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FFL: Week 16 | NFL: Week 16

Rams fire assistant Chase Blackburn after special teams miscues

Sun Dec 21 1:25am ET
Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Rams, after special teams miscues proved costly in the overtime loss Thursday at Seattle, have fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, according to multiple media reports on Saturday.

Blackburn, in his third season with the Rams, is the first in-season coaching change in head coach Sean McVay's nine seasons in Los Angeles.

The Rams fell to 11-4 and out of the current top seed in the NFC with the 38-37 defeat to the Seahawks (12-3), who also now lead the NFC West.

Los Angeles was hampered by allowing Rashid Shaheed's 58-yard punt return for a Seattle touchdown; kicker Harrison Mevis missing a 48-yard field-goal attempt late in the fourth quarter that would have given the Rams the lead; and a false start on another field-goal attempt.

The Rams' website no longer included Blackburn, 42, on Saturday night. Assistant special teams coach Ben Kotwica, who joined the staff this season, is the choice to oversee the unit going forward, per the reports.

The 51-year-old Kotwica has coached in the NFL for 17 years and was special teams coordinator for the New York Jets (2013), Washington (2014-18), Atlanta Falcons (2019-20) and Denver Broncos (2023-24).

Special teams mistakes also were costly in the Rams' 33-26 loss on Sept. 21 to the Philadelphia Eagles, who blocked kicks on Los Angeles' last two possessions -- returning the last for a touchdown on the final play.

The San Francisco 49ers blocked an extra point in the fourth quarter and beat the Rams in overtime in Week 5.

Los Angeles already made changes to the roster, replacing kicker Joshua Karty with Mevis and long snapper Alex Ward with Jake McQuaide.

Blackburn played linebacker in the NFL for 10 seasons for the New York Giants (2005-12) and Carolina Panthers (2013-14). He had 372 career tackles, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 4.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in 132 regular-season games (45 starts).

He won Super Bowl championships with the Giants in the 2007 and 2011 seasons.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 16

Player Notes
D.J. Moore Dec 21 11:00am CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore hauled in five of seven targets for 97 yards and a touchdown, while adding 12 rushing yards in the 22-16 overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers. After being held without a catch in the first half, Moore erupted, reeling in the game-winning 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Williams. With Rome Odunze (foot) and rookie Luther Burden III (ankle) inactive for Saturday's showdown, Moore was the top receiver, leading the team in nearly every statistical category and playing a season-high 95% of the snaps. With no update on whether either receiver will be back by their Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Moore could once again operate as the WR1 in this offense and be a must-start option if Odunze and Burden are ruled out once again.

From RotoBaller

Jaydon Blue Dec 21 11:00am CT
Jaydon Blue

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (coach's decision) and running back Jaydon Blue (coach's decision) are both healthy scratches for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Tolbert is now headed for his third consecutive absence, and he hasn't logged a catch since Week 8. Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, and Jonathan Mingo have offered more value in their depth roles behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, leading to Tolbert being inactive. He can be dropped in all fantasy leagues. Meanwhile, Blue remains the odd man out from the Cowboys' backfield and is inactive for the seventh game in a row. Dallas' backfield will continue to feature just two running backs -- Javonte Williams and Malik Davis -- as well as fullback Hunter Luepke. Blue can be dropped in redraft leagues, but he remains an intriguing dynasty stash.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Dec 21 11:00am CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Johnston was listed as questionable after being a limited participant in practice this week while managing a groin injury. The 24-year-old missed last week's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he should return to a full-time role in a favorable matchup against the Dallas Cowboys' 32nd-ranked pass defense. The TCU product has played 12 games this season, collecting 42 receptions for 533 yards and seven touchdowns on 71 targets. He projects as an upside WR4 for Week 16, facing a weak Dallas secondary.

From RotoBaller

Jalin Hyatt Dec 21 11:00am CT
Jalin Hyatt

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. The former third-round pick continues to be an afterthought in the Giants' offense, and this week, it will cost him his spot on the gameday roster. Hyatt played only 6% of the offensive snaps in Week 15, and he has caught just five of his 14 targets for 35 yards this season. His absence is likely a direct result of Gunner Olszewski (concussion) returning from his one-week absence. The 24-year-old can be left on waivers in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Dec 21 10:53am CT
Russell Wilson

The New York Giants have declared OT Jon Runyan Jr., QB Russell Wilson, WR Ryan Miller, WR Jalin Hyatt, S Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, DL Caleb Murphy and DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches inactive for Week 16.

From TheHuddle

Javon Hargrave Dec 21 10:53am CT
Javon Hargrave

The Minnesota Vikings have declared DL Javon Hargrave, LB Austin Keys, OT Walter Rouse and QB John Wolford inactive for Week 16.

From TheHuddle

Caleb Williams Dec 21 10:50am CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed 19 of 34 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in the thrilling 22-16 overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers. Williams entered the fourth quarter with under 125 passing yards and just nine completions, but a positive game script and the second-year quarterback's clutch playmaking saved the day. The Bears are now 11-4 and control their destiny to win the NFC North, and none of this would be possible without the massive leap Williams has taken in his second season. They face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night in Week 17, which could be a hat-and-T-shirt game for Williams and the Bears. For fantasy purposes, Williams will continue to be a risky QB2 due to his low volume in Ben Johnson's offense.

From RotoBaller

Quinnen Williams Dec 21 10:50am CT
Quinnen Williams

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (concussion, neck) is inactive for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had been listed as questionable. Williams logged a full practice on Friday, but the team updated his status on Saturday to clarify that he's now dealing with a neck injury, in addition to the concussion. It's possible that Williams cleared concussion protocol in time for the kickoff, and the neck injury could be the reason for his absence. The 28-year-old has appeared in 13 games with the Jets and Cowboys this season, amassing 48 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. Kenny Clark and Solomon Thomas should earn more defensive snaps in his absence.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Dec 21 10:50am CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman will be a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reports. The Bills recently activated Mecole Hardman (calf) off Injured Reserve, and he will be active in Coleman's place. Coleman was a healthy scratch in Weeks 11 and 12 for disciplinary reasons, and his Week 16 absence is reportedly a coach's decision. It's been a disappointing season for the second-year wideout, totalling 36 catches (55 targets) for 355 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games, with 112 of those yards coming in Week 1. With Coleman out again, Joshua Palmer, Brandin Cooks, Tyrell Shavers, and Hardman will all be in the mix for more opportunities behind Khalil Shakir, who remains Buffalo's clear WR1 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Dec 21 10:50am CT
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai was efficient in Week 16, carrying the ball nine times for 50 yards and adding three catches for 43 yards in the 22-16 overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers. After struggling to produce in the previous two outings, Monangai was a freight train on Saturday, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and moving the chains five times on his 12 total attempts. Monangai is averaging 8.9 fantasy points per game this season and is just 99 rushing yards away from passing Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco for most rushing yards by a seventh-rounder in their rookie season. He faces the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 and should be considered a FLEX play moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Diggs Dec 21 10:50am CT
Trevon Diggs

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to play after the Cowboys activated him from injured reserve on Saturday. He's returning from an eight-game absence, offering key reinforcements to a Dallas secondary that just lost Daron Bland (foot) to IR. Through his first six games this year, Diggs had logged 18 tackles. He's still looking for his first interception of the season.

From RotoBaller

Bud Dupree Dec 21 10:43am CT
Bud Dupree

The Los Angeles Chargers have declared WR Derius Davis, OT Branson Taylor, OT Trey Pipkins, LB Bud Dupree, S R.J. Mickens and TE Tyler Conklin inactive for Week 16.

From TheHuddle

Alvin Kamara Dec 21 10:43am CT
Alvin Kamara

The New Orleans Saints have declared RB Alvin Kamara, OT Asim Richards, S Ugo Amadi, OG Cesar Ruiz, CB Rejzohn Wright, TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden and DT Khristian Boyd inactive for Week 16.

From TheHuddle

Tyrod Taylor Dec 21 10:43am CT
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets QB Tyrod Taylor (groin, knee) is officially active for the Week 16 game.

Fantasy Spin: Taylor will serve as the No. 2 quarterback with Brady Cook starting and appears to be the next quarterback in line of the team makes another change at the position before the end of the season. Fantasy players should avoid all of the Jets quarterbacks at this point.

From TheHuddle

Jordan Phillips Dec 21 10:43am CT
Jordan Phillips

The Buffalo Bills have declared DT Jordan Phillips, WR Keon Coleman, OT Tylan Grable, WR Gabe Davis, DT Larry Ogunjobi, PK Matt Prater and S Darnell Savage inactive for Week 16.

From TheHuddle

Mason Tipton Dec 21 10:40am CT
Mason Tipton

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton (illness) is officially active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the New York Jets. He had been listed as questionable after missing two consecutive practices. In the end, though, he'll suit up for this contest between two eliminated teams. Tipton saw a bump in targets after the Saints' Week 11 bye, around the same time they parted ways with wide receivers Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks. The 25-year-old has seven catches for 47 yards over his last four games, but only one catch over the last two weeks. On a more positive note, he played 80% of the snaps last week. If he logs a similar amount of plays this week, his target share could go up, especially with Devaughn Vele (shoulder) now on injured reserve. With that said, Tipton remains stuck behind Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson in the passing game pecking order. He can be avoided in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Morris Dec 21 10:33am CT
Raheem Morris

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is expected to evaluate the performances of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after the season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. Fontenot signed a six-year contract in 2021 but only has one year remaining on his current deal, while Morris is under contract through the end of the 2028 season.

From TheHuddle

Tee Higgins Dec 21 10:00am CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) is active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Miami Dolphins, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Higgins, who had been listed as questionable, cleared concussion protocol prior to kickoff and is officially back from a one-game absence. The 26-year-old has impressed with 46 catches, 667 yards, and nine touchdowns over his last 12 healthy games, and he continues to trend upward after Joe Burrow returned from his toe injury earlier this month. Time and time again, the former second-round receiver has shown that he and Ja'Marr Chase can co-exist as dependable fantasy options in this high-powered offense. Higgins, who has turned into quite the scoring threat with 19 touchdowns over his last 22 games, ranks as a high-end WR2 this week in Miami.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Dec 21 9:40am CT
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has been playing at an incredibly high level ever since quarterback Jaxson Dart returned from his concussion. Over his last three games, the 24-year-old receiver has 32 targets, 21 catches, 244 yards, and two touchdowns. He ranks as the overall WR7 in full-PPR fantasy points per game during that span. In addition to commanding a high dose of targets, Robinson has impressed with his ability to create after the catch. Last week, he had 23 yards after the catch, which ranked 16th-highest among all NFL receivers. Now, he'll take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. The Vikings have a strong defense under coordinator Brian Flores, allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. Still, Robinson should have another productive game with a high dose of targets and catches, as well as plenty of opportunities to make plays with the ball in his hands. He remains a very strong WR2 for fantasy football in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Dec 21 9:40am CT
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has been highly productive in three games since his team's bye week, catching 18 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. He ranks as the overall WR8 in half-PPR leagues during that span. The veteran receiver has found his stride at the perfect time, breaking an ugly stretch of four games with 11 or fewer fantasy points prior to the bye. In particular, he has emerged as an intriguing threat deep downfield, just in time for the fantasy playoffs. Last week, Sutton racked up 136 air yards (ninth-most among NFL wide receivers) and an ADOT of 13.6 yards. He should remain highly productive in Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who rank right near the middle of the league with the 16th-most fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in 2025. Sutton has jumped to the WR14 spot in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16.

From RotoBaller