The Michigan State product sustained this injury during last weekend's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Zach Charbonnet to lead the backfield for the foreseeable future. When put in the starting role, Charbonnet has performed very well. During Weeks 14 and 15, Charbonnet averaged a stellar 25.9 PPR points per game. He should be viewed as a top-12 option on Thursday evening when he faces the Chicago Bears. Kenny McIntosh will move up to the No.2 spot and could see a slight increase in opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is coming out of retirement and is expected to sign with the Detroit Lions, according to sources. Bridgewater will return to Detroit after serving as Jared Goff's backup last season. The 32-year-old veteran signal-caller only appeared in one game in 2023 and didn't attempt a single pass. The year before with the Miami Dolphins, he went 49-for-79 for 683 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions in five games (two starts). Bridgewater will most likely join the Lions' practice squad initially but could eventually join the 53-man active roster alongside Hendon Hooker as insurance behind Goff for the postseason. Given the time that Bridgewater has been away from the game the past year, we'd be surprised if he'd suddenly become the QB2 for Detroit when postseason action begins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (rest), DL William Gholston (knee), TE Cade Otton (knee), WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring, foot) and S Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee) did not practice on Thursday, Dec. 26. Also, S Kaevon Merriweather (knee), OT Tristan Wirfs (foot, knee, ankle) and CB Jamel Dean (knees) were limited and C Graham Barton (illness), LB K.J. Britt (ankle), S Mike Edwards (illness), DL Logan Hall (wrist, shoulder), WR Kameron Johnson (ankle) and S Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) practiced in full.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (rest) did not take part in practice on Thursday, Dec. 26, after being limited the day before.
Fantasy Spin: There's no concern for Evans, who was just getting a rest day. He's a WR2 entering Week 17.
From TheHuddle
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. Otton has now missed the first two practices of the week and only has one more opportunity to log a session before Sunday's game. Fantasy managers should watch his status closely on Friday afternoon, as the tight end will likely carry an injury designation into the weekend. Otton could not suit up last weekend due to this injury and is in danger of missing his second-straight contest. Over his previous four games, Otton has seen just 4.3 targets and averaged an underwhelming 6.1 PPR points per game. Even if Otton can turn the corner in time to face the Panthers on Sunday, he should not be started in standard formats.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills OT Tylan Grable (non-injury) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 26. S Damar Hamlin (rib), CB Cam Lewis (shoulder), S Taylor Rapp (neck) and WR Curtis Samuel (rib) were limited during practice. QB Josh Allen (elbow, shoulder), OT Spencer Brown (neck), DT DeWayne Carter (wrist), CB Rasul Douglas (knee), TE Dalton Kincaid (knee), P Sam Martin (back), LB Matt Milano (biceps, groin), TE Quintin Morris (groin, shoulder), DT Jordan Phillips (back), DE Dawuane Smoot (wrist) and LB Dorian Williams (elbow) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
New England Patriots CB Marcus Jones (hip) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 26, and has been ruled out for Week 17. OG Ben Brown (concussion) did not practice and is listed as questionable. S Kyle Dugger (ankle, quadriceps), LB Curtis Jacobs (concussion), S Jabrill Peppers (hamstring), OG Cole Strange (knee), LB Jahlani Tavai (groin), OT Caedan Wallace (ankle), LB Titus Leo (ankle), LB Anfernee Jennings (knee) and LB Sione Takitaki (knee) were limited during practice and are listed as questionable. RB JaMycal Hasty (ankle) fully participated in practice and is not on the injury report.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) will miss a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. Watson injured his left knee in Monday night's win over the New Orleans Saints and is now looking very iffy to suit up in Week 17 versus the division-rival Vikings in Minnesota on Sunday. The 25-year-old is already a very shaky WR4/flex play to begin with in Green Bay's crowded receiving room, but on top of it, the Packers play in the late window on Sunday. At best, Watson will probably end up with a questionable tag if he's able to return to the practice field on Friday. Watson is only dealing with a bruise in his knee, but the team could play it safe with him so that they'll have the oft-injured wideout fully healthy for the playoffs. If Watson is out or limited on Sunday, it will mean more upside for the likes of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers OT Taylor Moton (knee), CB Chau Smith-Wade (chest, illness), CB Jaycee Horn (hip) LB Jadeveon Clowney (elbow, knee), LB Josey Jewell (head, neck, quadriceps), OG Damien Lewis (ankle, illness) and LB Cam Gill (illness) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 26. RB Chuba Hubbard (knee), WR Xavier Legette (hip, wrist), DE A'Shawn Robinson (knee), LB D.J. Wonnum (knee, shoulder), LB Amare Barno (knee), WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) and TE Tommy Tremble (back, shoulder) were limited during practice. OT Ikem Ekwonu (shoulder), OG Cade Mays (illness) and QB Bryce Young (hamstring) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen (elbow, shoulder) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 26.
Fantasy Spin: Allen is coming off a quiet Week 16 performance but posted 13 total touchdowns in the previous three games. He has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season and is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
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.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (back, shoulder) was added to the Week 17 injury report on Thursday and was listed as a limited practice participant. It's unclear if Tremble was actually injured in Thursday's practice, but if he was, he'll be firmly in danger of missing Sunday's divisional game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 24-year-old has seen more targets in recent weeks than rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders, and he caught all three of his targets for 32 yards in the Week 16 upset win over the Carolina Panthers in overtime. Tremble still isn't seeing enough volume in an inconsistent Panthers offense to be considered anything more than a TE2 sleeper in fantasy, but he might not even be available this weekend. If Tremble misses practice on Friday and is ruled out, Sanders would suddenly enter the picture as a TE2 sleeper in deeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 26.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players should keep an eye on the situation to see if Thielen is in any danger of missing the game after being added to the injury report Thursday. He has been a reliable target for Bryce Young since returning to the lineup and can be a possible flex option in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson's (back, foot) status for Week 17 versus the New York Giants on Sunday is in question after he missed a second straight day of practice on Thursday with back and foot injuries. However, a team source said the Colts are optimistic that Richardson will play on Sunday after he has made consistent progress while responding to treatment. Still, Richardson's performance in practice on Friday will be critical. He didn't miss any snaps in the Week 16 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans, when he rushed for a career-high 70 yards. If he is not able to play this weekend, the Colts will turn back to veteran Joe Flacco to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. While Richardson remains a work in progress as a passer, he's had nine or more rushes in four of the five games since returning as the starter and would have clear QB1 upside in Week 17 if he's active.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) is limited in the team's first practice of the week on Thursday. Guerendo is dealing with two injuries and was unable to play in the Week 16 loss to the Miami Dolphins. It's good news that the 24-year-old is back on the practice field, but he might need to upgrade to a full practice in the next two days to avoid a questionable tag heading into a Monday night game against the Detroit Lions. Guerendo will operate as San Fran's lead back if he's available this week, but the problem is it might not be worth the risk leaving him in starting lineups for championship week in fantasy if he's uncertain to play on Monday night. Additionally, the matchup against Detroit's defense is not a friendly one for fantasy purposes. If Guerendo misses a second straight game, Patrick Taylor Jr. would be in line for a second straight start.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Chris Moore was signed to the Washington Commanders practice squad Thursday, Dec. 26.
From TheHuddle
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe), who is missing a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, said he's going to try and get back on the field for Friday's practice. However, Nabers is calling himself a "gameday decision" for Sunday's contest against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. The 21-year-old first-rounder out of LSU will probably be questionable, at best, this weekend, but a return to practice on Friday would make him much more likely to suit up for fantasy managers in championship week in most leagues. Despite a messy quarterback situation in New York for all of Nabers' rookie season, he's currently three receptions shy of 100 in 2024 and has maintained must-start status in fantasy when he's active. If Nabers doesn't get the green light to play on Sunday, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton would be the Giants' top receivers for quarterback Drew Lock.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) is making progress in his recovery from his knee injury, but head coach Jonathan Gannon said he is not sure Conner will be available for the Week 17 game.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor the situation over the next few days to see if Conner will be available. He has been one of the better running backs in the NFL this season and should be a starting option in all leagues if he plays.
From TheHuddle
Seahawks | 42u |
Bears | +4 |
Thu 8:15pm ET |
Chargers | 42.5u |
Patriots | +4 |
Sat 1:00pm ET |
Broncos | 49.5u |
Bengals | -3 |
Sat 4:30pm ET |
Cardinals | 48u |
Rams | -6.5 |
Sat 8:15pm ET |
Panthers | 48.5u |
Buccaneers | -8 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Cowboys | 39.5u |
Eagles | -6.5 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Colts | 40.5u |
Giants | +7.5 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Jets | 46.5u |
Bills | -8.5 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Titans | 40u |
Jaguars | -1 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Raiders | 37.5u |
Saints | +1 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Dolphins | 40u |
Browns | +6.5 |
Sun 4:05pm ET |
Packers | 48.5u |
Vikings | +1 |
Sun 4:25pm ET |
Falcons | 47.5u |
Commanders | -4 |
Sun 8:20pm ET |
Lions | 50.5u |
49ers | +3.5 |
Mon 8:15pm ET |
Keltner's Bucking Br | Thu Dec 26 2:17pm ET |
OG Cardinals | Thu Dec 26 12:50pm ET |
Weemsters | Thu Dec 26 9:36am ET |
Great Scott's | Thu Dec 26 4:19am ET |
Trojan Roosters | Wed Dec 25 11:07pm ET |
Madd Dogs | Wed Dec 25 9:14pm ET |
Wichita Walts Winged | Wed Dec 25 7:05pm ET |
St. Louis Browns | Wed Dec 25 6:33pm ET |
The Big Czeck | Tue Dec 24 10:09pm ET |
Commissioner | Tue Dec 24 1:44am ET |
Hamilton Hurricanes | Mon Dec 23 1:55pm ET |
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