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NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Patriots Insider Calls for More Targets for WR Kayshon Boutte After Single Week 15 Catch

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Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte's limited usage in Week 15's loss to Buffalo, where he received only one target but made a 30-yard diving grab, has drawn criticism. Despite being targeted just 39 times, Boutte ranks second among Patriots wideouts with 511 yards and leads with six touchdowns this season. NBC Sports Boston's Tom E. Curran advocates for increased targets, highlighting Boutte's consistent ability to make contested catches and his impactful plays, including 191 yards and four TDs in October. He is expected to be a key offensive piece as New England eyes a postseason berth.

Steelers LB T.J. Watt Remains Out of Practice, Unlikely for Week 16 After Lung Procedure

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Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt remains sidelined and out of practice on Thursday after undergoing a lung procedure last week. At this point, it appears unlikely that Watt will be available for Week 16. Several other Steelers players, including Nick Herbig (hamstring) and Isaac Seumalo (triceps), also remained sidelined, while Zach Frazier (triceps) and Jabrill Peppers (illness) were added as non-participants.

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans Takes Pre-Planned Rest Day Thursday Amid Collarbone Recovery

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (collarbone/rest) was listed as a non-participant in Thursday's practice. He had been a limited participant Wednesday, continuing maintenance for a fractured collarbone that sidelined him for six games before his return last Thursday. While a mid-week downgrade in practice activity is typically concerning, the team attributing his absence to rest suggests it was a pre-planned off day. Assuming he practices Friday, Evans is expected to play a full complement of snaps in Sunday's game at Carolina.

Emanuel Wilson Poised for Increased Role if Josh Jacobs Sits Week 16

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Green Bay Packers RB Emanuel Wilson is positioned for a significant workload if Josh Jacobs (knee, ankle) is unable to play in Saturday's Week 16 game against the Bears. Wilson previously demonstrated his capability when Jacobs missed Week 12, carrying the ball 28 times for 107 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His potential increased role makes him a strong fantasy option should Jacobs be sidelined.

Derrick Henry Included in Top Anytime Touchdown Scorer Predictions for Week 16

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Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is featured among the top predictions for anytime touchdown props in Week 16. He is listed alongside Jonathan Taylor and Bijan Robinson as one of the players with a high probability of scoring a touchdown this weekend. This prediction underscores his consistent threat in the red zone and his potential to deliver a key offensive play in his upcoming game.

Bijan Robinson Forecasted as Top Anytime Touchdown Scorer in Week 16

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is among the top predictions for anytime touchdown props in Week 16. He joins other notable players such as Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry on the list of athletes expected to score a touchdown in their respective matchups. This forecast suggests a high likelihood of Robinson making a significant impact on the scoreboard this weekend.

Jonathan Taylor Predicted Among Top Anytime Touchdown Scorers for Week 16

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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been identified as one of the top predictions for anytime touchdown props in Week 16. He is listed alongside other prominent backs like Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson as players expected to find the end zone. This prediction highlights his potential to be a key offensive contributor in his upcoming game.

Former LB Myles Jack Arrested, Facing Gun Charges in Texas

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Former NFL linebacker Myles Jack, who previously played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers, is facing gun charges in Texas. The charges stem from his arrest on Tuesday. This incident marks a significant legal development for the veteran player.

D'Andre Swift Questionable for Week 16 with Groin Injury; Expected to Play

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Bears RB D'Andre Swift (groin) is officially questionable for Saturday's game against the Packers. He was added to the injury report Wednesday and was limited in practice Thursday. While he is expected to play, his status is not a lock. His availability will be confirmed approximately 90 minutes before the 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff. Should Swift be limited or sidelined, Kyle Monangai is anticipated to see an increased workload in the Bears' backfield.

Olamide Zaccheaus Set for Expanded Role as Bears Top WRs Sidelined

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus is expected to take on an expanded role in Saturday's Week 16 game against the Packers. With fellow wideouts Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden (ankle) both ruled out, Zaccheaus will step up alongside D.J. Moore as one of Chicago's top two receivers. He and Devin Duvernay are anticipated to see increased targets and opportunities in the passing game.

Colston Loveland a Candidate for Increased Passing Game Work in Week 16

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Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland is identified as a candidate for an increased role in the passing game for Saturday's Week 16 matchup against the Packers. With wide receivers Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden (ankle) both ruled out, there is an opportunity for other offensive players, including Loveland, to see more targets and contribute to the aerial attack.

Caleb Williams Loses Top Targets as Odunze, Burden Ruled Out for Week 16

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will be without two of his top receiving targets for Saturday's Week 16 game against the Packers, as wide receivers Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden (ankle) have both been ruled out. This leaves D.J. Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus as Chicago's primary wideouts, potentially impacting Williams' passing options.

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle Poised to Hit Contract Incentives in Week 16

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Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle is highlighted as a player with a strong likelihood of reaching significant contract incentives during NFL Week 16. The article suggests he is one of more than 30 players who could earn big money based on their performance this week, making him a notable player to watch for financial milestones.

Samson Nacua Arrested for Alleged Theft

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Samson Nacua, brother of Rams receiver Puka Nacua, has been arrested along with another individual for allegedly taking Lakers forward Adou Thiero's car without consent.

Mahomes Eyeing Week 1 Return in 2026 After Surgery

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Patrick Mahomes has begun rehab following surgery for a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. The Chiefs are optimistic he could return by Week 1 of the 2026 season. His surgery was successful, and recovery typically takes around nine months, making an early 2026 return feasible. Gardner Minshew is the current starter.

Josh Allen Surpasses Patrick Mahomes as Top QB?

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Colin Cowherd argues that Josh Allen has surpassed Patrick Mahomes as the NFL's best quarterback over the past two seasons, despite their long-standing rivalry.

Jameson Williams Thrives Under Lions' New Play-Calling

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Under Dan Campbell's play-calling since Week 10, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has transformed from a WR41 to a WR5, averaging 9+ targets in his last three games. This marks a significant turnaround from his previous career highs. Despite a zero-point outing, his floor has improved, making him a more reliable fantasy option.

Dan Campbell's Play-Calling Revitalizes Lions Offense

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Since Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties in Week 10, the Detroit Lions offense has seen a significant surge in scoring and yardage. Jared Goff's fantasy production has jumped from QB14 to QB5. Jameson Williams has also seen a dramatic improvement, moving from WR41 to WR5 in the same period, with more manageable targets.

Packers' Zach Tom Misses Practice, Status Uncertain

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Green Bay Packers right tackle Zach Tom will miss another practice on Thursday due to back and knee injuries. He has not practiced all week but has not been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Bears. The team will make a final decision on his status closer to kickoff.

Matt Harmon's Week 16 PPR Rankings Released

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Fantasy football analyst Matt Harmon has released his full-PPR rankings for Week 16. Managers can bookmark the page for updates throughout the week to aid in lineup decisions. Harmon's half-PPR rankings are also available.