Raju Byfield

Donovan Wilson showed up again in Week 16, tallying two solos, three assists, one sack, one tackle for loss, and one pass defended. Wilson has been producing at his highest level of the season over the past few games, with three spike weeks in his last four contests. He showed up on the injury report with the knee injury he was dealing with last week but practiced in full on Wednesday. His Friday practice participation will obviously be key to determining his designation for Sunday, but Wilson is expected to play and makes for a strong DB3 option against the Eagles if he is healthy. Start him as one if he is active despite the tough on-paper matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bishop was excellent in Week 16, racking up six solos, two assists, and one tackle for loss against the New England Patriots. Bishop got the start with Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp sidelined but should head back to his reserve role this week, with both veteran safeties getting in limited sessions on both Thursday and Friday. Keep his name filed away for 2025, but look elsewhere for Week 17.

Jaylen McCollough was excellent in Week 16, reeling off seven solos and two assists against the New York Jets. Jaylen showed some flashes earlier in the season but has not shown much, if anything, since Week 9. Don't overreact to this spike week. Look elsewhere for Week 17.

Curl was excellent in Week 16, reeling off one solo, four assists, one sack, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and one pass defended. Curl has been an IDP afterthought since Kamren Kinchens started dominating the free safety snaps and should not be trusted for Week 17 despite the spike week against the New York Jets. The Rams had high hopes for Curl, but he has not been the impact player they envisioned when signing him this offseason. Look elsewhere for Week 17.

Hooker was excellent in Week 16, tallying four solos, one assist, one interception, and one pass defended. Amani has been a boom-or-bust play all season, and with more busts than booms on his resume is a risky start for championship week. Look elsewhere for your Week 17 DB3/4.

Reed Blankenship showed up in Week 16, racking up five solos, one interception, and one pass defended. Blankenship has been a sporadic producer since a strong two opening weeks of the season, falling to the DB3/4 conversation on non bye weeks. The production against Washington was a welcomed sign, but if you are in the finals, Reed is not someone you want to plug into your lineup, given remotely comparable options. TReat Blankenship has more DB4 than DB3 for Week 17 despite the plus matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

Jones was excellent in Week 16, tallying seven solos, three assists, and one pass defended. Brandon Jones is the DB4 on the season, but there are 22 defensive backs with higher rostered percentages at Yahoo. Jones should be rostered and started in all leagues. No exceptions.

Bates was excellent in Week 16, tallying one solo, one assist, one interception, two passes defended, and one touchdown. Bates had been quiet for three straight weeks, so this is welcomed production even though it took a pick six for a spike week. Treat Bates as a strong DB1/2 option for a plus Week 17 matchup against Washington.