January 5, 2026

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (ankle) returned after missing six straight games due to an ankle injury and delivered his best game of the season in Week 18's win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Higbee caught five of his six targets for a team-leading 91 yards and a touchdown. The 33-year-old's previous highest yardage total was 40 yards back in Week 6, and it marked his most yards in a game since his nine-catch, 94-yard, two-touchdown performance back in Week 16 of the 2022 season. It was great to see Higbee back and healthy, and he looks like the top tight end option for the Rams moving into the playoffs, although Colby Parkinson had a great game as well with two touchdowns.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: ESPN.com

January 5, 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 31 of 47 passes for a season-high 294 yards and a touchdown to go along with one carry for 20 yards in Week 18's division-clinching win over the Baltimore Ravens. Rodgers and the Steelers scored all three of their touchdowns in the second half, including the future Hall of Famer finding receiver Calvin Austin III for a 26-yard touchdown to take the lead with 55 seconds left in the game. With his top receiver D.K. Metcalf (suspension) out again, Rodgers relied heavily on underneath targets to running back Kenneth Gainwell, connecting with him a season-high eight times. In addition, a season-high 218 of Rodgers' 294 passing yards came after the catch, per Next Gen Stats. The 42-year-old signal-caller made big plays when the Steelers needed them and posted his best QBR (65.8) since Week 7 in Cincinnati. The Steelers will now host the Houston Texans next Monday night in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: ESPN.com

January 5, 2026

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson recorded his first two touchdowns of his career in Week 18's 35-8 win over the New York Jets, handling 13 carries for 36 yards while adding two catches (two targets) for 20 yards as a receiver. Both of Johnson's touchdowns came from six yards out, with the first one coming on the ground to cap a 13-play, 84-yard drive, and the second coming on a receiving touchdown that marked the Bills' final score of the regular season in the fourth quarter. Johnson played behind Ray Davis, who handled 21 carries for 151 yards, but he earned the high-value touches in the offense with James Cook resting after the first drive. The 28-year-old became the 21st player this season to post at least 200 rushing yards and 250 receiving yards with five total touchdowns, and he is the only one to do so while playing fewer than 40% of the offensive snaps for the season.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: ESPN.com

January 5, 2026

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 11 of 18 passes for 238 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, along with four carries for nine yards in a 26-24 Week 18 loss in a win-or-go-home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jackson returned for the season finale after missing last week's game due to a back injury and delivered his most efficient performance of the season by yards per attempt (13.2) on only 18 throws, but he fell short of winning a third straight AFC North title. The star quarterback has battled through a long list of injuries throughout the entire season and hasn't experienced the same highs as his excellent 2024 campaign. The 28-year-old signal-caller threw three touchdowns for the first time since returning from his early-season hamstring injury in Week 9 against the Dolphins, and the second time he's done so in 10 career games against the Steelers. Jackson will have some time to recover from his injuries in the offseason, and he could return to elite QB1 status with better health in 2026.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: ESPN.com

January 5, 2026

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers delivered one of his best performances of the season in Week 18's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, catching four of six targets for 134 yards and two touchdowns. His touchdowns both came on similar coverage busts by the Pittsburgh secondary, going for 50 and 64 yards. Quarterback Lamar Jackson only attempted 18 passes in the game, but he targeted Flowers on a third of them. It marked the 25-year-old wideout's highest yardage total in a game since Week 1 against the Bills and the third two-touchdown game of his career. It was also Flowers' first touchdown of at least 30 yards since Week 9 of last season. Flowers closed the 2025 season with career highs in targets (118), receptions (86), and receiving yards (1,207), while matching his previous career best with five touchdowns.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: ESPN.com

January 4, 2026

Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of the Sunday night game against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers due to a concussion, according to the team. Hamilton collided with fellow defensive back Alohi Gilman on a play in the third quarter and was carted to the locker room. Gilman was cleared to return to the field, but Hamilton won't be back for the remainder of the game, a big blow to Baltimore's defense as they trail by three points in the second half. If the Ravens come back to win this game, it's unclear if Hamilton will be ready to play next Monday night in the wild-card round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans. With Hamilton out the rest of the night, Ar'Darius Washington, Malaki Starks, and Keondre Jackson could all see more time on the field against Pittsburgh.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baltimore Ravens

January 4, 2026

Baltimore Ravens defensive backs Kyle Hamilton (head) and Alohi Gilman (head) are both being evaluated for concussions on Sunday Night Football against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers after they collided on a play in the third quarter. Gilman was quickly cleared and allowed to go back into the game, but Hamilton was seen being carted to the locker room with his head down. Before getting injured, the 24-year-old three-time Pro Bowler recorded nine tackles (six solo) and a pass breakup. Hamilton appeared to take the brunt of the collision with Gilman, and it looks like he might be doubtful to return in a game that will decide the NFC North. Losing Hamilton for the rest of this game and potentially going into the playoffs would be a big blow to Baltimore's defense.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baltimore Ravens

January 4, 2026

The Philadelphia Phillies are among a number of big-market MLB teams to have shown interest in free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. In addition to the Phillies, the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays are believed to have interest in Bichette. The 27-year-old is the only player to hit .300 against fastballs, breaking balls, and changeups/splitters. Bichette had an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, playing in just 81 games, but he was able to bounce back nicely in his seventh big-league season in 2025. In 139 regular-season games, he slashed .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS, 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four steals. Under the right circumstances, Bichette has told teams he's willing to move to second or third base. If he were to land in Philly, Bichette would most likely transition to third base.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman

January 4, 2026

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs laid an egg the last two weeks for fantasy managers, but he was able to finish out the season strong in Sunday's 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Gibbs led the Lions with 19 carries for 80 yards and also caught three of his five targets for 33 yards and his fifth touchdown reception of the year. Overall, the 23-year-old was once again one of the most productive RBs in the NFL in his third year in the league. Gibbs finished with 1,223 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, adding a career-best 77 catches for 616 yards and another five scores as a receiver. He was the Lions' clear leading ball-carrier this year over David Montgomery, and Gibbs should profile yet again as a top-five fantasy RB going into 2026 drafts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com

January 4, 2026

Detroit Lions offensive linemen Taylor Decker and Dan Skipper are both mulling retirement after their team's season came to an end with a win over the division-rival Chicago Bears in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. Decker returned for the final game of the regular season after missing Week 17 with a shoulder injury. The 31-year-old battled a shoulder injury for most of the 2025 season and ended up playing in only 13 games for the Lions. The former first-rounder in 2016 out of Ohio State signed a three-year, $60 million extension in 2024, which was his only Pro Bowl campaign. If Decker does retire, which seems likely, the Lions will probably move Penei Sewell to left tackle to protect quarterback Jared Goff's blind side in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard

January 4, 2026

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown ended his 2025 season the right way, recording 11 receptions for 139 yards on 15 targets in Detroit's 19-16 Week 18 win over the Chicago Bears. St. Brown entered Sunday questionable to play due to lingering knee and ankle injuries, but he was ultimately able to suit up. Across 17 games played in 2025, the 26-year-old recorded 117 receptions for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns on 172 targets. St. Brown has recorded at least 106 catches in four consecutive seasons and double-digit touchdowns in three straight campaigns. He's been named to four straight Pro Bowls and could have a chance at his third consecutive All-Pro selection for his work in 2025. As long as St. Brown makes it through the offseason healthy, he will likely be one of the first wide receivers off the board in fantasy drafts heading into the 2026 season.--Will Brady
Source: ESPN.com

January 4, 2026

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had a big game in his team's 20-18 Week 18 loss to the Cleveland Browns, recording eight catches for 96 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. The 25-year-old had another excellent season in 2025, hauling in 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns on 185 targets across 16 games played. Across seven games started by Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Chase averaged 106 receiving yards per contest and recorded four touchdown grabs. Chase has been named to the Pro Bowl in all five of his NFL seasons and could be on his way to a second consecutive All-Pro selection. As long as he makes it through the offseason healthy, Chase figures to be one of the first wide receivers off the board in fantasy drafts heading into the 2026 season.--Will Brady
Source: ESPN.com

January 4, 2026

Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports that the Atlanta Falcons are "strongly" considering former quarterback Matt Ryan for a "high-profile" front-office role with the team. Atlanta fired general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris on Sunday after the franchise completed its eighth straight losing season. Ryan quarterbacked the Falcons for 14 seasons from 2008 to 2021, winning an MVP award and leading his team to the Super Bowl in 2016. He has a borderline Hall of Fame resume as a player, throwing for over 60,000 yards and 381 touchdowns across 222 career NFL games. However, Ryan has zero front office experience, working as an analyst for CBS since leaving the NFL at the end of the 2022 season. It's unclear at this time whether Ryan would be the lead decision-maker with the Falcons if he and the team can reach an agreement.--Will Brady
Source: Fox Sports - Jordan Schultz

January 4, 2026

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cameron Ward (shoulder) is believed to have suffered a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder during the team's Week 18 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, per Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Ward exited the game in the first quarter after being landed on by a Jacksonville defender. While Tennessee's 2025 season has come to a close, Ward may now face a lengthy rehab process throughout the offseason. Across 17 games as a rookie, the 23-year-old completed 59.8% of his pass attempts for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Ward also rushed for 159 yards and two scores. The Titans will pair Ward with a new head coach in 2026 after firing former head coach Brian Callahan in mid-October. Ward still carries significant upside for the future, but it appears he will have to overcome a substantial shoulder injury as he heads into his second season.--Will Brady
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Howe

January 4, 2026

Chicago Bears rookie right end Colston Loveland had a big game in his team's 19-16 Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions, hauling in 10 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets. The 21-year-old ended his first NFL regular season on a tear, recording back-to-back weeks with double-digit targets, at least 90 receiving yards, and a touchdown. For the season, Loveland finishes with 58 catches for 713 yards and six touchdowns on 82 targets across 16 games played. After hitting the five-target mark just twice over the first 11 weeks of the season, Loveland earned at least five targets in each of his final seven games of the year. The 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft, Loveland has a chance to establish himself as one of the NFL's premier tight ends as he heads into 2026.--Will Brady
Source: ESPN.com

January 4, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (ankle) will suit up for Sunday's game against the Lakers. The 24-year-old is having the best season of his career. He most recently had 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists when these clubs met on Friday night. With that said, Aldama could be in line for an uptick in statistical contributions in Sunday's rematch, considering Ja Morant (calf) is ruled out.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart finished his rookie season strong in his team's 34-17 Week 18 win over the Dallas Cowboys, completing 22 of 32 pass attempts for 230 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Dart also recorded 32 rushing yards on five attempts. Heading into 2026, the 22-year-old looks like he could be one of the NFL's premier dual-threat quarterbacks. Across 13 games (11 starts) in 2025, Dart completed 63.7% of his pass attempts for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions while rushing for 487 yards and nine touchdowns on 86 attempts. Dart also played the majority of the season without star wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee), who could return from a torn ACL for the start of 2026. The Giants have plenty of questions to answer as they complete their third-straight double-digit loss season, but the organization appears to have found its franchise quarterback.--Will Brady
Source: ESPN.com

January 4, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (calf) won't play on Sunday against the Lakers. He was listed as questionable throughout the day. However, the 26-year-old began trending in the wrong direction a few hours heading into this one. Fortunately, Santi Aldama (ankle) is available, so he should pick up a lot of the slack on the offensive end alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., Cedric Coward, and Cam Spencer in a projected high-scoring contest.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson caught five of his eight targets for 99 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 18 loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The highlight of his performance was a 43-yard touchdown in the third quarter that temporarily pulled Arizona within one possession. The Cardinals limped to a 3-14 record this season, but Wilson ended up being a league-winner in many fantasy leagues thanks to his incredibly strong second half of the campaign. The 25-year-old eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, and he ranked as the overall WR2 from Week 11 through the end of the season. On paper, Marvin Harrison Jr. might enter the 2026 season as Arizona's No. 1 receiver. However, based on track record, Wilson has made quite the case to be the Cardinals' top pass-catcher not named Trey McBride. Quarterback uncertainty creates some questions about Wilson's fantasy stock for next year, but there's no denying that he has top-12 upside heading into next summer's drafts.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught 10 of his 11 targets for 76 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He also rushed for 24 yards on two carries. The Rams had already locked up either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture before Week 18, but head coach Sean McVay still wanted to play all of his starters. Both Nacua and quarterback Matthew Stafford played the full game, and the duo showed off their strong rapport once again on Sunday evening. Despite a mid-season injury, Nacua finishes his third regular season in the NFL with 129 catches, 1,715 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns, ranking as the overall WR1 in full-PPR leagues. He'll be a key weapon for the Rams as they look to make a deep playoff run, starting with Wild Card Weekend against the Carolina Panthers.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

The Atlanta Falcons have fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot following the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The Falcons were eliminated from playoff contention in early December, and while Atlanta did finish the year on a four-game winning streak, it wasn't enough to save either of their jobs. Morris' second stint as an NFL head coach lasted just two years. He led the Falcons to back-to-back 8-9 seasons, missing the playoffs on both occasions despite having a strong defense and a star-studded offense led by Drake London and Bijan Robinson. Morris has experience coaching on both sides of the ball, so he should generate some interest as a potential coordinator hire this offseason. Meanwhile, Fontenot was fired after five seasons with the organization. The Falcons had five losing seasons under his leadership, and they finished third or worse in the NFC South on four of those five occasions. He deserves credit for drafting Robinson and London, as well as fortifying Atlanta's defense. However, he also deserves criticism for a variety of moves, including a confusing sequence in which the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal and then proceeded to spend a first-round pick on Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons have a strong roster in the NFL's weakest division, so their head coach and general manager openings should be attractive to candidates this offseason. It's not immediately clear which candidates the Falcons will target, but Jay Glazer of FOX Sports did previously report that the team could hire former quarterback Matt Ryan to a prominent front office role.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Ian Rapoport

January 4, 2026

Following Sunday's Week 18 win, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku said that he wants to re-sign with the team during the upcoming offseason. However, he acknowledges that it's not entirely his decision. When asked if he wanted to return to Cleveland, Njoku said, "I do, but it's not up to me." The 29-year-old missed the final four games of the regular season due to a knee injury, bringing his final 2025 stat line to just 33 catches, 293 yards, and four touchdowns. Statistically, it was his worst season since 2020, but he still made an impact as a blocker and receiver as the Browns' offense endured quarterback turmoil. For the first time in several years, Njoku also experienced major competition at the tight end position. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as one of Cleveland's top playmakers, and he figures to remain the Browns' top tight end for 2026. Therefore, if Njoku does re-sign with Cleveland, he'll likely take a pay cut to operate as the backup behind Fannin. He should have a competitive market in free agency with plenty of teams in need of tight end additions.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Ashley Bastock

January 4, 2026

Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis rushed for 151 yards on 21 carries during Sunday's Week 18 win over the New York Jets. He also caught each of his two targets for an additional 23 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Davis handled the lead-back role with James Cook resting for most of the game and Ty Johnson remaining the backup option. The 26-year-old had his best game since (ironically) Week 18 of last season, when Buffalo was in a similar situation and rested its starters. While Davis will continue to offer a change of pace going forward, Cook will be the workhorse throughout the duration of the playoffs, starting with next weekend's Wild Card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 25 of his 40 pass attempts for 259 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He also took one sack and rushed for three yards. The 37-year-old quarterback entered this week in a neck-and-neck race with Drake Maye for the MVP award, and Stafford might have pulled ahead on Sunday afternoon, even without Davante Adams (hamstring) at his disposal. He finishes the regular season with an NFL-leading 4,707 passing yards, 46 passing touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. Los Angeles secured the NFC's No. 5 seed and will move on to face the Carolina Panthers in the opening round of the NFL playoffs next weekend.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitchell Trubisky completed 22 of his 29 pass attempts for 259 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 18 win over the New York Jets. He also rushed for five yards and didn't take a sack. Josh Allen played the opening snap to extend his active starting streak, and then, Trubisky played the rest of the way. Thanks to the veteran quarterback's strong performance, the Bills are now locked into the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff picture and will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road next weekend. Trubisky will head back to the bench as Allen looks to get Buffalo beyond the Wild Card Round for the sixth year in a row.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson had seven carries for 131 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Miami Dolphins. He also caught two passes for an additional 22 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. All in all, Stevenson had 153 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns as the Patriots officially locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff picture. It was very encouraging to see both Stevenson and Tre'Veyon Henderson co-exist in New England's backfield for the second week in a row. The 27-year-old running back has six touchdowns over his last three games, and he ranks as a top-five running back in full-PPR leagues since the team's bye week. He should remain heavily involved as a short-yardage and receiving threat when the Patriots play in the Wild Card Round against the Los Angeles Chargers next weekend.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is available on Sunday night against the Kings. The multi-time MVP routinely appears on the injury report, which is never shocking to anyone at this point. However, what's more surprising is he'll now suit up for a fifth-straight contest. All things considered, Antetokounmpo remains a must-start, obviously, and he might be more productive than usual in a meeting with one of the worst defensive clubs in the NBA.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (quadriceps) won't play in Monday's rematch with the Raptors. He has missed the last four games because of a quadriceps contusion. As of now, the former Sooner is considered day-to-day, so his next opportunity to return will be on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. While Young remains on the shelf, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who had a game-high 31 points when these two clubs met on Saturday, should remain in the starting lineup, with Vit Krejci receiving more action from off the bench.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. (head) was evaluated for a concussion during the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 18 loss against the New England Patriots. The game ended before the team was able to provide any additional information on his status. Wease did not return; he finished the contest with three catches for a team-high 44 receiving yards. The 24-year-old put together an impressive end to his rookie season, catching six passes for 139 yards and one touchdown over his final three games. He took on an expanded role with Tyreek Hill (knee) on injured reserve and Darren Waller (groin) and Jaylen Waddle (ribs) suffering late-season injuries. Wease should be in the mix to handle a larger workload during his second pro season next year.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Miami Dolphins

January 4, 2026

Phoenix Suns forward Grayson Allen (knee) remains out for Sunday's game against OKC, marking his ninth-straight absence. The former Duke Blue Devil was initially listed as questionable, so it seems things are moving in a positive direction. Now, fantasy managers are left wondering if he'll be back on Monday in Houston. In the meantime, Royce O'Neale, coming off a seven-point, five-rebound, three-block, two-steal performance on Friday versus the Sacramento Kings, should continue to fill Allen's spot in the rotation.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report