CINCINNATI BENGALS

The report for this week has not yet been released.

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INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
12/16/2025

Hey there Colts’ fans! Here are my thoughts on the reeling 8-6 Colts as they return home to host the 10-4 San Francisco 49ers on Monday night:

LAST WEEK: Rivers actually looked pretty good despite facing down the league’s nastiest defense…on the road….straight off the couch in Alabama… after 5 years away. He was only sacked twice: once was when he slipped on the logo paint, and the other was when he covered up a botched shotgun snap. Otherwise, he got the ball out fast and accurately. It was obvious that they either wanted to get the ball out of his hands quickly on short passes…or the team knew he was unable to pass down the field. His only deeper down field pass was intercepted – but it was in desperation time for the final seconds, it was tipped, and it was long and not short. Taylor got a ton of carries, nearly becoming the first guy to hit 100 yards on this defense. But they only found the end zone once in an 18-16 loss. They actually took the lead on a nice late drive by Rivers to get them into range for Grupe’s career-long (and longest in franchise history) 60-yard FG with 47 seconds left, but the defense crumbled to allow a last-second game winner.

INJURIES: In addition to losing the starting corner tandem over the last two weeks, they may be without both of their starting tackles this week also. Already down RT Braden Smith, LT Bernard Raimann left the Seahawks game with an elbow injury and was replaced by OT Luke Tenuta. Tenuta and RTR Jalen Travis actually did well on the edges in pass protection, but Tenuta struggled in the run game a lot (an area where Raimann had excelled). With all the injuries along the line, they did add three beefy linemen to the practice squad this week, all with minimal NFL experience: OG LaDarius Henderson, OG Bill Murray and OT Zach Thomas. This beef may further demonstrate their commitment to running the ball the rest of the way this season.QB Anthony Rchardson has been medically cleared to return to activities, but he has not yet come close to seeing the field and is uncertain to do so this season. On the defense, CB Sauce Gardner is listed as questionable with his calf injury, but he has yet to practice since getting carried off the field three weeks ago so his return is unlikely. DL DeForest Buckner has not yet been removed from IR, but he did start practicing last week and a return for him against his former team would be a huge boost to an overworked defense. On a related note, they did lose two veteran linebackers off their practice squad to contenders this week as New England claimed LB Chad Muma and Tampa Bay took LB Anthony Walker.

QUARTERBACK: The Colts have already announced that QB Philip Rivers will be under center on MNF this week, so expect another bolus of short passes and screens to keep him out of harm’s way and get the ball into the hands of speedier players. The 49ers in theory are a decent matchup, allowing the 4th most TD passes and grabbing the 2nd fewest interceptions. But recently they have been super while allowing under 175 yards for three straight games despite playing with big leads, and an average of only 14 PPG to fantasy passers. Barring a couple of big screen plays going the distance, its hard to get too excited about Rivers, even in two quarterback scoring systems this week. If he tops 150 yards and a single score, it will be a surprise and a great effort.

RUNNING BACK: RB Jonathan Taylor is going to get his action for sure, despite the 49ers keying on him and stacking the box. He was on pace for nearly 40 carries at halftime Sunday before slowing the pace, and his volume should be high again this week. He also likely will get a few more looks in the screen game than he had been getting, which is something they should have been doing all along anyway. He is started, although his lack of scoring means doom for the Colts as well as doom for his fantasy owners, most likely. Veteran RB Ameer Abdullah has looked good in a part time role and could be a serviceable flex in PPR leagues based on his week 14 and expected week 15 usage, but you probably would have to be desperate to be still alive in week 16 and starting him as anything more than a #3 option. However in bigger leagues, he is likely on the waiver wire and could be useful for such a game. The 49ers have been mediocre against the running back for fantasy, but to be honest they haven’t played a lot of good ones and they have allowed amongst the fewest attempts also. Losing the bookend tackles actually is a bigger blow to Taylor than it is to protecting Rivers, as they were both great run blockers.

WIDE RECEIVER: Without the time in pocket for a downfield passing game, no real threat of a mobile quarterback, and questions about Rivers’ arm strength remaining unanswered…the receivers as a group are essentially unstartable for fantasy. Rivers is a cerebral passer, so he will not force it to a primary target. Five different players had between 4-6 targets on Sunday and that should continue. He is also looking to get the ball out so fast that guys who win quickly off the line are likely better PPR options. This means the backs and slot guy WR Josh Downs should get the most targets, but for strikingly few yards. Deep threat WR Alec Pierce was basically a zero with only one target and that will continue. Leading outside threats WR Michael Pittman and Warren are reduced to being blockers and decoys. Stay away from all these guys, although Downs on a short slant likely has the highest TD probability and is the best desperation flyer as a flex.

TIGHT END: The 49ers have allowed the7th most fantasy points to the tight end in standard leagues, and 10th most in PPR. They have allowed 9 TDs to them, third most in the NFL this season. Even Tennessee’s weaker options combined for 10 targets and a TD last week against Frisco. TE Tyler Warren should have a decent chance to get open, but his downfield action will be limited by Rivers. Rivers has used the tight end extensively in his career and Warren does excel in RAC, so one would think he could have seen more action last week with the short-passing game plan. After leading NFL tight ends in most categories through 10 weeks, he has disappeared recently, failing to top 20 yards in both of the last two games despite super matchups. It is just hard to get excited about this passing game right now and he probably is not in most lineups during this playoff week as my 12th-14th rated tight end option.

KICKER: PK Blake Grupe looked for this week like the Colts made a great choice in signing him. His 60-yard FG should have been a shocking game-winner, but the defense cracked in the final minute to allow the Seahawks to win. He was 3-3 and hit from 42, 54 and 60 yards out to aid the stagnant offense. The 49ers have allowed the 3rd fewest FGs and the 4th fewest kicker points all season, and during their 4-0 game win streak they have been the best at limiting the position. Hard to get too excited about the matchup; however, the limitations of the offense and playing at home and indoors in December are things that could work in Grupe’s favor. I’ll say he is a low-upside player that likely can’t win a fantasy playoff game for you, but he has a decent shot at a multiple FG game and may have a solid floor for those wanting a safe streamer off the waiver wire. He is a top 10 fantasy kicker since joining the Colts, FWIW

DEFENSE: This unit really played above itself last week by limiting the NFL’s #2 scoring unit to 18 points and holding the high-powered Seahawks out of the end zone all game. The run defense was superb and played inspired ball, but they don’t have the horses to compete, and the 49ers strengths might hit their weaknesses the most. Speed receivers will have a field day with the top corners all out. Kittle should roam free since the Colts can’t cover the tight end well, not are they good at covering receiving backs like CMC either. Yuck. The only plus side for the defense may be in IDP leagues where LB Zaire Franklin and LB Germaine Pratt , along with SS Nick Cross are each poised to rack up a lot of tackles (unfortunately, at a minimum of 5-6 yards downfield each time)

OVERALL: One team has been curb-stomping people while ripping off four straight wins, and has been consistently been getting players back healthy over the last month. The other has lost four straight and has hit every team when they are hot, while simultaneously suffering a string of crucial injuries. This one has all the earmarks of a potential home field blowout, but the team is playing with incredible grit and fire right now (that is the Philip Rivers factor, for sure). But is his fire enough to get them a win? Probably not. Rivers’ enthusiasm will lift the team up some, but they are just too undermanned to be facing a team in a dogfight for the #1 overall seed in the NFC. Look for them to keep it close for a while before the 49ers stretch it out for a 33-17 win. The season is essentially over, but their slim playoff hopes are on life-support yet. They must win this game to stay in the hunt for even a wildcard spot, and their last two games against JAX and HOU give them a mild chance in the division yet. It is more likely to get ugly on MNF than anything though.

That is all for this week from the Crossroads of America. Best of luck to you in your league championship or semifinals week!

End.

Chris Rito

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DENVER BRONCOS

The report for this week has not yet been released.

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LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

The report for this week has not yet been released.

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DALLAS COWBOYS

The report for this week has not yet been released.

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NEW YORK GIANTS

The report for this week has not yet been released.

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WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

The report for this week has not yet been released.

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CHICAGO BEARS

The report for this week has not yet been released.

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DETROIT LIONS

The report for this week has not yet been released.

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ARIZONA CARDINALS

The report for this week has not yet been released.

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SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
12/16/2025

The Seahawks escaped what seemed like it was a trap game in Week 15, beating the hobbled Colts 18-16 in a win driven entirely by defense and special teams. The offense struggled, failing to score a touchdown, while the defense and PK Jason Myers (who hit six field goals) carried the team. Now, the focus shifts to an intense rivalry game against the Los Angeles Rams, whom LB Uchenna Nwosu believes "got away with that first game". The question for Week 16 is whether the offense can finally get back on track or if the team will continue to rely on the league-best D/ST unit to grind out a victory.
QB - QB Sam Darnold led the team to an 18-16 victory in Week 15, but the passing game was "ineffective" and he finished without a passing touchdown. He did throw for 275 yards and zero interceptions, which is not awful fantasy value. Concerns about his efficiency and confidence persist and Darnold’s game has a hesitation to it now that was not there when these teams played earlier this season. The offense started the season hot and now is just not.
The Rams' secondary has also been playing a bit off their game lately, offering a potential bounce-back opportunity for Seattle’s passing game. Darnold is a low-end QB1/high-end QB2, contingent on the offense executing in this high-stakes rivalry game.
RB - Despite a favorable Week 15 matchup, the rushing game was ugly, ranking 31st in efficiency for the week. Seattle continuing to rely on a committee backfield does not help either back’s fantasy value, but it would help if they could manage more than 50 yards combined.
The Seahawks should try to establish that they are the more physical team Thursday night. If OC Clint Kubiak's unit can find a way to establish a ground attack, both backs could have a productive day. RB Kenneth Walker III remains a volume-based RB2, with RB Zach Charbonnet a solid Flex play with red-zone upside.
WR - As one would expect with Darnold’s stats being so low, the wide receivers were held in check without a touchdown. The glimmers of hope did not show up on the box score, like the missed connection with WR Rasheed Shahed in the end zone.
The Rams' cornerbacks should be vulnerable to Kubiak’s gameplan. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to be the focal point owning 113 of the teams’ 271 receiving yards last week. Shaheed is seeing more of an offensive role each week and his deep speed is a threat that might break the back of the Rams’ secondary. WR Cooper Kupp is not really a revenge game kind of guy, but he played well in Week 15 despite only 46 yards. He has made himself a consistent target for Darnold, so even though he is not a threat to take away JSN’s fantasy stud status, he is a threat to take away some of JSN’s juicier opportunities for fantasy points. If this were early season Darnold, then you would have to start JSN. Now your fantasy championship may be on the line and having an underwhelming performance from JSN might sink you. It is going to depend on your bench as to how much of a gamble this would be for you. I would start him and I would start Kupp.
TE - In the game, TE AJ Barner made some significant momentary contributions. On the fantasy stat line, not so much. Do they get 6 field goals without Barner’s 27 yards? Probably not. But fantasy points don’t pay out on that.
Barner remains a desperation-level play. He might benefit from a more cautious, short-passing attack by Darnold in this physical contest, but the Rams defense is not a particularly favorable matchup for the tight ends no matter what week it is.

K - PK Jason Myers was the Week 15 hero, accounting for all 18 points by hitting a career-high six field goals, including a 56-yard game-winner. He may well be the fantasy MVP of the team (other than the team D!).
Myers remains a high-floor, must-start option. We are looking to see a tight, physical rivalry game. That leads to offensive stalls and many should be deep in Rams territory, providing plenty of field goal opportunities. Myers is the hot leg, so start him.

D -
The Seahawks team D unit continues to perform at an elite level, holding the Colts to 16 points and confirming themselves as the backbone of the team and even their identity. They are carrying the team right now and fantasy points are reflecting that.
This is a personal rivalry game. Seattle’s players are eager to get after the Rams. They did their job in the first game against the Rams holding QB Matthew Stafford to just 130 yards and handing him his worst performance of the season. This D is positioned to dominate on the national stage and show who they are. A lot of emotion is bottled up here going all the way back to DE Leonard Williams being essentially ignored for Pro Bowl voting last year despite his stats having earned him consideration. It feels so good to once again say this D is an elite, set-it-and-forget-it start with massive sack and turnover potential. Not sure I have typed those words in the past decade.

Prediction: This will be a tightly contested, physical primetime showdown. I do not see the offense catching fire against that Rams’ D, but Seattle’s D will show dominance allowing them to grind out a victory. The identity that Mike McDonald has instilled in them as Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator will be what brings them through.

Seattle: 19
Rams: 17

Go ‘Hawks!

End.

Rick Watts

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LOS ANGELES RAMS
12/17/2025

Taming the Lions! After falling behind by ten points in the second quarter, the Rams were able to cut to lead to seven at the end of the first half and took control of the game in the second half earning a 41-34 victory. The Rams improved to 11-3 and clinched a playoff berth but not the division title. Los Angeles heads to Seattle to take on the 11-3 Seahawks on Thursday Night Football and the winner of this game controls their own destiny not only for the NFC West Division, but also for the number one seed in the NFC. The Rams will be without star WR Davante Adams who injured his hamstring and will most likely miss several weeks. Let’s look at the stats for week 15 and Fantasy predictions for week 16.

QB: QB Matthew Stafford (24 of 38 for 368 yardswith 2 touchdowns and 1 interception)was on fire with the exception of the early interception that led to the Lions first touchdown. Stafford has a league leading 37 touchdown passes and the second most passing yards (3722). The Seahawks allow only 212.9 passing yards per game and have given up only 17 passing touchdowns in fourteengames. Seattlehas 42 sacks and 16 interceptions for the season.In the first game against Seattle, Matthew was 15-28 for 130 yards with 2 touchdowns. The 130 yards was Matthew’s season low but this offense has improved since week eleven. It is supposed to rain in Seattle and Matthew has not had his best games in the rain. With Adams sidelined, I think McVay focuses on the run while allowing Stafford to make plays when needed. I think 225+ yards with 2-3 touchdowns is possible even with the rain.

RB: RB Kyren Williams (15 for 78 yards rushing and2 touchdowns and 1 reception on 1target for 10 yards) and RB Blake Corum (11for 71 yards rushing and 1 touchdown) both ran well and produced strong numbers. Seattleis third in rush defense at 91.6 rushingyards per game and allow only 3.8 yards per carry. Their opponents have scored 7 rushing touchdowns in fourteen games.Williams and Corum are both playing well and producing Fantasy worthy numbers. Even though Seattle’s run defense is top three in the league, I think Los Angeles finds a way to run the ball successfully. Look for Williams to get his 80-100 scrimmage rushing yards and at least 1 touchdown. Corum has earned stand-alone Fantasy value and could collect 50-60 yards with a possible touchdown.

WR: WR Puka Nacua (9 receptions on 11targets for 181 yards) had another huge game and set a career high for receiving yards. WR Davante Adams (4 receptions on 9 targets for 71 yards) was making long receptions but unfortunately injured his hamstring in the fourth quarter. WR Tutu Atwell (1 catch on 2 targets) made an excellent catch in his first game back from his injury. WR Jordan Whittington (0-1) and WR Konata Mumpfield(0-1) did not record any receptions. Puka should dominate pass targets even more than usual with Adams sidelined 10-12 catches for 125+ yards and a touchdown is my prediction. He is the only receiver with decent Fantasy value for the Rams this week.

TE: TE Colby Parkinson (5 receptions on 7 targets for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns) had a career day and has scored more touchdowns this season (6) than he had previously scored for his entire career combined (5). TE Davis Allen (3 receptions on 4 targets for 16 yards)provided solid effort.Rookie TE Terrance Ferguson (1 catch on 2 targets for 6 yards) was open for a touchdown but Stafford over threw him. He also almost made a great touchdown catch but the ball came loose when he landed on the ground. Fortunately he was held on the play so the penalty gave the Rams a first and goal situation, which led to a Rams touchdown. Parkinson has become a weapon for the Rams and is a sleeper for Fantasy teams, especially with Adams out of the lineup. I predict 4-6 receptions for 30-50 yards and a possible touchdown this week against his former team.

K: PK Harrison Mevis(2-2 field goals (37 & 44 yards) and 5-5 extra points) continued his accuracy and added two field goals to his resume. Mevis is dependable and this offense is executing well so he has potential for four to five extra points and a field goal or two in every game, but because of the trust McVay has in his offense, he goes for it on fourth down rather than attempt long field goals. I think he kicks 4-4 extra points and 1-1 field goals in Seattle.

DEF: After giving up big passing plays in the first half, this unit buckled down in the second half and also limited the Lion’s rushing attack to 70 yards on 20 carries for the game. LB Nate Landman (6 solos and 4 assists) was back as the leading tackler followed by DB Emmanuel Forbes (4 solos and 2 assists) and DB Kamren Curl (3 solos and 3 assists).DL Kobie Turner (3 solos, 2 assists, and 1 sack) had the only sack as ED Byron Young (1 solo and 2 assists) and ED Jared Verse (1 assist)failed to get to Goff. Seattleaverages246.3passing yards per game. They have thrown 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in fourteengames and have been sacked only 18 times. The Seahawk rushing attackis averaging 113 yards per game. They average3.9yards per carryand have scored14 rushing touchdowns.In their first match up, the Rams intercepted Darnold four times but still only won by two points. This unit was effective against a potent Detroit backfield in week fourteen and I think they limit the Seahawk run offense this week, forcing Darnold to pass more and turn the ball over multiple times again. Landman is an every week IDP but Young and Verse have been inconsistent.

The 11-3Rams head to Seattle on a short week and will most likely be without star WR Davante Adams; however, this team is focused and has shown the ability to overcome adversity. I think the Rams offense continuestheir balanced attack and has success running and passing against Seattle. I predict a 31-19 victory for the Rams. I won my last regular season game in my Dynasty League so I will have a first round bye in the playoffs. I finished second in my Non-Keeper league that is based on total points since we do not play head to head games. The top four teams enter the playoffs this week with the top two scoring teams moving on to the Championship game. Shout out to QB Dillon Gabriel. Trust God and keep working my man.Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops& Scratch! God Bless!

End.

Layton Pang

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