If anyone can help id appreciate it. Who needs to win, who will play starters, who is done and doesn?t care?
Who needs what today??
- Thread starter MrSports
- Start date
What's at stake in Week 17
Week 17 won't be as interesting as Week 16.
Only three of the NFL's 12 playoff spots remain unclaimed. Seven of the eight division titles are decided, as are three of the four first-round byes. Still, here is everything you need to know about the lingering drama, which will all be played out in two relatively equal time slots Sunday afternoon.
AFC home-field advantage will be decided early
The AFC path to Super Bowl LII will go through New England if the Patriots beat the New York Jets in Foxborough. But if they lose, the Pittsburgh Steelers can leapfrog them for the No. 1 seed with a win at home over the 0-15 Cleveland Browns. Both games kick off at 1 p.m. ET. The distinction between the No. 1 and No. 2 seed has been significant in the four most recent postseasons. According to ESPN Stats & Information, seven of the eight No. 1 seeds since 2013 reached the Super Bowl. The Philadelphia Eagles already have clinched the NFC's home-field advantage.
The Minnesota Vikings will (likely) lock up a first-round bye, win or lose
The Vikings have a 99.6 percent chance of grabbing the final first-round bye, according to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI). They can clinch it with a home victory over the Chicago Bears (5-10), or with help from one of three teams in the following scenarios: 1) If the Atlanta Falcons defeat the Carolina Panthers; 2) the New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; or 3) the Los Angeles Rams defeat the San Francisco 49ers. (The Rams announced they will rest key players, but the other two games should be competitive.)
The NFC South will be decided late
The Saints have the cleanest path to the last remaining division title. They can clinch it with a victory over the Buccaneers. But if they lose, the Panthers can win it by defeating the Falcons. The advantage, of course, is getting a home playoff game in the wild-card round. Both games kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET. If New Orleans and Carolina lose, the Saints are the division champions.
The Panthers have a slim chance for the No. 2 seed
As noted above, there are all kinds of reasonable scenarios that put the Vikings at No. 2. But the Panthers could sneak up there with a victory over the Falcons -- as long as the Saints, Vikings and Rams all lose. Then, the Panthers would win a head-to-head tiebreaker with Minnesota at 12-4 thanks to their Week 14 victory over the Vikings. (The Saints can't win a similar tiebreaker because they lost to the Vikings in Week 1. The same goes for the Rams, who lost to the Vikings in Week 11.)
The NFC's second wild card will be ...
The Falcons, if they defeat the Panthers at home, or if the Seahawks lose to the Cardinals at home (or both). But if the Falcons lose, the Seahawks can jump into the No. 6 spot with a win over the Cardinals. To be clear: If the Falcons and the Seahawks lose, Atlanta would be the wild-card team.
The AFC's wild-card picture is larger
Four teams are fighting for the two remaining spots, with two holding a decisive advantage. The Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans are both in if they win their respective games. But if the Ravens lose at home to the Cincinnati Bengals or the Titans fall at home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, then the door opens for the Los Angeles Chargers or the Buffalo Bills. Rather than try to spell out the multiple outcomes necessary for either of those outside teams to clinch, I'll pass along this awesome graphic the NFL published to explain it. The entire block of relevant games kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET, so make sure to get your bathroom breaks in early.
AFC playoff seeding scenarios based on the outcome of Week 17 games with playoff implications:
Week 17 won't be as interesting as Week 16.
Only three of the NFL's 12 playoff spots remain unclaimed. Seven of the eight division titles are decided, as are three of the four first-round byes. Still, here is everything you need to know about the lingering drama, which will all be played out in two relatively equal time slots Sunday afternoon.
AFC home-field advantage will be decided early
The AFC path to Super Bowl LII will go through New England if the Patriots beat the New York Jets in Foxborough. But if they lose, the Pittsburgh Steelers can leapfrog them for the No. 1 seed with a win at home over the 0-15 Cleveland Browns. Both games kick off at 1 p.m. ET. The distinction between the No. 1 and No. 2 seed has been significant in the four most recent postseasons. According to ESPN Stats & Information, seven of the eight No. 1 seeds since 2013 reached the Super Bowl. The Philadelphia Eagles already have clinched the NFC's home-field advantage.
The Minnesota Vikings will (likely) lock up a first-round bye, win or lose
The Vikings have a 99.6 percent chance of grabbing the final first-round bye, according to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI). They can clinch it with a home victory over the Chicago Bears (5-10), or with help from one of three teams in the following scenarios: 1) If the Atlanta Falcons defeat the Carolina Panthers; 2) the New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; or 3) the Los Angeles Rams defeat the San Francisco 49ers. (The Rams announced they will rest key players, but the other two games should be competitive.)
The NFC South will be decided late
The Saints have the cleanest path to the last remaining division title. They can clinch it with a victory over the Buccaneers. But if they lose, the Panthers can win it by defeating the Falcons. The advantage, of course, is getting a home playoff game in the wild-card round. Both games kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET. If New Orleans and Carolina lose, the Saints are the division champions.
The Panthers have a slim chance for the No. 2 seed
As noted above, there are all kinds of reasonable scenarios that put the Vikings at No. 2. But the Panthers could sneak up there with a victory over the Falcons -- as long as the Saints, Vikings and Rams all lose. Then, the Panthers would win a head-to-head tiebreaker with Minnesota at 12-4 thanks to their Week 14 victory over the Vikings. (The Saints can't win a similar tiebreaker because they lost to the Vikings in Week 1. The same goes for the Rams, who lost to the Vikings in Week 11.)
The NFC's second wild card will be ...
The Falcons, if they defeat the Panthers at home, or if the Seahawks lose to the Cardinals at home (or both). But if the Falcons lose, the Seahawks can jump into the No. 6 spot with a win over the Cardinals. To be clear: If the Falcons and the Seahawks lose, Atlanta would be the wild-card team.
The AFC's wild-card picture is larger
Four teams are fighting for the two remaining spots, with two holding a decisive advantage. The Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans are both in if they win their respective games. But if the Ravens lose at home to the Cincinnati Bengals or the Titans fall at home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, then the door opens for the Los Angeles Chargers or the Buffalo Bills. Rather than try to spell out the multiple outcomes necessary for either of those outside teams to clinch, I'll pass along this awesome graphic the NFL published to explain it. The entire block of relevant games kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET, so make sure to get your bathroom breaks in early.
AFC playoff seeding scenarios based on the outcome of Week 17 games with playoff implications:
Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News confirms the Cowboys will play their starters against the Eagles in Week 17.
Last week's loss to Seattle eliminated Dallas from the postseason, giving the Cowboys with nothing to play for this week. Despite the lack of stakes, the Cowboys will be out in full force Sunday at Philadelphia. That includes Ezekiel Elliott who is 120 yards shy of 1,000 for the season. Dak Prescott is also looking to end 2017 on a high note after struggling through a difficult second half. Unfortunately he'll be playing without stud left tackle Tyron Smith, who was placed on I.R. with a knee injury earlier this week.
********
Joe Mixon (questionable, ankle) is expected to play Week 17 against the Ravens.
He'll test his ankle in pregame warmups, but he should be good to go for Sunday's finale. Mixon only lasted six snaps in last week's win over Detroit and will again be at risk of an in-game setback. Giovani Bernard had a game for the ages in Week 16 but can't be trusted with Mixon back in the lineup.
****************
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirms the Patriots are "playing their stars" against the Jets in Week 17.
The Patriots need a win to lock up home-field advantage in the AFC, so Sunday will be business as usual in Foxboro. New England will likely rest Chris Hogan (shoulder) and James White (ankle), but their other starters including Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Dion Lewis and Brandin Cooks will play without any restrictions. All will be appealing DFS options against the Jets, who have lost five of their last six and have struggled mightily without Josh McCown (I.R., hand).
**************
Last week's loss to Seattle eliminated Dallas from the postseason, giving the Cowboys with nothing to play for this week. Despite the lack of stakes, the Cowboys will be out in full force Sunday at Philadelphia. That includes Ezekiel Elliott who is 120 yards shy of 1,000 for the season. Dak Prescott is also looking to end 2017 on a high note after struggling through a difficult second half. Unfortunately he'll be playing without stud left tackle Tyron Smith, who was placed on I.R. with a knee injury earlier this week.
********
Joe Mixon (questionable, ankle) is expected to play Week 17 against the Ravens.
He'll test his ankle in pregame warmups, but he should be good to go for Sunday's finale. Mixon only lasted six snaps in last week's win over Detroit and will again be at risk of an in-game setback. Giovani Bernard had a game for the ages in Week 16 but can't be trusted with Mixon back in the lineup.
****************
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirms the Patriots are "playing their stars" against the Jets in Week 17.
The Patriots need a win to lock up home-field advantage in the AFC, so Sunday will be business as usual in Foxboro. New England will likely rest Chris Hogan (shoulder) and James White (ankle), but their other starters including Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Dion Lewis and Brandin Cooks will play without any restrictions. All will be appealing DFS options against the Jets, who have lost five of their last six and have struggled mightily without Josh McCown (I.R., hand).
**************
Early Games
Jets @ Patriots
*Matt Forte (questionable) did not practice this week, but he should continue to play through his knee injury. DE Kony Ealy (knee) and RB Akeem Judd (ankle) are also questionable. Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ribs, foot) is doubtful, but he has not been a viable fantasy option for weeks. RT Brandon Shell (concussion) is out.
*Tom Brady (Achilles) will play, but the Patriots will be without Rex Burkhead (knee) and Mike Gillislee (knee) while Chris Hogan (shoulder) and James White (ankle), who both sat out last week, are questionable. It would not be surprising if Hogan and White are held out again as the Patriots look to get ready for the playoffs. DT Alan Branch will also miss this game while S Devin McCourty (shoulder), LB Kyle Van Noy (calf), OT LaAdrian Waddle (ankle), ST Matthew Slater (hamstring), and DE Eric Lee (ankle, finger) are questionable.
Browns @ Steelers
*CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun (knee), RB Matthew Dayes (knee), S Derron Smith (hip), and CB Jamar Taylor (foot) are all questionable for a Browns team trying to avoid a winless season. FB Dan Vitale (groin) is out.
*Antonio Brown (calf) is officially out, and Ben Roethlisberger (out) and Le'Veon Bell are expected to rest up for the postseason. That puts Landry Jones at quarterback, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Stevan Ridley at running back, and some DFS tournament value into the Browns DST. C Maurkice Pouncey (hip) is questionable.
Cowboys @ Eagles
*Dallas put LT Tyron Smith (knee) and CB Orlando Scandrick (back) on injured reserve Friday, and they will also be without DE David Irving (concussion) and DE Benson Mayowa (back, illness). DT Richard Ash (shoulder), WR Cole Beasley (illness), RT La'el Collins (back), and Rod Smith (back) are questionable. Smith seems unlikely to play after sitting out Thursday and Friday.
*Philly is expected to play their starters at least some snaps in this meaningless game, but it would not be surprising if they are pulled after halftime. That makes it difficult to trust anyone in this offense from a fantasy perspective. CB Jalen Mills (ankle) is questionable while DE Brandon Graham (ankle) and LB Joe Walker (neck) are out.
Packers @ Lions
*Green Bay's injury list is long heading into the season finale. Davante Adams (concussion), Jordy Nelson (shoulder), Aaron Jones (knee), RG Jahri Evans (knee), OLB Nick Perry (ankle, shoulder), and TE Richard Rodgers (shoulder) are all out while Geronimo Allison (illness), OT Ulrick John (back), OLB Clay Matthews (hamstring), and CB Damarious Randall (knee) are questionable. Considering how many offensive players the Packers are missing, the Lions DST should be a great option this week.
*Eric Ebron was limited this week by a knee injury, but he was left off the final report. DE Anthony Zettel (groin) is questionable and CB Nevin Lawson (concussion) is out.
Texans @ Colts
*Unfortunately, DeAndre Hopkins will end his spectacular season on the bench with a calf injury. Despite the sorry state of the quarterback position, Hopkins sitting makes Will Fuller playable in a great matchup. RG Jeff Allen (concussion) and RB Jordan Todman (shoulder) are also out while OT Kendall Lamm (concussion) and LB LaTroy Lewis (shoulder) are questionable.
*The only injury news which really matters for the Colts is Andrew Luck saying he does not think he will need another surgery. Donte Moncrief (ankle, questionable) looks likely to return following a limited week of practice. OT Denzelle Good (knee), DT Johnathan Hankins (ankle), and TE Jason Vander Laan (concussion) are out.
Bears @ Vikings
*Adam Shaheen (chest) once again got in three limited practices and is once again listed as questionable. He did not play after following the same routine each of the last two weeks, so his status is completely up in the air. S DeAndre Houston-Carson (back) is questionable while RT Bobby Massie (knee) and LG Josh Sitton (ankle) are doubtful.
*Kyle Rudolph (ankle) was limited all week in practice, but he was left off the final report. CB Tramaine Brock (foot), C Pat Elflein (shoulder), LS Kevin McDermott (shoulder), and DT Shamar Stephen (ankle) are out.
Redskins @ Giants
*Despite picking up an Achilles injury last Sunday, Samaje Perine practiced in full all week and was left off the final report. WR Robert Davis (concussion), WR Maurice Harris (back), OG Kyle Kalis (ankle, back), OLB Ryan Kerrigan (calf), DE Terrell McClain (toe), and ILB Martrell Spaight (illness, ankle) are questionable. OLB Ryan Anderson (knee), ILB Zach Brown (illness, knee, Achilles), and DT Evander Hood (elbow) are out.
*An already struggling passing game will be without Evan Engram (rib), Sterling Shepard (neck), and Tavarres King (concussion). Roger Lewis should see as many targets as he can handle. LT Ereck Flowers (groin), RT Bobby Hart (ankle), and DE Jason Pierre-Paul (finger, back, ankle) are questionable.
Afternoon Games
Raiders @ Chargers
*Amari Cooper (ankle) got in a full practice Friday and was left off the final report. CB David Amerson (foot), CB Dexter McDonald (knee), and OT David Sharpe (illness) are questionable, OT Vadal Alexander (concussion) is doubtful, and DT Treyvon Hester (ankle) is out.
*Melvin Gordon (ankle) expects to play and was able to practice on a limited basis Thursday and Friday before drawing a questionable tag, but he is still shaping up as a game-time decision. Branden Oliver will get the start if Gordon cannot go. Also questionable for the Chargers are DT Corey Liuget (knee), LT Russell Okung (groin), and LB Denzel Perryman (hamstring). S Adrian Phillips (ankle) is out.
Jaguars @ Titans
*Marqise Lee (ankle) remains out, but Allen Hurns (ankle) is expected to return after being left off the final report. Keelan Cole (quad) is also good to go. LB Blair Brown (concussion), DT Abry Jones (back), and LT Cam Robinson (abdomen) are questionable. Robinson likely will be held out with the Jaguars locked into their playoff spot.
*Tennessee acted like DeMarco Murray had a chance to play with a third-degree MCL tear, but that was never going to happen. Murray was ruled out on Friday. Derrick Henry should finally be given a workhorse role in a must-win game for the Titans. CB Logan Ryan (ankle) is questionable.
49ers @ Rams
*Marquise Goodwin was limited on Thursday and Friday with a back injury, but he was left off the final report.
*Cooper Kupp (knee) is officially listed as questionable, but he will be held out along with Jared Goff and Todd Gurley with the Rams already locked into the playoffs. Robert Woods and Sammy Watkins will be limited if they play at all. With the 49ers playing better defense of late, this is an offense to avoid for the most part, although Malcolm Brown could see a lot of work and is an interesting option in DFS. LB Mark Barron (Achilles) is doubtful.
Panthers @ Falcons
*The Panthers are already in the playoffs, but a win would give them a shot at a home game in the first round, meaning it is good news RG Trai Turner (concussion) appears likely to play through a questionable tag. S Kurt Coleman (ankle) and CB Ladarius Gunter (illness) are also questionable.
*Julio Jones (thumb, ankle) did not practice much this week, but he will play as usual. C Alex Mack picked up a calf injury on Wednesday and then missed practice both Thursday and Friday. He is officially questionable, but that practice progression suggests he is on the doubtful side of that tag. In better news, LG Andy Levitre (triceps) was left off the final report and should play. TE Levine Toilolo (knee) is out.
Chiefs @ Broncos
*Making their intentions perfectly clear, the Chiefs ruled out Tyreek Hill with a ?not injury related? tag after announcing Patrick Mahomes as the starter earlier in the week. It would also be a surprise if we saw much of Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt, although Hunt could be forced into more action than the Chiefs would like with both Charcandrick West (illness) and Akeem Hunt (shoulder) questionable. If he is healthy, West will likely handle the bulk of the work and is a good DFS option. CB Kenneth Acker (illness), T Cameron Erving (illness), OLB Tamba Hali (knee), DE Rakeem Nunez-Roches (illness), and LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (shoulder) are questionable and DT Bennie Logan (knee) is doubtful.
*Paxton Lynch is going to get the start, but he will be without both Emmanuel Sanders (ankle) and Cody Latimer (thigh). Demaryius Thomas should see a lot of targets, but it is tough to get excited about anyone on this offense aside from C.J. Anderson. DE Zach Kerr (ankle) is also out while OT Donald Stephenson (hand) is questionable.
Bengals @ Ravens
*In a bit of a surprise, Joe Mixon (ankle) was able to get in limited practices Thursday and Friday before being listed as questionable. If he plays, neither he nor Giovani Bernard will be exciting fantasy options. CB Williams Jackson (knee) is also questionable, LB Vontaze Burfict (shoulder) is doubtful, and LT Cedric Ogbuehi (shoulder) is out. Burfict sitting is a big boost for the Ravens? running game.
*Mike Wallace (knee) is officially listed as questionable, but he is going to play after practicing in full Thursday and Friday. RT Austin Howard (knee) and DT Brandon Williams (back) also got in full practices Friday, suggesting they will play through questionable tags as well. OG Jermaine Eluemunor (shoulder) and DT Patrick Reed (neck) round out the questionable list while Jeremy Maclin (knee) is doubtful.
Bills @ Dolphins
*Kelvin Benjamin (knee) was not even listed on the final report, but Deonte Thompson is questionable after picking up a shoulder injury in practice this week. OG Ryan Groy (illness) is also questionable while CB Shareece Wright (concussion) is out. In better news, CB E.J. Gaines (knee) will return.
*DeVante Parker (ankle) is officially questionable, but there is not any concern about him sitting following full practices on Thursday and Friday. TE MarQueis Gray (hip), DE Charles Harris (thigh), LB Neville Hewitt (hamstring), S T.J. McDonald (shoulder), S Michael Thomas (not injury related), CB Alterraun Verner (hamstring), and DE Cameron Wake (illness) are also questionable. QB Matt Moore (foot), LT Laremy Tunsil (ankle), and RB Damien Williams (shoulder) are doubtful.
Cardinals @ Seahawks
*Kerwynn Williams (quad, ribs, back) is officially questionable, but he will likely play after getting in three limited practices. His backup, Elijhaa Penny (hand, groin), is also questionable along with LB Josh Bynes (ankle), TE Troy Niklas (ankle), and OG Earl Watford (ankle).
*Jimmy Graham (knee) got his customary days off in practice this week, but, as usual, was left off the final report and will play. LG Luke Joeckel (foot), MLB Bobby Wagner (hamstring), and TE Luke Willson (ankle) are questionable. LB D.J. Alexander (concussion) and DT Nazair Jones (foot) are out.
Saints @ Bucs
*The Saints need a win to clinch the division, but they will have to do so without LT Terron Armstead (thigh). DE Trey Hendrickson (ankle) and TE Michael Hoomanawanui (concussion) are also out.
*DeSean Jackson (ankle, questionable) looks on track for a return following a limited week of practice, and Chris Godwin (ankle) also has a chance to play through a questionable tag after returning to a limited session on Friday. Cameron Brate (hip, knee) will almost certainly play, and DE Ryan Russell (shoulder) rounds out the questionable list. DE Robert Ayers (shoulder) and LB Devante Bond (ankle) are doubtful.
Jets @ Patriots
*Matt Forte (questionable) did not practice this week, but he should continue to play through his knee injury. DE Kony Ealy (knee) and RB Akeem Judd (ankle) are also questionable. Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ribs, foot) is doubtful, but he has not been a viable fantasy option for weeks. RT Brandon Shell (concussion) is out.
*Tom Brady (Achilles) will play, but the Patriots will be without Rex Burkhead (knee) and Mike Gillislee (knee) while Chris Hogan (shoulder) and James White (ankle), who both sat out last week, are questionable. It would not be surprising if Hogan and White are held out again as the Patriots look to get ready for the playoffs. DT Alan Branch will also miss this game while S Devin McCourty (shoulder), LB Kyle Van Noy (calf), OT LaAdrian Waddle (ankle), ST Matthew Slater (hamstring), and DE Eric Lee (ankle, finger) are questionable.
Browns @ Steelers
*CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun (knee), RB Matthew Dayes (knee), S Derron Smith (hip), and CB Jamar Taylor (foot) are all questionable for a Browns team trying to avoid a winless season. FB Dan Vitale (groin) is out.
*Antonio Brown (calf) is officially out, and Ben Roethlisberger (out) and Le'Veon Bell are expected to rest up for the postseason. That puts Landry Jones at quarterback, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Stevan Ridley at running back, and some DFS tournament value into the Browns DST. C Maurkice Pouncey (hip) is questionable.
Cowboys @ Eagles
*Dallas put LT Tyron Smith (knee) and CB Orlando Scandrick (back) on injured reserve Friday, and they will also be without DE David Irving (concussion) and DE Benson Mayowa (back, illness). DT Richard Ash (shoulder), WR Cole Beasley (illness), RT La'el Collins (back), and Rod Smith (back) are questionable. Smith seems unlikely to play after sitting out Thursday and Friday.
*Philly is expected to play their starters at least some snaps in this meaningless game, but it would not be surprising if they are pulled after halftime. That makes it difficult to trust anyone in this offense from a fantasy perspective. CB Jalen Mills (ankle) is questionable while DE Brandon Graham (ankle) and LB Joe Walker (neck) are out.
Packers @ Lions
*Green Bay's injury list is long heading into the season finale. Davante Adams (concussion), Jordy Nelson (shoulder), Aaron Jones (knee), RG Jahri Evans (knee), OLB Nick Perry (ankle, shoulder), and TE Richard Rodgers (shoulder) are all out while Geronimo Allison (illness), OT Ulrick John (back), OLB Clay Matthews (hamstring), and CB Damarious Randall (knee) are questionable. Considering how many offensive players the Packers are missing, the Lions DST should be a great option this week.
*Eric Ebron was limited this week by a knee injury, but he was left off the final report. DE Anthony Zettel (groin) is questionable and CB Nevin Lawson (concussion) is out.
Texans @ Colts
*Unfortunately, DeAndre Hopkins will end his spectacular season on the bench with a calf injury. Despite the sorry state of the quarterback position, Hopkins sitting makes Will Fuller playable in a great matchup. RG Jeff Allen (concussion) and RB Jordan Todman (shoulder) are also out while OT Kendall Lamm (concussion) and LB LaTroy Lewis (shoulder) are questionable.
*The only injury news which really matters for the Colts is Andrew Luck saying he does not think he will need another surgery. Donte Moncrief (ankle, questionable) looks likely to return following a limited week of practice. OT Denzelle Good (knee), DT Johnathan Hankins (ankle), and TE Jason Vander Laan (concussion) are out.
Bears @ Vikings
*Adam Shaheen (chest) once again got in three limited practices and is once again listed as questionable. He did not play after following the same routine each of the last two weeks, so his status is completely up in the air. S DeAndre Houston-Carson (back) is questionable while RT Bobby Massie (knee) and LG Josh Sitton (ankle) are doubtful.
*Kyle Rudolph (ankle) was limited all week in practice, but he was left off the final report. CB Tramaine Brock (foot), C Pat Elflein (shoulder), LS Kevin McDermott (shoulder), and DT Shamar Stephen (ankle) are out.
Redskins @ Giants
*Despite picking up an Achilles injury last Sunday, Samaje Perine practiced in full all week and was left off the final report. WR Robert Davis (concussion), WR Maurice Harris (back), OG Kyle Kalis (ankle, back), OLB Ryan Kerrigan (calf), DE Terrell McClain (toe), and ILB Martrell Spaight (illness, ankle) are questionable. OLB Ryan Anderson (knee), ILB Zach Brown (illness, knee, Achilles), and DT Evander Hood (elbow) are out.
*An already struggling passing game will be without Evan Engram (rib), Sterling Shepard (neck), and Tavarres King (concussion). Roger Lewis should see as many targets as he can handle. LT Ereck Flowers (groin), RT Bobby Hart (ankle), and DE Jason Pierre-Paul (finger, back, ankle) are questionable.
Afternoon Games
Raiders @ Chargers
*Amari Cooper (ankle) got in a full practice Friday and was left off the final report. CB David Amerson (foot), CB Dexter McDonald (knee), and OT David Sharpe (illness) are questionable, OT Vadal Alexander (concussion) is doubtful, and DT Treyvon Hester (ankle) is out.
*Melvin Gordon (ankle) expects to play and was able to practice on a limited basis Thursday and Friday before drawing a questionable tag, but he is still shaping up as a game-time decision. Branden Oliver will get the start if Gordon cannot go. Also questionable for the Chargers are DT Corey Liuget (knee), LT Russell Okung (groin), and LB Denzel Perryman (hamstring). S Adrian Phillips (ankle) is out.
Jaguars @ Titans
*Marqise Lee (ankle) remains out, but Allen Hurns (ankle) is expected to return after being left off the final report. Keelan Cole (quad) is also good to go. LB Blair Brown (concussion), DT Abry Jones (back), and LT Cam Robinson (abdomen) are questionable. Robinson likely will be held out with the Jaguars locked into their playoff spot.
*Tennessee acted like DeMarco Murray had a chance to play with a third-degree MCL tear, but that was never going to happen. Murray was ruled out on Friday. Derrick Henry should finally be given a workhorse role in a must-win game for the Titans. CB Logan Ryan (ankle) is questionable.
49ers @ Rams
*Marquise Goodwin was limited on Thursday and Friday with a back injury, but he was left off the final report.
*Cooper Kupp (knee) is officially listed as questionable, but he will be held out along with Jared Goff and Todd Gurley with the Rams already locked into the playoffs. Robert Woods and Sammy Watkins will be limited if they play at all. With the 49ers playing better defense of late, this is an offense to avoid for the most part, although Malcolm Brown could see a lot of work and is an interesting option in DFS. LB Mark Barron (Achilles) is doubtful.
Panthers @ Falcons
*The Panthers are already in the playoffs, but a win would give them a shot at a home game in the first round, meaning it is good news RG Trai Turner (concussion) appears likely to play through a questionable tag. S Kurt Coleman (ankle) and CB Ladarius Gunter (illness) are also questionable.
*Julio Jones (thumb, ankle) did not practice much this week, but he will play as usual. C Alex Mack picked up a calf injury on Wednesday and then missed practice both Thursday and Friday. He is officially questionable, but that practice progression suggests he is on the doubtful side of that tag. In better news, LG Andy Levitre (triceps) was left off the final report and should play. TE Levine Toilolo (knee) is out.
Chiefs @ Broncos
*Making their intentions perfectly clear, the Chiefs ruled out Tyreek Hill with a ?not injury related? tag after announcing Patrick Mahomes as the starter earlier in the week. It would also be a surprise if we saw much of Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt, although Hunt could be forced into more action than the Chiefs would like with both Charcandrick West (illness) and Akeem Hunt (shoulder) questionable. If he is healthy, West will likely handle the bulk of the work and is a good DFS option. CB Kenneth Acker (illness), T Cameron Erving (illness), OLB Tamba Hali (knee), DE Rakeem Nunez-Roches (illness), and LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (shoulder) are questionable and DT Bennie Logan (knee) is doubtful.
*Paxton Lynch is going to get the start, but he will be without both Emmanuel Sanders (ankle) and Cody Latimer (thigh). Demaryius Thomas should see a lot of targets, but it is tough to get excited about anyone on this offense aside from C.J. Anderson. DE Zach Kerr (ankle) is also out while OT Donald Stephenson (hand) is questionable.
Bengals @ Ravens
*In a bit of a surprise, Joe Mixon (ankle) was able to get in limited practices Thursday and Friday before being listed as questionable. If he plays, neither he nor Giovani Bernard will be exciting fantasy options. CB Williams Jackson (knee) is also questionable, LB Vontaze Burfict (shoulder) is doubtful, and LT Cedric Ogbuehi (shoulder) is out. Burfict sitting is a big boost for the Ravens? running game.
*Mike Wallace (knee) is officially listed as questionable, but he is going to play after practicing in full Thursday and Friday. RT Austin Howard (knee) and DT Brandon Williams (back) also got in full practices Friday, suggesting they will play through questionable tags as well. OG Jermaine Eluemunor (shoulder) and DT Patrick Reed (neck) round out the questionable list while Jeremy Maclin (knee) is doubtful.
Bills @ Dolphins
*Kelvin Benjamin (knee) was not even listed on the final report, but Deonte Thompson is questionable after picking up a shoulder injury in practice this week. OG Ryan Groy (illness) is also questionable while CB Shareece Wright (concussion) is out. In better news, CB E.J. Gaines (knee) will return.
*DeVante Parker (ankle) is officially questionable, but there is not any concern about him sitting following full practices on Thursday and Friday. TE MarQueis Gray (hip), DE Charles Harris (thigh), LB Neville Hewitt (hamstring), S T.J. McDonald (shoulder), S Michael Thomas (not injury related), CB Alterraun Verner (hamstring), and DE Cameron Wake (illness) are also questionable. QB Matt Moore (foot), LT Laremy Tunsil (ankle), and RB Damien Williams (shoulder) are doubtful.
Cardinals @ Seahawks
*Kerwynn Williams (quad, ribs, back) is officially questionable, but he will likely play after getting in three limited practices. His backup, Elijhaa Penny (hand, groin), is also questionable along with LB Josh Bynes (ankle), TE Troy Niklas (ankle), and OG Earl Watford (ankle).
*Jimmy Graham (knee) got his customary days off in practice this week, but, as usual, was left off the final report and will play. LG Luke Joeckel (foot), MLB Bobby Wagner (hamstring), and TE Luke Willson (ankle) are questionable. LB D.J. Alexander (concussion) and DT Nazair Jones (foot) are out.
Saints @ Bucs
*The Saints need a win to clinch the division, but they will have to do so without LT Terron Armstead (thigh). DE Trey Hendrickson (ankle) and TE Michael Hoomanawanui (concussion) are also out.
*DeSean Jackson (ankle, questionable) looks on track for a return following a limited week of practice, and Chris Godwin (ankle) also has a chance to play through a questionable tag after returning to a limited session on Friday. Cameron Brate (hip, knee) will almost certainly play, and DE Ryan Russell (shoulder) rounds out the questionable list. DE Robert Ayers (shoulder) and LB Devante Bond (ankle) are doubtful.
As per usual ...Thanks again for your effort IE...... Always appreciated.
Healthy, Happy New Year
Healthy, Happy New Year
