NFL Player News

Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger was the first to report the story. The former Chiefs offensive coordinator has now gone one-and-done in back-to-back seasons with the Commanders (2023) and UCLA Bruins (2024). Things never clicked for Bieniemy at UCLA, as his offense ranked 126th among 134 FBS schools in points per game (18.4), and 117th in offensive yards per game (328.8). Once a popular name in NFL coaching cycles, it’s safe to say the shine has worn off Bieniemy over the last two years. He’ll likely draw interest from NFL clubs next offseason, but the two-time Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator may not be in charge of offensive play-calling at his next landing spot.

The Panthers couldn’t get much going in this game and whenever they did, it was because Bryce Young was finding Adam Thielen for a big play. The veteran wideout went for 110 yards and two scores. Coker’s 35 yards were good for second-most on the team. After erupting for 110 yards and a score two weeks ago, Coker has been held in check for both of his appearances. He has four catches for 43 yards in total over the past two weeks. Coming off a two-target game, Coker is not on the fantasy radar for Week 18.

It was a “brick wall” kind of afternoon for the rookie, who gained 40 of his 59 yards on one first quarter carry. Elsewhere, he had six handles lose yardage. This, against a Colts defense that had been getting shredded by the run. Of course, Indy switched to getting shredded by the pass on Sunday. Tracy also had a really lax fumble that was thankfully recovered by the G-Men. Having an uninspiring stretch run in a bottom-basement offensive environment, Tracy has lost his early-season momentum. Already 25 years old, he’s not shaping up to be an elite dynasty league prospect, though there is still undeniable upside here.

Okonkwo also added an end-around carry for 17 yards. He has been Mason Rudolph’s’ favorite target since Rudolph took over as the starter, and that continued against the Jaguars. Okonkwo drew a defensive pass interference on the first Titans pass play of the game and led the team with seven targets. He was wide open on the Titans’ final drive, but Rudolph just missed him on the sideline for what would have likely been a touchdown. Instead, Nick Vannett was the tight end who had an eight-yard score earlier in the game. Okonkwo finishes with a solid 5/42 receiving line, with 17 rushing yards. He is in the back-end TE1 mix against the Texans for those still in fantasy matchups Week 18.

Legette easily led the Panthers in targets but failed to do anything with the inflated role. Adam Thielen was far more productive on six looks, five of which he caught for 110 yards and two scores. Legette entered Sunday listed as questionable because of groin and hip issues and looked the part of a rookie playing hurt. He was sluggish with the ball in his hands and failed to win contested looks. Even coming off a 32 percent target share, Legette is a high-risk WR4 for his final game of the year against Atlanta.

Blackshear drew the start with Chuba Hubbard out for the final two weeks of the season. He out-carried Mike Boone 8-2, though Boone was the only back to see a target. On the receiving end of a blowout, Carolina had no chance to establish a ground game, dooming Blackshear in his first start of the year. Blackshear will be a desperation RB4 when the Panthers travel to Atlanta for their 2024 finale next week.

The fourth 100-yard game of Pierce’s career was his third of 2024 and first since Week 5. It also came after he missed Week 16 with a concussion. That impressive statline doesn’t even include the 44-yard DPI Pierce drew in the second quarter. That play, frankly, should have gone down as a Pierce drop despite Banks’ clear interference. Pierce’s score was an unusually short 13-yarder where Joe Flacco made a perfect timing pass into the end zone. As volatile as it gets with an uncertain quarterback situation heading into Week 18, Pierce will at least have an A+ matchup in the Jaguars.

Boyd was questionable to play due to a foot injury but wound up playing after not practicing all week. He was once again operating out of the slot, snagging a pair of seven-yard receptions on the day. Boyd’s role in the lackluster Titans offense does not yield much fantasy upside and he should remain out of fantasy consideration for Week 18 against the Texans.

Tucker was used sparingly before the Bucs pulled their starters. Seven of his attempts came on the final drive with Kyle Trask under center. He could see more run late in Week 18 with a dreadful Saints squad on tap, but fantasy managers shouldn’t bank on that in their lineups.

Durham drew the start with Cade Otton sidelined once again. He didn’t see many targets but made the most of his increased role by reeling in his first career touchdown. The Panthers’ secondary lost Durham in the back of the end zone for an easy touchdown toss by Baker Mayfield. Durham will hang around the TE2 for another week if Cade Otton remains out with his knee issue.

Westbrook-Ikhine is the Titans’ No. 2 perimeter receiving option, though the Titans’ offense does not yield many high-leverage opportunities. This makes Westrbook-Ikhine’s role a boom-or-bust fantasy play, and in this case he converted half of his targets for a middling 37 yards. He was the target on Mason Rudolph’s last pass of the day, but the play was broken up in the end zone. Westbrook-Ikhine can remain out of fantasy consideration for Week 18.