NFL roundup: Steelers make big plays, escape Lions
Mon Dec 22 2:16am ET
Field Level Media
Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns, Kenneth Gainwell caught a highlight-reel touchdown pass, and the Pittsburgh Steelers escaped with a 29-24 win over the host Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Aaron Rodgers completed 27 of 41 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown for Pittsburgh (9-6), which won its third game in a row. The Steelers guaranteed that they will not have a losing record in the regular season, extending a streak that started in 2004.
Jared Goff completed 34 of 54 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns for Detroit (8-7). Isaac TeSlaa, Kalif Raymond and Jahmyr Gibbs caught one touchdown apiece.
The game ended with a bizarre sequence as Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown was called for offensive pass interference, which negated what would have been a winning touchdown as time expired. Referees huddled for several minutes before announcing the final call.
Gainwell's play allowed the Steelers to even the score at 10-all with 2 seconds to go in the first half. Gainwell caught a high-arcing pass while falling down inside the Lions' 15-yard line, and he popped to his feet and sprinted to the end zone before the defense could react for a 45-yard score.
Jaguars 34, Broncos 20
Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes and ran for another as visiting Jacksonville beat Denver, ending the Broncos' 11-game winning streak.
Lawrence finished 23-for-36 passing for 279 yards for Jacksonville (11-4), which has won six straight. Parker Washington had a career-high 145 yards receiving, including a score, and Brenton Strong and Travis Etienne Jr. also caught TD passes for the Jaguars.
Bo Nix was 28-for-47 passing for a career-high 352 yards and a score, RJ Harvey rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown, and Courtland Sutton had 86 yards receiving with a TD catch for the Broncos (12-3), who lost for the first time since Sept. 21.
Panthers 23, Buccaneers 20
Ryan Fitzgerald's 48-yard field goal with 2:20 remaining broke a tie and Carolina's Lathan Ransom intercepted a pass on Tampa Bay's next possession as the Panthers won a critical NFC South showdown in Charlotte, N.C.
Bryce Young threw for two touchdowns and 191 yards for Carolina. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for a touchdown and 145 yards, but Tampa Bay lost for the sixth time in its last seven games.
The outcome gives the Panthers (8-7) a one-game lead on the Bucs (7-8) atop the division with two games remaining. The teams will meet in two weeks to end the regular season. Before then, Carolina could clinch the division if it beats Seattle at home next week and if Tampa Bay loses to Miami.
Patriots 28, Ravens 24
Drake Maye completed 31 of 44 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns as New England improved its road record to 7-0 by coming back to beat Baltimore.
New England (12-3) trailed 24-21 until Rhamondre Stevenson scored on a 21-yard run and Andy Borregales kicked the extra point with 2:07 to play. The Patriots recovered a Baltimore fumble on the second play of the ensuing drive and ran out the clock.
Derrick Henry rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries for the Ravens (7-8), who played most of the night without quarterback Lamar Jackson, who left the game because of a back injury with 1:16 remaining in the first half and did not return.
Chargers 34, Cowboys 17
Justin Herbert passed for 300 yards and two touchdowns and added a scoring run as Los Angeles won for the seventh time in the past eight games with a victory over Dallas at Arlington, Texas.
Quentin Johnston had four catches for 104 yards and a touchdown for the Chargers (11-4). Ladd McConkey had a scoring reception, Omarion Hampton rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries and Herbert completed 23 of 29 passes.
Dak Prescott completed 21 of 30 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns for the Cowboys (6-8-1), who were eliminated from the playoff chase Saturday when the Philadelphia Eagles knocked off the Washington Commanders.
Bills 23, Browns 20
James Cook ran for 117 yards and two touchdowns and visiting Buffalo's defense delivered in the fourth quarter as it inched closer to clinching its seventh straight playoff berth with a victory over Cleveland.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen was cleared after injuring his leg on a sack late in the first half and completed 12 of 19 passes for 130 yards. Ty Johnson ran in a tie-breaking 2-yard touchdown during the second quarter for the Bills (11-4) in their fourth straight win.
Harold Fannin Jr. had two TDs -- one receiving and one rushing -- for the Browns (3-12), who lost their fourth straight. Shedeur Sanders completed 20 of 29 passes for 157 yards with a touchdown and also got picked off twice.
Texans 23, Raiders 21
Dalton Schultz caught a touchdown pass and set Houston's single-season record for catches by a tight end as the Texans stopped visiting Las Vegas to stay in contention for the AFC South title.
Schultz's 1-yard catch from CJ Stroud with 7:41 left in the game gave Houston (10-5) a 23-14 advantage. It was the only offensive touchdown of the day for the Texans, who were limited to 270 total yards and 16 first downs.
Las Vegas (2-13) pulled within two points when Ashton Jeanty ripped off his second long score of the day, a 51-yard run at the 5:24 mark. But Houston was able to run out the clock. Jeanty accounted for 188 yards from scrimmage, including 128 on 24 rushes.
Bengals 45, Dolphins 21
Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes and Chase Brown scored three TDs to lead visiting Cincinnati to a rout of Miami.
Burrow completed 25 of 32 passes for 309 yards, did not throw an interception and finished with a 146.5 passer rating to help the Bengals (5-10) win for only the second time in the past eight games and snap a two-game skid.
Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers made his first career start for the Dolphins (6-9), who benched Tua Tagovailoa this week and lost their second straight game. Ewers had some success in the first half but struggled as the game progressed, throwing two interceptions and finishing with 260 yards and a 66.0 passer rating while completing 20 of 30 attempts.
Titans 26, Chiefs 9
Cam Ward threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns as Tennessee snapped an 11-game losing streak at home, dating back to last year, by beating injury-riddled Kansas City in Nashville.
Ward completed 21 of 28 passes with TD throws to Chig Okonkwo and Chimere Dike. Tony Pollard rushed for 102 yards on 21 carries as the Titans (3-12) gained 376 total yards and possessed the ball for 38:01.
The Chiefs' (6-9) offense, already hamstrung without the likes of Patrick Mahomes (knee) and Rashee Rice (concussion), took another blow when backup quarterback Gardner Minshew left early in the second quarter and didn't return after sustaining a left knee injury. Chris Oladokun, who was activated off the practice squad Saturday, threw his first NFL passes and went 11 of 16 for 111 yards.
Saints 29, Jets 6
Charlie Smyth tied a franchise record with five field goals, Chris Olave caught two touchdown passes from different quarterbacks and the New Orleans defense didn't allow a touchdown as the Saints defeated visiting New York.
Tyler Shough had season highs of 32 completions, 49 attempts and 308 yards. The rookie threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Olave, who finished with 10 catches for a season-best 148 yards. The Saints (5-10) have won three straight games and are 4-3 since Shough became the starter.
Rookie Brady Cook made his second start for the Jets (3-12) and completed 22 of 35 passes for 188 yards with one interception. He was sacked eight times for 57 yards.
Falcons 26, Cardinals 19
Kirk Cousins threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing score, leading Atlanta past Arizona in Glendale, Ariz.
Tyler Allgeier rushed for 79 yards, while Bijan Robinson ran for 76 yards and caught seven passes for 92 yards and a touchdown for the Falcons (6-9), who won at Arizona for the first time since Sept. 30, 2001.
Jacoby Brissett threw for 203 yards, a touchdown and an interception for the Cardinals (3-12), who lost their seventh straight game.
Vikings 16, Giants 13
Backup quarterback Max Brosmer, replacing an injured J.J. McCarthy, led a go-ahead scoring drive late in the fourth quarter to lift Minnesota over host New York in East Rutherford, N.J. The Vikings outgained the Giants 240-141.
Brosmer completed 7 of 9 passes for 52 yards for Minnesota (7-8), which won its third consecutive game. McCarthy completed 9 of 14 passes for 108 yards and an interception, and he also rushed for a touchdown before he injured his right hand.
Jaxson Dart completed 7 of 13 passes for 33 yards and an interception for New York (2-13), which lost its ninth game in a row. Tyrone Tracy Jr. had 16 carries for 71 yards.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 16
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 16
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 16
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 16
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 15
- NFL roundup: Steelers make big plays, escape Lions
- Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back) exits early in loss to Patriots
- Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (hand) ruled out vs. Giants
- Browns RB Quinshon Judkins ruled out after leg injury
- Chiefs starting QB Gardner Minshew out with knee injury
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins to play vs. Dolphins
- Rams fire assistant Chase Blackburn after special teams miscues
- Packers' Jordan Love (possible concussion) questionable to return vs. Bears
- Cowboys activate CB Trevon Diggs from IR
- Bills add 4-time Pro Bowl DE Matthew Judon to practice squad
- Raiders QB Geno Smith back as starter vs. Texans
- Seahawks LB Derick Hall suspended one game for leg stomp
- Jets WR Garrett Wilson to miss final three games
- Rams WR Puka Nacua rips refs in since-deleted tweet
- Cowboys CB DaRon Bland likely to have foot surgery again
- Week 16 NFL Capsules
- Jaguars sign WR Jakobi Meyers to 3-year, $60 million deal
- Rams WR Davante Adams inactive vs. Seahawks
- Eagles' Jalen Carter, Lane Johnson, Commanders' Laremy Tunsil out for Saturday
- Bears WR Rome Odunze (foot) ruled out vs. Packers
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- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 16 Game Previews and Notes
- Fantasy Life: Six Things To Know From Week 16: Ashton Jeanty Arrives, Hello Chris Oladokun, and More
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The Paur Report
Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 16
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington was only targeted once in the Dolphins' loss to the Bengals on Sunday, but he had a decent fantasy day since he caught that target for 23 yards and added a nine-yard touchdown play in the first half. The second-year receiver out of Virginia has only had a single target in back-to-back weeks and doesn't seem to have an especially strong connection with new starter Quinn Ewers. He has play-making upside when he gets involved, as he showed with his touchdown run, but his involvement has been very limited, leaving him as a risky fantasy option the rest of the season.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller didn't find the end zone in Week 16 against the Bengals, but he did still haul in three catches for 40 yards and rank second on the team in targets with five passes thrown his way. Rookie QB Quinn Ewers started and threw for 260 yards and no touchdowns in the team's loss, but he likely showed enough potential to earn another start next week against Tampa Bay. Waller will likely remain the second option in the passing game behind Jaylen Waddle, and he has shown enough upside this season to be a fringe starting option in standard leagues.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers finished with 260 passing yards, two interceptions, and no touchdowns in his first NFL start on Sunday against the Bengals. The seventh-round pick out of Texas started strong, completing 10 of 12 passes in the first half and leading two scoring drives in the first half. In the second half, though, the Dolphins fell apart and allowed 28 unanswered points, while Ewers threw a pair of interceptions. He is still in search of his first NFL touchdown, but he's expected to get another start in Week 17 when the Dolphins host the Buccaneers. The Dolphins seem ready to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, so Ewers will likely get an extended audition the rest of the season.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew tore his ACL in a loss to the Titans. Dynasty Analysis: And the fun just keeps coming for the Chiefs. who have already been eliminated from playoff contention and lost Patrick Mahomes for the season with a torn ACL of his own. Chris Oladokun will likely end the season at the helm for a Chiefs team that is clearly looking like a team that could finish 6-11 in a season they'll want to forget. As for Minshew, this could be a career-altering injury considering his age and likely lack of availability for the start of next season.
Dynasty | Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens had seven catches for 130 yards and one touchdown in a loss to the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: When the Cowboys acquired Pickens in the off-season, they likely envisioned him as being a solid sidekick for CeeDee Lamb. Instead, Pickens has looked like a WR1 virtually all season. Dallas is going to make it a priority to bring him back next season but there are going to be plenty of suitors who are going to be wanting to grab him and instantly make him the centerpiece of their passing offense. In short, Pickens' ADP and ranking are moving up and still have room to grow.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers completed 27-of-41 passes for 266 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions, while running twice for nine yards.
Fantasy Spin: Rodgers has not turned the ball over, going five games without any interceptions, but he also has just four touchdown passes and one rushing score in the past four outings. He remains more of a low-end QB2 heading into Week 17.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans TE Dalton Schultz registered five receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown on five targets in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fantasy Spin: Stanford scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter, and he has now scored two times in the past two games after scoring just once in the first 13 outings. He has emerged as a solid low-end TE1 in most fantasy leagues of 12 or more teams heading into Week 17.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett completed 16 of his 31 passes for 203 yards, a touchdown and an interception in a 26-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. He also added a five-yard run.
Fantasy Spin: Brissett's 203 yards were his fewest since becoming the starter, and he also failed to throw multiple touchdowns for the first time. The good news is that he should have a golden opportunity to bounce back in Week 17 when the Cardinals face the Cincinnati Bengals.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans WR Christian Kirk went for three receptions and 37 yards on five targets in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fantasy Spin: Kirk had just one reception in the past three games, and he has managed more than seven receiving yards in just two of his past seven games. He cannot be trusted in most fantasy leagues heading into Week 17 and beyond.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans RB Nick Chubb ran six times for 33 yards in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders, while adding a 9-yard reception on his lone target.
Fantasy Spin: Chubb was working as the No. 2 back, as Jawhar Jordan had a total of 15 carries and 20 touches, compiling 70 scrimmage yards. Chubb entered with a questionable tag due to a rib injury, with Woody Marks sidelined, opening the door for Jordan to shine. Chubb should only be trusted in deeper fantasy leagues as the moment.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins completed 21 of his 35 passes for 197 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a 26-19 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16. He also scored on a one-yard run and lost a fumble.
Fantasy Spin: Cousins started slow after taking over as the starter, but he has delivered three touchdowns in back-to-back games. The veteran is far from a sure thing, but Cousins could be worth a look if you need a QB2.
From TheHuddle
Updating a previous report, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back) will not return to the Week 16 game against the New England Patriots due to a back injury suffered in the first half. He finished 7-of-10 for 101 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, and he ran twice for seven yards.
Fantasy Spin: With Jackson exiting the game, it's Tyler Huntley who will continue to steer the ship the rest of the way. Jackson leaves the game when it means the most, killing the fantasy season for anyone unfortunate to have started him in the playoffs. Ouch.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker tallied four receptions and 43 yards off his five targets during Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 16. Interestingly, Tucker also logged two rushing attempts for 11 yards, demonstrating intent to get the third-year receiver more involved in the offense. Tucker still has not seen the end zone since Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys, but getting five targets was his most involvement in the passing game since Week 7. The Las Vegas Raiders will face the New York Giants at home in Week 17, whose defense is a top-five matchup for wide receivers on the season. Also, veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett (wrist) left the Week 16 game early with an apparent wrist injury. If he misses Week 17, Tucker and rookie wide receiver Jack Bech should be the primary beneficiaries of his absence. Despite Tucker's uptick in touches in Week 16, he is still an unreliable start outside deep leagues for the fantasy championships against the New York Giants.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos TE Evan Engram caught two of his four targets for 36 yards in a 34-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16.
Fantasy Spin: It has been a quiet season for Engram, and he has topped 42 receiving yards just once all year. He has managed just five total catches over his past three games, and even as a TE2, fantasy owners can probably stream a better option.
From TheHuddle
Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton caught six of his 12 targets for 86 targets and a touchdown in a 34-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16.
Fantasy Spin: Sutton has piled up 32 targets over the past three games, and after an up-and-down stretch earlier this season, he has been back to his reliable self in recent weeks. He is Bo Nix's go-to option, and he can be trusted as a WR2 moving forward.
From TheHuddle
Jacksonville Jaguars LB Foyesade Oluokun finished with 11 tackles, including six solo stops, in a 34-20 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 16.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders WR Tyler Lockett (wrist) ended up with just one catch for six yards on two targets in Week 16 against the Houston Texans.
Fantasy Spin: Lockett had been one of the most dependable receivers since coming over from Tennessee to reunite with coach Pete Carroll. However, he remains useful only as a low-end WR4 or flex fantasy option when healthy.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals C Hjalte Froholdt (elbow), LB Josh Sweat (ankle) and CB Garrett Williams (Achilles) each left the Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons due to injuries, and none were able to return.
From TheHuddle
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back) is questionable to return to his team's Week 16 matchup against the New England Patriots due to a back injury, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jackson completed seven of 10 pass attempts for 101 yards before exiting the game late in the first half. If Jackson is unable to return, Tyler Huntley would likely finish Week 16 at quarterback for Baltimore. Across three games (one start) this season entering Week 16, Huntley has completed 27 of 37 pass attempts for 254 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He's also rushed for 89 yards on 14 attempts. The severity of Jackson's injury is currently unclear, but his absence is obviously a massive blow for the Ravens' offense.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence posted another huge performance in his team's Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos, completing 23 of 36 pass attempts for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The 26-year-old also recorded 20 rushing yards and a touchdown on six attempts. Lawrence has arguably played the best football of his career in recent weeks. Over his last four games, he's thrown for 1,096 yards, 12 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Lawrence has also rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns on 18 attempts over that same four-game stretch. With the way he's currently playing, Lawrence looks like one of the NFL's best dual-threat quarterbacks. He profiles as a solid fantasy QB1 heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
From RotoBaller
