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Week 15 NFL Inactives: Insights on Starting Lineups

2024-12-15

AJ Mass, ESPN Staff Writer brings you the latest updates on fantasy football inactives and lineup considerations. As NFL teams release their official inactives lists, we're here to help you set your fantasy football lineups and avoid starting players who won't be in the lineup. Any rankings cited in this column come from our ESPN Fantasy staff ranks.

Navigating Fantasy Football with Inactives Insights

1 p.m. ET Games

In the Capital One Bowl Mania, Diontae Johnson (WR, BAL) is suspended due to a team decision. Rashod Bateman (knee) is ready to play, but Johnson's refusal to step in for him in Week 13 led to the suspension. Raheem Blackshear (RB, CAR) has a chest issue and is questionable. If he can play, he'll be the primary backup to Chuba Hubbard. David Njoku (TE, CLE) has a hamstring problem and is questionable. The lack of practice all week makes this a game-time call. Jordan Akins is likely to start if Njoku sits. Cedric Tillman (WR, CLE) is out with a concussion. Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore will get the majority of WR targets until Tillman can return. Evan Engram (TE, JAX) is out/IR due to a shoulder injury. Surgery has ended his season, and Brenton Strange is a significant downgrade. Harrison Butker (K, KC) is questionable with a knee issue but was activated from IR and is expected to play. Matthew Wright was waived. Dee Eskridge (WR, MIA) is out with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Jaylen Waddle (hamstring) was removed from the injury report and will play. Grant DuBose (WR, MIA) is questionable with a shoulder injury. If he plays, he might get some of the looks left by Odell Beckham Jr. getting waived. Derek Carr (QB, NO) is out with a concussion, and Jake Haener gets the start. It's a clear downgrade for the Saints' passing game. Breece Hall (RB, NYG) is questionable with a knee injury but is currently expected to play and handle lead-back duties. Kene Nwangwu (RB, NYG) is out/IR with a broken hand, ending his season and downgrading the team's D/ST. Tony Pollard (RB, TEN) is questionable with an ankle injury, but all signs currently point to him seeing his usual workload on Sunday. Zane Gonzalez (K, WAS) is questionable with a foot injury, and Greg Joseph will step in if he can't play. Noah Brown (WR, WAS) is out/IR with a kidney injury, and we expect Dyami Brown to see increased involvement. Jamison Crowder (WR, WAS) is questionable with a calf injury. He was activated from IR but may not be fully ready to contribute significantly.

These inactives can have a significant impact on your fantasy football lineups. Make sure to stay updated and adjust accordingly to maximize your team's performance.

4 p.m. ET Games

In the Editor's Picks, Emari Demercado (RB, ARI) is out/IR with a back injury. James Conner and Trey Benson will likely handle all the RB touches. Dalton Kincaid (TE, BUF) is questionable with a knee injury. He should return for the first time since Week 10, but don't expect too much. Quintin Morris (TE, BUF) is questionable with a shoulder injury. Dawson Knox will still be in the mix for TE targets. Josh Downs (WR, IND) is questionable with a shoulder injury. If he plays, he'll be back in the No. 1 WR mix, but it's not a certainty. Ashton Dulin (WR, IND) is out with an ankle injury, and Adonai Mitchell might take on the No. 3 WR duties this week. Will Dissly (TE, LAC) is out with a shoulder injury, and Stone Smartt becomes an interesting last-minute pivot. Ladd McConkey (WR, LAC) is questionable with a knee injury. He was in a similar situation last week and sat, so there's a risk involved. George Pickens (WR, PIT) is out with a hamstring injury, and we don't expect a lot of passing from the Steelers without him. Bucky Irving (RB, TB) is questionable with a back injury. You can't rely on him. Rachaad White and Sean Tucker would split the workload if Irving sits. Sterling Shepard (WR, TB) is questionable with a foot injury. If he plays, don't expect another huge week from Jalen McMillan.

These inactives add another layer of complexity to fantasy football. Keep a close eye on the latest updates and make informed decisions.

Sunday Night Game

In the Sunday night game, Luke Musgrave (TE, GB) is out/IR with an ankle injury. He's back at practice, but it's with an eye on the postseason roster. Kenneth Walker III (RB, SEA) is doubtful with a calf injury. Zach Charbonnet is performing well while Walker heals, and there's no need to rush him back.

These inactives can affect the dynamics of the game and your fantasy football teams. Stay tuned for more updates as the games progress.

Georgia Bulldogs redshirt sophomore safety Jake Pope's decision to transfer has sent ripples through the college football world. With just one season under his belt with the Bulldogs, Pope now has two years of eligibility remaining. A Buford High School star, his college journey began at Alabama where he redshirted in 2022. In 2023, he played a reserve role and was involved in special teams before deciding to enter the transfer portal at season's end. Georgia and North Carolina were his top contenders, and he chose to stay closer to home in Athens.

Georgia Bulldogs' Safety's Transfer Shakes Up the Team

Jake Pope's High School Stardom and Early College Career

Pope's talent was evident from his days at Buford High School. He stood out as a standout athlete, setting the stage for a promising college career. His initial stop at Alabama saw him redshirt in 2022, a strategic move to prepare for the future. This laid the foundation for his subsequent contributions on the field. In 2023, he became a valuable reserve and played a crucial role on special teams. His decision to enter the transfer portal at the end of the season was a significant one, with Georgia and North Carolina vying for his services. He ultimately chose to return closer to home, joining the Georgia Bulldogs.

The Aftermath of Pope's Transfer Decision

Pope's transfer has had a domino effect on the Georgia Bulldogs. In just two days, four Georgia defenders have entered the transfer portal, including safety Justyn Rhett, redshirt freshman linebacker Troy Bowles, and redshirt freshman edge rusher Samuel M'Pemba. In total, seven Bulldogs have now made the move to enter the portal or announce their intentions to transfer. This has raised questions about the team's stability and future. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart initially called Pope "an idiot" for a brief celebration with a former high school teammate after Ole Miss' upset win over Georgia. However, he later apologized, showing the complexity of the situation. The transfer of such a key player has left the Bulldogs with some decisions to make as they look to rebuild and maintain their competitive edge.

The Impact on the Team's Defense

The departure of Jake Pope and the other defenders has left a significant void in the Georgia Bulldogs' defense. Pope was a key contributor, bringing his skills and experience to the team. His absence will require the remaining players to step up and fill the gap. The coaching staff will need to assess the team's strengths and weaknesses and make adjustments to ensure the defense remains effective. This transfer wave also raises questions about the team's recruitment strategy and player development. It will be crucial for the Bulldogs to address these issues and bring in new talent to strengthen the defense. The upcoming season will be a test for the team as they try to adapt to these changes and maintain their standing in the college football landscape.

The Oregon football team has achieved an outstanding feat this season. With an undefeated record and the top seed, they are now gearing up to enter the College Football Playoff's first-ever 12-team bracket. This remarkable journey has captured the attention of fans and experts alike.

Witness the Oregon Football Dynasty Unfold

Season Opener: Oregon Ducks vs. Idaho Vandals

In the season opener, the Oregon Ducks showcased their dominance as they downed the Idaho Vandals with a convincing 24 - 14 score. The team's offensive prowess and defensive tenacity were on full display from the very first whistle. The players executed their game plans with precision, leaving no room for the Vandals to mount a comeback. This victory set the tone for the rest of the season and gave the Ducks the confidence they needed to continue their winning streak.The Oregon Ducks' offense, led by their star quarterback, was able to find the open spaces in the Idaho defense and capitalize on them. They completed several long passes and rushed for key yards, putting pressure on the Vandals' defense throughout the game. On the defensive side, the Ducks' secondary was able to shut down the Idaho passing game and force turnovers. Their front seven was also dominant, stuffing the run and applying pressure on the Idaho quarterback. This all-around performance was a testament to the team's hard work and dedication during the offseason.

Autzen Stadium Showdowns: Oregon vs. Boise State and Oregon State

At Autzen Stadium, the Oregon Ducks faced off against the Boise State Broncos and emerged victorious. The home crowd was electric, providing an extra boost of energy for the team. The Ducks' offense once again showed its firepower, scoring multiple touchdowns and putting the Broncos on the back foot. The defense was equally impressive, holding the Broncos to a relatively low score.In the annual rivalry football game against the Oregon State Beavers, the Ducks continued their winning ways. The rivalry between these two schools is always intense, and this game was no exception. The Ducks played with a sense of purpose and determination, knowing the importance of the victory. They were able to overcome some early challenges and pull away in the second half, securing a convincing win over the Beavers.

Big Ten Conference Play: Oregon vs. UCLA and Others

When it came to Big Ten Conference play, the Oregon Ducks faced tough opponents like the UCLA Bruins. The game was a true test of the Ducks' mettle, as they had to adjust to a new conference and a different style of play. However, the Ducks rose to the occasion and played some of their best football of the season. Their offense was able to find ways to score against the Bruins' defense, and their defense was able to shut down the Bruins' offense when it mattered most.Throughout the Big Ten Conference schedule, the Oregon Ducks also hosted teams like the Ohio State Buckeyes, Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Maryland Terrapins, and faced off against the Wisconsin Badgers on the road. Each game presented a unique challenge, but the Ducks were able to overcome them all with their exceptional team play and individual performances.

Big Ten Championship: Oregon vs. Penn State

In the Big Ten Championship, the Oregon Ducks faced off against the Penn State Nittany Lions. This was a crucial game for the Ducks, as they aimed to secure the conference title. The team played with a sense of urgency and determination, knowing that a win would put them in a great position for the College Football Playoff. The offense was able to put up points, and the defense was able to make key stops when needed. In the end, the Ducks emerged victorious, earning their place in the playoff.The Oregon football team's journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. From the season opener to the Big Ten Championship, they have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with. With their undefeated record and top seed, they are now looking forward to the next stage of the playoffs and the chance to bring home a national championship.