Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is officially a healthy scratch for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans. Rookie Riley Leonard will make the start to close out the year, with Seth Henigan set to work as the backup. The Colts brought the 44-year-old Rivers out of retirement after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. Rivers was unable to save Indy's season, losing all three of his starts against the Seahawks, 49ers, and Jaguars. He completed 63% of his 92 pass attempts for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in his three games played. Rivers predictably struggled with his arm strength, but he wasn't terrible. The eight-time Pro Bowler already announced that he'll be retiring for a second time following this weekend's game.

From RotoBaller

Retired quarterback Philip Rivers is expected to field interest as a head coaching candidate during the upcoming NFL hiring cycle, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. While Rivers retired from playing in the NFL for a second time last week, it appears he could return to the league very soon in a coaching capacity. Rapoport writes that "the current belief is Rivers gets at least one opportunity to interview, possibly more." As it stands, only the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants have head coaching vacancies. However, teams like the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons could all have openings after the regular season wraps up. Rivers, who went 58-for-92 passing with 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions from Week 15 through Week 17, already has experience in coaching. He spent time coaching at the high school level between his two NFL stints. Of course, there's a big difference between taking interviews and actually being offered a head coaching job, so it's far from guaranteed that we see Rivers back on NFL sidelines next season. Nevertheless, it sounds like there's real interest from pro teams.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard will start under center in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Houston Texans, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Seth Henigan will be the No. 2 QB. Philip Rivers, who started the team's last three games, is TBD as far as being active. The 44-year-old came out of retirement to help replace Daniel Jones (Achilles), but now that the Colts are out of the playoff picture, they'll take a look at Leonard in Week 18 with an eye toward the future. Rivers already announced that he will retire for a second time following the conclusion of this weekend's games. Arm strength was certainly an issue for Rivers in his return to football in 2025, although he managed to stay healthy and keep the Colts competitive. The eight-time Pro Bowler completed 63% of his pass attempts for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in three games.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers retired for the second time on the Up & Adams Show on Wednesday. The 44-year-old veteran signal-caller came out of retirement to play for the Colts again this year after Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles in Week 14. The eight-time Pro Bowler was immediately thrust into the starting role for Indy after having last played a game in the NFL in 2020. Rivers ended up starting three games for the Colts in his return, going 58-for-92 (63%) for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in losses to the Seahawks, 49ers, and Jaguars. He held his own, but there understandably wasn't much left on his passes after five years away from the game. With the Colts eliminated from the playoffs, they'll give rookie Riley Leonard a chance in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Houston Texans, and Rivers will return to his big family.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts QB Philip Rivers completed 17-of-30 passes for 147 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in the Week 17 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Fantasy Spin: With the Colts eliminated from the playoffs, the veteran Rivers might have played the last down of his career again. Riley Leonard is likely start in Week 18, as the team gives him valuable hands-on experience to get an early jump on 2026 evaluation.

From TheHuddle

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is set to make his third start of the 2025 season in Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since being called out of retirement in early December, the 44-year-old has held his own. Across two games, Rivers has completed 66.1% of his pass attempts for 397 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. While Rivers offers zero production upside with his legs, he proved he could still be efficient as a passer by averaging 7.9 yards per attempt in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 17, Rivers will face a Jaguars defense that ranks 18th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,492) and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (26). Jacksonville ranks 6th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1), so Indianapolis may be forced to turn to the air more often than they would like. With the potential for a pass-heavy game script, Rivers profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 option in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers has entered streaming territory ahead of his Week 17 tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite not appearing in an NFL game since the 2020 season, the 44-year-old has looked quite comfortable in the Indianapolis offense and has flashed solid upside for fantasy. In his season debut in Week 15, Rivers faced a tough Seattle defense and went 18-for-27 with 120 yards and a 1:1 TD:INT. However, on Monday evening, Rivers took a massive step forward, going 23-for-35 with 277 yards, two scores, and just one interception during their loss to the 49ers. On Sunday, Rivers has a very favorable matchup against a Jaguars defense that is allowing the ninth-most PPR points to opposing QBs. Rivers carries high-end QB2 upside and viable streaming appeal for those in deeper 12+ team one-QB formats.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers will remain the starting quarterback for the Week 17 matchup against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed on Tuesday that Rivers would make his third straight start this weekend. The 44-year-old has earned himself another start after a promising outing during Monday's blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Rivers has performed fairly well against two tough teams and will get at least one more start with the Colts technically still in playoff contention. The veteran signal-caller will be on the lower end of the streaming radar for this Sunday's game against the streaking Jags. In Monday night's loss to San Fran, Rivers went 23-for-35 passing for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

From RotoBaller

Week 17 Defense (DST) Streamers: Add the Patriots DST for Championship Week Jonathan Fuller highlights his top three DST streaming options for the Week 17 fantasy football championship slate. [Read More]

From FantasyLife

Indianapolis Colts QB Philip Rivers completed 23 of 35 passes for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16. With the game out of hand late, Rivers was replaced by QB Riley Leonard on the final drive.

Fantasy Spin: Rivers came out on fire versus the 49ers, leading the Colts to touchdowns on their first two drives. After a punt, Rivers would lead three additional scoring drives in a row, though just one touchdown. Things fell apart late, but it was still a highly impressive effort from the 44-year-old. While the loss essentially puts an end to Indy's playoff dreams, Rivers could still start against Jacksonville this week as they remain mathematically alive at the moment. Even if he does play, Rivers would be a tough sell against a solid Jaguars defense.

From TheHuddle

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers will be a risky fantasy asset when he lines up with the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 16. The 44-year-old made an improbable return to the field a week ago, leading the team under center in his first action since the 2020 campaign. Rivers and the Colts ultimately lost 18-16 to the Seahawks, although he actually looked pretty decent considering the long layoff. While the box score may have left owners wanting, and the veteran has lost significant zip on his balls, he was accurate and decisive, operating efficiently in the short and intermediate areas. With all that in mind, Rivers' current play style hinders his fantasy upside, relegating him to a low-end desperation play in superflex and 2QB formats. The 22-year NFL vet comes in as RotoBaller's QB30 for his outing with San Francisco.

From RotoBaller

Making his first start since January 2021, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers managed to hold his own in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. The 44-year-old completed 18 of 27 pass attempts for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and nearly led his team to an upset victory on the road. The Colts announced that Rivers will make another start in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers, who are expected to be a more manageable matchup than Seattle. Fantasy expectations should remain limited for Rivers, as he provides zero value as a rusher and averaged just 4.4 yards per pass attempt against the Seahawks. However, Rivers may be more productive as he gains more time to work with the Colts' pass catchers and becomes more familiar with the team's offense. In deep, two-quarterback fantasy leagues, Rivers could be a streaming option off the waiver wire in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Forty-four-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers will once again draw the start for the Indianapolis Colts when they face the 49ers in a Week 16 Monday night contest, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Rivers' Week 15 start against the Seahawks was his first since 2020, and despite throwing for only 120 yards, the Colts were a last-minute field goal away from gutting out the win. The Colts won the coin toss on Sunday and elected to start on offense, making their game plan clear from the jump: run the ball, run the clock, and limit Seattle's offensive opportunities. Rivers ultimately attempted 27 passes, with his 5.2-yard ADoT ranking 28th out of 30 starting quarterbacks through Sunday and his 4.4 yards per attempt below everyone but Kenny Pickett for the week. With Indianapolis still mathematically alive for an AFC playoff spot, it seems unlikely they will deviate from that plan on Monday night, severely hurting the upside of all Colts pass catchers while leaving Jonathan Taylor in line for another huge-volume, likely low-efficiency outing.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts QB Philip Rivers will be the starting quarterback for the Colts in Week 16, according to head coach Shane Steichen.

Fantasy Spin: Rivers came out of retirement this past week in order to start for the Colts and finished the game with 120 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. He should play better as he gets into game shape but will probably only be a possible option in some two-quarterback leagues.

From TheHuddle

Dynasty | Colts quarterback Philip Rivers completed 18-of-27 passes for 120 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a loss to the Seahawks. Dynasty Analysis: Rivers did his best to pull off the impossible but fell short as Seattle beat the Colts via a late field goal. It's hard to watch this and believe Riley Leonard couldn't have at least done this much but that's beside the point. Rivers looks like a decent stopgap and emergency option but he's pretty far off the dynasty radar based on the fact the Colts don't seem to trust his arm strength.

Indianapolis Colts QB Philip Rivers completed 18-of-27 passes for 120 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks, and he rushed once for minus-5 yards.

Fantasy Spin: Rivers is a feel-good story, as he emerged from retirement after a five-year hiatus to throw a TD in the NFL, and nearly led the Colts to a road upset. What wouldn't be a good story is starting him in fantasy football at this critical juncture of the season.

From TheHuddle

Week 15 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top Storylines, Matchups and More Chris Allen shares everything you need to know to prepare for your fantasy football matchups in Week 15, including the top storylines, weather reports, and more. [Read More]

From FantasyLife

Week 15 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top Storylines, Matchups and More Chris Allen shares everything you need to know to prepare for your fantasy football matchups in Week 15, including the top storylines, weather reports, and more. [Read More]

From FantasyLife

Indianapolis Colts practice squad QB Philip Rivers was signed to the 53-man roster Saturday, Dec. 13. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Fantasy Spin: Rivers has not played since 2020 but is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Colts in Week 15. He has been very productive during his career, but fantasy players may want to see him play in a game before considering him for their roster.

From TheHuddle

The Indianapolis Colts will elevate QB Philip Rivers from their practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Dec. 13, and he will start Week 15's game versus the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo.

Fantasy Spin: The 44-year-old Rivers came out of retirement earlier this week and will see his first game action since January 2021 against a challenging Seattle defense. He could be worthy of a speculative pickup in deep two-quarterback leagues but the odds of him turning back the clock to be a significant fantasy contributor appear to be slim.

From TheHuddle