CHICAGO, IL – In the world of fantasy football, knowing which players to start and sit can make or break a team. To help fans make informed decisions, this article provides updates and analysis on players who are inactive or questionable for upcoming NFL games. It is important to note that the rankings mentioned in this article are from ESPN Fantasy staff ranks.
As the NFL teams release their official inactives lists, we will provide timely updates here. Official Sunday inactives are expected approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff times, which means around 11:30 a.m. ET for early games and 2:30 p.m. ET for late-afternoon games. Keep refreshing for the latest information.
In the 4 p.m. ET games, the Chicago Bears’ wide receiver Darnell Mooney will be out, while DJ Moore has been cleared to play. Running back Khalil Herbert is questionable due to back issues, making Roschon Johnson a safer play in the Bears’ backfield. Tight end Cole Kmet is also questionable, but his practice on Friday suggests he may be able to play. On the Green Bay Packers’ side, tight end Luke Musgrave is questionable, as is wide receiver Christian Watson, along with Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes will not play for the Kansas City Chiefs, with Blaine Gabbert taking over. Isiah Pacheco is listed as questionable, but it appears to be a strategic move by the Chiefs. The Chiefs’ wide receiver Kadarius Toney and Rashee Rice are both out, giving more opportunities to Justin Watson and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Moving on to the Sunday night game, Miami Dolphins’ wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is questionable, while Tyreek Hill is no longer on the injury report. For the Miami Dolphins, running back Raheem Mostert is unlikely to play, resulting in increased touches for De’Von Achane.
In the 1 p.m. ET games, Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Taylor Heinicke will be inactive, giving Desmond Ridder the quarterback duties. Carolina Panthers’ kicker Eddy Pineiro is also inactive, with Matthew Wright taking over the kicking duties. Tee Higgins will not play for the Cincinnati Bengals, providing an opportunity for Trenton Irwin. Joe Flacco will not play for the Cleveland Browns, making Jeff Driskel the starting quarterback. Amari Cooper is out for the Browns, while Elijah Moore has cleared the league’s concussion protocol. Marquise Goodwin is inactive due to a knee injury. Dustin Hopkins will rest, allowing Riley Patterson to kick for the Cleveland Browns. Detroit Lions’ wide receiver Jameson Williams will not play, potentially returning for the playoffs. Jacksonville Jaguars’ wide receiver Christian Kirk is inactive, but Trevor Lawrence and Zay Jones are active for the game. Hunter Henry will not play for the New England Patriots, resulting in more targets for Mike Gesicki. DeVante Parker is active despite a rib injury. Juwan Johnson is active for the New Orleans Saints, while Alvin Kamara is inactive due to ankle issues. Zach Wilson remains in the league’s concussion protocol, with Trevor Siemian starting for the New York Jets. Will Levis will not play for the Tennessee Titans, and Baker Mayfield is active as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With this information, fantasy football players can make more informed decisions when setting their lineups. It is important to monitor the official inactives list before making final decisions. By being proactive and staying updated, fantasy football enthusiasts can optimize their chances of success in the final week of the NFL season.