Eleven games on the docket tomorrow, plus the usual big one on Monday. As always, let's run through the most notable fantasy storyline I'm tracking for each team, highlighting fantasy-relevant players whose values could shift in the next 48-72 hours.
Titans (+1) vs. Colts -- When Tennessee traded A.J. Brown on the opening night of the 2022 draft, did they feel pressure to draft Treylon Burks early? Or was it the right move at the time? The young and mostly unproven receiver is expected to return, and these next few weeks he might be auditioning for a guaranteed top-two starting WR role in September 2024. For Indy, can Zack Moss recapture his early-season magic when Jonathan Taylor was sidelined (and is once again sidelined)?
Patriots (+5.5) vs. Chargers -- Picking the Chargers to win a close one, and it might hinge partly on Quentin Johnston. Managers are justified to give up on him. That said, in what's looking increasingly like a doomed season, he's an important piece to develop ahead of next season. And for New England, will Bailey Zappe be a meaningful improvement over Mac Jones. If he can move the offense better through the air, it should help Rhamondre Stevenson and at least one receiver.
Saints (+4) vs. Lions -- Not sure why I'm taking New Orleans to win. Actually, yes I do. Detroit has been excellent against the run, but is exposable versus the pass. Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave could combine for 225 receiving yards in this one (no exaggeration). I want to see if rookie A.T. Perry steps up, and if 2022 first-rounder Jameson Williams can take a long-awaited step forward in the consistency department.
Jets (+2) vs. Falcons -- When Aaron Rodgers started saying he might be back in mid-December, I thought it was crazy talk, mostly because the Jets probably would be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs by then. But if they do win another game this season, it'll probably be tomorrow. In other words, yes, I think they'll win, though it probably won't be pretty. Breece Hall is the x-factor versus a D that's yielding the second-fewest RB fantasy points per game. And for Atlanta, Kyle Pitts is the TE19 in fantasy points per game, just behind journeyman teammate Jonnu Smith. Is Pitts droppable in all leagues?
Steelers (-6.5) vs. Cardinals -- It was Pat Freiermuth Appreciation Day last Sunday, as the young TE broke loose. Remember, he was the TE13 as a 2021 rookie and the TE7 last year. While another breakout seems unlikely, he's far better than his earlier-season numbers suggest. And for Arizona, is Greg Dortch the temporary #1 fantasy WR?
Commanders (+9.5) vs. Dolphins -- Miami gets a favorable matchup for their offense, which should lead them to victory. How will the seemingly fragile De'Von Achane be utilized, with the understanding that the 'Fins probably will need him more in the postseason? And can Sam Howell continue to feed at least two of his receivers? It's quite a coup for a team that only a year ago was ravaged by inconsistent QBs.
Texans (-3) vs. Broncos -- Two surprising 6-5 teams. Should be a fascinating game. C.J. Stroud is the fifth-highest-scoring fantasy QB. Is his near-elite status now secure? And for Denver, Samaje Perine is a thorn in Javonte Williams' side, and after a couple of big performances, Williams has looked pedestrian in four straight, despite frequently heavy workloads. Will he remain the clear-cut bell cow, or will Perine (eight touches in back-to-back contests) push for a bigger role?
Buccaneers (-5.5) vs. Panthers -- Can Chris Godwin get going, and if healthy, can Jonathan Mingo continue to wrest the #1 WR job away from Adam Thielen, who was playing in college when Mingo was a second-grader?
Rams (-3.5) vs. Browns -- If the Rams make the playoffs and the Browns don't . . . what a story that would be. L.A. is relatively healthy and coming on strong. Cleveland is limping to the finish line, hoping that the 38-year-old Joe Flacco (if he's confirmed as the starter) can produce a little more magic. Flacco's abilities will have dramatic impacts on multiple Cleveland fantasy skill players. And can Cooper Kupp look a little more like vintage Kupp? Doubtful, but you never know . . .
Eagles (+3) vs. 49ers -- A titanic battle. Can A.J. Brown return to greatness, or should we be concerned that he'll be only "good/great" rather than elite? And for San Francisco, Brandon Aiyuk had 6+ targets in his first seven games. Since then, he's seen three looks, then six, and most recently, four. His numbers remain terrific, largely because of three straight games with a score. But will his low-volume play continue?
Packers (+6) vs. Chiefs -- Picking K.C. to win by less than a touchdown. Rashee Rice finally crushed it last week. Is he now the unquestioned alpha? Presumably, yes. But this is Kansas City, so it's hard to measure after one big game. And should fantasy managers start A.J. Dillon as a top-24 RB? His yards-after-contact and broken-tackle rate have plummeted since 2021. There might be several non-Dillon reasons for those declines. And yet, we're left wondering if volume will be enough for the former weekly fantasy streamer.
Jaguars (-8.5) vs. Bengals -- Tee Higgins is questionable. Managers with Ja'Marr Chase have to hope Higgins sits. Otherwise, it's quite possible that no Cincy WR will exceed 10 fantasy points. And for the Jags, I'd discussed Travis Etienne and D'Ernest Johnson a lot in recent weeks. Etienne has struggled on the ground in the last six games, and Johnson hasn't been any better in a supporting role. But . . . Etienne never exceeded 207 carries in any of his four college campaigns. He hit 250 last year (including the playoffs) and is on pace for 300 during this regular season. Be aware that the Jags almost assuredly are aware, too, and that they might get Johnson more work, especially if Jacksonville wins this one comfortably.