December 21, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
Jalen Tolbert (coach's decision) and running back
Jaydon Blue (coach's decision) are both healthy scratches for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Tolbert is now headed for his third consecutive absence, and he hasn't logged a catch since Week 8.
Ryan Flournoy,
KaVontae Turpin, and
Jonathan Mingo have offered more value in their depth roles behind
CeeDee Lamb and
George Pickens, leading to Tolbert being inactive. He can be dropped in all fantasy leagues. Meanwhile, Blue remains the odd man out from the Cowboys' backfield and is inactive for the seventh game in a row. Dallas' backfield will continue to feature just two running backs --
Javonte Williams and
Malik Davis -- as well as fullback
Hunter Luepke. Blue can be dropped in redraft leagues, but he remains an intriguing dynasty stash.
--Andersen PickardSource: Patrik Walker
December 21, 2025
Chicago Bears wide receiver
D.J. Moore hauled in five of seven targets for 97 yards and a touchdown, while adding 12 rushing yards in the 22-16 overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers. After being held without a catch in the first half, Moore erupted, reeling in the game-winning 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback
Caleb Williams. With
Rome Odunze (foot) and rookie
Luther Burden III (ankle) inactive for Saturday's showdown, Moore was the top receiver, leading the team in nearly every statistical category and playing a season-high 95% of the snaps. With no update on whether either receiver will be back by their Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Moore could once again operate as the WR1 in this offense and be a must-start option if Odunze and Burden are ruled out once again.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
December 21, 2025
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to play after the Cowboys activated him from injured reserve on Saturday. He's returning from an eight-game absence, offering key reinforcements to a Dallas secondary that just lost Daron Bland (foot) to IR. Through his first six games this year, Diggs had logged 18 tackles. He's still looking for his first interception of the season.
--Andersen PickardSource: Patrik Walker
December 21, 2025
Chicago Bears rookie running back
Kyle Monangai was efficient in Week 16, carrying the ball nine times for 50 yards and adding three catches for 43 yards in the 22-16 overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers. After struggling to produce in the previous two outings, Monangai was a freight train on Saturday, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and moving the chains five times on his 12 total attempts. Monangai is averaging 8.9 fantasy points per game this season and is just 99 rushing yards away from passing Chiefs running back
Isiah Pacheco for most rushing yards by a seventh-rounder in their rookie season. He faces the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 and should be considered a FLEX play moving forward.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
December 21, 2025
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Keon Coleman will be a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reports. The Bills recently activated
Mecole Hardman (calf) off Injured Reserve, and he will be active in Coleman's place. Coleman was a healthy scratch in Weeks 11 and 12 for disciplinary reasons, and his Week 16 absence is reportedly a coach's decision. It's been a disappointing season for the second-year wideout, totalling 36 catches (55 targets) for 355 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games, with 112 of those yards coming in Week 1. With Coleman out again,
Joshua Palmer,
Brandin Cooks,
Tyrell Shavers, and Hardman will all be in the mix for more opportunities behind
Khalil Shakir, who remains Buffalo's clear WR1 on Sunday.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Cameron Wolfe
December 21, 2025
Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (concussion, neck) is inactive for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had been listed as questionable. Williams logged a full practice on Friday, but the team updated his status on Saturday to clarify that he's now dealing with a neck injury, in addition to the concussion. It's possible that Williams cleared concussion protocol in time for the kickoff, and the neck injury could be the reason for his absence. The 28-year-old has appeared in 13 games with the Jets and Cowboys this season, amassing 48 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. Kenny Clark and Solomon Thomas should earn more defensive snaps in his absence.
--Andersen PickardSource: Patrik Walker
December 21, 2025
Chicago Bears quarterback
Caleb Williams completed 19 of 34 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in the thrilling 22-16 overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers. Williams entered the fourth quarter with under 125 passing yards and just nine completions, but a positive game script and the second-year quarterback's clutch playmaking saved the day. The Bears are now 11-4 and control their destiny to win the NFC North, and none of this would be possible without the massive leap Williams has taken in his second season. They face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night in Week 17, which could be a hat-and-T-shirt game for Williams and the Bears. For fantasy purposes, Williams will continue to be a risky QB2 due to his low volume in Ben Johnson's offense.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
December 21, 2025
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Mason Tipton (illness) is officially active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the New York Jets. He had been listed as questionable after missing two consecutive practices. In the end, though, he'll suit up for this contest between two eliminated teams. Tipton saw a bump in targets after the Saints' Week 11 bye, around the same time they parted ways with wide receivers
Rashid Shaheed and
Brandin Cooks. The 25-year-old has seven catches for 47 yards over his last four games, but only one catch over the last two weeks. On a more positive note, he played 80% of the snaps last week. If he logs a similar amount of plays this week, his target share could go up, especially with
Devaughn Vele (shoulder) now on injured reserve. With that said, Tipton remains stuck behind
Chris Olave and
Juwan Johnson in the passing game pecking order. He can be avoided in all fantasy leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ross Jackson
December 21, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Mike Conley (Achilles) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Milwaukee after missing four straight contests. Any return would likely come with minutes restrictions, capping short-term upside while stabilizing Minnesota's second-unit playmaking. If Conley remains out,
Bones Hyland continues to benefit from added ball-handling and shot creation, keeping him in the streamer mix for points and assists.
Donte DiVincenzo holds steady minutes at the point, while
Anthony Edwards remains the primary closer and usage anchor regardless of Conley's status.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 21, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Tee Higgins (concussion) is active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Miami Dolphins, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Higgins, who had been listed as questionable, cleared concussion protocol prior to kickoff and is officially back from a one-game absence. The 26-year-old has impressed with 46 catches, 667 yards, and nine touchdowns over his last 12 healthy games, and he continues to trend upward after
Joe Burrow returned from his toe injury earlier this month. Time and time again, the former second-round receiver has shown that he and Ja'Marr Chase can co-exist as dependable fantasy options in this high-powered offense. Higgins, who has turned into quite the scoring threat with 19 touchdowns over his last 22 games, ranks as a high-end WR2 this week in Miami.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeremy Fowler
December 21, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Brandon Clarke (calf) exited early and did not return against Washington, finishing with two points, three rebounds, one steal, and four minutes. The setback comes as Clarke was still ramping up after a lengthy layoff that has already cost him 26 games this season, keeping his role unstable. With Clarke sidelined,
Santi Aldama and
Jock Landale are positioned for steadier frontcourt minutes, while
Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to anchor usage and closing duties. Clarke remains off the standard-league radar until he can string together consistent availability.
--Brian DailisanSource: Grizzlies PR
December 21, 2025
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) has progressed to five-on-five work and is nearing a return from a sprained MCL after missing 15 games since Nov. 17. Jones is expected to face minutes restrictions initially, but his eventual return could reshape the wing rotation. He averaged 9.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 26.3 minutes over his last five before the injury.
Jordan Miller stands to lose minutes, while
Kris Dunn and
Bogdan Bogdanovic could see minor role compression. Jones profiles as a deep-league stash with defensive upside.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
December 21, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Courtland Sutton has been highly productive in three games since his team's bye week, catching 18 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. He ranks as the overall WR8 in half-PPR leagues during that span. The veteran receiver has found his stride at the perfect time, breaking an ugly stretch of four games with 11 or fewer fantasy points prior to the bye. In particular, he has emerged as an intriguing threat deep downfield, just in time for the fantasy playoffs. Last week, Sutton racked up 136 air yards (ninth-most among NFL wide receivers) and an ADOT of 13.6 yards. He should remain highly productive in Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who rank right near the middle of the league with the 16th-most fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in 2025. Sutton has jumped to the WR14 spot in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 21, 2025
Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami and the Chicago White Sox have agreed to a two-year, $34 million contract, sources tell Jeff Passan of ESPN. Murakami, 25, has slashed .270/.394/.557 with 246 home runs, 647 RBI, 535 runs scored, and 59 stolen bases across 3,780 plate appearances in eight NPB seasons. Passan went on to say that Murakami is expected to play first base for the White Sox. There are concerns that the 25-year-old has a lot of swing-and-miss in his profile, but he also has a ton of power. The Japanese star has an ADP of 232, making him a calculated gamble that could pay off in a big way. However, the transition from the NPB is not easy, so nothing is guaranteed. As a result,
Lenyn Sosa, who spent time at first base with the White Sox last season, will likely shift to the keystone or the DH spot, and
Miguel Vargas, the other primary first baseman, will now likely cover the hot corner for most of 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Jeff Passan
December 21, 2025
New York Giants wide receiver
Wan'Dale Robinson has been playing at an incredibly high level ever since quarterback
Jaxson Dart returned from his concussion. Over his last three games, the 24-year-old receiver has 32 targets, 21 catches, 244 yards, and two touchdowns. He ranks as the overall WR7 in full-PPR fantasy points per game during that span. In addition to commanding a high dose of targets, Robinson has impressed with his ability to create after the catch. Last week, he had 23 yards after the catch, which ranked 16th-highest among all NFL receivers. Now, he'll take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. The Vikings have a strong defense under coordinator Brian Flores, allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. Still, Robinson should have another productive game with a high dose of targets and catches, as well as plenty of opportunities to make plays with the ball in his hands. He remains a very strong WR2 for fantasy football in Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 21, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Herbert Jones (head) was ruled out for the remainder of Saturday's game against Indiana, finishing with five points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and 12 minutes. Jones has averaged 10.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.6 steals, and 22 minutes over his last five, so any missed time dents his defensive-category value.
Jordan Poole absorbed the direct replacement minutes and additional on-ball reps, making him a short-term streamer for points and assists.
Saddiq Bey should see steadier wing minutes with a low-usage profile, while
Micah Peavy and
Karlo Matkovic remain deep-league only.
--Brian DailisanSource: Pelicans PR
December 21, 2025
Los Angeles Clippers center
Ivica Zubac (ankle) exited early and did not return against the Lakers, finishing with five points, two rebounds, one assist, and 11 minutes. Zubac had been steady recently, averaging 14.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 29.7 minutes over his last five, so any absence would materially impact the frontcourt rotation.
John Collins stands to benefit most with increased minutes and rebounding chances, while
Brook Lopez profiles as a deeper-league streaming option if Zubac misses time.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
December 21, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Luka Doncic (leg) exited early and did not return against the Clippers, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, and 20 minutes. The injury places his short-term availability in question and creates immediate fantasy ripple effects.
LeBron James handled the late offense, scoring 36 points in 38 minutes, and remains an elite fantasy option if Doncic misses time.
Marcus Smart and second-year forward
Dalton Knecht stand to absorb extra minutes and secondary creation. Doncic is still a firm hold, but managers should prepare for usage volatility and possible missed games.
--Brian DailisanSource: Mike Trudell
December 21, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. has been playing at a higher level lately, catching seven passes for 153 yards and a touchdown over his last two games. He also has 284 air yards during that span, which ranks third-best among NFL receivers. This week, he'll face off against a Denver Broncos secondary that presents him with a range of outcomes. On one hand, if Thomas is covered by cornerback Patrick Surtain II, his upside could be limited, and he'd have a lower floor. On the other hand, Surtain could take
Jakobi Meyers, leaving Riley Moss to cover Thomas. Moss has been tough in the red zone this year, but he's given up plenty of yardage, so if he's covering Thomas, the former first-round pick would instantly become a fringe top-18 fantasy receiver. All in all, Denver has surrendered the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 21, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Jakobi Meyers has momentum on his side heading into Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Denver Broncos. The 29-year-old has enjoyed quite the resurgence since being dealt from Las Vegas to Jacksonville midseason. In six games since the trade, he ranks as the overall WR12 in half-PPR leagues. He has posted double-digit fantasy points in each of the last five weeks, and he has scored a touchdown in three of his last four games. Meyers remains a strong WR2 option for fantasy football this week, but his range of outcomes is admittedly a little larger given the uncertainty surrounding his matchup. If Meyers faces off against Patrick Surtain II, his upside could be limited, and he'd have a lower floor. On the other hand, Surtain could take
Brian Thomas Jr., leaving Riley Moss to cover Meyers. Moss has been tough in the red zone this year, but he's given up plenty of yardage, so if he's covering Meyers, the NC State product would instantly become a fringe top-12 fantasy receiver.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 21, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans continues to be one of the top scoring threats on his own team. In his return from a six-game absence last week, Evans caught six of his 12 targets for 132 yards despite playing on a modest 55% snap share. He should get on the field even more often in Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers, continuing to raise his ceiling to a very high level. The veteran is averaging five catches, 68 yards, and 13.3 fantasy points per game when healthy this year. This week, he'll face off against a Panthers defense that gave up six catches, 85 yards, and a touchdown to alpha receiver
Chris Olave just last week. Jaycee Horn is a borderline elite cornerback in the Panthers' secondary, but if Olave can overcome the challenging matchup, Evans can, too. The 32-year-old continues to rank as a top-10 fantasy receiver in all leagues ahead of Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 21, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. is having a terrific rookie season and will look to build on that momentum during Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Buffalo Bills. The 21-year-old is the overall TE8 in full-PPR leagues so far with 66 catches, 667 yards, and four touchdowns. He will remain atop the depth chart for the third week in a row with fellow tight end
David Njoku (knee) sidelined. In his last two games without Njoku, Fannin has exploded for a combined 15 catches, 162 yards, and one touchdown. Last week alone, he led all NFL tight ends in air yards (93), suggesting that his ceiling is incredibly high. He'll aim to tap into that upside on Sunday afternoon, as he continues to rank as a mid-range TE1 in most full-PPR formats. He remains a must-start in leagues despite facing the Bills, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 21, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Darren Waller is coming off his best performance of the season during last week's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Waller hauled in seven of his eight targets for 66 yards and two touchdowns on Monday evening. He'll now head into a great matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals defense. This unit has allowed over 22.0 PPR fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, placing them at the bottom of the sport. However, Waller faces some uncertainty in this contest as rookie QB
Quinn Ewers is set to replace
Tua Tagovailoa under center. The change at quarterback figures to change the game plan, but Waller should still be involved as the No. 2 pass-catching option, opposite of
Jaylen Waddle. The Dolphins might use him as a safety blanket on short routes to avoid having Ewers throw a ton of deep shots. There's enough upside here to keep Waller in the low-end TE1 conversation, given his elite matchup.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 21, 2025
Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson scored in his sixth consecutive game on Saturday, helping his team defeat the New York Islanders 3-2 in a shootout. Thompson was responsible for Buffalo's second goal, becoming only the second player in franchise history with multiple six-game goal streaks in a campaign. It has been a mixed season for Thompson, as he leads the Sabres with 18 goals and 31 points in 34 appearances but holds a team-worst minus-12 rating. Buffalo's record for consecutive games with a goal is eight, a mark shared by three players. Thompson can move another step closer to it on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Tyreek Hill might've played this last snap with the organization. The Dolphins need to find ways to save money, and letting go of Hill is one potential path. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, releasing Hill before June 1 would save the Dolphins $23.65 million against their cap space. If the Dolphins were to release him post-June 1 date, they would save $36 million for the 2026 season. Hill is currently recovering from a season-ending knee injury that he suffered in Week 4. Before his injury, Hill averaged a solid 13.6 PPR points over the first three games of the campaign. He found the back of the end zone once and totaled over 100 yards back in Week 2. He enjoyed a dominant stretch with the Dolphins in 2022 and 2023, when he eclipsed 1,700 yards and caught 119 passes in each season. It's unclear how Hill will play following his serious injury, so cutting him might be the best route for this organization.
Jaylen Waddle figures to remain the long-term WR1 in Miami, given that the team extended him to a three-year contract in May 2024.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
December 21, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter is expected to be the lead back heading into the Week 16 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Cardinals' backfield has been strung by the injury bug this season. The latest player to fall was
Bam Knight (knee), who was placed on the injured reserve after exiting last week's game with a knee injury. Now, Carter figures to take over as the lead back for the final few games of the regular season while
Emari Demercado is set to operate as the No. 2 option. Last week, Carter rushed the ball 14 times for 56 yards, while hauling in four receptions for 38 additional yards through the air in the loss to the Houston Texans in relief of Knight. Carter has a decent matchup in Week 16 against an Atlanta Falcons defense that ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of points allowed to RBs. The assumption is that Carter will see a large enough workload to offer RB2 value in all formats for this Week 16 contest.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 21, 2025
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler had a memorable outing on Saturday, recording his first career shutout in a 4-0 win over Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 21-year-old stopped 31 shots, becoming the sixth-youngest American netminder to post his first NHL shutout. Fowler made his fourth appearance of the season and improved to 2-1-1. He has recorded a 2.49 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. With Samuel Montembeault currently in the AHL on a conditioning assignment, Fowler has recently split goaltending duties with Jakub Dobes. The latter is expected to be between the sticks on Sunday for a rematch against Pittsburgh.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
St. Louis Blues right wing Jonatan Berggren tallied three points in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Florida Panthers, scoring a power-play goal and adding two assists. This was Berggren's third appearance for the Blues after he was claimed off waivers last week. Berggren struggled to get playing time in Detroit this season but has been a good fit in St. Louis. He saw first-line usage on Saturday and has scored in back-to-back games, boasting four points (two goals, two assists) through his first three outings with his new team. Overall, Berggren has registered 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 18 appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans (lower body) won't play on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday's home game against the Penguins and won't travel to Pittsburgh for a rematch. Evans has managed 10 points (five goals, five assists) and 44 hits across 34 games this season. On the negative side, he carries a team-worst minus-13 rating. Newly reacquired Phillip Danault (illness) could be Evans' replacement in the lineup next week. However, he won't be available for Sunday's action, and defenseman Jayden Struble might fill the gap in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 21, 2025
Indianapolis Colts running back
Ameer Abdullah saw his highest usage of the season during last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Abdullah was basically a non-factor all season until getting nine touches in last week's defeat. Adbullah rushed the ball four times for 15 yards, while hauling in five receptions for 32 additional yards through the air. It appears Abdullah is going to benefit by having
Philip Rivers under center in Indy, as the veteran QB looked his way quite often in the short passing game. Given his success last week, the Colts are likely going to continue using Adbullah in short-yardage situations as a check-down option for Rivers. There could be some flex appeal in deep PPR leagues for Abdullah ahead of this Monday Night matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, given that they allowed
Tony Pollard to total 18.2 PPR points last week.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
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