Ravens QB Lamar Jackson aims to be more elusive at lighter weight

Wed May 22 5:49pm ET
Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson, the most prolific running quarterback in the league, aims to make it even tougher on opposing defenses this coming season.

Coming off his second NFL Most Valuable Player award, Jackson has lost weight and appears slimmer at the team's OTAs this week. Though he didn't reveal his exact weight Wednesday, saying it was "two something," Jackson had said in a video posted by Complex Sports last week that he was at 205 pounds.

He was 230 pounds in 2022 and 215 last season, when he passed for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns, and rushed for 821 yards and five scores in leading the Ravens to a 13-3 record in 16 regular-season starts.

"I don't really know how many pounds I lost," said Jackson, 27. "I'm like two-something (pounds) right now. But I (will) just say it was important enough to be able to move around a little bit extra, that's all."

The 6-foot-2 Jackson said he lost weight "just so I can be more agile and be able to move more."

Jackson said he feels great at the lighter weight and as elusive as he's felt in years. He doesn't believe it will diminish his ability to take the physical pounding at his position -- particularly for running QBs.

"We sacrifice our body each and every game (and) practices," he said. "I believe it really doesn't matter about the weight."

His coach, John Harbaugh, doesn't sound concerned about a lighter -- and faster--Jackson.

"I think that's Lamar, he's a pro," Harbaugh said. "He knows what he's doing. He knows where he wants to be with that. My concern is that he is in shape, best shape of his life."

A three-time Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro in 2019 and 2023, Jackson has passed for 15,887 yards and 125 TDs and rushed for 5,258 yards and 29 scores in 86 games (77 starts) since the Ravens selected him 32nd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Louisville.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 16

Player Notes
Jakobi Meyers Dec 20 12:30pm CT
Jakobi Meyers

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers seems to be the primary benefactor of the Jaguars' offense clicking heading into Week 16. The team also just extended him to a three-year contract, so Meyers should be feeling good heading into a tough matchup with the Denver Broncos. Meyers seems especially useful in PPR given his skillset, which could come in extra handy this week, given the Broncos' elite pass rush. The Jaguars' offense as a whole should struggle compared to last week's beatdown of the New York Jets, which shouldn't limit Meyers too much. Fantasy managers should be happy starting Meyers as he comes in as RotoBaller's WR18 in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Malik Davis Dec 20 12:30pm CT
Malik Davis

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis saw more run in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings after Javonte Williams (neck) missed time in the first half. The 26-year-old ended up playing a career high 53% of the offensive snaps and handled eight carries for 21 yards and a touchdown while adding two catches (three targets) for 16 yards. Williams eventually returned for the second half and was a full participant in practice this week. Still, it remains clear that Davis is the primary backup ahead of rookie Jaydon Blue, who has been a healthy inactive for the past six games. Davis' fantasy upside for Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers remains capped, as he hasn't seen much usage when Williams has been healthy, handling just 14 touches in the five games leading up to last week.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Dec 20 12:30pm CT
Sauce Gardner

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) has officially been ruled out for Monday night's matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. The star cornerback hasn't practiced since suffering a calf strain in the Colts' Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans and will miss his third consecutive game. The 25-year-old played in just two full games since the Colts acquired him for two first-round picks and Adonai Mitchell at this year's trade deadline. Gardner's injury was described as week-to-week, and the team is hopeful that he can return before the end of the regular season, though with the Colts' playoff hopes dwindling, it's possible he is shut down with only two games remaining after this week.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Dec 20 12:20pm CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has cooled off in the second half of the season after ranking as the TE1 in Weeks 1 through 9. Ferguson caught just two of four targets for 16 yards in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings and hasn't scored in four consecutive games, his longest drought of the season. The 26-year-old draws another tough matchup on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, who have held opponents under 20 points in three straight games. The Chargers are giving up the fifth-fewest receptions and seventh-fewest PPR points per game to tight ends. Ferguson has fallen to TE14 in RotoBaller's rankings for the second round of the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Dec 20 12:20pm CT
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney was targeted six times in last week's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers, but managed to haul in just three of them for 35 scoreless yards. The 28-year-old has caught four passes only one time all season, totaling 25 catches for 364 yards and one touchdown in 12 games played. His chances for making a fantasy impact won't get any better in Week 16 with Drake London (knee) expected to return for Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals. The veteran wideout has fallen off the WR3 radar and is shaping up as nothing more than a risky Flex play for managers in the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Dec 20 12:20pm CT
Kenneth Gainwell

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has been heavily involved over the past five weeks and should remain a focal point of the offense against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. The Lions' run defense has been stout for most of the season, but perhaps more importantly, Detroit has shut down opposing backs in the passing game, surrendering the second-fewest receiving yards, the fourth-fewest receptions, and zero receiving touchdowns to the position. On paper, this doesn't bode well for Gainwell, who has thrived as a check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Still, Pittsburgh doesn't have many reliable pass-catchers outside of DK Metcalf, and Gainwell actually leads the team in receptions through 15 weeks. Expectations should be tempered, but Gainwell remains on the fantasy radar as a flex option on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Dec 20 12:10pm CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is a tough player to trust, but he does have upside in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos. The offense is clicking at the right time, making his upside intriguing. However, Thomas Jr. remains a flex option given his struggles this season and a tough matchup. The Broncos are a top team in the AFC mainly because of their defense. Denver is the third-best scoring defense in the NFL, but it is better against the run than the pass. If the Jaguars decide to go pass-heavy, that could mean a big day for Thomas Jr. He is a risky start, but certainly worth consideration in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Dec 20 12:00pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has scored as a top-24 fantasy option in each of his past two games and should stay hot against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. On the season, Detroit has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts, and over the past four weeks, it has surrendered the most receptions, the most yards, and the second-most touchdowns to the position. This contest has shootout potential with the highest projected point total of the week, and with the Lions entering as heavy home favorites, Pittsburgh may be forced to air it out. While Metcalf's utilization in the offense has been underwhelming at times, the connection between him and quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been heating up recently. Fantasy managers should fire up Metcalf in all formats as a borderline WR1 this week.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Dec 20 11:50am CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was outshined by teammate Kenneth Gainwell last week but will look to get back on track against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. Detroit has been much stronger defensively against the run than the pass this season, but it has softened up a bit as of late. The Lions have surrendered 4.2 yards per carry and over 20 fantasy points per game to running backs over the past four weeks. With this contest projected for a healthy amount of points, fantasy managers should look to start offensive pieces on both sides. Even if Pittsburgh continues to take a hot-hand approach in the backfield, Warren should see enough volume on the ground to provide fantasy value while offering touchdown upside. The 27-year-old checks in as the RB28 in RotoBaller's Week 16 rankings and should be viewed as a high-end flex play.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Dec 20 11:30am CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been solid over his past two games and will look to carry that momentum into a Week 16 meeting with the Detroit Lions. Although the Lions are favored by a touchdown at home, this contest is projected to have the highest point total of the week. The main reason is Detroit's struggling pass defense, which has surrendered the most fantasy points, the most yards, and the third-most passing touchdowns to opposing signal-callers over the past four weeks. Given the inconsistencies of Pittsburgh's banged-up defense, there should be no shortage of offense in this one. Rodgers will need to throw the ball early and often to keep pace and will have a full allotment of weapons at his disposal, including a surging DK Metcalf. While he's not an ideal fantasy option in single-quarterback formats, Rodgers is firmly on the streaming radar and should be viewed as a solid QB2 this week.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Dec 20 11:20am CT
George Pickens

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is coming off his worst two-game stretch of the season and faces a Chargers defense in Week 16 that has been the sixth-toughest matchup for opposing receivers. In spite of that, he ranks as RotoBaller's WR12 for the week and should be a reliable play for the fantasy semifinals. The Cowboys are slight home favorites in a game that features the second-highest over/under of the week. Prior to his mini-slump, Pickens faced two of the league's stingiest pass defenses in the Eagles and Chiefs, and was able to put up a combined 234 yards with a receiving touchdown. And despite failing to crack a 20% target share in either of the past two games, with Dallas' high-volume passing attack, that has still been enough for a healthy 15 targets over that span. With Javonte Williams (neck) limited to begin the week and CeeDee Lamb (illness) unable to practice until Friday, it would not be surprising to learn that this week's install featured a healthy dose of Pickens, and he remains a trustworthy start despite his last two lackluster efforts.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Dec 20 11:00am CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (illness) missed the team's first two practices of the week, but he was able to log a full participation on Friday and is a locked-in WR1 for Sunday's fantasy semifinal matchup with the Chargers. Los Angeles has boasted one of the strongest pass defenses in the league, but the Cowboys' explosive offense, coupled with their own porous defense, has superseded matchups all year long. We see evidence of this once again with Sunday's 50.5 point over/under, the second-highest total of the week. Lamb has averaged 104.8 receiving yards over his last four games, despite facing three of the league's best pass defenses in the Eagles, Chiefs, and Vikings. He is RotoBaller's WR4 for the week and is a must-start along with the rest of the Cowboys' offensive pieces.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Dec 20 10:50am CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) has missed the last four weeks with a knee injury, and despite a questionable tag after being limited in practice all week, he is expected to suit up for Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals. The 24-year-old was rolling before going down with the injury, recording five 100-yard receiving games in his last six contests, along with six touchdowns to boot. Those games all featured Michael Penix Jr. (knee) under center, though, so there is some uncertainty whether or not Kirk Cousins will display the same affinity for the team's No. 1 receiver. Cousins showed a penchant for targeting his tight end, Kyle Pitts Sr., the most during London's absence. Nevertheless, London slots right back in as a mid-range WR1 for Week 16's road matchup against an Arizona defense that is middle of the road in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing wideouts, but that has been hemorrhaging points over the last three weeks, giving up 35 points per game over that stretch (second most). Managers should just make sure to double-check his status on Sunday to make sure he is playing.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Dec 20 10:40am CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson hauled in all four of his targets for 30 yards in Week 15's victory over the Panthers. It marked Johnson's second straight game with exactly four receptions and his fourth consecutive contest without finding the end zone. He ranks second on the team in receptions, targets, and receiving yards behind Chris Olave. With injuries piling up and the Saints set to be without Devaughn Vele (shoulder), Alvin Kamara (knee), and Devin Neal (hamstring), Johnson's already steady role in the passing game could grow. The Jets allow the 13th-fewest PPR points to tight ends, placing Johnson in the TE1/TE2 mix this week.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Dec 20 10:40am CT
Chuba Hubbard

Chuba Hubbard posted underwhelming numbers in Week 15 against the Saints. The Carolina RB had eight carries for 29 yards. He also added nine receiving yards on one reception to total just 4.8 PPR points. Hubbard has registered less than 5.0 PPR points in three of his last five games. The Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16. Tampa Bay ranks 23rd in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the RB position this year. Although Hubbard has a good matchup this week, he has not seen enough consistent volume to warrant a roster spot on most fantasy playoff teams. Outside of Week 13, Hubbard has not posted double-digit rushing attempts since Week 8. He should only be rostered as a handcuff to Rico Dowdle.

From RotoBaller

Tetairoa McMillan Dec 20 10:40am CT
Tetairoa McMillan

Tetairoa McMillan will play in Week 16 after missing practices earlier in the week due to foot/ankle concerns. Last week against the Saints, McMillan had two receptions for 25 yards and finished with 4.5 PPR points, his lowest total this season. It was the third straight game in which McMillan had fewer than three receptions, and it was also the first time he did not catch a touchdown pass since Week 10. In Week 16, the Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay ranks 17th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the WR position in 2025. McMillan has been Carolina's top overall receiver for the year, averaging 12.9 PPR points per game, but has been unreliable in recent weeks. The Carolina rookie has logged less than 12 PPR points in five of his last six starts, including each of his last three. This is a very crucial game for Carolina in the NFC South race this week, so McMillan should provide double-figure PPR totals, but he is certainly not an upside play.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Dec 20 10:40am CT
Jalen Coker

Jalen Coker delivered one of his better fantasy outings in Week 15 against the Saints. The Carolina WR caught four passes for 60 yards and a touchdown. He finished with 14.0 PPR points, marking the third time in the last four weeks that he posted double-digit PPR points. Carolina will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16 in a showdown for the NFC South lead. Tampa Bay ranks 17th in Fantasy Points Per Game to WRs this season. Although Coker has a decent matchup, his overall volume is a concern. Only once has Coker been targeted 5+ times in a game this year, and he averages 3.6 targets per game. Still, fantasy players can consider Coker in Week 16 if they need a flex streamer. He has caught a touchdown pass in each of his last two games, and Bryce Young may have to throw frequently to keep pace with the Tampa Bay offense. Considering the magnitude of this matchup for the Panthers, Coker is more likely to stay involved in the passing game this week. He is not an upside play, but can provide a decent statistical floor again.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Dec 20 10:30am CT
Bryce Young

Bryce Young has not produced ideal fantasy numbers this season, but he has a great matchup in Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Week 15 against the Saints, Young completed 15-of-24 attempts for 163 yards and a touchdown. He also had a season-high 49 rushing yards on seven carries, totaling 15.4 fantasy points. The Carolina QB has registered more than 15.0 fantasy points in three of his last four starts. He has averaged 14.2 Fantasy Points Per Game in 13 games played this season. He has a good shot of playing above his usual 14 to 15 point range this week, though. Tampa Bay ranks 30th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to QBs this season. Last week, Atlanta QB Kirk Cousins finished as the fantasy QB3 overall. He totaled 26.9 fantasy points against the Buccaneers. Week 15 was the fifth straight week where Tampa Bay allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish. Despite Young's mediocre and inconsistent production this year, the matchup against Tampa Bay makes him a quality QB2 starter for fantasy football playoff teams in superflex formats. The NFC South lead is on the line, and Young may have to throw often to keep pace with Baker Mayfield.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 20 10:30am CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave reeled in six of his nine targets for 85 yards and a touchdown in Week 15's victory over the Panthers. After a slow first half, Olave came to life in the second half, and his touchdown grab came on 3rd-and-6 with 2:29 remaining in the fourth quarter to tie the game. He then added a 15-yard reception on the following drive to help set up the game-winning field goal. With Devaughn Vele (shoulder) on IR, Mason Tipton (illness) questionable, and both Alvin Kamara (knee) and Devin Neal (hamstring) sidelined, Olave is likely to carry a massive workload against the Jets' secondary. A season-high in targets would not be surprising, placing him firmly in the WR1 ranks this week.

From RotoBaller

Mason Tipton Dec 20 10:30am CT
Mason Tipton

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton is questionable for Week 16 against the Jets due to an illness. He caught one pass for five yards on two targets in last week's win over the Panthers and now has seven receptions for 47 yards across three games this season. With Devaughn Vele (shoulder) on IR and injuries thinning out the Saints' offense, Tipton has a path to a larger role as the WR2 in an air attack that has averaged over 33 pass attempts per game across its last four contests. If Tipton is unable to play, Kevin Austin and Dante Pettis would be next in line. If he does suit up, Tipton profiles as a WR4/WR5 option.

From RotoBaller