The Raiders might have little to play for as a team the rest of the way, but their individual players still have plenty on the line in 2023. In particular, Josh Jacobs is in the hunt for a lucrative new contract next offseason, so even though he's fighting a quad injury and illness right now, you can bet he doesn't want to miss a second consecutive game. His fantasy football owners want him on the field, too, and with the Raiders facing the Chiefs on Monday afternoon, it would be a nice little Christmas present if Jacobs shook off his "questionable" tag and delivered in the clutch.
Of course, the Monday kickoff doesn't do Jacobs' (or Zamir White's) owners any favors, so it will be imperative to keep track of the latest updates before locking in your start 'em, sit 'em decisions.
We'll continue to update this article with news on Jacobs until the official active/inactive report comes out on Monday around 11:35 a.m. ET, so check back for the latest.
Is Josh Jacobs playing Monday Week 16?
UPDATE: Jacobs is officially OUT.
Jacobs (quad, illness) managed to fit in a limited practice on Friday in between DNPs, giving him a shot to suit up against the Chiefs on Monday. In most cases, the Saturday "downgrade" would be a concern, but between Jacobs' veteran status and coach Antonio Pierce saying earlier in the week that he expects Jacobs back in Week 16, we're not particularly worried.
At this point, it's fair to pencil Jacobs into your lineup, but don't take for granted that he will be out there. If you plan on waiting for him, you better have a Monday pivot ready, be it another RB like Zamir White (your best option), Kenneth Gainwell, Justice Hill, or Clyde Edwards-Helaire, or a flex receiver from the Raiders, Chiefs, Giants, Eagles, 49ers, or Ravens. There aren't many viable waiver-wire options from those teams, but your best bet is one of the Giants (Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins) given their matchup.
WEEK 16 PPR RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Overall, it's a slightly below-average matchup for Jacobs, but he had no trouble against Kansas City back in Week 12, rushing for 110 yards and a TD on 20 carries. That type of workload might be a bit optimistic given the injury and illness, but Jacobs should still see 15 touches and have plenty of opportunities to produce. We suggest waiting for him unless you have a superior or comparable Sunday option.
If Jacobs is out, White makes for a decent flex, but clearly, he's not someone you can count on going into Monday. If you have anyone comparable on your bench who plays on Sunday, play it safe and go with him.
