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Pats' Jerod Mayo not focused on No. 1 pick: 'We need to play football'

Mon Dec 30 12:28pm ET
Field Level Media

The New England Patriots face an interesting dilemma as they prepare for Sunday's season finale.

Lose at home to the Buffalo Bills, and the Patriots (3-13) secure the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft.

On paper, that would seem almost a certainty. New England is riding a six-game losing streak, with last Saturday's 40-7 rout at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers the new low-water mark in coach Jerod Mayo's first season.

The issue is that Buffalo (13-3) is locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs and may rest many of its stars with nothing to gain from winning on Sunday.

Mayo said the Patriots are "100 percent focused on beating the Buffalo Bills," and that securing the No. 1 draft pick isn't his priority. So, if rookie quarterback Drake Maye and other key personnel are healthy, he expects his team to take the field with the intent of closing out the season with a victory.

"That's what we have to do," Mayo said on Monday. "My expectation is if the guys are healthy, then they're expected to be ready to go out there and play. Again, we'll have to see how the week goes. I understand the question. The guys are working hard and we need to play football."

Mayo said he knew his first season at the helm in New England would be a challenge, but also pointed to the eight one-score games the Patriots have lost.

Pass rusher Keion White is among multiple players who have questioned the team's direction under the current coaching staff, but Mayo said he believes his team has continued to play hard -- it's just a lack of execution that continues to hold the Patriots back.

"It seems like we've been in the storm for a long time. I think the players as a whole, I would say they've come into work every day during a difficult season. I think that's been a huge piece of the puzzle," Mayo said. "Hopefully we can keep that going forward. We had eight one-score games this year. We just got to, honestly, we have to win those games. That's what the NFL is. That's going to be the goal going forward."

Asked whether he has been assured by owner Robert Kraft that he will return for a second season, Mayo did not address the question directly.

"I'm always in constant communication with ownership, and I feel like we're still on the same page," he said.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17

Player Notes
Anthony Richardson Dec 30 3:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

According to head coach Shane Steichen, the Indianapolis Colts are still unsure if quarterback Anthony Richardson (back, foot) will start in Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan reported the news. Steichen also noted that the 22-year-old is feeling better on Monday and will start this weekend if he's healthy enough to do so. The second-year pro had been dealing with a foot issue he picked up in Week 16 but has also reportedly been battling back spasms -- the actual reason for his inactive designation versus the Giants. With the entire week to rest before the season's final slate of contests, Richardson will still have a shot at playing. However, his progress over the next few days will be telling of his availability. With Indy officially eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Florida alum miss another outing.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Dec 30 2:50pm ET
C.J. Stroud

Per Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, quarterback C.J. Stroud and the rest of the team's starters will play in this weekend's divisional clash with the Tennessee Titans. "Everybody has to be ready to go, and that's where we are," said Ryan. "Everyone will be out there playing." Ok then. Evidently, the Texans will be out in full force for the season's final week. Despite locking up the AFC's fourth seed, the second-year coach will run out his first-string unit in Week 18 after an embarrassing 31-2 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day. With the game holding no meaning for either team, it's possible that the starting squad could get a little rest anyway. Still, seeing the team's best product on the field for at least some of the action will be nice. The Texans will travel to Nashville to take on their division foes.

From RotoBaller

Mack Hollins Dec 30 2:40pm ET
Mack Hollins

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins brought in both of his targets for 33 yards in his team's 40-14 drubbing of the New York Jets. The 31-year-old commanded just two looks on a day when quarterback Josh Allen's pass attempts were down again -- tossing 27 during an outing in which they controlled from start to finish. Despite participating in every game this season, Hollins has registered 50 or more yards just twice all year. It hasn't been all bad in 2024, as the veteran has hauled in a career-high five TDs. Still, he's otherwise compiled 28 receptions and 353 yards while leading the Bills' WR corps in snaps. With Buffalo's playoff spot all locked up, their meeting with the New England Patriots in Week 18 is but a formality. It wouldn't be surprising at all to see the squad sit their starters for at least some of the contest.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Boyd Dec 30 2:20pm ET
Tyler Boyd

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd caught 2-of-4 targets in Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 30-year-old was a non-factor in Week 17, notching his fourteenth outing in 2024 with three or fewer receptions. It's unlikely that the veteran fell off so drastically; instead, questionable quarterback play is the cause of his subpar season. Unless he puts together a monster performance in Week 18 to close out the year, Boyd will finish under 600 receiving yards for the first time since his sophomore season in 2017, when he played just ten games (22/225/2). With Rudolph and teammate Will Levis slated to split QB reps next weekend, it doesn't look like his situation will improve to close out the season. Tennessee will host the Houston Texans in the season's final week.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Dec 30 1:30pm ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Monday that he will probably hold running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) back in practice this week, but he expects the RB to be ready to go for the playoffs. Reid said that Pacheco "dinged his ribs" in the Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. The 25-year-old finished with only six carries for 18 yards last Wednesday before departing in the fourth quarter. With the Chiefs locked into the AFC's top seed for the playoffs, they will most likely rest most of their starters, including Pacheco, in Week 18 against the division-rival Denver Broncos. Fellow RB Kareem Hunt might also see minimal run, if any at all, this weekend with KC having nothing to play for. If both Pacheco and Hunt are rested completely, look for Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele to share backfield touches for an offense that will be run by backup QB Carson Wentz.

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Will Levis Dec 30 1:10pm ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that both quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Will Levis will play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Houston Texans this coming Sunday. It means that fantasy managers still playing for something in two-QB superflex leagues should ignore both Rudolph and Levis this weekend. Tennessee chose to bench Levis after their Week 15 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in favor of Levis, who hasn't been a noticeable upgrade. Rudolph has completed 64.62% of his 65 pass attempts with 445 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions in two losses to the Colts and Jaguars. Levis, the team's second-round pick in 2023, has been too inconsistent in his second NFL season, tossing 12 TDs and 12 interceptions while also being sacked 40 times in 11 starts. There will obviously be very little upside for both QBs to close out the year.

From RotoBaller

Kevin Austin Jr. Dec 30 1:00pm ET
Kevin Austin Jr.

New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. was minimally involved in the team's 25-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in Week 17. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler continued to struggle and completed only 20 of his 36 pass attempts. He targeted Austin only twice in the game, with Austin coming down with one catch for a gain of 23 yards on the day. Fellow wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling aggravated his back injury and was forced to leave the contest, but it didn't lead to Austin being more involved. The 24-year-old has played at least 70 percent of the offensive snaps the last three weeks, but it has led to only three catches on nine targets for 48 yards and no touchdowns over that span. In New Orleans' depleted offense that is being run by Rattler, Austin cannot be trusted in fantasy in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Dec 30 12:50pm ET
Kenneth Gainwell

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell had only four touches (three carries, one reception) in the 41-7 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 on Sunday. Given the score and the fact that the Eagles pulled star running back Saquon Barkley in the fourth quarter after he reached the elite milestone of 2,000 rushing yards in a single season, Gainwell's minimal involvement was a bit of a disappointment. He gained only four yards on his three rushing attempts and picked up five yards on his lone catch. The good news, though, is that with Philly locked into the No. 2 seed and with nothing to play for in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants, Gainwell could easily operate as the team's lead back. However, that could also come with third-string QB Tanner McKee under center with both Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) and Kenny Pickett (ribs) hurt.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Dec 30 12:40pm ET
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard never had much of a chance to stand out on offense in the team's 40-14 blowout loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday in Week 17. That was especially true with quarterback Aaron Rodgers only attempting 18 passes on the day. Lazard was targeted just three times and caught one pass for a pickup of nine yards. Meanwhile, receivers Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson and tight end Tyler Conklin were all targeted eight times. The 29-year-old Lazard was the target on one of Rodgers' two interceptions on the day. He has not scored a touchdown since Week 6 and has caught only 34 of his 57 targets on the season for 459 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games in his second year in New York. Rodgers has good chemistry with Lazard, but the opportunities just aren't there behind Adams and Wilson. Lazard is off the fantasy radar for Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Dec 30 12:40pm ET
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders earned one target in Week 17 and turned that into a five-yard reception in Sunday's 48-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In this one, Sanders took a clear backseat to the Panthers' receivers, Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette. In addition, the Buccaneers dictated game flow in this one, as they dominated the game and time of possession with 41 minutes compared to the Panthers' 19, making it difficult for Carolina's playmakers to make a difference in this contest. Sanders became fantasy-relevant in the middle of the season with 18 catches for 212 yards and a touchdown from Week 6 through Week 10. However, since Week 14, he has only earned three total targets, making him nothing more than a dynasty stash for fantasy managers. The Panthers will travel to Atlanta this week to take on the Falcons, and Sanders should be on your bench.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Dec 30 12:40pm ET
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts veteran quarterback Joe Flacco wasn't able to really boost rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell's output in the Week 17 upset loss to the New York Giants on the road on Sunday. With Anthony Richardson (back) out, Mitchell only hooked up with Flacco two times on four targets for 22 yards. Flacco being under center has helped boost Indy's pass-catchers in fantasy in the games he's started, but it was Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce who benefitted the most on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in the 45-33 loss, combining for 15 receptions, 231 yards and two touchdowns. The 22-year-old Mitchell has an intriguing skill set for the long term, but he just hasn't had enough opportunities in the Colts' low-volume passing attack with Richardson, who has had his issues with accuracy early in his career. Despite a good matchup in Week 18 against the Jags, Mitchell will be hard to trust in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Dec 30 12:30pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (calf) was reportedly dealing with very serious back spasms leading up to the Week 17 contest against the New York Giants on Sunday, which is why he was deemed inactive. However, there were also reports coming from the team that Richardson was just dealing with "soreness," which ESPN's Stephen Holder says was ridiculous. Richardson was not permitted to speak to reporters after Sunday's loss, which eliminated Indy from postseason contention. With the Colts now eliminated from the playoffs, it seems likely that Richardson will miss a second straight game due to his back spasms, so fantasy managers still playing for a championship in Week 18 shouldn't expect to have the second-year signal-caller's services against the Jaguars. Veteran Joe Flacco went 26-for-38 for 330 yards, two TDs and two picks in his fifth start of the year against New York.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Dec 30 12:20pm ET
Ray Davis

Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis earned six carries and turned that into just nine yards in Sunday's 40-17 win over the New York Jets. He added one reception for four yards as well. As expected, Davis took a clear back seat over James Cook; however, Ty Johnson was also involved and was more effective than Davis on the ground, totaling 25 yards on his five total opportunities. With the Bills' victory in Week 17, they are locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff picture, making it possible for Davis to get started in Week 18. If that's the case, and based on Johnson's involvement, fantasy managers can expect them to split the backfield if the Bills decide to rest Cook against the New England Patriots for the regular season finale.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Dec 30 12:20pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich reiterated on Monday what he said following the blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in Week 17: That the team plans to start quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. The Jets' season was over a while ago, but the Dolphins playoffs hopes are still alive heading into the final week of the regular season. The wheels fell off for Rodgers and the 4-12 Jets on Sunday against the Bills, with the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer looking checked out while going just 12-for-18 for 112 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in the 40-14 loss. He was pulled late in favor of journeyman Tyrod Taylor, but it looks like Rodgers will get one more start in what is expected to be his final game with Gang Green. From a big-picture perspective, Rodgers needs one more TD for 500 in his illustrious career.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 30 12:20pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) isn't dealing with a major injury after being pulled late in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday with a quadriceps contusion. Jones tried to get his quad worked on over on the sideline late in the fourth quarter, but out of an abundance of caution, he did not return against Green Bay. While Jones' status will be somewhat in question for the huge Week 18 showdown against the Detroit Lions, which will decide the top seed in the NFC playoff picture, he should be able to play. If Jones is limited at all because of the injury, Cam Akers would benefit from more touches out of the backfield in a tough matchup. The 30-year-old Jones finished Sunday's game with 12 carries for 47 yards while catching four of his five targets for an additional 30 yards.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Dec 30 12:10pm ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert earned eight opportunities on the ground and through the air, turning that into 19 all-purpose yards in Sunday's 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns. He had six carries for three yards while catching both of his targets for 16 yards in Sunday's victory. This type of production has been par for the course for Mostert in 2024. After having a career season last year, Mostert has taken a clear backseat to De'Von Achane in 2025. In Week 18, the Dolphins travel to New York to take on the Jets, and Mostert can be left on the bench for fantasy managers as he is not getting enough volume and opportunities to be fantasy-relevant.

From RotoBaller

Kenny Pickett Dec 30 12:10pm ET
Kenny Pickett

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs), who made the start in place of the injured Jalen Hurts (concussion) in the Week 17 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, came into the game with broken ribs. Pickett played through the injury but then aggravated his ribs late in the second half and was pulled in favor of third-stringer Tanner McKee, who tossed two touchdowns himself. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC now and have nothing to play for in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants, which means Pickett's status becomes more important. The Eagles will likely rest Hurts, who is dealing with a broken finger on his left (non-throwing) hand in addition to his concussion. If Pickett cannot play next Sunday, McKee could be in line to make his first NFL start in the regular-season finale.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Dec 30 11:50am ET
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington hauled in four receptions for 41 yards on five targets in Sunday's 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns. He also lost 11 yards in his only rushing attempt. With fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) out in Week 17, Washington moved up in the pecking order and made the most of his five targets. Those five targets were second on the team to Tyreek Hill's nine. Washington has been coming on of late, earning four-plus targets in three straight games. The rookie receiver out of Virginia is showing that he belongs in the NFL, and he will look to keep that going next Sunday when the Dolphins travel to New York to take on the Jets. Washington remains a WR4 for Week 18 but is making the most of his opportunities. Washington has shown flashes of what he can do in the NFL, and he is becoming a nice bench stash in dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jamison Crowder Dec 30 11:40am ET
Jamison Crowder

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder hauled in three of his five targets over 25 yards in Sunday night's 30-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Crowder has missed most of the season due to a calf injury. The veteran wideout returned from injured reserve in Week 15 and has slowly played more snaps and seen more targets in each game he has played. The three receptions were third on the team behind Zach Ertz and Olamide Zaccheaus. The Commanders clinched a playoff spot with their win in Week 17, so it is uncertain how head coach Dan Quinn will want to play things in Week 18 versus the Dallas Cowboys. Crowder's recent uptick in snap percentage and target share puts him on the WR4 map for Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Brenton Strange Dec 30 11:30am ET
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange, who has been plagued by inconsistency as starter, finished with zero fantasy points in a 20-13 win over the Tennessee Titans. Strange coming into the game was likely considered by some fantasy managers as a potential starting tight end as a touchdown dependent boom-or-bust option. Given the volatility of the position, that was a fair thought process. However, given the Jaguars lackluster offense, a dud was always possible. Besides Week 15 where he put up 11 catches for 73 yards, Strange has combined for seven catches since Week 10. He has shown flashes since taking over as starter after Evan Engram got injured, but not enough to warrant being a reliable fantasy option going forward. Strange and the Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18 to round out the season.

From RotoBaller