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Raiders showing up late to New Orleans due to delayed flight

Sun Dec 29 2:31am ET
Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders had a flight delayed for several hours on Saturday, forcing them to head to New Orleans late for their meeting with the Saints on Sunday.

Las Vegas was hoping to fly out in the morning, but a mechanical issue on its plane prevented it from doing so. Instead, the Raiders had to wait for a second plane, which didn't get out of town until about 10 p.m. ET.

Kickoff for Las Vegas' matchup with New Orleans is at 1 p.m. ET.

Because of the delay, the Raiders had to hold team meetings at their facility instead of the team's hotel.

Las Vegas is 3-12 this season and has already been eliminated from playoff contention.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17

Player Notes
Braden Fiske Dec 29 7:20am ET
Braden Fiske

The Los Angeles Rams defense and special teams put together another strong performance on Saturday night against the Cardinals and was the key to the team's fifth consecutive win. The Rams had two interceptions at the goal line with the Cardinals trying to take the lead in the fourth quarter. Kamren Kitchens intercepted a Kyler Murray pass on fourth down with just over three minutes remaining, and veteran Ahkello Witherspoon managed to just get his hands under a deflection in the end zone with under a minute left to seal the victory. Even though they allowed 396 yards of offense, the Rams held the Cardinals to nine points thanks to those two late interceptions and a fourth-down stop in the red zone in the first half. Los Angeles had four sacks as well, including two by second-round rookie Braden Fiske. The defense has held three straight opponents under 10 points while giving up just two total touchdowns in those three games. They'll have a good matchup next week against Seattle, who scored just six points this week against the Bears. However, it isn't yet determined if there will be any playoff impact to that divisional game or not which could impact who is available for each team.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Dec 29 7:20am ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) is expected to suit against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, according to NFL Network. The veteran should be Miami's top receiver option as Jaylen Waddle (knee) is unlikely to go, but Miami starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is doubtful. That would leave quarterback Tyler Huntley in line to start, throwing a wrench into Miami's plans against a Browns defense that ranks 30th against fantasy receivers. Hill is still solid WR2 option, albeit with some risk that comes with being attached to a backup quarterback.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Dec 29 7:00am ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp managed only one reception for 29 yards on Saturday night in the Rams' 13-9 win against the Cardinals. The Rams only had 54 offensive snaps on Saturday night and Matthew Stafford completed just 17-of-32 passes for 189 yards with his main focus on Puka Nacua. Nacua had 14 targets while Kupp only had three targets. His one catch was an important one since it set up the Rams' only touchdown of the night, but it was the fourth time in his last five games he has been held under 30 receiving yards. The Rams have gone very run-heavy over the last few weeks and Nacua's target dominance has pushed Kupp into the background. His role in Week 18 against the Seahawks is uncertain since the Rams could wrap up a postseason berth on Sunday depending on results, or they could need a win next week to secure the division title. Regardless of what's on the line, Kupp will be hard to trust as a fantasy starter given his recent results.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Dec 29 6:50am ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua continues to post big numbers even when the rest of the offense struggles. On Saturday night, Nacua hauled in 10 passes against the Cardinals for 129 yards on a team-high 14 targets. Nacua's line in the box score stands out even more when compared to the rest of the Rams' offense which couldn't get much going against the Cardinals. Matthew Stafford completed only 17 passes for 189 yards, meaning Nacua had 59% of the team's completions and 68% of the Rams' receiving yards. For the season, Nacua is up to 79 catches for 990 yards this season in just 11 games. He should reach 1,000 yards despite his injury-plagued campaign next week against the Seahawks in the regular season finale. However, he may have a reduced workload if the Rams clinch the division before kickoff, which could happen this Sunday depending on multiple results that impact their strength of schedule tiebreaker with Seattle.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Dec 29 6:40am ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams didn't have a heavy workload on Saturday night against the Cardinals, but he still finished with a decent fantasy day since he took his 13 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown while adding three catches for 16 receiving yards. The Rams only had 54 offensive plays and failed to sustain many drives, especially in the second half. That left Williams with his lowest number of carries since Week 2 despite a solid average of 4.3 yards per carry. He found the end zone on a one-yard plunge in the second quarter for the Rams' only score of the day and now has 16 touchdowns on the season. In their last game of the regular season next week, the Rams could have a playoff spot on the line or nothing to play for depending on Sunday's results. If they have to win, Williams will likely get a huge workload, but if they have already clinched, he may get a very light workload before the playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Dec 29 6:30am ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford posted an uninspiring stat line of just 189 passing yards and no touchdowns on Saturday night against the Cardinals, but he still managed the Rams to their fifth straight victory. Stafford has thrown for under 200 yards in three straight weeks with just one total touchdown during that span. The Rams have relied on their running game and defense to win low-scoring games while Stafford's production has tailed off down the stretch. He still has 3,762 passing yards on the season with a chance to get to 4,000 with a big week next week. The Rams host the Seahawks in Week 18, but they may wrap up the NFC West crown before kickoff depending on Sunday's results.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 29 5:30am ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had a much-needed breakout performance in the 13-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Harrison Jr. finished with six catches for 96 yards. He often made big plays down the field and thrived in one-on-one matchups, becoming a nightmare for the Rams' defense. Fantasy managers would've liked to see more red zone targets for Harrison Jr., but the Cardinals' offense struggled with red zone efficiency, limiting their scoring opportunities. Harrison Jr. is looking to close out a rocky rookie season on a strong note and build momentum heading into his second year in the NFL. The Cardinals will host the San Francisco 49ers in their season finale next week.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Dec 29 5:20am ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride reached the end zone through the air for the first time this season in the 13-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. McBride had a dominant performance, catching 12 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. He was the heartbeat of the Cardinals' offense and willed them down the field drive after drive. Unfortunately, McBride couldn't get his head around fast enough on the Cardinals' final offensive play, which resulted in a game-sealing interception for the Rams. McBride was one of the best tight ends in fantasy football this year, and managers should be pleased with his performance this week.

From RotoBaller

Charvarius Ward Dec 29 2:00am ET
Charvarius Ward

The San Francisco 49ers defense/special teams unit has its work cut out for it in Week 17 as they host the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. Last week in Miami, the Niners D/ST allowed 29 offensive points while recording zero sacks and zero turnovers. Detroit's offense is second in the NFL in yards per game first in offensive points per game. Besides RB David Montgomery (knee) and WR Kalif Raymond (foot) being ruled out, the Lions offense is at full strength. For San Francisco, defensive backs Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle) and Charvarius Ward (personal) are questionable. Regardless, there might not be a single D/ST unit that would be a good idea to start against Detroit, much less a mediocre one coming off a negative-point performance. Choose a different D/ST in championship week, the Niners are RotoBaller's 27th-ranked option.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Dec 29 1:40am ET
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody will kick off to the Detroit Lions on Monday night in Santa Clara. Last week in Miami, Moody went one of two on field goal attempts, making a 21-yarder in the second quarter before missing from 41 in the third. The missed field goal caused head coach Kyle Shanahan to spike his tablet in frustration, but he later offered comments in support of Moody. The former third-round pick has struggled with accuracy this season, checking in at 76.7% while the league is averaging 83.8% overall. It's worth noting that Moody has pretty extreme splits -- a perfect 15-of-15 at home and a dismal 8-of-15 on the road. He is a perfect 25-for-25 on extra points overall. Detroit's defense is middle-of-the-pack by yardage, so normally San Francisco would be expected to get Moody at least a couple of opportunities, but the Niners are down to their third left tackle, and starting right tackle Colton McKivitz (knee) is questionable. Also, a scenario in which a high-powered Detroit offense builds a lead that incentivizes the 49ers to go for it on fourth down in field goal range is possible. The weather isn't expected to be a factor on Monday night. Moody is RotoBaller's K20 in its Week 17 rankings.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Dec 29 1:30am ET
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) never returned to the game after re-injuring his knee in the first quarter. It appeared as though Conner got twisted up on during a fourth-down rushing attempt in the first quarter. After that run, we saw Conner being attended to on the sideline by athletic trainers, and he never re-entered the game. Conner ended the game with just four carries for four yards and two receptions for four receiving yards. This caps a tough ending to the season for James Conner's fantasy managers, and his status for Week 18 is up in the air. Given that the Cardinals are eliminated from playoff contention, it may be an uphill battle for Conner to play in Week 18 when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Michael Carter Dec 29 1:30am ET
Michael Carter

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter recorded 70 rushing yards on 13 attempts in the 13-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Carter stepped in for starting running back James Conner (knee), who went down with a knee injury in the first quarter. Carter rushed the ball well and made a few plays in the passing game that helped keep the Cardinals' offense afloat. With Conner's absence, it looks like Carter will be the featured back moving forward, with the statuses of Conner and rookie Trey Benson still unknown. The Cardinals will host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18, and given that they are eliminated from playoff contention, it is reasonable to expect Carter to see more playing time next week, especially if Conner doesn't suit up.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Dec 29 1:10am ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray passed for 321 yards in a 9-13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Despite throwing two interceptions late in the game, Murray played well in a bounce-back performance after the loss to the Carolina Panthers. Murray's official stat line was 33 completions on 48 attempts for 321 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. While Murray operated the offense at a high level, the Cardinals struggled with field position and red zone efficiency, which were the main factors in the offense scoring only nine points. With running back James Conner (knee) not returning after a first-half injury, the Cardinals were forced to rely on Murray's rushing ability more, and he rushed for 32 yards on four carries. This was a solid fantasy performance for those who played Murray during their championship weeks. The Cardinals and Murray will look to end the season on a high note with a win against the 49ers in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Dec 29 12:20am ET
Davante Adams

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (hip) is anticipated to suit up for Sunday's AFC East showdown with the Buffalo Bills. The wideout is dealing with a hip issue and didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Although he logged a limited session on Friday, it still wasn't enough to avoid a questionable designation for Week 17. Adams has been on a roll of late, finding the end zone five times in the last four games. With Aaron Rodgers looking for his 500th career touchdown, Adams has plenty of motivation to score versus the Bills. Assuming the 32-year-old gets the official green light to suit up, he's a must-start in all fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Dec 29 12:10am ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught four of his five targets for 49 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in blowout fashion. It was a peculiar game for Douglas, who had one catch for one yard and another catch for a loss of two yards along the way. Nevertheless, he salvaged and even boosted his fantasy value with a big 39-yard touchdown reception. The score came on a free play after a Los Angeles defender had jumped offside. Douglas, who has at least three catches in each of his last eight games, will rank as a low-end WR3 option for Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Kayshon Boutte Dec 29 12:10am ET
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte caught four of his five targets for 28 yards during Saturday's Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in blowout fashion. Just one week removed from the best game of his career and his second NFL touchdown, Boutte came back down to earth against the Chargers. He still tied for the team lead in targets and catches, but he finished second to DeMario Douglas in total yards and saw his fantasy value slide after failing to find the end zone. Boutte, a second-year receiver out of LSU, remains the No. 2 fantasy receiver in New England but drops to the low-end WR4 tier for Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Dec 29 12:00am ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle will clash with the Detroit Lions at home on Monday Night Football. Last week in Miami, Kittle hauled in eight of nine targets for 106 yards. Kittle has been an excellent fantasy asset this season, no doubt occupying the TE slot for more than a few teams fighting for a championship this week. He is the leader at the position in half-PPR points per game (13.7), and just 3.9 points off the total pace set by Las Vegas Raiders rookie phenom Brock Bowers despite Kittle missing two games to injury. Detroit's pass defense ranks sixth-worst in terms of yardage but is the single stingiest defense to tight ends in fantasy at 6.4 points allowed per game. Regardless, Kittle has been too steadily productive all year to start worrying about matchups. Fire up Kittle as a top-2 option in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Dec 29 12:00am ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed for 63 yards on 12 carries during Saturday's Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in blowout fashion. He was unable to convert his lone target into a reception. Gibson had just six carries for 10 yards midway through the fourth quarter, but he padded his stats with some big runs during garbage time, including a 20-yard gain. The 26-year-old operated as the Patriots' lead back over Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed just two times for one yard. Stevenson found himself relegated to the backup role after a costly fumble in Week 16, which led to an increase in volume for Gibson. The 26-year-old boasts a solid 4.6 yards per carry this year, but he's nothing more than a low-end RB3 heading into Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Dec 29 12:00am ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for one yard on two carries during Saturday's Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in blowout fashion. He also failed to catch his lone target. Stevenson had operated as the Patriots' primary running back for the entire season, but he was relegated to the backup role this Saturday after a costly fumble back in Week 16. It's unclear if the 26-year-old's benching is a one-time, temporary matter or if he'll remain the No. 2 option behind Antonio Gibson for next week's season finale against the Buffalo Bills, too. Until we get more clarity on the Patriots' backfield situation, Stevenson should be viewed as a mid-to-low RB4 option in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Dec 28 11:50pm ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 12 of 22 passes for 117 yards, one touchdown, and one lost fumble during Saturday's Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in blowout fashion. He also took four sacks and rushed six times for 32 yards on the ground. The rookie quarterback missed one drive as he was evaluated for a head injury, but he was able to return. However, he didn't play very well upon re-entering the game. He did take advantage of a free play by throwing a deep touchdown strike to DeMario Douglas, but other than that big play, his passing performance was uneventful. He now has five lost fumbles over his last eight games, and a total of 13 turnovers during that span. The UNC product continues to impress as a runner, but he needs to clean up the turnovers before fantasy managers can legitimately consider starting him in single-quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller