December 18, 2025

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans exploded in his first game back from injury, hauling in six of 12 targets for 132 yards in the 29-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Against the defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to outside receivers this season, Evans took advantage, putting up his best stat line of the 2025 season. While his 1,000-yard streak is likely to come to an end this season, that doesn't mean he can't win fantasy managers' championships. Despite being limited to just 51% of the snaps in Week 15, Evans produced as the WR1 in this offense. He faces a Carolina Panthers defense in Week 16, which he has decimated in recent seasons. Evans has tallied over 90 receiving yards in eight of his last ten games against Carolina and has scored 10 touchdowns during that span. The Buccaneers are in must-win mode, so expect Evans to play a ton this week and beyond.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 18, 2025

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (hip) was a full participant in both Tuesday's and Wednesday's practice sessions and is expected to return in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Rodriguez missed Week 15's game against the New York Giants with a hip injury but was reportedly close to playing last week. Even if the third-year back is fully healthy entering Week 16, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a big game on the ground in Week 15 and may have cut into Rodriguez's workload. Rodriguez has played only 30% of the snaps this season, and with Washington's offensive struggles with quarterback Jayden Daniels, it's hard to trust any back on this team. Assuming he's good to go for their divisional showdown against the Eagles, Rodriguez offers low-end FLEX value in Week 16.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 18, 2025

New Orleans Saints running back Evan Hull could see an expanded workload this week when the Saints host the New York Jets. In three games with the Saints this season, Hull has only had 10 carries for 31 yards, while adding one reception for six yards. However, with Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) still not practicing and rookie Devin Neal (hamstring) already ruled out for Week 16, Hull has a chance to play a significant role this week. After Neal left the game in Week 15, both Hull and second-year back Audric Estime carried the backfield, with Estime playing 39% of the snaps while Hull played 31%. Even if it's a committee in New Orleans, they face a Jets defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season. Both backs carry fantasy value this week and are worth monitoring heading into Week 16.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 18, 2025

With the Los Angeles Rams unlikely to have receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) available on Thursday night against the Seattle Seahawks, tight end Colby Parkinson is emerging as an increasingly important pass catcher for one of the NFL's top offenses. Under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams haven't exactly been renowned for their favoritism of tight ends. Lately, however, Parkinson's production has been unavoidable. In the six weeks since Tyler Higbee (ankle) sustained an injury, the veteran tight end has finished among the top 15 among PPR tight ends five times, including two games in the top five. After a monster Week 15 in which he caught two touchdowns in a win against Detroit, Parkinson is a viable option in all formats in a massive game against Seattle.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 18, 2025

Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho posted a game-high three points in Wednesday's 4-1 victory against the Nashville Predators. He did all of the scoring in the third period, helping Carolina turn a tight road game into a comfortable victory. Aho netted two goals and delivered one assist. With his 21st career multi-point period, Aho passed Ron Francis (20) for the second most in franchise history. Only Eric Staal (25) has managed more. The Finnish star badly needed this one, as Aho was stuck on a five-game point drought before Wednesday's contest. It was his worst run without any points since March 2023. Overall, Aho can be fairly happy with his campaign, tallying 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 33 contests.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

December 18, 2025

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin was one of the biggest surprises of Week 15, going for six catches, 85 yards, and a touchdown in a victory against Green Bay, though changes could be coming. Franklin's increase in targets was correlated to the absence of fellow wide receiver Pat Bryant (hamstring), who was unavailable last week but practiced in full on Wednesday and looks likely to return for Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Franklin is a top-30 PPR receiver on the season, but he's been a boom-or-bust player throughout. He has three top-10 finishes among receivers, but five outside the top 50. Against a Jags' defense that ranks 20th against fantasy receivers, Franklin has a quality matchup, but remains a volatile option prone to big swings in production.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 18, 2025

St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer recorded his third shutout of the season on Wednesday night, stopping the Winnipeg Jets from scoring with 24 saves in a 1-0 win. Hofer became the fifth goalie this season with as many as three shutouts. Minnesota's Jesper Wallstedt is the only one with four. While Hofer has impressed at times, he still holds a disappointing 6-7-2 record. The 25-year-old has allowed 2.97 goals with a .896 save percentage. St. Louis averages the second-fewest goals in the league, making it tough for the team's goalies to please fantasy managers. Jordan Binnington, who is 7-8-5 for the year, will take over the crease for Thursday's matchup against the New York Rangers.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

December 18, 2025

Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jordan Martinook (lower body) played only 5:44 in Wednesday's 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, exiting the action during the second period due to a lower-body injury. Martinook leads all Hurricanes forwards with 56 hits in 33 games and has chipped in with four goals and seven assists on the offensive end. Jesperi Kotkaniemi is expected to come into the lineup if Martinook is unavailable for this weekend's back-to-back against Florida and Tampa Bay. Kotkaniemi's fantasy value is at an all-time low, as he has managed only five points (two goals, three assists) in 17 appearances this season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

December 18, 2025

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department charged Samson Nacua, the brother of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, with taking a vehicle belonging to L.A. Lakers forward Adou Thiero without the latter's consent, according to NBC4 in Los Angeles. Police allege that Samson Nacua and another man took Thiero's SUV, which police tracked to a hotel in West Hollywood, where surveillance footage showed the duo had valeted the vehicle and entered the premises. Authorities arrested both men, who remain jailed and face charges relating to the theft. According to the station, police are unsure where the SUV was originally stolen.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: NBC4 Los Angeles

December 18, 2025

Nashville Predators right wing Jonathan Marchessault (lower body) logged only 5:27 of ice time in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. He was forced to leave the game early due to a lower-body injury. Marchessault's season in Music City has been a nightmare, and a significant injury would only add to his frustrations. The three-time 30-goal scorer has lit the lamp only seven times in 28 outings, adding three assists. His minus-18 rating is tied for the third-worst mark in the league. Rookie Reid Schaefer could get an opportunity to impress in a larger role if Marchessault misses time.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

December 18, 2025

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon gave running back Michael Carter a vote of confidence on Wednesday, saying that the team was "very comfortable" with Carter serving as the team's top option out of the backfield as the team prepares for a Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Gannon's comments have merit, as the fifth-year back played a commanding 80% of the team's offensive snaps a week ago. Injuries have absolutely ravaged the Arizona backfield in 2025, as James Conner (ankle), Trey Benson (knee), and now Bam Knight (ankle) are all out for the remainder of the season. While Arizona is out of the playoff picture, Carter will be a hot commodity who could be a valuable lineup option with favorable matchups against Atlanta in Week 16 and Cincinnati in Week 17.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: Arizona Cardinals

December 18, 2025

Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues (lower body) had a limited role in Wednesday's win over the Los Angeles Kings after he was hurt early in the game. He exited the action in the first period after taking a hit along the boards on a clearing attempt. Rodrigues returned to the contest for the second period, but he missed the final 5:16 of the third frame, finishing with barely 12 minutes of ice time. He doesn't appear to be dealing with anything serious. "We don't think it's too significant," Panthers head coach Maurice said postgame. On Wednesday, Rodrigues finished scoreless for the sixth time in nine December outings. He has totaled eight goals and 16 points in 33 games for the season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

December 18, 2025

Though this has been an undoubtedly frustrating season for Brian Thomas Jr., the Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver is coming off back-to-back solid performances as his team has ascended to the top of the AFC South. The second-year player, ranked as the No. 44 overall PPR receiver, is certainly in the conversation for the biggest fantasy disappointment of the season relative to draft position. However, managers who weathered modest outputs and an injury may have a light at the end of the tunnel, as Thomas has looked more like his rookie self with 13 targets, 7 catches, 153 yards, and a touchdown during the past two weeks. The Jags have a tough Week 16 matchup against a Denver Broncos defense that ranks ninth against PPR receivers, but Jacksonville and quarterback Trevor Lawrence are on such a hot streak that Thomas should carry WR3/flex consideration for managers deep in the playoffs.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 18, 2025

Ottawa Senators center Lars Eller (foot) will be sidelined for at least three more weeks, head coach Travis Green said on Wednesday. Green revealed that Eller broke his foot against the Columbus Blue Jackets a week ago. Eller recently saw time on the second line, but even that didn't get him going for this season. The Danish veteran has managed just two goals and four assists across 28 games. In his absence, Stephen Halliday has filled in for the past two outings, but he doesn't carry any fantasy value.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

December 18, 2025

Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (upper body) has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He remains on Injured Reserve with an upper-body problem. Chabot last played on Nov. 22, and he could soon be available to re-enter the lineup, as the 28-year-old returned to practice on Wednesday. The injury has disrupted a superb campaign for Chabot, who amassed 10 points (two goals, eight assists), 22 shots, and 36 blocks in 18 outings with a plus-five rating when he was healthy. Nikolas Matinpalo has played regularly during Chabot's absence, but his production hasn't been anywhere near the same level.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

December 18, 2025

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) won't be in the lineup on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings. He has been out of action since mid-November due to a right calf strain, and his return doesn't appear to be near. With Scoot Henderson (hamstring), Matisse Thybulle (thumb), and Blake Wesley (foot) also out of commission, Sidy Cissoko, Rayan Rupert, and Caleb Love have held roles in the rotation. However, the trio has been underwhelming. Deni Avdija has taken on more playmaking duties without Holiday and will look to continue his superb campaign on Thursday night. There could be many standout fantasy lines in this matchup, as both teams are ranked inside the top 10 in pace.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 18, 2025

Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (knee) will miss a fourth consecutive game on Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs. The veteran is nursing a right knee contusion, giving up his spot in the starting unit to Justin Champagnie. Middleton's absence has coincided with Bilal Coulibaly's (oblique) injury layoff. The latter will return to action on Thursday, potentially pushing Champagnie out of the starting lineup. However, even as a starter, Champagnie hasn't provided much fantasy production, averaging 8.7 points and 6.4 rebounds. Middleton is likely to miss at least one more game this week, as Washington starts a back-to-back set on Saturday.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 18, 2025

Washington Wizards guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly (oblique) is not on the injury report for Thursday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, indicating that he is ready to return from a four-game absence. An oblique strain has limited Coulibaly to only two appearances this month. He has also faced other health issues, making only 12 appearances in 2025-26. The 21-year-old Frenchman is averaging 6.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 27.2 minutes per game. Coulibaly has struggled to make an impact on the offensive end due to his low shooting efficiency of 37.4 percent. With Coulibaly back in the mix, Bub Carrington or Justin Champagnie will likely be bumped to the bench.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 18, 2025

Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks, missing a fifth consecutive game. Sexton strained his left quadriceps earlier this month. He has been mainly used as a spark plug off the bench this season, averaging 15.5 points and 4.2 assists in 25.2 minutes. Tre Mann (knee) is also out on Thursday, while LaMelo Ball (ankle) is considered questionable. In this situation, players like Sion James and KJ Simpson could be fantasy options in a good matchup against a fast-paced team with a mediocre defense.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 18, 2025

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (oblique) is listed as questionable for Thursday's meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans. He has carried the questionable tag for a while, but Eason has struggled to shake off a right oblique strain, missing more than a month of action. If Eason remains out on Thursday, Jabari Smith Jr. could be in for another night of 40-plus minutes of work. He has played at least 40 minutes twice in the past three games. Josh Okogie also gets extra shifts in the rotation due to Eason's absence.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 18, 2025

Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder (ankle) is back on the injury report, as the team considers him questionable for Thursday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. On Sunday, Schroder returned from a hip injury, posting 17 points and three assists in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now, he is on the injury report due to a right ankle sprain and may miss more time. Sacramento has just lost Zach LaVine (ankle) for a week, and Schroder's absence would give further playing opportunities to Malik Monk, Nique Clifford, and Keon Ellis.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 18, 2025

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Golden State Warriors. The veteran has played in each of the last four games, but he may have to take Thursday night off due to a sore right knee. Royce O'Neale and Ryan Dunn are the candidates to fill in for Allen in the starting lineup. Of the two, O'Neale has been a much better fantasy option in 2025-26, although his numbers tend to be around the same whether he starts or not. In 26 outings, O'Neale has contributed 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 18, 2025

Los Angeles Rams kicker Harrison Mevis has been trending up lately with three field goals and 11 extra points over his last two games. He has the ninth-most fantasy points among kickers during that two-week span, but he'll likely drop outside of the top 12 as he faces suboptimal weather conditions on Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16. The forecast calls for occasional rain showers and winds consistently above 20 mph during the game, with gusts up to 45 mph. The wind could pose a major threat to Mevis' outlook on Thursday night, limiting his accuracy on field-goal attempts from medium or long distance. As a result, Mevis has dropped to #15 in the latest RotoBaller fantasy football rankings for kickers in Week 16. Managers should use RotoBaller's rankings to find a better option at the kicker position for this week.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

December 18, 2025

The Los Angeles Rams' defense will get another tough task in Week 16 as they face the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. It's been a frustrating few weeks for the Rams, whose D/ST has posted subpar fantasy performances against the Panthers, Cardinals, and Lions. This unit had been the second-highest scoring D/ST in fantasy football, but they have since dropped to #6. Now, they'll look to get back on track during a thrilling yet winnable game on Thursday in Seattle. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having a phenomenal year for the Seahawks, but quarterback Sam Darnold has shown that he's capable of delivering some ugly performances. Similarly, the Seahawks' rushing attack has left a lot to be desired. Seattle ranks near the middle of the league with the 19th-most fantasy points allowed to opposing D/ST units in 2025. When these two teams met back in Week 11, the Rams allowed a modest 19 points with one forced fumble and a whopping four interceptions. The Rams D/ST ranks #11 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings and should still be started in most leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

December 18, 2025

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has emerged as a potential fantasy football league-winner during the back half of the season, and he should take on an even larger pass-catching role with wide receiver Davante Adams sidelined for Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16. In six games since taking over for Tyler Higbee (ankle), Parkinson has totaled 28 targets, 22 catches, 230 yards, and six touchdowns. He ranks as the overall TE4 in half-PPR leagues during that span. While Parkinson hasn't been a major yardage threat, he commands a decent number of targets and has been finding the end zone at an absurd rate. Given that Stafford's favorite weapon around the goal line, Adams, is out for Week 16, we can expect Parkinson to earn even more touchdown opportunities. Thursday's matchup also works in the 26-year-old's favor, as Seattle has allowed the third-most catches, fourth-most receiving yards, and 10th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2025. Parkinson ranks as the overall TE6 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

December 18, 2025

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum has been a very pleasant surprise over the last few weeks. Throughout his last three games, he has 280 rushing yards and four touchdowns, ranking as the overall RB4 in half-PPR leagues over that span. During that three-week window, he has boasted terrific efficiency with an average of 9.3 yards per carry. Corum will remain a fantasy-relevant running back heading into Thursday's Week 16 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, who have a strong run defense. The tougher matchup is worth considering, but Corum's touchdown streak and elite efficiency lately should help managers justify deploying him in their lineups. His role is relatively safe, too, as he played a season-high 46% of the snaps last week as the Rams continue their efforts to keep Kyren Williams fresh for the playoffs. Corum should handle double-digit touches again in Week 16, so as long as he maintains his efficiency and stays involved around the goal line, he can be a top-24 fantasy running back. As it stands, he ranks as the overall RB34 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings for Week 16.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

December 18, 2025

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has been terrific lately, and he'll look to extend his bout of success (as well as his three-game touchdown streak) during Thursday's Week 16 contest against the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams have made a significant effort to reduce Williams' workload so that he stays fresh for the playoffs, but even so, he has continued to operate as a mid-to-low RB1 in fantasy football. Over his last three games, he has 234 rushing yards, 23 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns. He owns a phenomenal average of 5.7 yards per carry during that span, and he's the overall RB9 in PPR leagues through 14 games this season. If Williams keeps up this pace, he'll be a top-10 fantasy running back for the third consecutive year. The 25-year-old's ability to produce on a slightly reduced workload has been terrific for fantasy managers, and that trend should continue in Week 16. While the Seahawks have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs in 2025, Williams has shown that he is matchup-proof. In fact, when he faced the Seahawks just five weeks ago, he had 91 rushing yards and a touchdown. He ranks as the overall RB16 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings, but there's no doubt that he has top-12 upside. He should be started in all leagues ahead of Thursday Night Football in Week 16.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

December 18, 2025

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell will likely remain in his deep-threat role for Week 16 against the Seattle Seahawks, establishing a solid ceiling but a very low floor. This has been a familiar role for Atwell, who has just five catches through seven games this year but is averaging a whopping 15.7 yards per reception. The 26-year-old might see a slight increase in volume with Davante Adams sidelined, but since Adams and Atwell aren't very similar players, we expect most of the veteran's vacated targets to go to Konata Mumpfield and/or Jordan Whittington. Atwell will continue to operate as a big-play threat who could boom at any given time, but is far too risky to trust in Week 16 lineups. RotoBaller ranks him as the overall WR97 for this week, and he's at a disadvantage facing a Seahawks defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

December 18, 2025

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Konata Mumpfield could start Thursday's Week 16 contest against the Seattle Seahawks with Davante Adams (hamstring) not expected to play. Mumpfield didn't catch a pass last week, but he still finished third among Rams receivers with his 44% snap share, trailing only Adams and Puka Nacua. He has played at least 38% of the snaps in each of his last four games, and while it hasn't amounted to much production, it's still encouraging that he has been earning snaps and running routes. Managers in a typical 12-team league shouldn't take the risk of starting Mumpfield this week, especially as he faces off against a Seahawks defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Still, he is an intriguing dart throw in the deepest of leagues. Jordan Whittington is the only true obstacle between Mumpfield and the No. 2 receiver role in Week 16, but Whittington is trending in the wrong direction after playing just 6% of snaps last week. Mumpfield currently ranks as the overall WR99 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

December 18, 2025

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington could earn more targets during Thursday's Week 16 contest against the Seattle Seahawks with Davante Adams (hamstring) not expected to play. Los Angeles has shown an inconsistent pecking order behind Adams and Puka Nacua this year, with players like Whittington, Xavier Smith, Tutu Atwell, and Konata Mumpfield all getting different opportunities to produce. With that said, Whittington is the early favorite to step up as the No. 2 receiver alongside Nacua this week. He had two games with a snap share of at least 80% before the Rams' Week 6 bye, and he also commanded four targets in the game that Nacua missed earlier in the year. His role has dwindled lately, and his usage fell all the way down to a 6% snap share last week (partly due to injury). However, he is still one of the more established and dependable receivers on the depth chart, and he should get the first crack at earning Adams' vacated targets. With that said, he'll be going up against a strong Seahawks defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2025. Between his non-guaranteed role and a challenging matchup, Whittington isn't a dependable fantasy option in most leagues for Week 16.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller