NFL Player News

Smith finishes his second NFL campaign with 22 catches for 296 yards and two touchdowns. He ranked third on the team in receiving yards but was one of just two Carolina wideouts to appear in all 17 games. The former sixth-round pick was stuck in a rotational role all year. There are multiple players standing between him and a starting job heading into 2023.

Warren was limited for Pittsburgh’s first practice of the week on Tuesday. A full session before the final report means he will be good to go for Saturday’s game. The Steelers can still win the AFC North with a win and a Baltimore loss, so we will see all of their starters for the regular season finale. Coming off a 16-touch, 115-yard game versus the Chiefs, Warren is finally in the RB2 ranks, just in time to help zero fantasy managers.

Brooks and Emanuel Wilson have been used interchangeably in the No. 2 RB role for weeks now. With the Packers’ playoff spot safely secured and Josh Jacobs dealing with a wrist issue, Wilson makes for a smart bench stash. Both Brooks and Jacobs could be considered fully healthy by week’s end but as things currently stand, Wilson could have an above-average workload on Sunday.

Richardson has been dealing with back spasms for years. Per the quarterback himself, they rendered him unable to walk or stand at some points last week. While things are obviously not bad this week if he hasn’t been ruled out yet, a DNP on Wednesday speaks for itself. Joe Flacco is on track to start for the Colts’ season finale versus the Jaguars. The soon-to-be 40-year-old will be a volume-based QB2 for a great matchup with a dreadful Jacksonville defense.

The Packers have already clinched a playoff spot though they could still improve their seeding. Jacobs has functioned as the team’s offensive focal point though so fantasy managers should expect the team to prioritize his health for a Super Bowl run unless otherwise stated. Hopefully, he practices in full tomorrow and this is a non-issue.

Johnson was waived by the Ravens a few weeks ago. The Texans were awarded him on waivers with a few other teams putting in claims as well. He will likely get a few reps early in the game with the starters before Houston pulls their first-team offense. They have nothing to play for this week and won’t risk more than a handful of drives as their offense tries to find its footing heading into the playoffs.

The Packers listed Watson as questionable last week despite the lanky wide receiver’s inability to practice at all. He still has a chance to suit up for Week 18 but the Packers have already clinched a playoff spot so giving him Watson another week off could in the cards. His availability on Thursday and Friday should clarify the situation.

Conner entered Week 17 with a knee issue and didn’t make it far before being shut down. He re-aggravated the injury after four carries and did not return. His season comes to a close with 236 carries for 1,094 yards and eight touchdowns. While it was another strong season for the veteran, he went from averaging 80 rushing yards per game in 2023 to 68 this year. On the other hand, Conner more than made up for the slight downturn in rushing production with 47 receptions for 414 yards and a touchdown through the air, dwarfing his 2023 receiving numbers. Late-season injury aside, Conner showed no signs of slowing in his age-29 season and even earned a two-year contract extension mid-season. He could cede more work to Trey Benson next year, but Conner is still firmly in the RB2 mix heading into 2025.

McVay said Stafford will get a rest week. Other starters will join him on the bench as well. Garoppolo will take his first live snap since Week 8 of the 2023 season during his failed stint in Las Vegas. With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua presumably among those resting in Week 18, Garoppolo is on the QB2/3 border for fantasy purposes this week.