December 28, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan (illness) was added to the injury report on Sunday morning and is officially listed as questionable to play against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17. McMillan had not previously been listed on the injury report, so it appears that he picked up the illness sometime within the last 36 hours. The rookie has played in all 15 games so far this season, catching 65 passes for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. He scored a touchdown last Sunday and ranks as the overall WR14 in PPR leagues this year. Fantasy managers should check back around 11:30 a.m. EST for confirmation on his status. If McMillan can't play,
Xavier Legette and
Jalen Coker would likely step up as quarterback
Bryce Young's top targets.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ari Meirov
December 28, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
David Moore (elbow) was not activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Seattle Seahawks. As a result, he won't face his former team this weekend. Moore was eligible to be activated and seemed to be trending in the right direction after logging three full practices. However, the Panthers have decided to hold him out. Moore hasn't played since Week 4. He played 97% of the snaps in Week 3 but has just one catch for five yards this year. Even when he returns to action, the 30-year-old won't be a reliable fantasy receiver.
--Andersen PickardSource: Mike Kaye
December 28, 2025
The Tennessee Titans D/ST is coming off an impressive showing against a banged-up Kansas City Chiefs offense, but the unit could come back down to earth in Week 17 against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have looked weak at certain times this year, but they're playing some very good football all of a sudden. New Orleans has won three consecutive games, and they exploded for 412 yards and 29 points last week against the New York Jets. Meanwhile, the Titans did tally four sacks and allow just nine points last Sunday, but they strongly benefited from a matchup against
Gardner Minshew (knee) and
Chris Oladokun. Tennessee has the 12th-lowest-scoring D/ST in fantasy football this year, and they drop to 10th-lowest if you throw out last week's game. Fantasy managers should be wary about starting the Titans this Sunday against the surging Saints. There are better alternatives available on the waiver wire.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 28, 2025
The Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST continues to be a strong fantasy football option heading into their Week 17 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars have been one of the hottest defenses in football lately, ranking as the second-highest-scoring D/ST unit since Week 10. This week, they'll benefit from a matchup against the
Philip Rivers-led Colts. While the Colts have played competitive football since turning to the 44-year-old quarterback, Rivers is still turnover-prone. He has an interception in each of his two games, which bodes well for a Jaguars defense that has picked off six passes over the last three weeks. The Jaguars remain in must-start territory on Sunday.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 28, 2025
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Cooper Kupp has been underwhelming during his first year with the team, but last week's season-high snap share offers plenty of optimism near the end of the regular season. Kupp played 93% of the snaps in last week's overtime win over his old team, the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the increased involvement, he posted modest volume with four targets, three catches, 39 yards, and a lost fumble. With that being said, managers should feel optimistic that his high snap share could lead to improved volume in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Kupp, who is the WR33 in half-PPR leagues over the last three weeks, faces a Carolina defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to slot receivers in 2025. His 284 slot snaps rank 14th-most among wide receivers this year. Kupp enters Week 17 as the WR49 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 28, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) is expected to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 17, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Pearsall is listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. While star tight end
George Kittle (ankle) is unlikely to play, San Francisco will get a major reinforcement in the passing game with Pearsall back from his one-game absence. The second-year receiver had six catches for 96 yards in his last healthy game against the Tennessee Titans, and he'll look to build on that performance this week against the Bears, who have allowed the third-most receiving yards and fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2025. He ranks as a low-end WR3/flex in deeper leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 28, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) is "highly unlikely" to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 17, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Kittle had been listed as questionable, and while he was expected to be a game-time decision, it seemed like he was trending in the wrong direction after missing all three practices this past week. He has been the overall TE2 since Week 8, so his absence will be felt among fantasy managers and the 49ers. As most leagues host their fantasy championships this week, managers should look for replacement options ahead of time. There are plenty of waiver-wire or bench options who play in the afternoon windows of games. Managers who want to wait until Kittle is ruled out tonight could pivot to
Jake Tonges (Sunday night) or
Colby Parkinson (Monday night).
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 28, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov produced a goal and two assists in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. The Russian forward collected all his points in the third period. After a sluggish start to the season, Svechnikov found his stride in late December, collecting a third of his total points over a five-game point streak. During the impressive run, he has bagged three goals and six assists, finding the back of the net in each of the last three outings. Overall, Svechnikov has 10 goals and 17 assists in 37 games this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 28, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker
Chase McLaughlin has been offering consistent fantasy value all season. He's getting plenty of chances and is converting on them when he's called upon. The 29-year-old has converted 28 of 32 field goal attempts and has made 29 of 30 extra point tries over 15 games in 2025. McLaughlin hasn't missed a kick since the Week 6 matchup versus the San Francisco 49ers. He'll head into a decent matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. A team that is middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to kickers this season. McLaughlin isn't an elite option, but is a consistent enough option to be trusted for Week 17.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 28, 2025
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews ended a four-game point drought on Saturday with a big performance in a 7-5 victory over the Ottawa Senators. He scored Toronto's fourth goal and set up two others. The Maple Leafs captain became the second U.S.-born player in NHL history to score 40-plus goals in a calendar year at least seven times. It will be something to build on for Matthews, who has had a torrid time in 2025-26. In 32 outings, he has settled for 15 goals and 26 points. Next up, Matthews faces the Detroit Red Wings, who limited him to one assist in two games early in the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 28, 2025
Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Van Jefferson is seeing consistent playing time, but hasn't been a reliable contributor this season. Jefferson has been held to under 40 receiving yards in every game but three this season. The veteran wideout has five total receptions over his last three games. He's also heading into a tough matchup against the New Orleans Saints defense in Week 17. A defense that has allowed the third-fewest receiving yards to wideouts this season. Fantasy managers are best to leave Jefferson on the bench this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 28, 2025
Los Angeles Kings right wing Alex Laferriere scored half of his team's goals in Saturday's 6-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks, recording his first career hat trick. The 24-year-old notched his first goal in the middle of the first period and wrapped up his hat trick in the third. Laferriere had previously needed 18 outings to amass three goals. While he has been inconsistent all season, Laferriere remains on track for his second 40-point campaign. He has totaled 10 goals and eight assists in 37 appearances, adding a team-high 101 hits.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 28, 2025
Tennessee Titans tight end
Chig Okonkwo is coming off his best performance of the season. Okonkwo finished with six receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown during last week's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old also saw a season-high eight targets during that victory. It was a nice outing from Okonkwo, but fantasy managers should consider it more of a fluke game. He continues to split up the reps with rookie
Gunnar Helm. Okonkwo hasn't given fantasy managers much reason to have faith that he'll be a consistent contributor. He should only be viewed as a deep league streaming choice ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 28, 2025
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (lower body) scored in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Ottawa Senators but had to leave the contest midway through the second period. Nylander's early exit on Saturday casts doubt on his availability for Sunday's game against the Detroit Red Wings, though he is not expected to be sidelined for long. "He's coming on the trip, so that's a good sign," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said after Saturday's win. "We'll see how he is tomorrow." Nylander is Toronto's top scorer, posting 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in 33 outings. Easton Cowan, who has been a healthy scratch for three games, will likely play against Detroit if Nylander isn't available.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 28, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (lower body) is unlikely to play in Sunday's Metropolitan Division tilt against the New York Islanders. He suffered a lower-body injury prior to the holiday break, missing his first game of the season on Monday night against the Los Angeles Kings. Werenski has been in incredible form this campaign, posting multiple points in four of his last five outings. Overall, he has managed 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists) in 35 games. Jake Christiansen came into the lineup on Monday, while Denton Mateychuk hopped on the first power-play unit. The 21-year-old made an immediate impact with the man advantage, registering an assist.
--Taavi PailkSource: Reuters
December 28, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Ashton Jeanty will suit up for Sunday's Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, there was speculation that Las Vegas could potentially sit Jeanty this weekend as the Raiders and Giants are in contention for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders have already ruled out tight end
Brock Bowers (knee) and superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) for Sunday’s game. It was unclear if the Raiders would go into full tank mode and bench their star rookie running back. Despite the speculation, Jeanty will be available for this game and is a strong RB1 in a plus matchup versus the Giants.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
December 28, 2025
Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans (lower body) will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks, the team announced on Saturday. He was already placed on Injured Reserve on Dec. 20, missing two games. Saturday's update suggests Evans will likely return to action in February. In 34 outings this season, Evans has registered 10 points (five goals, five assists) and 44 hits. Phillip Danault has taken over third-line center duties. Meanwhile, Samuel Blais may see regular action until Evans returns. Despite skating on the fourth line, Blais has found the score sheet in back-to-back games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 28, 2025
Indianapolis Colts defensive back Sauce Gardner (calf) is listed as questionable, but is expected to suit up in Week 17, according to Ian Rapoport. Gardner appears ready to make his return after missing each of the last three games due to a calf injury. His return to the field will be a significant boost for this defense against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts are certainly going to need Gardner if they plan to slow down the red-hot
Trevor Lawrence. Fantasy managers with IDP seem to be safe to get Gardner into their lineups. The Colts defense is a risky streaming choice even with Gardner on Sunday.
--Andy WebbSource: Ian Rapoport
December 28, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) plans to test out his ankle pre-game ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Kittle hasn't practiced all week due to an ankle injury, but is shaping up as a game-time decision. Fantasy managers will need to make a big decision, as this game doesn't start until 8:20 est. There's a good chance that Kittle's final status won't be known until about an hour before kickoff. If available,
Jake Tonges could be worth stashing for fantasy managers waiting on Kittle's final status. Tonges should have an expanded role if Kittle is unable to go.
--Andy WebbSource: Ian Rapoport
December 28, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser signed an eight-year, $54 million contract extension ahead of Saturday's 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers. Moser is now the fourth defenseman on the Lightning roster under contract with the team for more than three years. He will carry a $6.75 million cap hit starting next season. With many of his teammates battling injuries, Moser has become the Lightning's leader in ice time this season, averaging 21:43 of action. He also leads the team with a plus-25 rating. In 35 appearances, Moser has recorded 12 points (three goals, nine assists), 51 shots, 45 blocks, and 28 hits. Although Moser's game doesn't translate well into fantasy hockey, he has developed into a big piece for Tampa Bay, and the team is undoubtedly delighted that the Swiss rearguard will stick around for many more years.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 28, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver
Roman Wilson shouldn't be considered for fantasy in this weekend's road matchup with the division-rival Cleveland Browns. With the Steelers' WR room in flux, the 24-year-old will re-enter the lineup in Week 17 after being a healthy scratch for the previous three games. As it stands, it's unclear in what type of role Wilson will operate, as veterans
Marquez Valdes-Scantling and
Adam Thielen both project to play a considerable amount of snaps. Notably, head coach Mike Tomlin pointed to the second-year pro as a candidate to step up during teammate
DK Metcalf's two-game suspension. However, fantasy managers can't rely upon Wilson until he shows a decent standing in Pittsburgh's passing game hierarchy.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 28, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Marquez Valdes-Scantling is little more than a cheap DFS play for Sunday's outing with the hosting Cleveland Browns. The veteran has picked up considerable playing time in Pittsburgh's wide receiver corps over the last three weeks and should be in store for even more over the season's remaining games. With teammate
DK Metcalf serving a two-game suspension, and
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) deemed out with a hamstring issue, Valdes-Scantling is set to run alongside
Adam Thielen in two-wide-receiver sets. While this should boost the 31-year-old's floor,
Roman Wilson's return does cloud the situation a bit. More so, quarterback
Aaron Rodgers has made a habit of distributing the ball evenly. Valdes-Scantling should boast a significant amount of playing time on the road against the Browns, but won't be a recommended option for fantasy, ranking as RotoBaller's PPR WR79 for the divisional clash.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 28, 2025
Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Elic Ayomanor is unlikely to make an impact for fantasy when his team lines up with the visiting New Orleans Saints this Sunday. All things considered, the Stanford product has had a decent rookie season. While it hasn't always shown up in the box score, Ayomanor had drawn targets at a nice rate earlier in the campaign and periodically flashed his athleticism in a Titans' attack that's largely struggled in 2025. That said, he's seen his opportunities dip recently following a hamstring injury that forced him to miss Week 12. Moreover, Ayomanor played behind teammates
Van Jefferson and
Chimere Dike in Week 16, notching his lowest snap share of the season (56%). Tennessee's offense is trending in the right direction, but the rookie's volume makes him a questionable play deep in the fantasy playoffs. Ayomanor is RotoBaller's PPR WR61 for his outing with the Saints.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 28, 2025
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) should be available for this weekend's road meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals. For the second week in a row, Harrison could only practice in a limited fashion while he battles a nagging heel issue, and he was ultimately deemed questionable. Per Schefter, the second-year pro will again have his snaps managed by the team. It's unfavorable news for fantasy managers, as Harrison commanded just three targets (1/14) in Week 16's loss to Atlanta, while recording his second-lowest snap share of the campaign (51%). Furthermore, it's unclear if the Ohio State alum has come any closer to full health, considering his unchanged practice regimen. Even in an excellent matchup, Harrison ranks only as a mid-range WR3, with his playing time difficult to decipher.
--Alex CiullaSource: Adam Schefter
December 28, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is expected to be a "full go" for Sunday's clash with the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The rookie picked up a groin injury during practice on Friday, causing him to log a limited session ahead of Week 17's home outing. Fortunately, it appears that Fannin will be without limitation, despite garnering a questionable tag. As it stands, he's set for another sizable target share against Pittsburgh, considering teammate
David Njoku (knee) will miss a third straight appearance with a pesky knee injury. In addition to a favorable role, the Steelers have been an excellent matchup for fantasy TEs, yielding the third-most points per game to the position (17.11). Fannin leads all Browns' pass-catchers in targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Pat Freiermuth could be in line for an expanded role in Week 17. Following wide receiver
D.K. Metcalf's two-game suspension for punching a fan, Freiermuth could see more work in the passing game. In his last four games, the 27-year-old has garnered 12 targets in the Steelers' passing attack. It is worth noting that Freiermuth has had big fantasy performances in the past, including a Week 7 outing this season when he went over 100 receiving yards and scored twice. With Metcalf out, the Steelers' passing attack is left without its greatest red zone weapon, and Freiermuth could be the biggest beneficiary. Entering Week 17, Wilson and the Steelers will face a Miami Dolphins defense that has allowed the 10th-most receiving touchdowns this season. Freiermuth will be a touchdown-dependent tight end in Week 17, but he has a better chance to find the end zone than usual.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: NFL.com
December 27, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie tight end
Gunnar Helm was held under 10 receiving yards for the third time this season during Week 17 against the Kansas City Chiefs. At times this season, Helm has flashed as a reliable pass catcher for
Cameron Ward and the Titans offense. The 23-year-old rookie has managed to produce three TE1 performances this season, despite catching only two touchdowns. Entering Week 17, Helm will face the New Orleans Saints. The Saints' defense has allowed the third-fewest passing yards and the 11th-fewest passing touchdowns this season. The Titans could look to establish the run game early on Sunday with
Tony Pollard and
Tyjae Spears, since both running backs have been running well as of late. If the Titans lean into the run game early, Helm could be in for another small impact fantasy day. Helm should be viewed as a desperation play only in deeper fantasy leagues during Week 17.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: NFL.com
December 27, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Wicks was forced to exit near the end of the second quarter with concussion symptoms. The staff has evaluated Wicks and ruled him out for the second half of this contest. Wicks hauled in his lone target for seven yards before being forced to exit. His absence should mean expanded roles for
Bo Melton and
Matthew Golden. It's unclear if Wicks will be available for Week 18, but regardless, he hasn't been a consistent fantasy option this season.
--Andy WebbSource: Green Bay Packers
December 27, 2025
Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Chimere Dike is beginning to become a bigger piece in the offensive gameplan. Dike didn't have much of a receiving role early, but has been one of the better pass-catchers in Tennessee down the stretch of the season. The rookie wideout has scored three touchdowns over his last five games. He has finished with three or more receptions in four of those contests. Dike will head into a tough matchup against the New Orleans Saints defense. A unit that has allowed the third-fewest receiving yards to wideouts this season. The Titans' offense is difficult to trust, but Dike could offer FLEX appeal in deep leagues for Week 17.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 27, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Roman Wilson could be in line for an expanded role in Week 17. In the wake of wide receiver
D.K. Metcalf's two-game suspension for punching a fan, Wilson could see more work in the passing game. The 24-year-old has recorded 12 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns on 21 targets across 12 games this season. Entering Week 17, Wilson and the Steelers will face off against the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins' defense has allowed the 10th-most receiving touchdowns this season. With Metcalf out, the Steelers' passing attack is left without its greatest red zone weapon. Wilson will be a touchdown-dependent flex option in deeper leagues heading into Week 17.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: NFL.com
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