🏆 Merry Christmas From Footballguys

Plus - Amari Cooper Sets Browns Franchise Record With 265 Receiving Yards  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 12/25/23 ​[Unsubscribe |]( [Read Online]() | [Join]( | [GO PRO](=)​ Howdy {NAME}[,](=)​ Merry Christmas from all of us at Footballguys. It's been a wild Sunday and there's still the Sunday Night game to go. Our Sigmund Bloom has some of the News and Notes from today. Let's Go. J Inside This Issue [] - [CLE: Amari Cooper racks up franchise record in yardage](#article-1) - [GB: Aaron Jones surpasses 100-yard mark](#article-2) - [JAX: Trevor Lawrence exits with shoulder issue](#article-3) - [TEN: Derrick Henry runs, throws for TDs](#article-4) - [CLE: Joe Flacco goes well over 300 yards](#article-5) - [TB: Evans scores twice in easy win](#article-6) - [CHI: Kmet leaves game after going over 100 yards](#article-7) - [MIA: Mostert leaves game briefly, scores only offensive touchdown](#article-8) - [DET: Two touchdowns for Jahmyr Gibbs](#article-9) - [GB: Jordan Love accounts for three TDs](#article-10) - [ATL: Bijan Robinson big part of offense](#article-11) - [CAR: Bryce Young throws for over 300 yards](#article-12) - [ARI: Conner leads team in receiving yards, scores as a receiver](#article-13) - [HOU: Devin Singletary totals 12 touches](#article-14) - [DAL: Prescott, Lamb most of the offense in loss](#article-15) - [ATL: Kyle Pitts catches TD pass](#article-16) - [GB: Dontayvion Wicks suffers injury](#article-17) - [MIN: Ankle injury for Jordan Addison](#article-18) - [IND: Jonathan Taylor reaches end zone](#article-19) - [DET: David Montgomery reaches end zone](#article-20) - [SEA: DK Metcalf gets into the end zone](#article-21) - [SEA: Tyler Lockett targeted 11 times in Week 16](#article-22) - [MIN: Touchdown for Ty Chandler](#article-23) - [SEA: Geno Smith accurate in Week 16](#article-24) - [WAS: Sam Howell benched](#article-25) - [IND: Gardner Minshew throws for 201 yards](#article-26) - [ATL: Taylor Heinicke has decent outing](#article-27) - [MIN: Nick Mullens throws two TDs, four INTs](#article-28) Help Footballguys Get Even Better in 2024 I've long said there's not a smarter group of Fantasy GMs on the planet than our Footballguys Premium Subscribers. We'd like to hear from you about your experience with our in-season tools and features. We'll put your insights to work as we improve our offerings for the 2024 season. And as a thank you, we'll randomly pick five people who complete the survey who and give them a 2024 Footballguys Hall Of Fame Subscription. [Take the Survey](=) ​ [] 1. CLE: Amari Cooper racks up franchise record in yardage [Source: FOX 8 Cleveland]() Cleveland Browns WR Amari Cooper ended up with 11 receptions and a franchise-record 265 receiving yards with two touchdowns in Week 16 against the Houston Texans. He was targeted a game-high 15 times. Cooper also had a reception on a successful two-point conversion. Our view: Cooper broke Josh Gordon's record and was a golden ticket into the finals for teams that had him in their lineups. Joe Flacco taking over has unlocked Cooper's potential and made him a must start in Week 17 despite a matchup with Sauce Gardner and the Jets. [Back to Top](#top) [] 2. GB: Aaron Jones surpasses 100-yard mark [Source: ESPN.com]() Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones rushed for 127 yards on 21 carries against the Carolina Panthers in Week 16. He also caught one pass for eight yards during the game. Our view: Jones finally looked healthy for the first time since Week 1. He had bad luck for fantasy as AJ Dillon and Jordan Love vultured his touchdown opportunities, but it was a strong enough showing to be a solid RB2/Flex start and insure that Jones will be in Week 17 lineups against the Vikings. [Back to Top](#top) [] 3. JAX: Trevor Lawrence exits with shoulder issue [Source: JaguarsWire]() Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) left the Week 16 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half due to a shoulder injury and he will not return. He finished the day 17-of-29 for 211 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while running for 29 yards on four attempts with two fumbles, including one lost. Our view: Lawrence was ineffective for most of the first half and only notched a touchdown when the game was out of hand. He's not a sure thing to play against the Panthers next week as the division and playoff berth could be slipping away for the Jaguars. [Back to Top](#top) [] 4. TEN: Derrick Henry runs, throws for TDs [Source: ESPN.com]() Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry rushed 19 times for a game-best 88 yards and a touchdown in Week 16 against the Seattle Seahawks, and he also had a 12-yard touchdown throw to TE Chigoziem Okonkwo. Our view: Henry's touchdown pass was the second of the season. He came through for fantasy teams even though he was a lead weight in lineups last week. Next week, he'll face the same Texans defense that just shut him down in Week 15, but surely he'll be in championship round lineups. [Back to Top](#top) [] 5. CLE: Joe Flacco goes well over 300 yards [Source: ESPN.com]() Cleveland Browns QB Joe Flacco completed 27-of-42 passes for 368 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in Week 16 against the Houston Texans, while rushing twice for one yard. He had recorded three consecutive 300-yard games with two or more touchdowns in each of his four starts. It's his first time with three consecutive 300-yard passing games since Oct. 16-Nov. 6, 2011 as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. Our view: Flacco was roasting the Texans corners with shots downfield to Amari Cooper all day, and he also made David Njoku a good play with six catches and a score yet again. He'll have a tough matchup against the Jets next week, but appears to be likely to start a playoff game, and maybe at an inferior AFC South foe such as the Texans. [Back to Top](#top) [] 6. TB: Evans scores twice in easy win [Source: ESPN.com]() Mike Evans caught seven of eight targets for 86 yards and two touchdowns in the 30-12 win over the Jaguars. Our view: Evans was holding court yet again as a part of many fantasy teams that will be advancing to the championship. He is only one touchdown off of his career high with two games left in the season. Evans has cemented his Hall of Fame resume with this standout season. [Back to Top](#top) [] 7. CHI: Kmet leaves game after going over 100 yards [Source: ESPN.com]() Justin Fields completed 15 of 27 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Cole Kmet caught four of those for 107 yards before leaving with a knee injury. Fields also gained 97 yards on nine rush attempts with one touchdown and Khalil Herbert posted 112 yards and a score on 20 carries. Our view: Fields was only effective as a passer throwing to Kmet, as DJ Moore was also playing through a knee injury he suffered early in this contest. Fields was a big hit for fantasy because of his running, but if Kmet and Moore are out next week vs. Atlanta, it will be tough to want to start Fields. Herbert could end up being the best play from the Bears offense next week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 8. MIA: Mostert leaves game briefly, scores only offensive touchdown [Source: ESPN.com]() Raheem Mostert gained 46 yards on 11 carries and four yards on his only reception, which went for a touchdown. It was the only offensive touchdown scored by the Dolphins in the 22-20 win over Dallas. Our view: Mostert was basically tackled by his offensive lineman on a goal line carry and had his leg rolled up, but eventually re-entered the game and scored. The Dolphins offense was only modestly productive, but the team proved that they can beat a good opponent heading into another tough game next week at Baltimore. [Back to Top](#top) [] 9. DET: Two touchdowns for Jahmyr Gibbs [Source: ESPN.com]() Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. He also caught four passes for 20 yards during the game. Our view: Gibbs has showed a high ceiling to be considered a fantasy RB1 for Week 17 against Dallas. He is getting used successfully in goal line situations and has hit a best case scenario even with David Montgomery healthy. [Back to Top](#top) [] 10. GB: Jordan Love accounts for three TDs [Source: ESPN.com]() Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love went 17-for-28 for 219 yards and two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers in Week 16. He also rushed for 12 yards and one touchdown on two carries during the game. Our view: Love had a huge game against the Panthers defense, which hasn't happened much because they are usually trailing big and not forcing the opponent to throw. What's even more impressive is that Love did this with only one of his top four receivers for most of the game. Love is a strong QB2/Superflex play indoors against the Vikings next week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 11. ATL: Bijan Robinson big part of offense [Source: ESPN.com]() Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson rushed for 72 yards on 12 carries against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. He also caught seven passes for 50 yards during the game. Our view: Arthur Smith went back to Robinson as a true lead back after leaning more on Tyler Allgeier late in Week 15. Robinson has earned back our trust for Week 17 against the Bears with the Falcons still alive in a crowded NFC playoff picture. [Back to Top](#top) [] 12. CAR: Bryce Young throws for over 300 yards [Source: ESPN.com]() Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young went 23-for-35 for 312 yards and two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. He also rushed for 17 yards on four carries during the game. Our view: Young's best fantasy day of the year still wasn't good enough to equal a win for the Panthers, but it at least created a glimmer of hope for the future. He'll be a consideration as a QB2/Superflex against the Jaguars next week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 13. ARI: Conner leads team in receiving yards, scores as a receiver [Source: ESPN.com]() James Conner led the Cardinals with 67 yards on his five catches, including a touchdown. He added 45 yards as a runner on 12 carries. Our view: The Cardinals trailed throughout, which created a bad game script for Conner, but he contributed more than enough as a receiver to help fantasy teams get to the finals. Kyler Murray also benefited from the play from behind game script, throwing the ball 38 times for 230 yards and two scores. Murray and Conner will face the Eagles in a boom/bust matchup next week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 14. HOU: Devin Singletary totals 12 touches [Source: ESPN.com]() Houston Texans RB Devin Singletary rushed nine times for 44 yards in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns, while adding three receptions for 19 yards on his three targets. Our view: Singletary looked good on his touches and had a long play called back by penalty. The game script and strong Browns defense did the rest to limit his production. He's still the clear lead back going into a game against the Titans defense he just tore up back in Week 15. If CJ Stroud is back, Singletary will be a good Week 17 play. [Back to Top](#top) [] 15. DAL: Prescott, Lamb most of the offense in loss [Source: ESPN.com]() Dak Prescott completed 20 of 32 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Six of the completions and one of the touchdowns went to CeeDee Lamb for 118 yards. Tony Pollard gained only 38 yards on 12 carries and five yards on his only reception. Our view: It's hard to say whether the Cowboys two-game slump is more because of spirited defense by Buffalo and Miami, the team's general road woes, or signs that the midseason renaissance is over. We'll find out when they play the Lions next week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 16. ATL: Kyle Pitts catches TD pass [Source: ESPN.com]() Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts caught three passes for 49 yards and one touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. He was targeted four times during the game. Our view: Pitts had a long score and another catch early as it appeared he might finally post a big game for fantasy players, but he only caught one more ball the rest of the afternoon. He's not a clear start for Week 17 at Chicago. [Back to Top](#top) [] 17. GB: Dontayvion Wicks suffers injury [Source: NFL.com](=) Green Bay Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks (chest) suffered a chest injury during the Week 16 game and is considered questionable to return. Our view: Romeo Doubs is the only of the top four Packers receivers to finish this game. He'll be a solid WR3/Flex play next week with some hope that Christian Watson or Jayden Reed will suit up to play the Vikings with the loser likely out of the playoff picture. [Back to Top](#top) [] 18. MIN: Ankle injury for Jordan Addison [Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero]( Minnesota Vikings WR Jordan Addison (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during the Week 16 game and is considered questionable to return. Our view: Addison did not return. The Vikings also lost TJ Hockenson in this game. Minnesota should still be pass-heavy next week against the Packers, so K.J. Osborn has some waiver wire appeal if transactions are still open for Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) [] 19. IND: Jonathan Taylor reaches end zone [Source: ESPN.com]() Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor rushed for 43 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. Our view: Taylor never got out of the driveway in this game, but an opening drive touchdown kept him from being a total bust. If fantasy teams survived this game, Taylor will have a better outlook against the Raiders next week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 20. DET: David Montgomery reaches end zone [Source: ESPN.com]() Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery rushed for 55 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. He also caught two passes for 14 yards during the game. Our view: The Vikings run defense contained Montgomery, but he did score early to made for a solid result for fantasy teams that counted on him. With Jahmyr Gibbs emerging and taking some goal line work, Montgomery is a strong RB2, but still only an RB2 for Week 17 at Dallas. [Back to Top](#top) [] 21. SEA: DK Metcalf gets into the end zone [Source: ESPN.com]() Seattle Seahawks WR DK Metcalf ended up with four catches for 56 yards and a touchdown on six targets in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans. Our view: Metcalf also drew two pass interference penalties for the second straight week. His touchdown was a nearly impossible play that includes a one-handed catch on a contested ball while doing a toe drag. He has a great outlook against the Steelers next week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 22. SEA: Tyler Lockett targeted 11 times in Week 16 [Source: ESPN.com]() Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett ended up with game highs of eight receptions, 81 yards and 11 targets in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans. Our view: Lockett's usefulness wavered a little when Geno Smith was out, but Smith's return today and a pass funnel matchup against the Titans made for a good PPR stat line. Lockett is a strong WR3/Flex option against Pittsburgh next week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 23. MIN: Touchdown for Ty Chandler [Source: ESPN.com]() Minnesota Vikings RB Ty Chandler rushed for 17 yards and one touchdown on eight carries against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. Our view: Chandler scored early, but then the Vikings abandoned the run. It looks like his strong Week 15 result was a mirage. Alexander Mattison will be healthier next week, so Chandler's window of fantasy relevance is likely closed. [Back to Top](#top) [] 24. SEA: Geno Smith accurate in Week 16 [Source: ESPN.com]() Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith completed 25-of-36 passes for 227 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in Week 16 against the Tennessee titans, while rushing once for two yards, too. Our view: Smith started slow but heated up in the second half. He looks healthy enough to trust as your QB2/Superflex against the Steelers next week with the Seattle controlling their destiny for the playoffs. [Back to Top](#top) [] 25. WAS: Sam Howell benched [Source: NFL.com](=) Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell was benched during the Week 16 game and was replaced by QB Jacoby Brissett. Our view: Brissett moved the ball well once he was in for the second straight week. He has improved the passing game as of late, but with the 49ers up next week, the Commanders prospects are dim for Week 17 fantasy lineups. [Back to Top](#top) [] 26. IND: Gardner Minshew throws for 201 yards [Source: ESPN.com]() Indianapolis Colts QB Gardner Minshew went 20-for-37 for 201 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. He also rushed for 31 yards on four carries during the game. Our view: Minshew struggled without Michael Pittman. The Colts have to win next week against the Raiders or they will become a longshot for the playoffs. If Pittman is back, then Minshew will be a suitable QB2/Superflex. [Back to Top](#top) [] 27. ATL: Taylor Heinicke has decent outing [Source: ESPN.com]() Atlanta Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke went 23-for-33 for 229 yards and one touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. He also rushed for 10 yards on two carries during the game. Our view: Heinicke was focused on the tight ends and Bijan Robinson in a very safe passing game plan. The Falcons are still alive for the playoffs and will likely lean on the run next week at Chicago, so he's only a low-end QB2/Superflex. [Back to Top](#top) [] 28. MIN: Nick Mullens throws two TDs, four INTs [Source: ESPN.com]() Minnesota Vikings QB Nick Mullens went 22-for-36 for 411 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. Our view: Mullens made bad enough decisions in the first half to get benched, but he also was bold throwing downfield to Justin Jefferson, which kept the Vikings in the game, and almost got them the win late. Mullens is a solid QB2/Superflex against the Packers next week despite losing Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson today. [Back to Top](#top) That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and we'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J [avatar] Joe Bryant Guide ​ ​ [[twitter]​]([[facebook]​](=)[[discord]​]([[youtube]​]([[instagram]​]( = Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey Was this email forwarded to you? [Sign Up here](​ ​[Advertise with us](and get your brand in front of 600,000+ football fans [GO PRO](=) [PODCASTS]() [COMMUNITY]( [SHOP]( [CONTACT US]( You’re subscribed as [{EMAIL}](=) . [Unsubscribe here]( Copyright @ 2023 Sportsguys, LLC. 118 N Peters Road, Suite 208. Knoxville, TN 37922 ​[Opt-out of preference based advertising](=)​ ​