🏆 On To Thursday Night

Plus - Russell Wilson Benched For The Season  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 12/28/23 ​[Unsubscribe |]( [Read Online]() | [Join]( | [GO PRO](=)​ Howdy {NAME}[,](=)​ And we're on to Thursday Night. It's a huge week for Fantasy Football and we're here for you. Our Cecil Lammey has some News and Notes you need. Let's Go. J What's New At Footballguys - [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. It's a quick survey and super easy. 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 short survey here.](=) - [Random Shots Is Live](=) - We do a lot of deep and thoughtful features at Footballguys with smart people analyzing and predicting player performance. This is not that. This is me sharing the fun things I saw this week. Joe Flacco Artificial Intelligence Art, Old Man Stafford, Christmas Cleats, and much more. [Get it here.](=) Inside This Issue [] - [DEN: Russell Wilson benched](#article-1) - [NYG: Tyrod Taylor to start](#article-2) - [HOU: C.J. Stroud to practice](#article-3) - [WAS: Jacoby Brissett to start](#article-4) - [MIA: Tyreek Hill misses practice](#article-5) - [JAX: Trevor Lawrence updates status](#article-6) - [GB: Jaire Alexander suspended one game](#article-7) - [MIA: Raheem Mostert sits out Wednesday](#article-8) - [IND: Michael Pittman Jr. still in protocol](#article-9) - [LVR: Zach Gentry poached](#article-10) - [CHI: No practice for Cole Kmet](#article-11) - [MIN: Two Vikings QBs split reps](#article-12) - [CIN: No practice for Ja'Marr Chase](#article-13) - [MIA: Tua Tagovailoa listed as limited](#article-14) - [WAS: Brian Robinson listed as limited](#article-15) - [ARI: Kyler Murray dealing with illness](#article-16) - [CHI: D'Onta Foreman a full participant](#article-17) - [NYG: Darren Waller a limited participant](#article-18) - [CIN: Tee Higgins suffering from drop issues](#article-19) - [DET: Detroit's dynamic RB duo excelling after contact](#article-20) [] 1. DEN: Russell Wilson benched [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() Updating an earlier report, Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson has been benched for the final two games in favor of QB Jarrett Stidham. Our view: It's just a bad fit between Wilson and HC Sean Payton. Wilson is a chaos quarterback, and Payton wants a timing passer in a precision offense. After the Broncos lost to the Patriots on Christmas Eve, this move became a possibility. He's got $39 million in guarantees in 2024, and his 2025 guarantee ($37 million) kicks in on the fifth day of the new league year. The Broncos could not afford to get Wilson seriously injured in the last two games and risk having him on the books for two more years. In the offseason, we'll see Denver likely move on from Wilson and draft his replacement. [Back to Top](#top) [] 2. NYG: Tyrod Taylor to start [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() New York Giants QB Tyrod Taylor will start in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams in place of QB Tommy DeVito. Our view: Taylor came in for an ineffective DeVito last week, and the Giants' offense seemed to have a spark. He's a seasoned veteran who could start next year for some team. This week due to his rushing ability and experience as a passer, Taylor makes for a QB2 option for Fantasy GMs out there. [Back to Top](#top) [] 3. HOU: C.J. Stroud to practice [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) is expected to practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. Our view: Stroud has been out of action since he was concussed in Week 14. He's not yet cleared the protocol, but he'll have to practice on Wednesday and see how his body responds to the work. It's too early to call, but it looks like Stroud could be out there in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) [] 4. WAS: Jacoby Brissett to start [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() Washington Commanders QB Jacoby Brissett will start in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers, over QB Sam Howell. Our view: This move needed to happen at least a few weeks ago. For the past couple of games, Brissett has replaced an ineffective Howell and he's looked good. Now, Brissett is the starter and gets to run the show. It's the championship round in most fantasy leagues, so you likely have better options. That being said, we are excited to see what Brissett does as the starter. [Back to Top](#top) [] 5. MIA: Tyreek Hill misses practice [Source: NFL.com]() Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. Our view: Hill might be limited with this ankle problem like he has been since he originally injured it. We'll see what he can do on Friday, but with WR Jaylen Waddle (high ankle) likely out the Dolphins could use Hill more than ever. Dolphins' HC Mike McDaniel has not ruled Waddle out, and he's called the injury "not overly serious." We'll see what the injury report looks like for both of these speedy wideouts on Friday. [Back to Top](#top) [] 6. JAX: Trevor Lawrence updates status [Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo]( Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) is still sore but his shoulder is feeling better, he told reporters on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Our view: Let's watch to see what he can do as the week of practice goes on. Lawrence added he doesn't expect to throw much over the next few days and is unsure of his status for Week 17. The Jaguars will give CJ Beathard the first-team reps while Lawrence gets rest. [Back to Top](#top) [] 7. GB: Jaire Alexander suspended one game [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander was suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team. Our view: This was such a weird situation with Alexander going out to call the coin toss when he was not designated to do so. Seems like there's much more going on here. Regardless, he won't be in action this weekend. [Back to Top](#top) 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](=) ​ [] 8. MIA: Raheem Mostert sits out Wednesday [Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan]( Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. Our view: It's Wednesday, so we're not panicked. But watch this one closely. [Back to Top](#top) [] 9. IND: Michael Pittman Jr. still in protocol [Source: CNHI Sports Indiana - George Bremer]() Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion) remains in the concussion protocol, but he is progressing, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Our view: Pittman needs to clear the protocol before we know his status for Week 17. He was on track to play last week, but symptoms returned and he missed Week 16. [Back to Top](#top) [] 10. LVR: Zach Gentry poached [Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero]( Cincinnati Bengals TE Zach Gentry is being signed off the practice squad by the Las Vegas Raiders, per source on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Our view: Gentry was a fifth-round pick out of Michigan for the Steelers in the 2019 NFL draft. He hasn't done much during his pro career, but he did catch the final NFL pass from QB Ben Roethlisberger. The Raiders needed more depth at the position with TE Michael Mayer (toe) banged up. [Back to Top](#top) [] 11. CHI: No practice for Cole Kmet [Source: ChicagoBears.com](=) Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. Our view: Kmet injured this knee in Week 16, and it looks like he's going to miss Week 17. That means Robert Tonyan will get the start for the Bears. [Back to Top](#top) [] 12. MIN: Two Vikings QBs split reps [Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert](=) Minnesota Vikings QBs Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall split reps during the open portion of practice on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Our view: The rumors are that Hall is going to start this week after Mullen had a four-interception game in Week 16. Mullens was a turnover machine against the Lions, so they might go back to the rookie Hall. There are also rumblings that Josh Dobbs is a possibility for the team as well. [Back to Top](#top) [] 13. CIN: No practice for Ja'Marr Chase [Source: Bengals.com]() Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. Our view: Other reports indicate Chase did participate, but the team just held a walkthrough. We're looking to see what he can do on Friday before getting excited about his availability in Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) The best things sent in the Footballguys Group Chat today: - 🐬 Mike McDaniel [trusts his guys in the biggest moments.]()​ - 🤝 Who would have thought? [The 5th and 6th seeds seeing each other in the fantasy championships.]()​ - 👏 The Browns [graphic design team deserves a raise.]()​ - 🧐 Jaire Alexander’s [post-game interview was pure chaos.](=)​ - 😂 The best bowl game of the year has arrived. [The Duke’s Mayo Bowl.]()​ ​ [] 14. MIA: Tua Tagovailoa listed as limited [Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan]( Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (quadriceps, thumb) was limited during practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. Our view: The Dolphins are dealing with a few injuries on their high-powered offense. Tagovailoa should get a full practice in before the end of the week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 15. WAS: Brian Robinson listed as limited [Source: Commanders.com]() Washington Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) was limited during practice Wednesday, Dec. 27. Our view: Let's see what Robinson can do later in the week. The Commanders had been using Antonio Gibson and Chris Rodriguez in an RBBC without Robinson in the lineup. [Back to Top](#top) [] 16. ARI: Kyler Murray dealing with illness [Source: NFL.com]() Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (illness) will not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 27, because of an illness but should be available for the Week 17 game, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. Our view: It's Wednesday, so Murray has time to feel better and get out there for practice. His status will be one to monitor as the week of practice goes on. [Back to Top](#top) [] 17. CHI: D'Onta Foreman a full participant [Source: Chicago Bears PR](=) Chicago Bears RB D'Onta Foreman (personal) practiced in full on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Our view: Foreman missed Week 16 due to personal reasons. He's back, and that means the Bears will use a three-headed RBBC with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson too. It's a complicated situation (and one we're hesitant to trust) for Fantasy GMs in the championship round of Week 17. [Back to Top](#top) [] 18. NYG: Darren Waller a limited participant [Source: Giants.com]( New York Giants TE Darren Waller (knee) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, Dec. 27. The injury report is an estimation after the Giants conducted a walkthrough. Our view: Limited during a walkthrough isn't great, but it's Wednesday and we've got plenty of time to see Waller in a full practice later in the week. The Giants are starting QB Tyrod Taylor this week, and he gave the offense a spark in relief of QB Tommy DeVito last week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 19. CIN: Tee Higgins suffering from drop issues [Source: ProFootballReference.com](=) Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins is tied for third in the league among qualified receivers in drop rate at 9.5 percent, according to Pro Football Reference. Our view: While the drops are frustrating, Fantasy GMs don't get dinged for that in scoring. He's a WR2 with upside every week, and against the Chiefs on Sunday we could see the Bengals go to the air early and often. [Back to Top](#top) [] 20. DET: Detroit's dynamic RB duo excelling after contact [Source: ProFootballReference.com]() Detroit Lions RBs Jahmyr Gibbs (2.2) and David Montgomery (2.0) rank first and tied for second, respectively, in the league among qualified rushers in average yards after contact, according to Pro Football Reference. Our view: Montgomery is an efficient runner with a blend of vision and instincts. Gibbs is a speed demon who can flat-out fly. Both backs are good at keeping their feet after contact, and that makes them a dangerous duo because they're tough to bring down. [Back to Top](#top) That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. 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? 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