NFL Player News

The closest thing the Rams have to a No. 2 running back behind Darrell Henderson now that they are moving on from Cam Akers, Brown out-touched new No. 3 Ronnie Rivers 8-2. Coach Sean McVay does now have his bye week to think about how he wants to deploy his backs. It’s far from a guarantee Brown will be able to hold off Rivers or another waiver claim/practice squad promotion in perpetuity.

Johnson wasn’t overly involved in this contest, earning a measly 15 percent target share. He was, however, wildly efficient, burning the Titans for gains of 30 and 39 yards. Johnson finished the day second on the team in catches and yards. Johnson’s numbers have all increased under Tyler Shough, and the rookie is getting hot down the stretch. Johnson will be in the TE1 mix one final time in Week 18 versus the Falcons.

Dart refrained from running until the Giants’ fourth drive, in which he totaled three carries for 21 yards and one touchdown. He somehow avoided a concussion check after his 12-yard touchdown run despite getting sandwiched by two defenders as he entered the end zone. Dart ran a little more freely after that, and the Giants even called a few designed runs today, including one on a fake handoff that went for a two-yard touchdown scamper late in the fourth quarter. His passing box score leaves a little to be desired, but his connection with slot WR Wan’Dale Robinson is something to get excited about for 2026. Dart is a QB1 against the Cowboys next week.

Mason Tipton was out with a groin injury this week, freeing up some extra routes for Austin and Dante Pettis. Both players posted solid box scores, but Pettis fumbled the ball at the goal line, coughing up his chance to find the end zone. Austin cashed in late in the fourth quarter with a touchdown grab from 10 yards out. Austin will have some WR5 life in Week 18 if Tipton remains out.

Coker led the team in receiving, if you want to know how today went for the Panthers’ passing attack. Although he’s attained clear No. 2 status in the offense, Coker is still struggling to post meaningful fantasy lines. That could change for Week 18 vs. the Bucs’ pass-funnel defense.

With the game tied 3-3 in the third quarter, Hubbard’s fumble came one play after Sam Darnold tossed a red zone interception. He touched the ball only two times thereafter, but it would be a stretch to say he was benched. For the game, he was out-touched 15-7 by Rico Dowdle. Rico should remain the 1A back for next weekend’s colossal tilt with the Bucs.

Kittle was though to be “highly unlikely” to play after injuring his ankle a week ago, ultimately unable to suit up against the Bears. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will make his return to the lineup after missing Week 16. Also inactive for the 49ers are WR Jordan Watkins, DL Robert Beal Jr, RB Isaac Guerendo, DL Kevin Givens, CB Renardo Green, and LB Curtis Robinson.

Moore was one of many Chicago players to come down with the flu that has been ripping through the league this week but he ultimately felt well enough to suit up for Sunday Night Football. The same can’t be said for wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, who is inactive. Also inactive for the Bears are QB Case Keenum, WR Rome Odunze, CB Dallis Flowers, OL Luke Newman, DB Nick McCloud, and LB Ruben Hyppolite II.

Estime ceded the first carry of the day to Taysom Hill. After Hill easily out-carried him last week, it looked like that would be the case again versus Tennessee. The Saints quickly threw in the towel on Hill and handed the backfield over to Estime. He punctuated a solid day with a 32-yard sprint into the end zone in the fourth quarter. The touchdown gave New Orleans an eight-point lead that Tennessee never erased. Estime should hold this role into Week 18, giving him some RB2 juice versus the Falcons.

One of Kupp’s missed connections was a ball he coughed up for a near-interception following a mammoth hit. Held under 50 yards in seven straight appearances, Kupp is not percolating ahead of Week 18 against the 49ers.

Williams has seemingly overtaken John Metchie as the Jets’ No. 2 receiver. He has 14 catches over the past three weeks to Metchie’s eight. Williams’ late-season surge has been impressive, but it’s more impactful for his future earnings than it is for fantasy managers. He is buried in the WR5/6 range heading into the final week of the year.