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
12/17/2025

Green Bay 24 Denver 34

Denver Clinched a playoff berth with the win and a one-game lead for the number one seed. QB Bo Nix had a signature performance, tying a career-high with 4 passing TDs and throwing for over 300 yards with no interceptions. WR Courtland Sutton was Nix's top target with 7 catches for 113 yards and 1 TD, including a huge toe-tap score and a critical fourth-down conversion. WR Troy Franklin was also productive with 6 catches for 85 yards and a TD. WRs Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Michael Bandy also caught TDs. Green Bay’s RB Josh Jacobs had a strong day [92 scrimmage yards and 2 TDs (1 rush, 1 receiving)]. QB Jordan Love had mixed results. He threw for 277 yards and 1 TD but also had 2 crucial interceptions that stalled drives in the second half. WR Christian Watson caught a few passes but left the game with a chest injury after CB Pat Surtain’s spectacular interception. The Packers Defense: suffered devastating injury to star pass rusher Micah Parsons (non-contact knee injury).

Jacksonville @ Denver
WR Travis Hunter’s return to Colorado, where the Broncos are 4-4 all-time against the Jags. Was derailed by his season ending injury. Payton has never lost to the Jaguars; his teams are 4-0 against them. The Broncos are 2-0 against the Jaguars since Trevor Lawrence became their starting quarterback. But QB Trevor Lawrence also went off in a dominant win over the Jets in week 15. Denver RB R..J. Harvey: Suffered a rib injury in Week 15. If he's out, Jaleel McLaughlin becomes the next man up (Badie could see more action also). The Broncos are favored by 3 points in what could be a close, defensive battle: Jacksonville 20 Denver 24

Transactions Placed starting S Brandon Jones on IR. Signed RB Cody Schrader.
Quote of the Week Payton: “It’s nice to clinch a playoff berth. Goal one is try to go win your division, goal two is try to get the best seed and then goal three is try to win a world championship. And so, we still haven’t really accomplished one, two or three.” Nix: "We're the over-dogs."

Orangeman’s Take

Bo Nix delivered when it mattered most, leading the Broncos' passing game. Now it is time for the Broncos to take care of business. RB Cody Shrader can be a pounder for the Broncos if needed, but doesn’t have Harvey’s break away speed.

Fantasy Outlook
Player PPR Fantasy Points
Quarterback
Bo Nix 12-18

Running Back
R J Harvey 11-17
Tyler Badie 0-4 (no RJ 8-10)
Jaleel McLaughlin 3-4 (no RJ 12-15)
Adam Prentice-FB 0-2
Cody Shrader No (RJ 3-5)

Wide Receiver
Courtland Sutton 10-17
Pat Bryant 8-13
Troy Franklin 6-11
Marvin Mims, Jr 4-10
Lil’Jordan Humphrey 4-6

Tight End
Evan Engram 7-11
Adam Trautman 2-4
Nate Adkins 0-3

Kicker
Wil Lutz 6-11

Defense/Special Teams 4-10

Good luck this week!

End.

Charles Rives

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LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
12/18/2025

In a low-scoring affair, last week, the Chargers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 16-13. This week, the 10-4 Chargers head to Dallas to take on the 6-7-1 Cowboys, who are probably better than their record indicates. This report will be a review of last week’s win, and a preview of the upcoming Chargers at Cowboys game.

QB: For the past few weeks, I’ve been suggesting that you temper your expectations regarding the Chargers’ passing game. Generally, that’s been pretty good advice, since the Chargers haven’t done much recently from a passing/receiving perspective. Last week, QB Justin Herbert (broken non-throwing hand) was 19-29 for 210 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, and a 84 quarterback rating. Not good, but better than the prior week. That said, the Cowboys have given up 31 passing TDs this season, along with about 3,800 passing yards (250+ YPG) and opposing quarterbacks have an average rating of 109.1. In other words, it’s not a very good passing defense. I wouldn’t rate Herbert, who is still recovering from a broken hand, as highly as Mike does (top 10), but I suspect he’ll have better numbers this week, making him a lower-end QB1, or maybe a strong QB2.

WR: The Chargers’ receiving corps were bad again, with WR Ladd McConkey catching 2 for 20 yards and no TDs. WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith caught 1 for 16 yards and a TD. WR Keenan Allen caught 5 for 36 yards and no TDs. WR Tre Harris caught 3 for 49 yards and no TDs. WR Quentin Johnston (groin) did not play and had a limited practice, as of this writing. This week, McConkey is a weak WR2 or solid WR3. Allen is a WR3. Johnston is very iffy due to injury and his boom/bust history. I’d bench him.

RB: We’ve got a timeshare situation between RB Kimani Vidal and RB Omarion Hampton. Last week, Hampton carried 15 times for 61 yards and no TDs. He also had 1 reception for 4 yards. Vidal carried 12 times for 33 yards and no TDs, and he had 1 catch for 15 yards. This week, Hampton is a decent RB2, Vidal is a bench or FLEX for those in need.

TE: We saw signs of life from TE Oronde Gadsden, who had 4 catches on 5 targets, 61 yards and no TDs. Consider him a TE1 this week.

PK: Chargers PK Cameron Dicker was 3/3 on FGs (long of 49) and booted 1 extra point. If you own him, start him.

DEF: The Chargers’ defense was solid against the Chiefs, limiting them to 13 points, recording 2 INTs and recording 5 sacks. I don’t love the matchup against the Cowboys, making the Chargers defense an average to slightly above average start this week.

Good luck with your fantasy tames and happy holidays!

End.

Brad Willis

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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
12/18/2025

Week 15: Takin’ Care of Business. Bears 31, Browns 3
Not much to say about this one. At a frigid Soldier Field, the Bears rolled as I expected they would. I was never really concerned about this being a trap game.

Quarterback QB Caleb Williams completed 17 of 28 passes for 242 yards and two TDs and ran three times for 13 yards. His accuracy was a bit better in this one, but everyone here in Chicago is still buzzing about the ridiculous second TD pass he threw to WR D.J. Moore. We’ve seen Caleb make some pretty amazing throws, but rarely have any of them actually gone for TDs. This one did, and it was one of those classic “No no no… yes!” moments. My dad and I both said, “What!” in vintage Chris Berman style and stared at each other in disbelief when we realized that Moore had caught the ball. Incredible.

Running back
RB D’Andre Swift had 18 carries for 98 yards and two TDs and caught his lone target for a two-yard loss. RB Kyle Monangai had 11 carries for 33 yards and was targeted twice. It was a rare quiet game for Monangai, but as I’ve mentioned before, Swift is still clearly the lead back here.

Wide receiver
Moore caught four of his five targets for 69 yards and two scores. D.J. has the ability to go off like this in any given week, but Williams’ inconsistency means that you don’t know when it will happen. WR Luther Burden III caught six of his seven targets for 84 yards but unfortunately injured his ankle and had to leave the game. WR Olamide Zaccheaus was targeted three times but came up empty-handed.
WR Rome Odunze was active for the game but reaggravated his foot injury in pregame warmups and wound up not playing. I told my dad days before the game that the Bears should just make Rome inactive for this one and give him another week to heal, especially for a game where the team likely wouldn’t need him to win. Unfortunately, the Bears gambled, and they lost.

Tight end TE Colston Loveland hauled in four of his five targets for 63 yards and had one carry for a two-yard loss. TE Cole Kmet reeled in two of his four targets for 28 yards.

Defense/Special teams
I suspected that Shedeur Sanders would throw at least a couple of INTs to this unit, and he wound up with a hat trick of picks. Throw in five sacks, and it was a great day for the defense.

Kicker PK Cairo Santos hit one of his two field goal attempts and all four of his extra points.

Week 16: Packers at Bears (Saturday)
This is going to be the Bears’ biggest game since the infamous “double doink” playoff loss to the Eagles in the 2018 season. It could very well decide the NFC North. After his opening presser needling of Matt LaFleur came back to haunt him in Week 14, I’m sure HC Ben Johnson will do anything and everything to win this game. The Bears better play all four quarters this time…

Quarterback
The Cheeseheads have allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points/game to quarterbacks. Micah Parsons is obviously out for the season, and that will help Williams, but I still expect the running game to be the primary focus for the Bears in this one. Bo Nix threw four TD passes against GB last week. Caleb threw for 186 yards and two TDs with one INT against GB two weeks ago. I have Williams as an average play this weekend.

Running back
Green Bay has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points/game to tailbacks. Swift (groin) was limited on Wednesday and Thursday. Assuming he’s active, I have him and Monangai as average flex plays this weekend, with Swift ranked a bit higher. The Bears ran the ball better in the second half against GB in Week 14, but neither back had a carry for more than nine yards. If Swift is out, upgrade Monangai to an RB2.

Wide receiver
The Packers are middling (18th) in fantasy points/game allowed to wideouts. Odunze (foot) and Burden (ankle) have both been ruled out for Saturday. Moore and Zaccheaus become the top two wideouts, with WR Devin Duvernay likely WR3. Moore had only three targets and one catch for a four-yard loss against GB two weeks ago. Due to attrition, D.J. should get more looks in this one, so I have him as a slightly above-average play this week coming off his big game against Cleveland. Zaccheaus is an average play.

Tight end
GB has allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points/game to tight ends. Kmet (ankle/knee) fully practiced on Thursday after previously being limited. I think Loveland will be option three after Moore and Zaccheaus for Caleb, so I have him as an above-average play this weekend. He had four grabs for 29 yards and a TD in Week 14. I have Kmet as an average play. With two top receivers out, he should get a few looks.

Defense/Special teams LB Tremaine Edmunds fully practiced on Thursday and looks likely to be activated from IR, which would be a huge boost to this unit. The defense really needs to prioritize not giving up explosive deep shots this time, which for me means playing two deep safeties and trying to stop a less than 100% Josh Jacobs with the front seven. I have this unit as an average play this week.

Kicker
GB has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points/game to kickers. Santos is an average play this weekend.

Good luck this week!

End.

Richard Fung

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DETROIT LIONS
12/18/2025

Steelers at Lions

QB: The Lions over their last 10 games have alternated wins and losses. This past Sunday against the Rams was their week to lose, and they did. But you couldn’t find much fault with QB Jared Goff from that game. He played well. He won’t admit it but I think even after all these years he still has some bitterness over getting dumped by McVay and the Rams. Goff ended up with 338 yards with 3 TDs and no turnovers. He was only sacked once as the protection held up. This week the Lions are back home to face the Steelers. This is not a vintage Steelers defense. I feel like the Lions should be able to control this game. I would expect an efficient game from Goff with solid numbers, something like 250 yards and 2 TDs.

RB: It seemed like the Rams made it a point defensively to not let RB Jahmyr Gibbs beat them. Maybe that’s part of the reason why Goff had a big day passing. Gibbs was mostly bottled up, running for just 38 yards on 13 carries. His longest run was 6 yards, and he didn’t do much through the air either with only 20 yards on 4 catches. He should bounce back this week against the Steelers and he remains a stud in any fantasy format. RB David Montgomery was able find the end zone on a short yardage TD as he salvaged some decent fantasy points despite just 32 yards on 7 carries. If you’re thin at running back or looking for a flex option you can play Montgomery and hope he scores a TD again this week.

WR/TE: With TE Sam LaPorta out it was an avalanche of targets for the usual suspects. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown had 13 catches (18 targets) for 164 yards and 2 TDs. WR Jameson Williams had 7 grabs (10 targets) for 134 yards and a TD. Goff rarely targeted anyone else other than these two guys and Gibbs. It speaks to the depleted tight end position. It would also help if they could get a little more from the third receiver spot. WR Kalif Raymond returned from his ankle sprain but didn’t do much, and it seems rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa isn’t developing as quickly as hoped even though he has made a few spectacular catches. St. Brown and Williams continue to be lineup locks. We noted last week that St. Brown was completely off the injury report after his ankle injury on Thanksgiving and he looked back to 100% against the Rams. Williams’ production has ramped up in recent weeks as he is becoming more consistent and less boom/bust. If you must use a Lions tight end for some reason it seems like TE Shane Zylstra is the best option right now but only if you are desperate or looking for a minimum priced option for daily formats.

K/DST: It was a 10 point day for PK Jake Bates in the 41-34 loss, but he did have a miss. The Lions defense didn’t do much other than a nice interception by Aidan Hutchinson. The Rams were able to run and throw without much resistance. The Steelers offense isn’t on the level of the Rams so I think the Lions defense should fare better this week, but I don’t think they are a great fantasy option. Aaron Rodgers knows how to protect the football and limit turnovers.

Good luck to everyone with their fantasy teams in the playoffs this week.

End.

James Hintz

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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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