Fantasy Sports

Etienne got in a trio of limited sessions in his preparation for Monday Night Football, with previous reports indicating there is optimism that the second-year back will be able to play against the Bengals. Final word will come 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

Higgins missed the previous three contests for the Bengals, returning to a very different situation than the one he left with quarterback Joe Burrow done for the season. Volume should continue to be an issue for the Bengals primary pass-catchers with Jake Browning under center, leaving Higgins in the WR3/4 range for the remainder of the season.

McKinnon was previously expected to play on Sunday Night Football against the Packers but was ultimately ruled out for the second consecutive game as he tends to a groin injury. Running back Deneric Prince was elevated in a corresponding move.

This was purely procedural as it was already announced that Flacco would serve as the starting quarterback against the Rams. Flacco was one of the least efficient quarterbacks in the league during his stints with the Broncos and Jets over the previous four seasons, but his efficiency metrics still give this team a better chance of winning than P.J. Walker. Either way, expect the Browns to emphasize the ground game for as long as possible against the prevent defense of the Rams.

This became the most logical outcome after Higgins returned to full practice on Friday. Sidelined since Week 9, Higgins is returning to an entirely different offensive environment after Joe Burrow was lost for the season. Even with six teams on bye this week, Higgins is best left outside the top 36 at receiver.

Howe added that the Pats have prepared a package of plays for Malik Cunningham. Zappe didn’t do much after replacing Mac Jones in Week 12. He took over at halftime and threw for 54 scoreless yards and an interception. Normally that wouldn’t earn a player the starting nod in the following week, but with the alternative of crawling back to Jones looking equally as unappealing, Bill Belichick will give Zappe a shot versus the Chargers. The move doesn’t change much for the offense’s outlook. For fantasy purposes, DeVante Parker is a lowly WR6 while Hunter Henry remains stuck in the TE2 ranks.

Ertz’s tank has been running low for some time, but the Eagles have vanishingly little pass-catching depth behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and injured starting TE Dallas Goedert. Goedert does seem likely to return from his arm injury in Week 14, but Ertz — who reportedly wants to play for a Super Bowl contender — would be a no-brainer addition for his experience and reliable hands even if he’s no longer a big-play threat. Ertz would not have TE2 fantasy value in Philly unless Goedert were to remain sidelined longer than expected. Expert Ertz to sign somewhere following Week 13’s Sunday contests.

The 2021 first-rounder somehow ended up missing three months with his hamstring ailment. It was just the latest injury blow for a talented corner who has now missed 29 of a possible 46 NFL games. The back end of the Panthers’ defense has performed reasonably well in Horn’s absence, stamping out big plays. Horn absolutely has to gain some career momentum down the stretch of this lost Carolina season.

“When we’re doing special teams and he’s not in there, he goes over and works with Pat,” Reid said of the rookie wideout. “They talk through things, then they run routes (and Mahomes says) ‘This is the look where I’m seeing you on this route against this coverage.’ They spend time with each other there and then off the field, likewise. In meetings they keep an open communication there, so it’s something that is needed, especially with a young receiver. ... He’s getting better every week. He’s getting a little bit more production, yes, but also a few more plays and opportunities to get in the game.” This is Reid’s long way of saying Rice could build off his Week 12 “breakout.” There could still be a few more growing pains with a developing first-year receiver, but his big plays could help flip fantasy playoff matchups as a WR3.

Kickers, we know, but fill-in Matt Ammendola has been extremely shaky for the contending Texans. He has converted just 3-of-6 field goal attempts in the reliable Fairbairn’s absence. Fairbairn has been streamer worthy when healthy this season.