NFL Player News

Olave suffered the ankle issue in Week 14 and missed last week’s game because of it. He appeared to have a shot at suiting up but was ruled out after pre-game warmups. Getting the game off undoubtedly ensured that he would be able to play on a short week as the Saints play on Thursday. Olave will rank as a low-end WR1 in a matchup with the pass-funnel LA defense.

With 23 seconds left in the first half, Jordan Love threw a perfectly catchable pass to Watson, who was streaking through the green zone with his primary coverage defender safely behind him. The ball calamitously banged off of the third-year wide receiver’s hands before falling to the ground, incomplete. Love tried to get Watson back on track by targeting Watson through double-coverage on the next play but 49ers S Malik Mustapha dropped an otherwise easy pick. Watson was unable to find his footing after that. He is a volatile flex option against the Dolphins in Week 13.

With Noah Fant (groin) still out, Barner continued as the team’s primary pass-catching tight end. He saw four targets, primarily in the short-yardage area, finishing with three catches for 19 yards. Pharaoh Brown caught 2-of-2 targets for 19 yards next to Barner as both fill Fant’s pass-catching role. However, neither is fantasy relevant for Week 13 against the Jets.

Lockett’s role has shrunk throughout the season as Jaxon Smith-Njigba has earned more targets. He was targeted three times, good for fifth-highest on the team, turning that into two catches for 20 yards. The 32-year-old veteran is the clear No. 3 wide receiver on the team and his fantasy value is minimized as a result. Lockett will be a WR5 for Week 13 against the Jets.

Smith-Njigba continues to earn a high share of the Seahawks offense, making plays off screens, in motion, and from shallow crossers. It is becoming more clear that offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb likes using Smith-Njigba as a playmaker and he was the team’s most-targeted receiver on the day. He counted for the Seahawks’ sole offensive touchdown, catching a three-yard pass from Geno Smith in the first half. Smith-Njigba has WR2 upside against the Jets in Week 13.

Metcalf was targeted just five times on a lackluster day for the Seahawks offense. He had a clutch third-down 18-yard catch to midfield in the fourth quarter, but was silent for much of the rest of the game. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has earned more looks in offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s offense, denting the more downfield looks Metcalf gets. Metcalf is a fantasy WR2 against the Jets in Week 12.

Minshew’s left shoulder was driven into the ground hard while being sacked in the Raiders’ Week 12 loss to the Broncos. Minshew finishes 2024 with 2,013 passing yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions and rushed 19 times for 58 yards. He is under contract through 2025. Minshew was replaced by backup Desmond Ridder but former starter Aidan O’Connell (right thumb) could reportedly be activated from injured reserve next week.

Kraft blasted through contact on his first-drive score and averaged 13.0 yards after contact per reception across his two receptions. Kraft looked great on his two opportunities but, like his quarterback, Kraft was not needed in this one. Once he got his offense on the scoreboard, Kraft shifted into blocking mode. He is a TE1 against the Dolphins in Week 13.

Charbonnet continues to operate as the low-volume backup to Kenneth Walker. He finished the day with six carries, not seeing a target in the passing game. Most notably, Charbonnet got two carries inside the five-yard line over Walker, though he could not punch either touch in for the score. Charbonnet remains a high-value handcuff heading into Week 13.

Walker’s rushing day was inefficient, tallying 2.6 yards per carry against the Cardinals. He was taken off the field for a pair of Zach Charbonnet carries inside the five-yard line and ended the game without a score. Fantasy managers will be satisfied with his four receptions for 52 yards boosting his fantasy production as he remains a key checkdown target for Geno Smith. Receiving production keeps Walker’s floor high as he enters Week 13 as an RB1 against the Jets.

Reed was the Packers’ featured pass catcher on the opening drive, earning all three of his Week 12 targets in that sequence. Reed was notably the first read on Tucker Kraft’s first-drive touchdown but Love quickly passed over him, opting instead for his jumbo-sized target. Reed added 20 yards on two punt returns. Reed is a WR2/3 against the Dolphins in Week 13.