Raiders' Kenny Pickett, an ex-Eagle, to face former club

Fri Dec 12 9:51pm ET
Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders made it official Friday, naming backup Kenny Pickett the starting quarterback for their Sunday game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Pickett played for the Super Bowl champion Eagles in 2024, backing up Jalen Hurts and starting one game, a 41-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17.

Regular starter Geno Smith has been nursing a right shoulder injury and couldn't practice this week after sustaining the injury in the Raiders' 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Pickett, 27, received first-team reps in practice this week after relieving Smith in the Broncos game, going 8 of 11 for 97 yards with a touchdown pass.

The Raiders (2-11) acquired Pickett from the Browns after training camp was completed in August. Cleveland previously acquired Pickett from the Eagles but ran out of room at the position.

Pickett has completed 481 of 769 passes (62.5%) for 4,870 yards, 16 TDs and 14 picks in 33 games (25 starts) for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2022-23), Eagles (2024) and Raiders. He is 15-10 as a starter.

The Steelers selected him 20th overall in the 2022 draft out of the University of Pittsburgh.

The Raiders have lost seven straight heading into Sunday against the Eagles (8-5).

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
Isaiah Williams Dec 13 1:10pm CT
Isaiah Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Isaiah Williams recorded two receptions for 24 yards on three targets during last week's blowout loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 24-year-old wideout has seen his snap share increase since Week 8, playing 46.5% of the snaps after playing just one total offensive snap over the first seven weeks. Williams is still not involved enough to be considered a legitimate option in fantasy, especially with undrafted rookie Brady Cook making his first career start in Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Tyquan Thornton Dec 13 12:50pm CT
Tyquan Thornton

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton hasn't played a significant role in the offense since the return of Rashee Rice in Week 7, playing 24.1% of the snaps and catching four of nine targets for 119 yards over that time. The speedy wideout should see an uptick in snaps in Week 15's divisional game against the Los Angeles Chargers with Marquise Brown (personal) ruled out. The former New England Patriot was dynamic in the first five games of the season, seeing regular playing time, averaging 20.9 yards per reception and scoring three touchdowns on 13 catches. Thornton faces a challenging matchup on Sunday as the Chargers have allowed the fewest PPR points per game against wide receivers this season. He profiles as a boom-or-bust flex option in deeper leagues.

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Mike Gesicki Dec 13 12:50pm CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki is coming off his best game of the 2025 campaign, catching all six targets for 86 yards. He also found the end zone for the first time this season. Naturally, his stock is much higher after that performance. It increased even more once Tee Higgins (concussion) was ruled out. That means extra targets will be up for grabs in the Week 15 rematch with the Ravens. While Ja'Marr Chase and Chase Brown are the favorites to see the most attention from Joe Burrow, that's not to say Gesicki won't be more involved (and productive) than usual. As a result, the veteran can be utilized for streaming purposes in any fantasy format on Sunday versus Baltimore in a contest that is projected to feature plenty of offense from both sides.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Dec 13 12:50pm CT
Jonnu Smith

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has just five receptions over his past five games but will look to get more involved against his former team, the Miami Dolphins, in Week 15. This is an enticing matchup for Smith, as Miami has surrendered the third-most fantasy points per contest to opposing tight ends this season. While Smith's biggest concern remains his inconsistent utilization, he could draw additional looks on Monday night if fellow tight end Darnell Washington (concussion) is ruled out. The potential for cold temperatures and strong winds also works in Smith's favor, as he primarily operates near the line of scrimmage and generates yards after the catch. He's far from a reliable fantasy starter, but the 30-year-old could surprise in this revenge game and has some appeal as a streaming option in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Samaje Perine Dec 13 12:40pm CT
Samaje Perine

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine had 14 attempts in the Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. He also logged a season-high 33 offensive snaps. As a result, many assumed the 30-year-old would continue to have more of a role in the recent loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, that didn't happen, with Perine ending the day with 31 yards off six carries. All things considered, Perine should remain in the mix in the Week 15 rematch with Baltimore, although he'll likely receive the residual touches left over by Chase Brown. That's not to say he can't or won't find the end zone, but the odds aren't in his favor.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 13 12:30pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave recorded three receptions for 30 yards on five targets in the Week 14 win against the Buccaneers. His muted performance was a surprise, given he had recorded at least 54 yards or a touchdown in every other game this season. He now faces the Panthers, against whom he put up a season-high 104 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 10. Carolina allows the seventh-fewest PPR points per game to receivers, though New Orleans dominated through the air in their first meeting with 282 passing yards. Olave remains the top option in the Saints' passing game and could be in line for a strong bounce-back showing in Week 15. He ranks as a strong WR2 with upside this week.

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Devaughn Vele Dec 13 12:30pm CT
Devaughn Vele

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele recorded three receptions for 40 yards on five targets in the Week 14 victory against the Buccaneers. Both his targets and yardage led the team, as Vele has continued to carve out a larger role in the offense since Rashid Shaheed's departure. Over his last three games, he has totaled 14 receptions for 170 yards and one touchdown, averaging 12.1 yards per catch. He has also led the team in snap share each of the past three weeks, including 93% last week. Despite his increased role, Vele remains a risky option given the overall inconsistencies of the Saints' offense. He has the opportunity to produce a solid fantasy performance each week, but his floor is low, making him a weekly WR3/WR4 with matchup-dependent upside.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Dec 13 12:30pm CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson caught all four of his targets for 38 yards in Week 14's victory over the Buccaneers. His receptions led the team, and he has now recorded at least four catches or a touchdown in each of his last seven contests. Over his last three games, Johnson ranks as the fourth-most-targeted tight end in the league and has consistently dominated the Saints' tight end room in snap share. However, with the offense leaning more toward the run in Week 14, his snap count dropped to 53%, the second-lowest mark of the season. His lowest snap share came in Week 10 against the Panthers, when he also posted a career-best 92 yards and a touchdown. Expect Johnson to bounce back this week.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Dec 13 12:20pm CT
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin recorded three catches for 41 yards on six targets in last week's blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 30-year-old wideout was unable to build on his season-best performance in Week 13 against a stout Denver Broncos secondary, where he hauled in seven of 14 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown with Marcus Mariota at the helm. McLaurin will be catching passes from Mariota again in Week 15's divisional matchup against the New York Giants after Jayden Daniels (elbow) aggravated his elbow injury in last week's loss. The veteran collected just two catches (four targets) for 27 yards in Week 1 against the Giants, but snagged two touchdowns against them last season in their Week 9 meeting. The Giants' defense has struggled in all areas this season and has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers this season. McLaurin ranks as RotoBaller's WR15 in PPR leagues in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Dec 13 12:20pm CT
Deebo Samuel

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) has posted at least four receptions in five straight games, averaging 12.7 PPR points per game over that stretch. Samuel was added to the injury report on Friday after missing practice with an illness, and he's currently listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional game against the New York Giants. The veteran should be considered likely to suit up on Sunday, barring something changing. The former San Francisco 49er had an excellent fantasy outing in his Week 1 matchup against the Giants, hauling in seven of 10 targets for 77 yards while adding one carry for a 19-yard touchdown. If he's active, Samuel profiles as a solid WR3 option in Week 15 against a Giants defense that has allowed the fourth most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Dec 13 12:20pm CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas has only two touchdowns this season after finding the end zone six times in 2024. With Tee Higgins (concussion) sidelined heading into the Week 15 game versus Baltimore, Iosivas has gained more attention from fantasy managers in need of a streaming option. Higgins wasn't available in Week 13 against the Ravens, although Iosivas didn't benefit, catching only one pass for 29 yards. Cincinnati and Baltimore will do it again on Sunday. However, despite Higgins' absence, Joe Burrow still has plenty of options at his disposal, meaning Iosivas isn't a lock to see an uptick in targets. While the 26-year-old has a higher upside than normal, he still isn't a safe option. Fantasy managers should proceed with caution.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Dec 13 12:20pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled both of his field goal attempts and converted all three extra-point tries in a Week 14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. This week, he'll face a more difficult challenge against the Miami Dolphins. Miami's defense has stepped up as of late, surrendering just over 13 points per game across its past four contests. Additionally, cold temperatures and strong winds on Monday night could pose problems for both the Steelers' offense and Boswell. With this AFC showdown projected to be relatively low-scoring, fantasy managers may want to consider other options in more appealing matchups. Still, Boswell remains one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL and can be trusted as such in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Evan McPherson Dec 13 12:20pm CT
Evan McPherson

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson had a career-high six field goals in the Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. However, his services weren't needed much in the recent loss to the Buffalo Bills, ending the day without an attempt. With that said, McPherson has been a top-10 fantasy kicker this season. While it's illogical to assume the 26-year-old will have another career showing, he's still a must-start in the rematch versus Baltimore in Week 15 in a game that should feature plenty of scoring from both sides.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Dec 13 12:10pm CT
Josh Downs

Across 12 games this season, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has recorded 44 receptions for 393 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. Downs has earned at least five targets in four out of his last five contests, but he's failed to crack 50 receiving yards in a game since Week 9. In Week 15, the Colts will turn to 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to replace the injured Daniel Jones (Achilles), who was lost for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14. It's hard to project what Rivers will bring to the table for Downs and the Colts' pass-catchers, as Rivers has not played in an NFL game since the 2020 season. One certain thing is that Indianapolis faces a difficult matchup in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. Entering the weekend, Seattle ranks first among NFL defenses in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0). Between the tough matchup and the Colts' quarterback uncertainty, Downs should likely be avoided by fantasy managers in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Dec 13 12:10pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Although Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth's fantasy value has been almost entirely touchdown-dependent this season, he could see more opportunities than usual on Monday night against the Miami Dolphins. Miami's defense has been strong in recent weeks, but it has still struggled to contain opposing tight ends. On the season, the Dolphins have surrendered the third-most fantasy points per contest to the position. Furthermore, fellow tight end Darnell Washington (concussion) has not yet cleared the league's concussion protocol and should be considered questionable to suit up. While Freiermuth's role has been inconsistent at best, he has been more efficient with his touches than Jonnu Smith. He shouldn't be considered a reliable option in most redraft formats, but Freiermuth could be a sneaky play in deeper fantasy leagues this week.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Shough Dec 13 12:10pm CT
Tyler Shough

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough completed 13-of-20 passes for 144 yards and one interception in the Week 14 win over the Buccaneers, doing most of his damage as a runner. Shough turned in a career-best rushing performance, carrying the ball seven times for 55 yards and two touchdowns, including an impressive 34-yard score to start the third quarter. He now turns his attention to the Panthers, who, following the Buccaneers' loss on Thursday, sit atop the NFC South. When these teams last met in Week 10, Shough threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns in his first career victory. The Panthers allow the eighth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, though Shough has shown the ability to put the team on his back, whether through the air or on the ground, to keep games competitive. He ranks as a QB2 this week and is worth starting in superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Devin Neal Dec 13 12:10pm CT
Devin Neal

New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal rushed 19 times for 70 yards and a touchdown in the Week 14 win against the Buccaneers, adding 14 yards on his lone reception. Neal dominated the New Orleans backfield, playing 71% of the snaps, while the next closest running back, Audric Estime, logged just three carries. He was limited in practice this week with an abdominal injury, but is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday. With Alvin Kamara already ruled out for Week 15 against the Panthers, Neal should continue to carry the bulk of the workload. He faces a Carolina defense allowing the eighth-most PPR points per game to running backs, and he could see added upside if his involvement in the passing game increases.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Dec 13 12:00pm CT
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott set his season high for field goals made in his most recent outing against the Chargers, hitting four of his attempts, but also registered his sixth missed kick of the season-a 48-yard field goal try at the end of the first half. After starting perfect through the first six weeks of the season, Elliott has gone on to miss at least one kick in five games since. He'll try to get back on track this weekend as Philly hosts the Raiders, who allow the ninth-most points per game to opposing offenses (25.5). What's also frightening about Elliott's prospects is that the Eagles have scored more than 20 points only once in their last five games. While they should have an easier time with Las Vegas, Elliott's accuracy woes are still concerning enough to warrant looking for better options in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Dec 13 12:00pm CT
Kenneth Gainwell

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has been heavily involved as a pass-catcher in recent weeks and should maintain a significant role against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. Though Gainwell has taken a backseat to Jaylen Warren on the ground, the former has earned six or more targets in three of his past four games. Unfortunately, production may be hard to come by on Monday night, with Miami allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing backs over the past four weeks. The weather in Pittsburgh, with gusting winds expected, could force quarterback Aaron Rodgers to check down to his running backs and tight ends more frequently, however. Gainwell's utilization as a receiver keeps him in flex consideration for fantasy managers in PPR leagues this week.

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Dec 13 12:00pm CT
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) is questionable ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Houston Texans. Demercado was a limited participant in all three practices this week, which is a positive sign that he will suit up on Sunday. The 26-year-old has been sidelined for the last three weeks due to an ankle injury he sustained during Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers. If Demercado can play, he will likely slide back into his RB2 role as the primary pass-catching back and compete for carries with Michael Carter and Bam Knight. Entering Week 15, Demercado will face a stout Texans defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest receptions and the fifth-fewest rushing yards this season. In a difficult matchup, Demercado should remain out of fantasy lineups in Week 15. Fantasy managers should view him as a wait-and-see fantasy option in Sunday's game to determine if he can be inserted back into fantasy lineups for Week 16 and beyond.

From RotoBaller