Rivers and the Colts traded blows with the 49ers throughout the first half, with the aging veteran connecting with Alec Pierce for two scores before the break. The Colts would struggle to keep the momentum rolling into the second half while managing just 10 points after the break, but many will likely be left with the memory of the surgical precision the 44-year-old showed to open the game rather than the couple of under-thrown balls late. The Colts were eliminated from the postseason with the loss, potentially signaling a change back to rookie Riley Leonard under center for the team’s final two games of the regular season. Either way, Rivers’ return to the league after five years will go down as one of the crazier storylines of the 2025 season and should only pad his chances of heading to the Hall of Fame.

McCaffrey was once again the primary cog of the offense, this time dismantling a top five run defense in the Colts - albeit one dealing with numerous injuries. He hit the century mark on the ground for only the third time this season while adding two receiving touchdowns to his ledger, the second of which was a gift from the fantasy Gods after backup tight end Jake Tonges appeared to get both feet down in the end zone for what would ahve been his fifth score of the season, only for the refs to miss it on the field and for head coach Kyle Shanahan to run a play instead of throwing the challenge flag. McCaffrey and the 49ers can earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC with wins against the Bears and Seahawks the next two weeks.

The 49ers leaned on running back Christian McCaffrey heavily throughout but the touchdown variance swung hard in Purdy’s favor, tossing two scores to McCaffrey, one to George Kittle, one to Demarcus Robinson, and capping it off with one to Jauan Jennings. Purdy’s only blemish went down as a tipped ball interception in the fourth quarter but the defense would add a pick-six on the following possession for the team’s highest scoring output of the season as they keep their eyes fixed on the No. 1 seed. They’ll need to beat the Bears and Seahawks in the final two weeks to secure the only bye out of the NFC, which begins on a short week when they host Chicago in Week 17.

Kittle tweaked his ankle near the end of the third quarter and was almost immediately labeled questionable to return. He erupted for 115 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions in under three quarters prior to departing. Look for Jauan Jennings to step up for the remainder of the game if Kittle can’t return with Ricky Pearsall also out.

Metcalf will have a chance to appeal the league’s decision and plans to do so, but if the two-game suspension is upheld, the Steelers’ WR1 will miss Week 17 against the Browns and Week 18 against the Ravens. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero notes that Metcalf reported the same fan to security last season after an interaction with the fan while he was with the Seahawks, but things escalated this time, as Metcalf could be seen pulling the fan’s shirt and later swiping at him before walking away. The Steelers currently sit at 9-6 on the season and are in first place in the AFC North. They can secure their spot in the playoffs with a win on Sunday.

It’s an estimated report, but it’s a new listing. St. Brown played through the entire game with the injury, notably being called for a game-ending offensive pass interference penalty on the final play. Lions coach Dan Campbell said he’s “hopeful it’s just irritation from yesterday’s game.” This will be a developing situation to watch ahead of Week 17’s finals in most leagues. We’d tentatively expect St. Brown to play based on him finishing last week’s game and the Lions absolutely needing the game to stay alive in the playoff chase, but it is a short week.

“He’s in there getting treatment,” Harbaugh helpfully added. Jackson’s status for Week 17 is probably in some doubt at this point, but we’d be surprised if he didn’t try to give it a go against the Packers given the Ravens need to win to have a chance to win the AFC North. Now, whether fantasy managers should trust him at this point is — and we can’t believe we’re typing this — perhaps a different story.

Maye also coughed the football up twice, losing one fumble, which was nothing a fourth quarter comeback could not erase. The second-year quarterback led the charge for the first New England come-from-behind victory from 11 down in the fourth quarter since their Super Bowl win over the Falcons, sparking “MVP” chants from the Patriots faithful that traveled for the game. The 380 yards through the air marked the first game this season with more than 300 passing yards for Maye as the Patriots clinched a playoff berth with the win. Maye made several spectacular throws, the most impressive of which was a 37-yard dime down the sideline to beat double coverage for a touchdown to rookie Kyle Williams. Maye and the Patriots get a full week of rest before traveling to face the reeling Jets in Week 17.

Meyers had a somewhat quiet game after five straight fantasy-viable outings as the Jaguars’ No. 1 receiver. He again served as Trevor Lawrence’s main intermediate target while Parker Washington dominated air yards and led the Jags with 145 yards and a touchdown. Meyers’ eight targets were second to Washington’s 10 targets; Brian Thomas Jr. had just two looks on the day. Meyers, who had been targeted on 25 percent of his routes going into Week 16, should be a playable WR2/3 option in Week 17 against the Colts thanks in part to the pass-first nature of the Jacksonville offense.

Henderson had his head hit the turf hard on a routine tackle in the second quarter and was evaluated for a concussion. The team initially failed to provide an update after the half but the rookie back was ruled out half way through the third quarter. Henderson managed three yards on five carries and nine yards on one reception prior to departing. Rhamondre Stevenson figures to factor heavily into the second half game plan in a tight game.