Fantasy Football News

Bills WR Cole Beasley (knee) has been removed from the team's injury report ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Source: Pro Football Talk)

Fantasy Impact: Beasley failed to catch the two targets he saw against the Ravens in the team's AFC Divisional Round win. The slot receiver is a critical part of the Bills offense and his removal from the injury report is a great sign that he will be more involved like he was in the Wild Card Round, hauling in seven of nine targets for 57 yards against the Colts. With Stefon Diggs playing at an All-Pro level, Beasley could see more opportunities and targets as the Chiefs may opt to place Diggs in double coverage in order to contain his explosive play-making ability.

Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's practice. (Source: Rick Stroud on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The former All-Pro wide receiver suffered a knee injury during the NFC Divisional Round win against the Saints and was unable to participate in Wednesday's practice. Brown has five touchdowns on the year, including one against Washington in the Wild Card round, adding extremely talented depth to an already elite receiving corps. Continue monitoring Brown's status throughout the week and if he is able to return in any limited capacity, expect him to suit up for Sunday's contest at Lambeau Field.

Buccaneers RB Ronald Jones II (quad) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice but said he's "all good" and is expected to suit up against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game on Sunday. (Source: James Palmer on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Jones rushed for 62 yards in the team's 30-20 win against the Saints in the NFC Divisional Round and will continue to operate as a 50/50 time share out of the backfield with Leonard Fournette. Jones was given eight less opportunities than Fournette last week but is reportedly feeling better than he did in practice last week and is "all good" for Sunday's showdown against the Packers in the NFC Championship game.

Ravens OT Ronnie Stanley (ankle) "should be ready" to return for the Ravens' training camp after suffering a season-ending ankle injury back in Week 8, as reported by Jamison Hensley. (Source: Jamison Hensley on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Stanley was not available down the stretch for the Ravens which made a significant difference, particularly against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. Lamar Jackson was held to 34 rushing yards while getting sacked three times and failing to score in any capacity due to defenders continuously disrupting the pocket from his blind-side. The fifth-year tackle suffered a fractured and dislocated ankle mid-season but is expected to fully recover and return by training camp, which bodes well for Lamar Jackson and the rest of the Baltimore offense heading into the 2021 season.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is "totally certain" that the team's star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, will eventually receive a long-term contract extension from the organization. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The 2019 MVP totaled 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions during the 2020 season and secured his first postseason win against the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card round. With his electric play-making ability, speed and development as a passer, Jackson will remain among the best quarterbacks in the league, especially if he signs a long-term contract extension to keep him in Baltimore to build on continuity with the players and coaching schemes. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues may want to exercise caution in 2021 fantasy drafts, as many who opted to draft Jackson in the first few rounds came to regret it due to the quarterback's regression in rushing touchdowns and passing efficiency.

Sammy Watkins (calf) practiced on Wednesday. (Source: Sam McDowell on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Wednesday was a "light day" for the Chiefs, though. Coach Andy Reid noted that Thursday would be the big day for practice. We'll have a better idea on Watkins' status around this time tomorrow.

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle, hip) practiced on Wednesday. (Source: Sam McDowell on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Wednesday was a "light day" for the Chiefs, however. Coach Andy Reid noted that Thursday would be the big practice day for them, so we'll have a better outlook on CEH's status around this time tomorrow. The rookie hasn't played since injuring his ankle and hip in Week 15.

Bills WR Gabriel Davis (ankle) won't practice on Wednesday. (Source: Matthew Fairburn on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Davis injured his ankle on Saturday against the Ravens. The rookie should be considered questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Bills. Returning to practice on Thursday or Friday would go a long way towards his chances at suiting up this weekend.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes II (concussion) will have a "light" practice on Wednesday. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The good news is Mahomes doesn't have any symptoms. However, he remains in the league's concussion protocol. Expect the reigning Super Bowl MVP to either be "limited" or "DNP" today, but he's expected to ramp up work as the week goes on. Kansas City squares off with the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship this Sunday evening.

Colts QB Philip Rivers has decided to officially retire after 17 seasons in the NFL. (Source: Kevin Acee on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Rivers’ retirement comes after one year as the Colts’ quarterback, leading them to an 11-5 record with a playoff berth. The former 2004 4th-overall draft pick out of North Carolina State spent his first 16 seasons in San Diego/Los Angeles as a member of the Chargers organization. He finishes his career throwing for 63,440 yards, 421 touchdowns, and 209 interceptions. As of this time, Jacob Eason remains the only quarterback on the Colts’ roster under contract heading into the 2021 season. Indianapolis could also decide to bring in a quarterback via free agency or trade. Both Matthew Stafford and Carson Wentz have been two names thrown around due to a variety of reasons.

Titans star WR A.J. Brown said that he had surgery on both of his knees Tuesday. (Source: Terry McCormick on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Brown also said he should have been out for the season after Week 2, but made the Pro Bowl. The 23-year-old WR battled through knee injuries and still produced for fantasy managers in 2020. He hauled in 70 catches on 106 targets for 1,075 yards and 11 touchdowns across 14 games. Brown is expected to be ready for the 2021 season and currently sixth among all wideouts in the latest expert consensus draft rankings.

Bills RB Zack Moss (ankle) underwent a minor surgical "tight rope" procedure on Tuesday and is expected to make a full recovery in time for off-season workouts and training camp, as reported by Adam Schefter. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The Bills leaned on Moss heavily throughout his rookie season, particularly in goal-line situations which elevates his fantasy draft stock going into the 2021 season. Suffering the season-ending ankle injury during the Bills' Wild Card win against the Colts, Moss is expected to make a full recovery and return to offseason workouts in the spring and summer. The rookie finished his season with 576 total yards and five touchdowns and will likely be featured in a 50/50 timeshare with RB Devin Singletary in the upcoming 2021 season.

Saints star WR Michael Thomas will likely undergo surgery on his ankle this offseason. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Thomas is likely to have surgeries on both the torn deltoid and other injured ligaments in his high ankle this offseason. “Michael Thomas often wouldn’t practice all week, yet would still play in games, at much less than 100%, and with pain medication,” per Schefter. “The coaches told him even as injured as he was, they were much better off with him than without him. But now will need surgery.” Thomas was limited to seven games in 2020 due to a high-ankle sprain. The 27-year-old WR hauled in 40 receptions for 438 yards and zero touchdowns. Thomas is expected to be ready by training camp and currently eighth among all wideouts in the latest expert consensus draft rankings.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Ravens are releasing RB Mark Ingram II on Tuesday. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Ingram didn't play in five of Baltimore's final six games to close out the year. He was a healthy scratch in both of their postseason contests. By making this move, the Ravens are saving $5 million against their 2021 cap and also allowing Ingram to get a jump start on free agency. The 2011 first-round pick out of Alabama is set to enter his age-31 campaign next year, but Ingram should still be able to land a backup role at worst. Meanwhile, most of the fantasy community will be monitoring what else Baltimore does at the running back position this offseason. J.K. Dobbins' fantasy ceiling depends on whether or not the team brings back restricted free agent Gus Edwards as well.

The Ravens waived QB Robert Griffin III. (Source: Baltimore Ravens on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Undrafted free agent Tyler Huntley did enough during Saturday's loss to the Bills to win a roster spot. Griffin could still wind up returning to the Ravens, but it's also possible we've seen his last NFL game. Griffin was the No. 2 overall draft pick back in 2012.

Buccaneers DT Vita Vea (leg) was designated to return from injured reserve on Monday. (Source: Rick Stroud on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Vea will practice on Wednesday and rejoin the Buccaneers for the first time since fracturing his leg in Week 5. He will try to practice this week and look to be activated ahead of the NFC Championship game against Green Bay. If Vea is unable to suit up on Sunday, Rakeem Nunez-Roches will continue to handle NT duties.

Ohio State QB Justin Fields officially declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. (Source: Justin Fields on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Fields has had a busy few weeks. After beating Clemson in the College Football semi-finals, Fields had a strong offensive performance against Alabama in the National Championship. While Ohio State ultimately lost, Fields was guiding the offense in a positive direction for the majority of the night. Former Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence will remain the consensus favorite to be taken first overall, but Fields could wind up being drafted as high as No. 2. Several teams picking early have a need at the quarterback position.

Chiefs backup QB Chad Henne came in for injured Patrick Mahomes and completed 6-of-8 passes for 66 yards and an interception in the Chiefs 22-17 win over the Browns in the Divisional Round of the 2021 playoffs.

Fantasy Impact: Henne entered the game in the third quarter once Patrick Mahomes left with a concussion and did not return. Henne threw a pick but redeemed himself by converting a critical, game-sealing 4th down play late in the fourth quarter. If Mahomes isn't cleared by next Sunday, Henne will start in his absence. Still, there are no reports of Mahomes potentially missing the game as of yet.

Chiefs RB Darrel Williams took over the lead back duties on Sunday, rushing for 78 yards on 14 carries and four receptions for 16 receiving yards in the Chiefs' 22-17 win over the Browns.

Fantasy Impact: With Clyde Edwards-Helaire inactive, the Chiefs turned to Williams. He looked great, running hard between the tackles and out-touched Le'Veon Bell 17:3. There's doubt CEH will be ready for the AFC Championship game, so Williams should be a popular selection in DFS lineups next week. After all, CEH ran for a season-high 161 yards on the Bills in Week 6.

Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman had four receptions for 58 yards and added one rush for four rushing yards in the Chiefs' 22-17 win over the Browns in the Divisional Round of the 2021 playoffs.

Fantasy Impact: Hardman was active in the Chiefs offense, catching all four of his targets, and ripped off the Chiefs' longest gain on Sunday with a 42-yard catch and run. Hardman was inconsistent throughout the season but found his role and executed on Sunday. He'll face the Bills in the AFC Championship next week.