January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder, hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. In addition to Willis being inactive, Jordan Love will ride the bench as Green Bay rests key starters. The Packers have nothing left to play for, as they already locked up the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture. As a result, Clayton Tune will start at quarterback on Sunday afternoon. Willis will likely return to his backup quarterback role in the Wild Card Round, and he could earn a chance to compete for a starting job during free agency in March.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Green Bay Packers

January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as doubtful after missing all three practices this past week. The 24-year-old has occupied an inconsistent role this season, and his usage has been dwindling with just four catches over his last four games. Wicks is the only wide receiver inactive for Green Bay, but we wouldn't be surprised if Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs handle a reduced workload now that the Packers have locked up the No. 7 seed. Matthew Golden could earn more targets in the Packers' offense, led by quarterback Clayton Tune.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Green Bay Packers

January 4, 2026

Former Maryland and Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards has committed to North Carolina and head coach Bill Belichick, the senior confirmed to On3Sports. In three seasons with Maryland and one season with Wisconsin (28 games), Edwards has completed 318 of his 512 passing attempts for 3,435 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He's added 13 touchdowns as a runner. Edwards isn't one of the biggest names in the transfer QB market, but he'll presumably get a chance to compete for the starting role in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels offense will be led by Bobby Petrino in 2026 after Freddie Kitchens was fired as offensive coordinator after just one season under Belichick.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Pete Nakos - On3Sports

January 4, 2026

Former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is set to visit Texas Tech on Saturday, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Leavitt entered the transfer portal when it officially opened on January 2 with a "do not contact" tag. This means programs cannot contact Leavitt, but he has clearly already been in contact with several suitors. Leavitt played in 20 games with the Sun Devils, tallying 4,513 passing yards, 743 rushing yards, and 46 total touchdowns. He threw just nine interceptions. Texas Tech is doing homework on several veteran quarterbacks after its shutout loss to Oregon in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals ended its season. Behren Morton struggled mightily in his last game as a Red Raider, tossing for just 137 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Pete Nakos - On3Sports

January 4, 2026

Houston Texans rookie wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are expected to handle increased volume during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The Iowa State products will occupy larger roles with Nico Collins (coach's decision) not playing on Sunday. Collins is being sidelined to preserve his health ahead of the playoff stretch. Higgins and Noel have both seen their roles increase throughout this season, leading up to this big opportunity in Week 18. Both receivers scored a touchdown in last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. They also combined for nine catches, 97 yards, and a touchdown in the last game that Collins missed. Higgins and Noel both rank as solid WR3/flex options against a Colts defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Aaron Wilson

January 4, 2026

The Green Bay Packers will rest key players during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. It was previously reported that Green Bay would likely rest some of its starters, but Fowler's latest update now confirms this. While the X post doesn't say which players will be affected, Fowler reports that "a significant number" of key players will sit out. This decision comes after Green Bay clinched the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture. We already know that Jordan Love will not start despite clearing concussion protocol, and we could see key offensive players like Josh Jacobs and Christian Watson rest. Emanuel Wilson and Matthew Golden could see additional opportunities in the Clayton Tune-led offense. On defense, Fowler notes that recently-acquired cornerback Tre'Von Diggs will play.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jeremy Fowler

January 4, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance will make his first start of the season during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Denver Broncos. The former first-round pick is starting in place of Justin Herbert (coach's decision) as the Chargers look to keep their No. 1 quarterback healthy for the upcoming playoff stretch. Turning to Lance puts Los Angeles as a 14-point underdog, and they could still finish anywhere between the No. 5 and No. 7 seed in the AFC. The young quarterback has flashed upside in the past, and perhaps the Chargers still hope that he can live up to his first-round draft stock. However, the odds are stacked against him this week. For starters, the Broncos have an elite defense anchored by Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto. Denver has allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards and eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Furthermore, Lance is playing behind an offensive line that PFF ranked second-worst heading into Week 18. Every Chargers offensive lineman finished with a PFF grade below 70 last week. This is not the right time to start Lance in fantasy football. Managers should avoid him in all leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen remains a high-upside fantasy option for Week 18 against the New York Jets, but he also has a lower floor than usual. Because the Bills have clinched a playoff spot and want to stay healthy for the playoffs, we wouldn't be surprised to see Allen play only a portion of Sunday's divisional battle on the road. Buffalo could still jump from the No. 7 seed to either No. 6 or No. 5, so Allen will start and have a chance to get the Bills a substantial lead early in the game. However, if he achieves that, we could see the team shift from Allen to Mitch Trubisky in order to keep the superstar quarterback healthy. Allen's health has been a particularly notable topic lately, as he has dealt with a nagging foot injury for several weeks. Despite concerns about Allen getting some rest, he still has high-end QB1 upside. Even if he misses part of the game, he can still put together a top fantasy performance. Just last week, we saw Patriots quarterback Drake Maye rack up five passing touchdowns against the Jets, despite playing fewer than three quarters. Allen could be in line for a similarly dominant performance against a New York defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Additionally, the Jets are one game away from becoming the first team in NFL history to record zero interceptions in a season. Allen has tremendous upside, but managers should only start him with the understanding that he could play less than half of the game.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (coach's decision) will not play in Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Collins isn't injured, but Houston is resting him in order to ensure that he stays healthy for the playoff run. The 26-year-old finishes his fifth regular season with 71 catches, 1,117 yards, and six touchdowns. So far, he ranks as the overall WR7 in full-PPR leagues, which is the highest mark of his career. His absence on Sunday should create more opportunities for rookie receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. Holding Collins out is an interesting move for the Texans, who could finish in any of the three Wild Card seeds and also still have a chance to clinch the No. 3 seed as the AFC South champion. Even without Collins, though, Houston is projected to defeat Indianapolis. DraftKings currently has the Texans favored by 10.5 points on the road.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jonathan Alexander

January 4, 2026

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is expected to handle increased volume with Wan'Dale Robinson (ribs) and Theo Johnson (illness) both sidelined against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. Robinson is headed for his first absence of the season, and Johnson has only been inactive one other time. Therefore, we haven't yet seen what Slayton can do as Jaxson Dart's No. 1 target. However, we have seen glimpses of his upside. He caught a touchdown pass in Week 13, handled 10 targets in Week 15, and has played at least 87% of the snaps in two of his last three games. The bigger role comes at a perfect time for Slayton and his managers, as the Cowboys have surrendered the league's most yards, touchdowns, and fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Managers should feel comfortable deploying Slayton as a strong WR2 option in fantasy football as he handles a bigger workload and gets a very enticing matchup.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Free-agent pitcher Kona Takahashi has decided not to sign with an MLB organization and will head back to Japan. The right-hander has until the end of Sunday to sign with a team, but it doesn't sound like it's going to happen. There wasn't a huge market for Takahashi, who only reportedly received a few offers from MLB teams. Takahashi has decided to return to Japan and continue working on his craft, with the goal of a possible MLB return in the future. The 28-year-old lacks strikeout numbers with only 88 punchouts across 148 innings this past season in Japan. It doesn't seem like organizations felt his stuff would translate well to the MLB game, but maybe something will change in the future.--Andy Webb
Source: Will Sammon

January 4, 2026

Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. has emerged as a playmaking threat lately, and he could step into a significantly larger role during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New England Patriots. Wease has three catches, 95 yards, and one touchdown over his last two games, showcasing upside as a big-play option in Miami's offense. This week, he'll likely handle increased volume with Darren Waller (groin) on IR and Jaylen Waddle (ribs) sidelined. At worst, we expect Wease to operate as the Dolphins' No. 3 receiver, but he could ascend higher than Malik Washington or Cedrick Wilson Jr., too. The rookie has played at least 27% of the snaps in each of his last two games, so we know that the Miami coaching staff is looking to get him involved. His big-play upside makes him somewhat of a boom-or-bust option. He could easily get into WR3/flex territory, but he also has a low floor. Managers should only consider starting Wease in deep leagues with at least 14 teams. He has more appeal in DFS formats and prop bets.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Brooklyn despite a mild left ankle sprain. Murray logged 39 minutes Friday versus Cleveland and carried a depleted lineup with 34 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, reinforcing his high-usage role while Nikola Jokic (knee) and Cam Johnson (knee) remain out. With Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) now questionable, Murray's workload could stay elevated, especially on the front end of a back-to-back. He remains a must-start fantasy option, though managers should monitor for potential maintenance later in the set.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper could handle a much larger workload than usual during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Washington Commanders. Head coach Nick Sirianni indicated that he will rest several starters on Sunday, and although he didn't specifically list which players will be resting, it's fair to speculate that wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown could be among the group. If so, Cooper would likely step into the No. 2 wide receiver role behind Jahan Dotson. Cooper hasn't ascended higher than third on the depth chart this season, so we don't know exactly what his role would look like if he earns the start opposite Dotson. With that being said, he has flashed potential lately. He caught two passes for 29 yards on a 30% snap share in Week 15, and he caught one pass for four yards on a career-high 31% snap share just last Sunday. There's a strong chance that the 24-year-old rookie plays more than half of the snaps if Brown and Smith are sidelined, and that could give him low-end WR3/flex appeal in very deep leagues. Once the Eagles announce which starters are resting, managers could consider adding Cooper to be a desperation WR3/flex play in fantasy leagues with at least 14 teams.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is listed as probable for Sunday's matchup against Sacramento, marking his second straight probable designation. Antetokounmpo showed no limitations Friday versus Charlotte, posting 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 30 minutes. Since returning from injury, he has averaged 29.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 27.1 minutes over his last four games. Giannis remains a locked-in fantasy anchor, while Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. continue to benefit from stable spacing and defensive attention drawn inside.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

The Minnesota Twins have signed free-agent shortstop Orlando Arcia to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. Arcia will look to bounce back after an ugly season in 2025. He slashed .202/.238/.291 with three home runs and 13 RBI across 76 games with the Atlanta Braves and Colorado Rockies last year. Arcia is only a few years removed from an All-Star campaign he had with the Braves in 2023. It's a low-risk gamble for the Twins, who could potentially be getting a quality backup infielder in Arcia.--Andy Webb
Source: Chris Cotillo

January 4, 2026

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (hip) will be re-evaluated in two weeks after spraining his hip Dec. 30, sidelining him through at least mid-January. With Harris and Jalen Duren (ankle) both out, Detroit's frontcourt rotation should continue to shift. Isaiah Stewart is positioned to benefit most, averaging 9.8 points and 2.4 blocks in 23.8 minutes over his last five. Paul Reed should see an expanded role at center, boosting his short-term streaming appeal. Ron Holland II could see more minutes, though his fantasy output has been inconsistent.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Omari Sankofa II

January 4, 2026

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) will be re-evaluated in one week after spraining his ankle during Thursday's loss to Miami, sidelining him for at least that span. With Duren and Tobias Harris (hip) out, Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed should absorb most of the frontcourt minutes. Stewart has averaged 9.8 points and 2.4 blocks in 23.8 minutes over his last five. Reed is expected to see an expanded role after previously posting 19.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks in two starts. Ron Holland II may see additional minutes, though his fantasy production has been unreliable.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Omari Sankofa II

January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson will take on increased responsibilities in the backfield on Sunday. Wilson figures to take over as the lead back with Josh Jacobs (knee, ankle) unlikely to play. The Packers have little incentive to play Jacobs with their postseason seeding already decided. Wilson should take over a majority of the carries for the regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Wilson has posted strong stat lines when he gets over 10 carries in a game. Fantasy managers should expect him to continue to have success, assuming Jacobs remains on the sideline. There's RB2 upside here with Wilson probably getting double-digit carries in this game.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 4, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies forward Vince Williams Jr. (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lakers, extending his absence to eight straight contests due to left knee tendinitis. With Williams still sidelined, Memphis continues to lean on its depleted wing rotation. Cedric Coward has been the most productive beneficiary, averaging 14.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers in 27.3 minutes over his last seven games. Cam Spencer has added steady playmaking, while Jaylen Wells and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope remain situational fantasy options in deeper formats.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright will likely move into the lead-back role for the upcoming Week 18 matchup versus the New England Patriots. The Dolphins have decided to play it safe and ruled out De'Von Achane (shoulder) for the regular-season finale. His absence should mean an extended look for Wright and Ollie Gordon II during Sunday's game. Wright has shown he's capable of making plays when he's given increased touches in the backfield. The 22-year-old rushed for 107 yards on 24 carries with a touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 14. The Pats have a much better defense, but Wright should still get a ton of chances. Fantasy managers with championship games in Week 18 needing a FLEX spot, or looking for a cheaper option in DFS contests, might want to consider Wright with an increased workload.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 4, 2026

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason is set to be the lead back for the Week 18 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Mason is set for an increased workload with the Vikings ruling out Aaron Jones Sr. (hip) for the regular-season finale. When Jones missed time early in the season, Mason rushed for over 50 yards in each of those games with three total touchdowns. The Packers are unlikely to play their starters on defense, as their postseason seeding is already determined. Mason is primed for a strong performance, so fantasy managers should strongly consider him for DFS contests or in leagues still playing for a fantasy championship. He offers borderline RB1 value without Jones in the mix and comes in as RotoBaller's RB10 in the latest rankings for Week 18.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 4, 2026

Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (knee) will be available for Sunday's game against Milwaukee after an MRI showed no structural damage to his left knee. Raynaud briefly exited Friday's loss to Phoenix but avoided a serious issue and is expected to remain in the starting lineup with Domantas Sabonis (knee) sidelined for multiple weeks. In his last 13 starts, Raynaud has averaged 13.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 56.1 percent from the field in 30.4 minutes per game. He profiles as a steady standard-league hold with continued double-double upside.--Brian Dailisan
Source: James Ham

January 4, 2026

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will miss a fourth straight game Sunday against Phoenix and continues to be ruled out in advance, with his next chance to play Monday versus Charlotte. His absence keeps Chet Holmgren anchored in the middle, where he posted 15 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in 26 minutes Friday. Jalen Williams should continue to chip in on the glass, while Branden Carlson logged 22 minutes off the bench and delivered 15 points and 11 rebounds, making him a deep-league streaming consideration if frontcourt absences persist.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon reclaimed the NHL scoring lead from Edmonton's Connor McDavid on Saturday night, notching four points in a 5-3 road win over the Carolina Hurricanes. He lit the lamp in a fourth consecutive outing and delivered three assists, picking up two points on the power play. After the Utah Mammoth held MacKinnon off the score sheet on Dec. 23, the Avalanche superstar has amassed 13 points (five goals, eight assists) over four games. For the second time this season, MacKinnon has posted four points in back-to-back games. The recent scoring surge has put MacKinnon on track for a monster 152-point year. He has collected 74 points (35 goals, 39 assists) in 40 outings.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 4, 2026

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (ankle) has been ruled out for a seventh straight game Sunday against Miami due to a right ankle sprain. With Jones and Saddiq Bey (hip) both sidelined, New Orleans continues to test its wing depth, though fantasy results have been underwhelming. Over the last six games, Bryce McGowens has averaged 5.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 20.0 minutes, while Jordan Hawkins has posted 2.8 points in 11.4 minutes. Micah Peavy has chipped in 2.7 points in 12.2 minutes. All three remain risky, deep-league-only options. Jones' next chance to return comes Tuesday against the Lakers.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. is expected to have an expanded role in Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints will be without Chris Olave (illness) and Mason Tipton (groin) for the regular-season finale. The absence of those players should push Austin into the No. 1 wideout role in this offense. With all the injuries to the Saints' wideouts, Dante Pettis should also see an increase in target share on Sunday. Austin made himself known to the league when he hauled in four receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown in Week 17's win over the Tennessee Titans. Austin was able to do that with Olave healthy for that game, which means he should be able to produce more without him this weekend. Fantasy managers with something on the line this week can use Austin as a FLEX play, or in DFS contests, might want to target Austin as he's priced at only $3,400 on DraftKings.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 4, 2026

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov was sensational in Saturday's 7-2 win over the San Jose Sharks, finishing the contest with one goal and four assists. Three of Kucherov's points came on the power play, including his goal. There have now been 23 five-point games in Lightning history, and Kucherov has been responsible for eight of those. The back-to-back Art Ross Trophy winner has been in video-game mode recently, posting a five-game goal streak and a seven-game point streak. During the hot streak, he has totaled seven goals and 10 assists. Next up, Kucherov will look to outperform the NHL's leading scorer, Nathan MacKinnon, heading into Tuesday's clash with the Colorado Avalanche on 59 points (20 goals, 39 assists) through 37 outings.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 4, 2026

New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey (hip) will miss a second straight game Sunday against Miami due to a right hip strain. Bey's absence has opened wing minutes, though the fantasy results have been uneven. Bryce McGowens has started each of the last four games but is averaging just 6.3 points on volatile shooting across 25.3 minutes, making him a risky streaming option. Micah Peavy's playing time has fluctuated sharply, limiting his usefulness even in deeper formats. Bey's next chance to return comes Tuesday against the Lakers.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh tallied three goals in Saturday's 7-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks, becoming the third blue-liner in franchise history to score a hat trick. Raddysh registered an even-strength goal in the first period and had two power-play markers in the second. It has been a fairytale of a season for Raddysh, who has joined elite company like Cale Makar, Evan Bouchard, and Zach Werenski as one of the NHL's top-scoring defensemen. The 29-year-old has posted three straight multi-point outings, bringing his total to 34 points (12 goals, 22 assists) in 35 games.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN