Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (hand) ruled out vs. Giants

Sun Dec 21 3:26pm ET
Field Level Media

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy injured his right hand and was ruled out for the remainder of the game against the New York Giants on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.

McCarthy, the Vikings' first-year starter, appeared to injure his hand near the end of the first half. He was hit hard by Giants pass rusher Brian Burns and fumbled the ball. Giants safety Tyler Nubin returned the fumble for a touchdown.

McCarthy completed 9 of 14 passes for 108 yards and an interception before his injury. He also ran for a 12-yard touchdown with two minutes left in the first half.

Rookie Max Brosmer replaced McCarthy.

The Vikings also lost running back Jordan Mason (ankle) and center Ryan Kelly (concussion), who were ruled out before the start of the second half.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 16

Player Notes
Tyler Shough Dec 21 6:50pm CT
Tyler Shough

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough hit a milestone during Sunday's Week 16 matchup with the New York Jets. The second-round rookie has been impressive since taking over under center, and his success continued on Sunday. Shough completed 32-of-49 passing attempts for a career-high 308 yards and a touchdown in the win. He added eight rushing yards on two attempts. The Saints have a banged-up offense right now, but that hasn't stopped Shough from making plays. The rookie quarterback will take a three-game winning streak into a favorable matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Dec 21 6:50pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears was heavily involved in the offensive game plan on Sunday's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Spears has been quiet lately, but made a splash against Kansas City on Sunday. Spears carried the ball a season-high 13 times for 52 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in all five of his targets for 53 additional yards through the air. This was by far Spears' best performance of the season to date. Sadly, his fantasy value is inconsistent with Tony Pollard in the mix as well. Pollard carried the ball 21 times during Sunday's win. Spears figures to go back to being mainly the receiving back for next week's contest versus the New Orleans Saints.

From RotoBaller

Ashton Jeanty Dec 21 6:50pm CT
Ashton Jeanty

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty once again dominated the Raiders' backfield, turning his 24 rushing attempts into 128 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans. The electric rookie also had a 60-yard touchdown reception, putting up 31.8 PPR fantasy points for managers brave enough to start him against the stout Texans defense. This is Jeanty's second 100-yard rushing game this season, and he almost certainly will keep his bell cow role as the season comes to a close in two weeks. The Las Vegas Raiders will host the New York Giants in Week 17, whose defense is a top-three matchup for opposing running backs. Fantasy managers should feel confident in starting Jeanty in Week 17 in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Dec 21 6:30pm CT
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown delivered another great performance in Sunday's 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins, handling 12 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown while adding four catches (four targets) for 43 yards and two more scores as a receiver. It marked the 25-year-old's first career three-touchdown game and fifth career game with multiple scores. Brown has been on a tear in the second half of the season, ranking as the RB5 in PPR points per game (20.5) after ranking as the RB33 (10.1) in Weeks 1-7. Brown will maintain his high-end RB1 status for Week 17's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Dec 21 6:20pm CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson was involved in a big way during Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Johnson has been a consistent option all season, but posted one of his best performances of the season on Sunday. The 29-year-old hauled in eight of his nine targets for 89 yards in the victory. Both the receptions and yardage were season-highs for Johnson, while quarterback Tyler Shough threw for a season-high 308 yards. Clearly, Johnson and Shough have built some strong chemistry together over the last few weeks. Johnson should remain in the mix as a TE1 for next week's matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Dec 21 6:20pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring) is listed as questionable to return for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. Austin was forced to exit in the fourth quarter due to a hamstring injury. Given it's already late in the game, it wouldn't be shocking to see Austin remain out for the rest of the contest. Before leaving, Austin hauled in his lone target for eight yards. If he remains out, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Scotty Miller could see increased playing time for the final quarter of the game. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on his status following the game.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Dec 21 6:00pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston returned to action in a big way during Sunday's 34-17 win against the Dallas Cowboys. Johnston sat out last week's win over the Kansas City Chiefs due to a groin issue. He returned from his one-game absence here and posted a massive performance. Johnston hauled in four of his five targets for 104 yards and a touchdown in the victory. The 24-year-old has been inconsistent over the last few months. This time, Johnston excelled as he posted his first 100-yard performance of the season. He'll draw a tough matchup against the Houston Texans' defense next week. His deep threat ability will certainly keep him on the fantasy radar in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Dec 21 6:00pm CT
George Pickens

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens bounced back with a massive performance during Sunday's contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Before this game, Pickens was held to under 40 receiving yards in each of his last two contests. Pickens rebounded with a massive performance against the Chargers' defense in Week 16. He hauled in seven of his nine targets for 103 yards and a touchdown in the loss. This marked the fifth time this season that Pickens has surpassed 100 yards in a single game. The 24-year-old has been elite with 88 receptions, 1,342 yards, and nine touchdowns heading into the Week 17 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Dec 21 5:50pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow needed a bounce-back game after throwing two interceptions during last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Burrow delivered a massive performance for fantasy managers during Sunday's 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins. The 29-year-old completed 25-of-32 passing attempts for 309 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for six yards on two attempts during Sunday's victory. He connected with Tee Higgins for a nine-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He would later find running back Chase Brown for two short-yardage scores in the third quarter. Burrow would finish off his day with a 17-yard touchdown to Mike Gesicki in the fourth quarter. Burrow is back to his elite ways and will get a promising matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Dec 21 5:50pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was once again a tough player to stop during Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Chase has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a disappointing season for the Bengals. On Sunday, Chase hauled in nine of his 11 targets for 109 yards in Sunday's 45-21 victory over the Dolphins. This marked the third time in the last four games that Chase has surpassed the 100-yard mark in a game. The return of quarterback Joe Burrow has certainly helped boost his play in the previous four contests. Chase is one of the best wideouts in the league and will continue to be an elite fantasy option for next week's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Max Brosmer Dec 21 5:50pm CT
Max Brosmer

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer entered the game due to injury on Sunday and helped his team secure a 16-13 victory against the New York Giants by completing seven of nine passes for 52 yards. The undrafted rookie was called upon after starter J.J. McCarthy (hand) sustained his third injury of the year and did not return. For Brosmer, Sunday was markedly better than a four-interception disaster at Seattle in Week 13, as he and the Minnesota running game were able to move the ball just enough to kick what became the game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter. McCarthy's availability for a Christmas Day game against the Lions is unknown, but even if he doesn't play, it would be beyond risky to depend on Brosmer in any fantasy format, especially this deep into the season.

From RotoBaller

Trayveon Williams Dec 21 5:40pm CT
Trayveon Williams

Cleveland Browns running back Trayveon Williams came in after rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle, leg) exited early with a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Buffalo Bills. The veteran back caught all four of his targets for 38 yards and ran the ball three times for 17 yards, but saw fewer rush attempts than rookie running back Raheim Sanders. The Cleveland Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, who are a tough matchup for opposing running backs. With rookie running back Dylan Sampson (hand) still managing an injury and Judkins almost certainly missing the rest of the season, Williams should profile as the primary passing-down back in the upcoming gritty AFC North matchup.

From RotoBaller

Raheim Sanders Dec 21 5:40pm CT
Raheim Sanders

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Raheim Sanders led the Browns' backfield after rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle, leg) left the game early due to an injury during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Buffalo Bills. Sanders substituted in as the early downs back and turned his 11 rushing attempts into 42 yards. He also brought in one reception for four yards, but running back Trayveon Williams saw the majority of the backfield's passing opportunities. The Cleveland Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, who are a tough matchup for opposing running backs. With rookie running back Dylan Sampson (hand) still managing an injury and Judkins at risk of missing the rest of the season, Sanders may emerge as the starter against the Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Dec 21 5:40pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed 20 of his 29 pass attempts for 157 yards and one touchdown, but threw two interceptions in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Sanders managed to overcome an injured pinky finger on his throwing hand, which forced him out of the game for a few plays, and completed 69% of his passes, his best passing completion percentage of the year. Most notably, the rookie play caller had four rushes for 49 yards, also a season high. If Sanders continues to gain yards on the ground, which helps to support his fantasy points floor, he may become a more appealing deep league Superflex option. Looking ahead, the Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, whose defense gives up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks for the year.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 21 5:40pm CT
Aaron Jones

Despite yet another injury and yet another quarterback change, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle) put together an admirable performance with 93 total yards and the game-clinching first down in a 16-13 victory at the New York Giants. Despite departing the game on the first drive due to the injury, different from the shoulder ailment that has plagued him this season, the veteran running back returned to post 85 total rushing yards on 21 carries and two catches for eight yards. It was a necessary effort from Jones, who carried the offense after quarterback J.J. McCarthy (hand) and fellow running back Jordan Mason (ankle) left the game and didn't return. Jones figures to have full command of the backfield if Mason misses Thursday's game against Detroit, but everyone on the Minnesota offense would have a lower ceiling if McCarthy also misses time and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer has to start.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Dec 21 5:30pm CT
Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. hauled in four of his six targets for 34 yards and scored two total touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Buffalo Bills. Fannin Jr. set a franchise record for most receptions by a rookie in a season and, for the third straight week, he led the team in receptions and targets. The Browns offense continued to manufacture touches for Fannin Jr., as evidenced by his rushing touchdown after lining up as a fullback and receiving an inside handoff. Fannin Jr. has a great matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense in Week 17, which has allowed the second-most points to tight ends this season. With tight end David Njoku (knee) still on the mend and rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (knee, leg) suffering a serious injury in Week 16, Fannin Jr. is postured to remain a focal point in an offense that is looking for ways to get him the ball.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Dec 21 5:30pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison caught just two of three targets for 26 yards on Sunday in a 16-13 win at the New York Giants, and the lone missed connection was a costly one. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy found the third-year receiver in single coverage in the end zone for what appeared to be a touchdown, but Addison lost control of the ball as he attempted to complete the catch, forcing a field goal attempt instead. Even worse for the Vikings, McCarthy (hand) departed the game shortly before halftime and did not return. Backup Carson Wentz (shoulder) is already out for the year, so Minnesota once again had to turn to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, dimming the offense's outlook. If McCarthy misses a Christmas Day showdown with the Detroit Lions, trusting anyone on the Minnesota offense would be awfully difficult.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Dec 21 5:20pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson looked more like his old self on Sunday by catching six passes on eight targets for 85 yards despite losing his starting quarterback for the second half in a 16-13 victory against the New York Giants. The superstar receiver had multiple impressive catch-and-runs, made an excellent sideline catch, and was on pace for a big day, but settled for merely a good one after J.J. McCarthy (hand) was lost for the day right before halftime. Still, it was a welcome slump-buster for Jefferson, who caught more than five passes for the first time since Week 9 and surpassed 80 yards for the first time since Week 5. It was a welcome sight for managers who survived the worst three-game stretch of Jefferson's career, but the immediate future looks uncertain. If McCarthy cannot return in time for a Christmas Day showdown against Detroit, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer would be in line for another start.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 21 5:10pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave caught 10 of his 16 targets for 148 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 win over the New York Jets. Olave is having quite the redemption campaign in New Orleans this season, as he now has over 1,000 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns. He ranks among the top eight fantasy receivers in scoring (full-PPR) this season, which is also the highest mark of his career. One of the biggest factors toward Olave's success has been his health. Knock on wood, the 25-year-old has not yet missed a game this season. He missed three games over his first two pro seasons, and he was sidelined for a whopping nine contests last year. As long as Olave stays healthy for the final two weeks of the year, he'll continue to be a strong WR1 option rest-of-season. That includes Week 17, when the Saints face off against the Titans and could deliver another double-digit margin of victory.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 21 5:00pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 23 of his 29 pass attempts for 300 yards, two passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 16 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He also had eight rushing attempts, 42 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. Herbert put together a phenomenal fantasy performance with three total touchdowns and zero turnovers. He also made an impact on the ground and led the Chargers to a key win in the midst of the playoff hunt. After four consecutive games where Herbert was less than 100% due to injury, it was very encouraging to see him bounce back in such a huge way. After Sunday's big outing, managers should trust Herbert as a solid QB1 option heading into Week 17, despite facing off against a strong Houston Texans defense.

From RotoBaller