Chargers WR Quentin Johnston

Quentin Johnston has been limited in practice this week with a groin issue but does not carry a game designation, suggesting he’s trending toward playing. He missed last week’s game, which opened the door for Tre’ Harris to see an increased snap share and expanded involvement. If Johnston is active, expect the Chargers’ receiver rotation to normalize somewhat, though it’s worth noting that Johnston returning from injury could still come with managed usage rather than a full workload.

Cowboys RB Malik Davis

Malik Davis saw a surprising jump in usage last week, playing 53% of offensive snaps and handling eight carries — double his previous season-high in rushing attempts. Prior to that outing, his highest snap count all year was just 13, making the sudden spike to 37 snaps notable. With Dallas effectively eliminated from playoff contention, the coaching staff may begin evaluating younger or less-utilized players, which could keep Davis involved at a higher rate moving forward.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes / Gardner Minshew

Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL in the Chiefs’ loss to the Chargers, officially ending his season. Gardner Minshew will take over as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the year. With Kansas City also eliminated from playoff contention, the offense is likely to pivot toward a simplified approach focused on evaluation and stability rather than aggressive game planning.

Dolphins QB Change – Quinn Ewers In

Mike McDaniel has benched Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers for Week 16 against Cincinnati. Tagovailoa leads the league in interceptions and will now serve as the emergency third quarterback, with Zach Wilson backing up Ewers. The move signals a clear shift toward development mode, and the offense may become more conservative as Ewers acclimates to NFL speed and complexity.

Dolphins RB De’Von Achane

With Quinn Ewers starting, Miami may lean more heavily on its ground game to protect the rookie quarterback. That shift benefits De’Von Achane, who leads the NFL in yards per carry and remains the most explosive piece of the offense. Against a Bengals defense that has struggled against the run, Achane could see increased volume as Miami looks to simplify the offensive game plan.

Jets RB Isaiah Davis / Breece Hall

Isaiah Davis broke out last week against Jacksonville, rushing for 58 yards and a touchdown while carving out a larger role in the Jets’ backfield. His increased usage coincided with Breece Hall seeing his lowest snap share of the season at 54%. While Hall remains the lead back, Davis’ emergence could lead to a more balanced workload if the Jets continue searching for offensive spark.

Jets QB Brady Cook

The Jets will stick with rookie quarterback Brady Cook as the starter for Week 16 against the Saints. The team appears committed to giving Cook extended reps as part of its evaluation process, even if the offense remains inconsistent.

Saints RB Devin Neal Injury Fallout

Devin Neal has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, creating a significant gap in the Saints’ backfield. Audric Estime and Evan Hull split snaps evenly last week, with Estime seeing more receiving work. It remains unclear how the workload will be distributed going forward, making this backfield difficult to project until a clear preference emerges.

Vikings RBs – Committee Approach

Minnesota continues to operate a running back committee with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason sharing duties. The split has led to fluctuating production and makes weekly output heavily dependent on matchup and game script, rather than predictable volume.

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans

Mike Evans returned from a fractured clavicle and hamstring injury last week and immediately made his presence felt, drawing 12 targets and posting 132 receiving yards on just 55% of offensive snaps. The limited snap share suggests there may still be additional upside as his workload ramps up closer to normal levels in the coming weeks.

Jaguars RB Depth – LeQuint Allen

Rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten will miss several weeks with a hand injury, opening the door for LeQuint Allen to step in as the primary backup behind the starter. Allen should see increased snaps and touch opportunities while Tuten remains sidelined.

Broncos RB Situation – RJ Harvey / Depth Concerns

RJ Harvey is dealing with a rib injury but practiced this week and is expected to be available. If he were to miss, Denver’s running back room would be extremely thin, consisting of players who have not exceeded 26% of snaps all season. The Broncos’ decision to claim Cody Schrader off waivers highlights their concern about depth and durability at the position.

Broncos WR Pat Bryant

Pat Bryant returned to practice after missing Week 15 with a hamstring injury. His return likely pushes Lil’Jordan Humphrey back into a limited role after Humphrey saw 68% of snaps last week in Bryant’s absence.

Falcons WR Drake London / Kyle Pitts

Drake London appears to have a chance to return after missing four games with a knee injury and is worth monitoring closely leading up to kickoff. Kyle Pitts was also limited in practice with a knee issue, adding another variable to Atlanta’s passing game availability.

Cardinals RB Michael Carter

With Bam Knight placed on IR, Michael Carter stepped into a dominant role, playing 80% of snaps last week. Emari Demercado returned from injury but played just seven snaps, suggesting Carter will remain the primary early-down back even if Demercado’s role increases slightly.

Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has a chance to return this week and should be monitored closely. If he’s active, Michael Wilson — who has thrived in Harrison’s absence — would likely see a slight reduction in usage, though both could remain fantasy-relevant.

Raiders QB Geno Smith

All signs point toward Geno Smith returning from injury and starting for the Raiders this week, restoring stability to the offense after recent quarterback uncertainty.

Texans RB Woody Marks

Woody Marks did not practice Thursday, putting his status for the weekend in question. If he’s unable to go, Nick Chubb — who returned to practice after missing last week — would be the most likely candidate to absorb the majority of the backfield workload.

Ravens RB Derrick Henry / Keaton Mitchell

Derrick Henry saw his lowest snap count of the season last week, logging 11 carries on just 15 snaps. Keaton Mitchell was more involved than usual, handling eight carries and a target on 16 snaps. Despite a game script that typically favors Henry — a 24–0 win — the Ravens continued rotating backs, reinforcing that they intend to use multiple runners rather than funnel everything through Henry.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson

John Harbaugh revealed that Lamar Jackson was dealing with an illness during the week, which kept him away from the team temporarily. Jackson carries no designation heading into the game.

Ravens WR Rashod Bateman

Rashod Bateman returned to full practice after missing last week with an ankle injury and is expected to play. His return should push Devontez Walker back into a minimal role after Walker saw increased snaps in Bateman’s absence.

49ers WR Ricky Pearsall

Ricky Pearsall is dealing with both ankle and knee issues after being injured twice in Week 15. Kyle Shanahan said Pearsall has a chance to play, noting improvement throughout the week and the benefit of the extra day. His status will likely come down to a late-week decision.

Colts QB Situation

Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that Rivers will remain the starting quarterback against San Francisco. While Rivers provides continuity and command of the offense, Indianapolis has struggled to generate explosive plays, attempting just two passes of 20-plus yards in the previous game. The offensive approach is expected to remain conservative.