NFL Player News

Hardman reeled in just two passes for 11 yards on four targets Thursday against the Chargers.

Hardman did see his snap percentage jump slightly to 44 on the week after playing just 37 percent of snaps the week prior, though game script likely comes into play in that regard. Hardman did break open in the end zone on what could have been a fourth-down touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes, but Mahomes' pass fell short, preventing Hardman from reaching pay dirt for just the second time this season. He doesn't seem to have much fantasy value for the moment aside from the hope he can control a larger role in the future.

Darden failed to bring in any of the three targets he logged over 41 snaps during the Buccaneers' 9-0 loss to the Saints on Sunday night. He returned two kickoffs for 33 yards and seven punts for 41 yards.

Darden's usage from scrimmage, which was at a career-high level, jumps off the page, even as the only touches he actually garnered came in his special-teams role. With Chris Godwin (knee) now gone for the remainder of the season and Mike Evans (hamstring) still uncertain for Week 16, the rookie could certainly be primed for another busy day of route running versus the Panthers in that contest. Whether that translates to much production remains to be seen, however -- Darden has just six receptions for 43 yards on 11 targets across eight games.

Wilson was not targeted during Sunday's 21-6 win over the Giants.

Wilson only played one offensive snap with CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup all finally on the field together. The No. 4 wideout has proven an ability to step up when called upon, but it appears that he can safely be left off the fantasy radar as long as Dallas' receiver room remains at full strength.

Patrick caught three of four targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 15-10 loss to the Bengals.

Patrick's 25-yard touchdown grab on a pass from Drew Lock was the Broncos' only trip to the end zone against the Bengals. With the score, the veteran wideout now has five touchdowns on the season. The Broncos passing game has struggled throughout the year, but Patrick's usage is encouraging. He has seen five targets in his last three games, and in Week 15, played on 94 percent of Denver's offensive snaps. With that said, there's a strong chance that the Broncos' struggles through the air will continue with Lock likely under center for a Week 16 matchup against the Raiders. Patrick will be difficult to trust in a pivotal week for fantasy.

Smith-Marsette secured one of two targets for a seven-yard touchdown during Monday's 17-9 win over the Bears.

Smith-Marsette logged a career-high 48 percent of snaps while hauling in his first TD during Monday's divisional matchup. The rookie fifth-round pick doubtless saw increased opportunities with Adam Thielen (ankle) sidelined, and both Dede Westbrook (illness) and Dan Chisena (illness) on the COVID-19 list, however, and he still operated behind K.J. Osborn. Depending on the state of Minnesota's receiving corps, Smith-Marsette's involvement on offense could sharply decline versus the Rams in Week 16.

Ford caught all three of his targets for 51 yards during Sunday's divisional win over the Jets.

Ford stepped up with top wideout Jaylen Waddle out Week 15 on the COVID-19 list, making key plays when targeted by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. In all, Ford has proven himself as a capable reserve option, but with Waddle now back in the fold, he shouldn't be counted on for fantasy production Week 16.

Hollins failed to secure his only target during Sunday's divisional win over the Jets.

Hollins could have had an opportunity for increased target volume with Jaylen Waddle sidelined Week 15, but he took a back seat to both DeVante Parker and Isaiah Ford. With just three targets in his last three appearances, and Waddle back in action, Hollins can safely be left off the fantasy radar heading into a Monday night matchup in New Orleans.

Schwartz was not targeted over 13 snaps and did not return a kickoff in Monday's 16-14 loss to Las Vegas.

Schwartz returned to the lineup after missing four weeks -- three games plus a bye -- due to a concussion. He saw his playing time drop, and the rookie did not line up as a kick returner, a job he's held for seven weeks prior to his absence. The decrease in snaps and removing him from the kick-return team may be attributed to Browns wanting to ease him back on the field.

Jeudy failed to record a single catch in Sunday's 15-10 loss to the Bengals.

Jeudy saw four targets in the contest, but he couldn't get anything going on a day when the Denver offense struggled. The 22-year-old played on just 69 percent of the Broncos' offensive snaps, behind fellow wideouts Tim Patrick and Courtland Sutton. This has been a disappointing season for Jeudy, and he has yet to find the end zone in the eight games he's played in up to this point. Trusting Jeudy, or any Denver pass catcher, will be difficult down the stretch. In Week 16, the Broncos visit the Raiders for a matchup in which backup quarterback Drew Lock will likely be under center. Fantasy managers may want to look elsewhere.

Bachman reverted to the Giants' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction report.

Bachman was active for Sunday's loss to the Cowboys, in which he handled nine offensive snaps and made one tackle on kick coverage. Sunday's loss served as Bachman's first appearance of the season.