NFL Player News
-
Brandon Powell WR | MIN
Rams' Brandon Powell: Barely utilized in loss
Powell caught one of two targets for four yards and rushed once for three yards during Monday's 24-12 loss to the Packers. He also returned one punt for eight yards and five kickoffs for 99 yards.
Powell's role in the offense has been sliding downward in recent weeks, even with Cooper Kupp (foot) and Allen Robinson (ankle) done for the year. With just seven snaps on offense against Green Bay, Powell recorded his lowest snap count since Week 10 against Arizona. On a positive note, Powell's 107 total return yards marked a season-high for the speedster, and he also managed two touches on his limited snaps after being shut out entirely during Week 14 against the Raiders.
-
DeAndre Carter WR | CLE
Chargers' DeAndre Carter: Next to nothing once again
Carter caught one of his two targets for 15 yards in the 17-14 win over the Titans on Sunday. He also lost 10 yards on his lone carry.
Carter has played a combined 28 offensive snaps since the return of both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. At this point, the speedster's value lies solely in leagues that also account for return yardage, as Carter tallied a combined 70 yards on kick and punt returns.
-
Hunter Renfrow WR | CAR
Raiders' Hunter Renfrow: Three targets in return
Renfrow caught one pass for 14 yards on three targets in Sunday's 30-24 win over the Patriots. He also returned three punts for 20 yards.
Renfrow logged less than 30 of the Raiders' 68 offensive snaps in his return from the oblique injury that landed him on injured reserve for five weeks, and it was fellow slot receiver Keelan Cole that turned in the better fantasy performance, as the latter posted two receptions for 50 yards and the game-tying touchdown. However, Renfrow could see his workload increase against the Steelers in Week 16.
-
Randall Cobb WR | NYJ
Packers' Randall Cobb: Retains slot role in win
Cobb caught three of four targets for 32 yards in Monday's 24-12 win over the Rams.
Cobb maintained his slot role despite the return of Romeo Doubs (ankle), garnering four targets for the third consecutive game. Allen Lazard (one catch for seven yards) was the player who took the big hit in usage following the rookie wideout's return. Cobb still doesn't provide enough upside to warrant consideration in standard formats ahead of Sunday's tilt against Miami.
-
Romeo Doubs WR | NE
Packers' Romeo Doubs: Catches all targets in return
Doubs (ankle) caught all five of his targets for 55 yards in Monday's 24-12 win over the Rams.
Doubs returned from an ankle injury that cost him four weeks of action, promptly reclaiming a prominent role on offense while leading his team in receiving yards. Head coach Matt LaFleur hinted that the fourth-round pick would be eased back into action Monday with the Packers returning to full strength at the receiver position, but that plan was clearly thrown out the window once the game commenced. Christian Watson -- who emerged as Green Bay's No. 1 wideout in Doubs absence -- still led the team in targets and is the preferred fantasy option moving forward. That said, Doubs could be a sneaky play against the Dolphins on Sunday following his successful return to action.
-
Christian Watson WR | GB
Packers' Christian Watson: Fails to extend TD streak
Watson caught four of six targets for 46 yards in Monday's 24-12 win over the Rams.
Watson maintained his status as the Packers' No. 1 wideout despite the return of fellow rookie Romeo Doubs (ankle) from injured reserve. The 23-year-old Watson failed to extend his four-game scoring streak -- in which he produced a whopping seven touchdowns -- but he did lead the team in targets. Watson could have kept his impressive streak alive had he not ran an incorrect route on the Packers' final drive that would have resulted in a wide-open touchdown. With Green Bay's receiving corps getting back to full strength, a slight dip in usage should be expected for Watson moving forward. For now, the rookie remains a strong fantasy play heading into a road matchup against Miami that could produce a high point total.
-
Allen Lazard WR | NYJ
Packers' Allen Lazard: Quiet night in win
Lazard brought in one of two targets for seven yards in the Packers' 24-12 win over the Rams on Monday night.
Lazard notably took a back seat to the rookie duo of Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, who finished with a combined 9-101 line on 11 targets. Lazard's catch and yardage totals were both season lows for the fifth-year veteran, and the fact they came in a rare instance where both Doubs and Watson were available is worth at least keeping in mind. However, the Packers waived veteran Sammy Watkins earlier Monday, so Lazard should still have a solid amount of opportunities for targets during what remains of the regular season.
-
Van Jefferson WR | WAS
Rams' Van Jefferson: Pair of grabs in loss
Jefferson brought in both targets for 32 yards in the Rams' 24-12 loss to the Packers on Monday night.
Jefferson led the Rams wideouts in receptions and receiving yards, and on a night when Los Angeles finished with 84 net passing yards, his modest totals were only less productive than those of running back Cam Akers. Jefferson had caught the game-winning touchdown from Baker Mayfield in the latter's Week 14 team debut against the Raiders, making the low-volume night Monday especially disappointing. Jefferson and the rest of the Rams' air attack has another stiff challenge on its hands in a Week 16 home matchup against the talented Broncos secondary on Christmas Day.
-
Mason Kinsey WR | TEN
Mason Kinsey: Back on Tennessee's practice squad
Kinsey reverted to the Titans' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
Kinsey wasn't very impressive after being elevated in Week 15 against the Chargers. He netted zero yards on two punt returns, including one that he muffed but recovered. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Titans go in another direction in that special teams role moving forward.
-
Deven Thompkins WR | BUF
Deven Thompkins: Reverts after busy elevation
Thompkins reverted to Tampa Bay's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
Thompkins saw plenty of action after being elevated in Week 15 against the Bengals. His 13 offensive snaps were third-most among Tampa Bay's wide receivers, and Thompkins registered 16 scrimmage yards on one catch and one rushing attempt. The rookie receiver added two punt returns for 14 yards and three kick returns for 48 yards.