In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by New Era:
We’re used to chaos at the RB position, but the QBs are sure giving them a run for their money as we head into Week 16.
First, the Browns made the bizarre decision to start Dorian Thompson-Robinson and then the Falcons dropped the bombshell that they’d be benching Kirk Cousins in favor of their rookie, Michael Penix Jr.
But it doesn’t stop there, here are some other shake-ups to be aware of …
Patrick Mahomes practiced in full?! My lean on Tuesday was that he would sit on a short week with a high ankle sprain, but now it sounds like he will play on Saturday vs. the Texans. We have him ranked as mid-range QB2, but this is obviously good news for anyone starting Travis Kelce or Xavier Worthy.
The Titans are turning to Mason Rudolph. The passing game has submarined in the past few weeks with Will Levis, so this can only be a positive for Calvin Ridley and Co.
Our Desmond Ridder nightmare might be over? As someone who could have used a little more from Brock Bowers on Monday, AOC returning is a week late … but good news nonetheless.
Can Drew Lock get Malik Nabers the ball? The musical chairs at Giants QB continue with Lock back at the helm. I don’t care who it is as long as they understand the mission, which is feeding Nabers targets until his hands are calloused.
For other risers/fallers this week, check out Dwain’s piece below …
What else is in today’s newsletter?
- Stat of the Day: A Perfect WR Matchup?
- Watercooler: Cryptic WR post alert!
- Trivia: Who doesn’t like a good donut?
Interested in reading the full Fantasy Life Newsletter? Subscribe for free below to get it delivered directly to your inbox, every single day:
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Fly Eagles Seahawks, Fly
- By Matt LaMarca
STAT: The Vikings have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing receivers
The Seahawks haven’t had a ton of elite production at receiver of late, but they still have two high-end talents at the position. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was drafted in the first round two years ago, while DK Metcalf remains an absolute freak of nature.
Unfortunately, it’s unclear who both players are going to be catching passes from in Week 16. Geno Smith left last week’s game vs. the Packers with a knee injury, putting his status in jeopardy. However, head coach Mike Macdonald said the team got positive results from the early tests, and they’re optimistic that he’ll be able to suit up vs. the Vikings.
As long as Smith is active, JSN and Metcalf both stand out as strong targets in an elite matchup. The Vikings have allowed the most PPR points per game to opposing receivers, and both guys are seeing excellent utilization in this offense. Smith-Njibga has been slightly better from a target perspective of late, but Metcalf has been superior in terms of air yards.
Ultimately, both guys have the potential to finish in the top 10 in receiver scoring for the week.
The latest fantasy nuggets, silliness, and NFL gossip from our merry band of football nerds:
😈 It’s fantasy football punishment season. Attacking the body, mind, and soul.
🐬 Can anyone translate this Tyreek Hill post? Feels ominous.
🤝 Kyler Murray is guaranteeing a TD for him? Oh boy …
😡 Here we go again … please no, I can’t.
🚑️ Keep tabs on this DNP. Not great.
🙏 Good news for this Dolphins WR … after a huge scare on Sunday.
🐻 Sure the Bears are a mess … but this revenge narrative has some FLEX appeal this week.
Welcome back! As always, here is the answer to yesterday’s question (Who are the eight other players with at least 2,000 rushing yards in a single season?):
A: Derrick Henry (2020), Adrian Peterson (2012), Chris Johnson (2009), Jamal Lewis (2003), Terrell Davis (1998), Barry Sanders (1997), Eric Dickerson (1984), O.J. Simpson (1973)
Now … onto today’s Fantasy Life Trivia question, with a look back to last week’s TNF game before tonight’s!
Q: The Rams managed to beat the 49ers with zero touchdowns on Thursday Night Football, but that’s not quite as rare as you think. Can you name the other three teams to win games without putting the ball in the end zone this season?
