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FFL: Playoff Week 2 | NFL: Week 17

Colts rule out QB Anthony Richardson; Joe Flacco to start

Sat Dec 28 3:19pm ET
Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was downgraded from questionable to out for Sunday's game against the New York Giants because of back and foot injuries.

Richardson did not practice during the week, but head coach Shane Steichen had fallen short of declaring his starter out until Saturday.

Veteran Joe Flacco is expected to make his fifth start of the season in Richardson's place.

As of early Saturday, the Colts (7-8) still have a shot at a playoff berth, but they'd need to beat the Giants (2-13) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) in Week 18 -- and for both the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers to lose their games on Saturday -- to stay alive.

That Indianapolis even remained in the playoff hunt in Week 17 is surprising, given an unspectacular season from Richardson, who was taken by the Colts with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Richardson, 22, has completed just 47.7 percent of his pass attempts (126 of 264) for 1,814 yards and has thrown more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (8). Still, he is 6-5 in 11 starts.

Richardson's back and foot injuries are not expected to rule him out of Week 18's matchup against the visiting Jaguars, according to ESPN sources on Saturday.

Flacco, who turns 40 next month, was 1-3 in four starts earlier this year amid both injury and ineffectiveness for Richardson. Flacco has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,167 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

Two of the losses were to playoff-bound teams -- the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17

Player Notes
Bo Nix Dec 28 9:10pm ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix completed 24-of-31 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday's 30-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He added 31 yards on seven carries and threw one interception in the outing. What started as a defensive battle turned into a scoring fest, with the teams combining for 34 points in the fourth quarter and OT. The 24-year-old again put up a solid performance -- tossing at least three TDs for the fourth time this year and the second in his last three games. It's been an incredible debut campaign for Nix, who will look to keep his team's playoff hopes alive in Week 18 when they line up for a rematch against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City held the rookie to 215 yards and two scores (no turnovers) back in Week 10 when Denver lost the game 16-14 on a blocked field goal.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Herbert Dec 28 8:50pm ET
Khalil Herbert

Cincinnati Bengals running back Khalil Herbert had 23 yards off four carries in Saturday's win over the Broncos. Chase Brown (ankle) had another solid fantasy showing, going for 67 yards on the ground off 20 touches and adding four grabs for 24 yards. However, with Brown suffering an ankle injury late in the contest, Herbert got some meaningful work. With that said, there's a chance Brown may not be healthy enough to play in Week 18 versus the Steelers. If that's the case, Herbert will enter the flex conversation while emerging as a DFS value option.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Dec 28 8:50pm ET
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas caught three of his four targets for 59 yards in Saturday's win over the Broncos. While he came close to accruing his second touchdown in as many weeks, he was held out of the end zone in Week 17. With Cincinnati needing a win over Pittsburgh in Week 18, Iosivas could continue to get the attention of Joe Burrow, even more so if the Steelers defense focuses on keeping Ja'Marr Chase at bay. However, the 25-year-old has a long way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers, despite having the best season of his young career.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Dec 28 8:40pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

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.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Dec 28 8:40pm ET
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki caught 10 passes for 86 yards in Saturday's win over Denver. With the Broncos defense paying close attention to Ja'Marr Chase, the veteran got more involved. Granted, he didn't play as well as Tee Higgins, who had three touchdowns. However, fantasy managers will take what they can get from Gesicki at this point. At any rate, the Bengals will meet the Steelers in Week 18. While Gesicki will likely see more attention from fantasy managers, he's certainly not a trustworthy fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 28 8:30pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) was active for Saturday's meeting with the Broncos. The wideout had one of the best performances of his career in Week 17, amassing 131 yards off 11 catches. He also scored three touchdowns, with one in overtime securing the win for the Bengals. Without question, Cincinnati needs him on the field in Week 18 versus the Steelers to keep their playoff hopes alive. With that in mind, he should continue to get the attention of Joe Burrow, especially if the Pittsburgh defense keeps a close eye on Ja'Marr Chase.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Dec 28 8:20pm ET
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) ran for 67 yards off 20 carries in Saturday's overtime win over the Denver Broncos. He added four catches for 24 yards. Although the 24-year-old didn't find the end zone, he still had a productive showing to help keep the Bengals' playoff hopes alive. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury late in the contest and didn't return. Cincinnati needs to beat the Steelers in Week 18. However, there's a chance Brown could miss that contest, meaning Khalil Herbert, who had 23 yards off four attempts, would be in line to start. Of course, Brown will do all he can to get out there.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Dec 28 8:20pm ET
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns off 39-for-49 passing in Saturday's overtime victory over the Broncos. He added 25 yards off four carries, one of which resulted in a trip to the end zone. The former LSU Tiger has now tossed at least three touchdowns in each of the Bengals' previous eight contests. While he likely won't win the MVP award this season, his name is certainly mentioned in the conversation. With that in mind, the Bengals need to beat the Steelers to keep their playoff hopes alive. As such, Burrow should be at his best despite the challenging matchup.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Dec 28 7:10pm ET
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Benson is set to miss his second game in a row due to a lingering ankle issue. Luckily, James Conner (knee) has been cleared to play and figures to see a majority of the carries in the backfield. Michael Carter figures to serve as the primary backup after a solid performance in Week 17. Carter rushed five times for 18 yards and hauled in all five of his targets for 30 yards in the win last week. He won't be a recommended streaming choice with Conner likely getting most of the touches in the backfield.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Dec 28 7:00pm ET
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) has been upgraded to active ahead of Saturday's Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Conner was questionable coming into this game after suffering a knee injury during last week's loss. He's ready to go now and could see a heavier workload with backup back Trey Benson (ankle) on the sideline. Conner has rushed for over 100 yards in each of his last two games. The Rams defense has struggled to contain the run this season, but it's also unclear if the knee issue is going to impact Conner at all. Fantasy managers should consider Conner a high-end RB2 for this contest.

From RotoBaller

Eddy Pineiro Dec 28 6:50pm ET
Eddy Pineiro

Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro hasn't been much of a fantasy option over the last few weeks. In fact, Pineiro has only two field goal attempts over his last three games. Last week, Pineiro connected on 3-of-4 extra point attempts and his lone field goal in the win over the Arizona Cardinals. Now, Pineiro heads into a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. A team he made three field goals against in Week 13. The 29-year-old also missed two field goals during that game. Pineiro might be active this weekend, but he's far from a lock in terms of a solid fantasy kicker.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Carlson Dec 28 6:40pm ET
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson hasn't been the most consistent option, but he could be worth a look in Week 17. Carlson has missed at least one kick in three of his last four games. Last week, Carlson made his lone extra point attempt while converting 2-of-3 field goal attempts in the win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The good news is that Carlson does have a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17. This is a contest that will be indoors against a leaky defense that should give Carlson multiple chances. That being said, Carlson is well worth a look as a streaming option for Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Dec 28 6:40pm ET
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker had a huge game in Week 17, making all eight of the kicks he lined up for. Dicker made four field goals and four extra points, with his field goals coming from 27, 38, 41, and 35 yards out. It was a big game for Dicker in a big game overall for the Chargers offense. They'll take on the division-rival bottom-dwelling Las Vegas Raiders to wrap up the regular season in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Riley Patterson Dec 28 6:40pm ET
Riley Patterson

Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson was busy during last week's win over the New York Giants. Patterson recently took over as the kicker after Younghoe Koo (hip) went on the injured reserve. Patterson came ready to kick as he knocked down all four extra point attempts and converted 2-of-3 field goal attempts in the win. The 25-year-old hasn't kicked much this season, but looked solid outside of his 43-yard miss last week. He should continue to get chances to kick in what could be a high-scoring matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 17. Patterson isn't a must-start option, but is certainly worth a look for fantasy managers seeking a kicker for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Dec 28 6:30pm ET
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal only ended up with five touches in a Week 17 blowout win over the New England Patriots. Vidal was thought to maybe have an increased role this week with J.K. Dobbins just returning from IR, but Dobbins resumed his every down role, leaving just five carries for 24 yards for Vidal. He was also targeted twice in the passing game but ended up unable to make any catches. He ultimately fell behind Hassan Haskins, who recorded eight carries and one catch.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Bass Dec 28 6:30pm ET
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass has been busy over the last few weeks. Bass has connected on all 20 of his extra point attempts over the last four games. However, Bass is 3-for-5 on field goal attempts during that span. The Bills offense has been cruising so much recently that Bass hasn't seen many chances to kick field goals. Despite that, Bass continues to have decent value because of all the touchdowns that the Bills offense is scoring right now. This offense should continue rolling against the New York Jets in Week 17. Bass is one of the better kickers in the league and is worth starting in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Derius Davis Dec 28 6:30pm ET
Derius Davis

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis scored another touchdown in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Davis scored in Week 16 and followed that up with another trip to the end zone in this one. He made the most of his opportunity though, as he was not particularly heavily involved. He was targeted twice in the passing game, making both catches for a total of 29 yards. His touchdown came on a 23-yard pass from Justin Herbert in the first quarter to open the scoring. Davis also added one rushing attempt, but ended up losing three yards on the try. He's an exciting role player in the Bolts offense, but despite the two touchdown-scoring games in a row, he's unlikely to be consistent enough to provide fantasy value in leagues that continue for another week.

From RotoBaller

Stone Smartt Dec 28 6:30pm ET
Stone Smartt

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Stone Smartt made two catches in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Smartt shared the tight end position with Will Dissly, who was able to return after a two game absence. Smartt was targeted twice, making both catches for a total of 23 yards. Dissly saw three targets in the game. With Dissly active, Smartt is difficult to count on for anything more than a non-zero floor.

From RotoBaller

Will Dissly Dec 28 6:30pm ET
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) returned from a two-game absence and was active in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Dissly was targeted three times, making two catches for 21 yards total. He shared duties with Stone Smartt, who had taken over the starting role while Dissly was out. Smartt saw two targets and made two catches. With the Chargers involving 11 different pass catchers in their passing game, there wasn't much to go around for the tight ends. Both Chargers tight ends are non-zero floor guys without much of a ceiling.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Dec 28 6:20pm ET
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins returned from injured reserve and scored a touchdown in a Week 17 win over the New England Patriots. Dobbins missed the past four games with a knee injury, but he was activated earlier this week and ran the ball 19 times for 76 yards, including a two-yard scoring plunge in the fourth quarter. There were some questions about whether the Chargers would ease him in after his absence, but his 19 carries clearly showed that he's immediately back to lead back status.

From RotoBaller