NFL Player News
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Ricky Pearsall WR | SF
49ers' Ricky Pearsall: Returns to form Sunday
Pearsall hauled in six of seven targets for 96 yards in Sunday's 37-24 win over Tennessee.
Pearsall led San Francisco in receiving yards for the first time since returning from a knee injury he suffered back in Week 4. The 2024 first-round pick had amassed just five receptions for 20 yards over his last three appearances combined, so Sunday's strong showing may be a sign that the receiver is finally back to full strength. Pearsall will attempt to build off this performance when the 49ers visit the Colts for Monday Night Football in Week 16.
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Jauan Jennings WR | SF
49ers' Jauan Jennings: Scores twice in win over TEN
Jennings finished with three receptions on five targets for 37 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 37-24 win over the Titans.
Jennings was money in the red zone Sunday when he cashed in a pair of short touchdown receptions to bring his season total up to seven. That marks a new career high for the veteran starter, who broke out with a 77-975-6 receiving line in 2024. Jennings has really picked things up in the second half with six touchdowns scored over his last six appearances. With QB Brock Purdy looking as healthy as he has all season, Jennings is primed for a strong finish to the fantasy campaign, starting with next Monday's tilt against the Colts.
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Jayden Reed WR | GB
Packers' Jayden Reed: Six targets in loss
Reed recorded five receptions on six targets for 55 yards in Sunday's 34-26 loss to the Broncos.
Reed tied for the team lead with six targets, though the Packers continued to spread opportunity evenly among several of their skill-position players. He was one of three receivers to top 50 receiving yards, with most of his production coming after the catch -- including a 29-yard gain midway through the second quarter to help set up a Green Bay touchdown. Reed has combined to see 10 targets in two games since returning from a collarbone injury, and he should remain a key playmaker in the Packers' offense down the stretch of the regular season.
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Troy Franklin WR | DEN
Broncos' Troy Franklin: Returns to prominent role
Franklin recorded six receptions on six targets for 85 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-26 win over the Packers.
Franklin had been phased out of the Denver offense in the last two games, combining to earn only seven targets. However, he reemerged due to Pat Bryant (hamstring) being sidelined, finishing second on the team in yards, receptions and targets. Franklin had a trio of catches that went for at least 15 yards, the most important of which was a 23-yard touchdown grab to end the third quarter. He made the case to remain a key part of Denver's offense moving forward, though his role is uncertain heading into a Week 16 matchup against the Jaguars -- particularly if Bryant can return to the field.
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Jalen Coker WR | CAR
Panthers' Jalen Coker: Continues emerging for Carolina
Coker recorded four receptions on four targets for 60 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Saints. He also lost a fumble.
Coker paced the team in receptions and yards while tying for the lead in targets with Tetairoa McMillan and Tommy Tremble. Coker made a few long receptions, highlighted by a 32-yard touchdown catch down the right sideline on Carolina's first possession of the second half. He also had a 24-yard gain, his first time recording multiple catches of at least 20 yards on the season. After posting minimal production immediately after his return from a hamstring injury, Coker has topped 50 receiving yards in three of his last four games while commanding at least four targets in five straight contests.
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Cooper Kupp WR | SEA
Seahawks' Cooper Kupp: Gains 46 yards Sunday
Kupp had five receptions on seven targets for 46 yards in Sunday's 18-16 win over the Colts.
Kupp failed to replicate last week's trip to the end zone, but he still finished with his best receiving totals since Week 10 against Arizona (2-74-0). The former WR1 in fantasy has been anything but during his late-stage tenure with Seattle, posting a 41-519-2 receiving line across 13 active games. Perhaps the aging superstar can elevate his game against his former club when the Seahawks host the Rams on Thursday Night Football in Week 16.
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Tetairoa McMillan WR | CAR
Panthers' Tetairoa McMillan: Overshadowed in loss
McMillan recorded two receptions on four targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Saints.
McMillan tied for the team lead in targets, though both Jalen Coker and Tommy Tremble also had four targets. McMillan managed a 21-yard reception late in the second quarter to convert on fourth down, but he was otherwise unable to impact the game. He has now been held below 50 receiving yards in three straight games, though this performance also ended his three-contest touchdown streak.
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Rashid Shaheed WR | SEA
Seahawks' Rashid Shaheed: Another well-rounded effort Sunday
Shaheed caught five of seven targets for 74 yards, lost two yards on one carry and ran back six kicks for 137 yards in Sunday's 18-16 win over the Colts.
Shaheed left his mark across the final box score with another well-balanced effort on both offense and special teams. The trade-deadline acquisition struggled out of the gates with Seattle, but he has settled in nicely over his last two games with averages of 4.5 receptions, 70.5 receiving yards and 142.5 return yards. Shaheed's increased usage puts him on the map as a flex option against the Rams on Thursday Night Football in Week 16.
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Josh Downs WR | IND
Colts' Josh Downs: Catches TD from Rivers
Downs caught three of five targets for 13 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 18-16 loss to the Seahawks.
Downs caught Philip Rivers' first touchdown pass following a five-year layoff on an eight-yard connection in the second quarter. Outside of scoring the only touchdown for either team, Downs had another quiet performance as Rivers threw for only 120 yards. Following Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles injury, the Colts' passing game has lost most of its fantasy appeal heading into a MNF home game against the 49ers on Dec. 22.
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George Pickens WR | DAL
Cowboys' George Pickens: Another quiet showing
Pickens recorded three receptions on six targets for 33 yards in Sunday's 34-26 loss to the Vikings.
Pickens was scrutinized throughout the week after a poor Week 14 performance, and he didn't fare any better in Sunday night's loss to the Vikings. His six targets were his fewest since Week 7, and his yardage was his lowest since Week 1. A Week 16 matchup against the Chargers isn't the ideal matchup for him to get back on track, though Pickens has managed to excel in tough matchups throughout the season.