NFL Player News

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.

Winston reverted to New Orleans' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Winston was utilized as a punt returner in Sunday's win over the Buccaneers, returning three punts for a total of 38 yards. He was on the field for one offense snap and eight snaps on special teams. Winston was also elevated to the active roster ahead of Week 14's matchup with the Jets, registering one catch for five yards.

Osborn secured all three targets for 21 yards in the Vikings' 17-9 win over the Bears on Monday night.

Osborn drew another start for Adam Thielen (ankle), but unlike the Week 14 Thursday night win over the Steelers when he cobbled together a strong fantasy effort with a late touchdown, there was no such development Monday night. The University of Miami product could be back to his usual No. 3 role for Sunday's critical Week 16 home battle against the Rams, considering Thielen was considered a game-time decision Monday night.

Grant left Monday night's game against Minnesota after suffering a concussion.

Grant took a shot in the first half and was knocked out of the game after being diagnosed with a concussion. Prior to his departure, he returned two punts for a total of five yards while turning a pair of rushing attempts into another 17 yards. Grant's absence came back to bite the Bears later in the game, as Damiere Byrd muffed a punt at the start of the fourth quarter. Grant will have a short week to recover and will need to pass through the league's concussion protocol to play Sunday at Seattle.