New York Jets RB Bilal Powell (ankle) is out of practice Thursday, Dec. 31.
Footballguys View: We think this is just a rest day and expect Powell will be a solid Rb2 this weekend. Powell has been a huge factor for the Jets the last few weeks and is highly productive both on the ground and through the air. Both he and Ivory could be solid Rb2 plays, in fact, against a reeling Bills team with an under-performing defense.
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, Dec. 31.
Footballguys View: It hasn’t been a great season for Johnson either in real life or fantasy. He’s slipped down to WR2 status these days and we are hoping it’s not a permanent status change.
Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins is the first player in NFL history to have four 100-yard receiving games with four different starting quarterbacks in a season.
Footballguys View: Hopkins has emerged as one of the best receivers in the game, as well as in fantasy football. He’s easily a WR1 this weekend against the Jaguars.
Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle, shoulder) was restricted to individual work without a helmet Thursday, Dec. 31.
Buffalo Bills RB LeSean McCoy (knee) is out of practice Thursday, Dec. 31.
Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (foot) is out of practice Thursday, Dec. 31.
Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel (concussion) has officially been ruled out for the season finale in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to head coach Mike Pettine. Manziel is in the league’s concussion protocol. QB Austin Davis will start with QB Pat Devlin as the backup.
New Orleans Saints RB C.J. Spiller had a career-low 36 carries for 112 yards and 34 catches for 239 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games this year for the Saints, and he lacked burst in the open field. He signed a four-year, $16 million deal with $9 million guaranteed last offseason, and the Saints could save $3.25 million against the salary cap by cutting him before June 1.
Minnesota Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater has thrown six touchdowns and no interceptions in the last three games to achieve the second highest passer rating (154.4) in the league in that span when throwing 15-plus yards down the field. In comparison, Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has just four touchdowns and two interceptions and has a passer rating below 100.0 in nine straight games.
Updating previous reports, Cleveland Browns QB Austin Davis will start in place of QB Johnny Manziel (concussion) Sunday, Jan. 3, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.