NFL Player News

Rucker has spent time with the Jaguars, Browns, Bucs, Eagles, and Cowboys since being drafted in the 2008 fourth round. Once billed as a potential mismatch tight end with receiving skills, Rucker is trying to earn another contract.

Foreman may have exited this game as the Browns’ only healthy running back. Both Jerome Ford (ankle) and Pierre Strong Jr. (head) suffered injuries and Ford logged just one offensive snap after returning. Foreman is a touchdown-dependent RB4 against the Ravens in Week 17.

Ford suffered an apparent ankle sprain, possibly eversion, in the first half and initially struggled to put any weight on it. He was taken to the locker room and the broadcast later announced Ford’s impending return but it was only nominal. He tallied just one offensive snap in the second half. Ford was essentially a ghost in the second half. He looked great on a 19-yard run up the middle early on though. Fantasy managers should treat him as a shaky RB4 against the Ravens in Week 18.

Moore was stuck in the fantasy-unfriendly role of being the only Browns pass catcher to be consistently sent on downfield routes. He (12.5 yards) was the only player to earn an aDOT greater than 7.0 yards and Dorian Thompson-Robinson was simply not ready to meet Moore halfway. Moore cannot be started against the Ravens in Week 18.

Akins was tough for Dolphins defenders to bring down, flashing the size-speed traits that have kept him in the league for his age-32 season. Akins is unlikely to repeat the feat against the Ravens’ defense in Week 18 but he could be TE2-viable.

Fantasy managers would typically be disappointed by a three-drop performance from Jeudy but his 12-reception total helps offset the gaffes. Jeudy displayed fancy feet and spatial awareness on the Browns’ final drive, carving up the Dolphins’ prevent defense while helpfully catching 4-of-4 targets for 31 yards along the way. The 12-play sequence ultimately resulted in a turnover on downs but may have won a few fantasy championships for Jeudy managers. He is a highly volatile WR3 against the Ravens in Week 18.

Jerry Jeudy committed at least two costly drops but he can only take so much blame for Thompson-Robinson’s 23 incompletions. Thompson-Robinson is simply not a qualified starter, averaging just 3.8 yards per passing attempt over the last three weeks. Thompson-Robinson’s fumble occurred on a textbook strip-sack from Emmanuel Ogbah. The Browns’ fill-in starter should not be in fantasy lineups against the Ravens in Week 18.

Wilson is not a fantasy factor at this time but he did get to play some in the second half. He was aggravatingly on-field for Tyler Huntley’s red zone touchdown scamper, taking high-value snaps away from De’Von Achane. Wilson should not be started in Week 18 against the Jets.

Mostert contributed little from a fantasy perspective though his 24 offensive snaps were only eight fewer than Achane on the day. The slightly tilted game script was a factor. The trusty football player is not fantasy-relevant entering a Week 18 matchup against the Jets. The 8-8 Dolphins remain on the playoff bubble and will likely feature Achance, if possible.

The Browns’ defense had little reason to respect the Dolphins’ passing attack with Tyler Huntley under center so it was easy for them to focus on the typically potent rushing attack. Achane operated as the offensive focal point early on, touching the ball seven times in the first quarter which led all Dolphins players by five. The overall offensive inefficiency elevated Tyreek Hill to the featured role after that. Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. then combined for 22 second-half snaps, relegating Achane to just eight. Achane remains a high-upside RB1 against the Jets next week though, particularly if Tua Tagovailoa (hip) can play.

Smith was nearly a ghost for three-and-a-half quarters, entering the game’s final four minutes with just 19 yards on two receptions. The typically-reliable tight end made good on his season-long promise though, icing the game with a late seven-yard score. He remains a TE1 entering a Week 18 matchup against the Jets.