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FFL: Playoff Week 2 | 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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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 16

Player Notes
Woody Marks Dec 21 6:50am CT
Woody Marks

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (ankle) plans to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The rookie, who had been listed as questionable after upgrading to a limited participant in practice on Friday, will undergo a series of pregame workouts to confirm his availability. Suiting up on Sunday would be an impressive development for Marks, who didn't practice at all on Wednesday or Thursday. If active, though, he'll immediately slot into the RB2 tier for fantasy football. He has 314 rushing yards over his last five healthy games and is facing off against a Vegas defense that has surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Watt Dec 21 6:40am CT
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Detroit Lions, and he could miss additional time beyond this week, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Watt is headed for his second consecutive absence after a scary situation in which he was hospitalized with a partially collapsed lung. The defensive superstar is prioritizing his health and acknowledges that returning to play is far less important than getting healthy. Watt is due for more medical evaluation next week, and while a Week 17 return remains possible, it's far from certain. Pittsburgh will welcome him back with open arms whenever possible, as he terrorized opposing offenses with 53 tackles, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception through 13 games.

From RotoBaller

Tyrod Taylor Dec 21 6:40am CT
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor (groin, knee) is expected to be active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the New Orleans Saints, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice. With Justin Fields (knee) not expected to suit up, Taylor will slot into the backup role behind Brady Cook. By playing Cook over Taylor, the eliminated Jets are exploring their future at quarterback. It's unlikely Cook is the long-term answer, but he could offer depth or perhaps even a bridge to another quarterback in 2026. In the short-term, he ranks as RotoBaller's QB29 for fantasy football in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Hamilton Dec 21 6:40am CT
Kyle Hamilton

Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (ankle) is trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday Night Football against the New England Patriots in Week 16. According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Hamilton "is more likely to play than not." The 24-year-old had been listed as questionable and will work out pregame to gain more clarity on whether he'll be able to suit up. He has been productive in his fourth NFL season, amassing 87 tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles over the course of 13 games. The Ravens' list of inactive players will be published around 6:50 p.m. EST on Sunday evening.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Dec 21 6:30am CT
Nick Chubb

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (ribs) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging back-to-back full practice sessions. The veteran ball-carrier should remain in the backup running back role this week, but he could see a slight increase in snaps if Woody Marks (ankle, questionable) is less than 100 percent. Of course, the Texans also have solid depth outside of Marks and Chubb. Dare Ogunbowale is a longtime depth piece who has flashed upside, and second-year back Jawhar Jordan broke out with 118 scrimmage yards on 17 touches last week. As a result, Chubb ranks outside the top 36 fantasy running backs for Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Dec 21 6:30am CT
Christian Kirk

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (illness) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders despite being listed as questionable, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Kirk has appeared in 10 games this season, catching an underwhelming 22 passes for 204 yards and one touchdown. He has just one catch over his last three contests, and he remains buried on the depth chart behind Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins. Kirk can be benched or left on waivers in most redraft formats.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Dec 21 6:20am CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. London had been listed as questionable and is working his way back from a four-game absence. He was quite impressive when healthy, catching 60 passes for 810 yards and six touchdowns over the course of nine games. Even though the Falcons are eliminated from playoff contention, London should be an impactful contributor for his team and his fantasy managers over the final few weeks of the regular season. He immediately returns to the WR1 tier in this week's matchup against the Cardinals, who rank near the middle of the league with the 15th-most fantasy points allowed to receivers in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 21 6:20am CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) is "likely to play" in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Miami Dolphins, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Higgins had been listed as questionable and is working his way 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. He hauled in six of 11 targets and scored twice while catching passes from Joe Burrow in their only game together since the quarterback returned from a toe injury. 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

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 21 6:10am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. However, he could be at less than 100% as "the team plans to ease him back in," writes Schefter. Harrison is set to return to action after missing four of the Cardinals' last five games. During that time, teammate Michael Wilson has emerged as one of the top-scoring receivers in fantasy football. While Wilson's ceiling and floor will come down a little with Harrison back, it's not a stretch to say that Wilson is a more appealing fantasy option than Harrison this week. With that said, the 23-year-old can still be a strong WR3/flex against a Falcons defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Dec 21 12:20am CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was a disappointment for fantasy managers in Week 15's loss to the Seahawks, and he won't be any easier to trust for this Monday's bout with the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Pierce corralled his lone target (16 yards) in last Sunday's loss to Seattle and was the only Colts' pass-catcher to command fewer than four looks. The former Cincinnati Bearcat made his money all season on downfield throws, while also evolving his game in the intermediate area of the field. However, his value will take a considerable hit with quarterback Philip Rivers manning the offense. At 44 years of age, the veteran's arm strength is limited, and that showed in spades during last week's contest. Considering Pierce's archetype doesn't precisely line up with Rivers' capabilities, he's perhaps the riskiest fantasy play of all Colts' wideouts, ranking as RotoBaller's PPR WR66 for his Monday Night Football matchup.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Dec 21 12:10am CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs presents as a low-floor fantasy dart throw for his home outing with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Downs hauled in 3-of-5 passes for 13 yards in last weekend's 18-16 loss to the Seahawks, accounting for Philip Rivers' first touchdown pass since Week 17 of the 2020 season. With Rivers under center, Indy went with a short, quick pass attack to cater to the veteran's current capabilities. While it was effective on the field, an equal administering of pass attempts will hurt all involved on the Indianapolis side of the ball. As it stands, Downs is a downright chore to cover in that area of the field, potentially giving him a leg up on teammates Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce in the Colts' attack. Even if that's the case, though, the third-year pro's standing as the third option regarding snap share at the position significantly limits his ceiling. Downs may still hold some modest value in DFS formats, but is tough to trust as RotoBaller's PPR WR62 for Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Dec 20 11:50pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.'s fantasy value takes a modest slide ahead of his clash with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. For the most part, the USC product has been a stellar fantasy asset in 2025, working his way to a current WR13 standing in PPR formats. However, Pittman's viability becomes murkier with 44-year-old Philip Rivers calling signals for the Colts. In Rivers' first action in nearly half a decade in Week 15, Indianapolis fell 18-16 to Seattle. While the QB was efficient, he failed to push the ball downfield and evenly distributed his pass attempts, targeting four pass-catchers at least five times. Unfortunately, a wideout like Pittman, who thrives on volume, may find it challenging to produce at the level that fantasy managers had become accustomed to over the majority of the season. The offense may adapt and evolve as Rivers continues to shake off the rust, but all Colts' skill players take a fantasy hit in the meantime. As for Pittman, he'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR WR37 for Monday's contest.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Dec 20 11:40pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is a superb fantasy start for his Monday night home matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Taylor remained the Colts' workhorse in Week 15's loss to the Seahawks, notching his eighth game of the campaign with at least 80 rushing yards, handling his second-highest carry total of the season (25). It's worth noting that veteran backfield mate Ameer Abdullah has seen an increased snap share across the previous two weeks, though it shouldn't affect Taylor's position as a locked-in RB1, even against a sound 49ers' rush defense. San Fran has been stingy to opposing ground games, yielding the twelfth-fewest rushing yards per contest (106.1). That said, they've allowed RBs to rack up the second-most receptions of any squad (78). Veteran signal-caller Philip Rivers adds an extra variable to the equation, but that should mean that Indy will continue to rely on the rushing attack as they try to remain in playoff contention. Fantasy managers can fire up the 26-year-old as RotoBaller's PPR RB6 for Week 16's slate of action.

From RotoBaller

Philip Rivers Dec 20 11:20pm CT
Philip Rivers

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers will be a risky fantasy asset when he lines up with the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 16. The 44-year-old made an improbable return to the field a week ago, leading the team under center in his first action since the 2020 campaign. Rivers and the Colts ultimately lost 18-16 to the Seahawks, although he actually looked pretty decent considering the long layoff. While the box score may have left owners wanting, and the veteran has lost significant zip on his balls, he was accurate and decisive, operating efficiently in the short and intermediate areas. With all that in mind, Rivers' current play style hinders his fantasy upside, relegating him to a low-end desperation play in superflex and 2QB formats. The 22-year NFL vet comes in as RotoBaller's QB30 for his outing with San Francisco.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Dec 20 10:30pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (wrist) exited during the fourth quarter of Saturday's Week 16 contest against the Chicago Bears. He is officially listed as questionable to return. Doubs suffered the injury while attempting to field Chicago's onside kick attempt. The ball bounced off the 25-year-old receiver and was recovered by the Bears, setting up a game-tying drive to force overtime. As Saturday's pivotal divisional battle enters overtime, the Packers are without Doubs, who was having a great game aside from the special teams miscue. On offense, he had caught five of his six targets for 84 yards and a touchdown. With Doubs sidelined, Dontayvion Wicks and Matthew Golden should earn more snaps behind Christian Watson and Jayden Reed.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Loop Dec 20 9:00pm CT
Tyler Loop

Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop remains on the fantasy radar as a fringe top-12 option heading into Sunday Night Football against the New England Patriots in Week 16. Loop is the 12th-highest-scoring fantasy kicker this season and is coming off a decent game in which he made all four of his kicks, including one field goal. Overall, the rookie has gone 33-for-35 on extra points and 26-for-28 on field goals (including one from 50+ yards) through 14 games. On paper, this week's matchup is far from ideal, as the Patriots have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers in 2025. That could be a product of New England's softer schedule, though, and Loop should continue to get extra-point and field-goal opportunities behind Baltimore's strong offense. Furthermore, he'll be kicking in calm conditions, as Baltimore's forecast calls for 5-10 mph winds and no precipitation. Loop ranks as the overall K11 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings for Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Malik Willis Dec 20 9:00pm CT
Malik Willis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Saturday's Week 16 contest against the Chicago Bears. He exited in the second quarter after taking a head-to-head from Bears defensive end Austin Booker, who was penalized. Love finishes the game having completed eight of his 13 pass attempts for 77 yards through the air, no touchdowns, and no turnovers. He also had seven rushing yards. Malik Willis has entered at quarterback and will lead the Packers the rest of the way. Willis, a former third-round pick, is capable of keeping the Packers in the playoff hunt while offering mid-range QB2 appeal in fantasy football. He has a chance to start in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens if Love doesn't clear concussion protocol in time. As far as the rest of the quarterback depth chart goes, head coach Mike LaFleur told the FOX broadcast that running back Josh Jacobs, who was on crutches five days ago and didn't practice this past week, would be the emergency quarterback if Willis gets injured.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Dec 20 8:40pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (head) exited during the second quarter of Saturday's Week 16 contest against the Chicago Bears. He is being evaluated for a concussion and is officially questionable to return. He exited after taking a head-to-head from Bears defensive end Austin Booker, who was penalized. At the time of his departure, Love was 8-for-13 passing with 77 yards through the air. He also had seven rushing yards. Malik Willis, who is one of the stronger backups in the NFL, has taken over as the Packers' quarterback in Love's absence. In the event that Love misses extended time, Willis is capable of keeping the Packers in the playoff hunt while offering mid-range QB2 appeal in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Dec 20 8:20pm CT
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has not been a dependable fantasy option throughout the 2025 season, and that trend should continue as he returns from injury in Week 16 against the New England Patriots. Bateman is the overall WR93 in scoring this year, catching just 18 of his 35 targets through 11 games. He has finished with more than two catches in just one game this year, and two of his games have resulted in zero catches. Bateman remains stuck behind Zay Flowers in a wide receiver room that handles a below-average number of targets. This week, he'll face off against a Patriots secondary facing injury-related question marks. Superstar cornerback Christian Gonzalez is healthy, but there's less certainty about Marcus Jones (knee) and Carlton Davis III (hip), who are both questionable. Regardless of their injury statuses, Bateman shouldn't be started in fantasy football this week. He ranks as RotoBaller's WR78 for Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Bobby Wagner Dec 20 8:13pm CT
Bobby Wagner

Washington Commanders LB Bobby Wagner finished with a team-high 10 tackles, including five solo stops and two tackles for loss, and a sack in a 29-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16.

From TheHuddle