Trent Williams Trending Toward a Playoff Return
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) was a limited practice participant on Thursday and Friday, but the belief is that he is trending in the right direction and has a chance to suit up for Sunday's Wild Card matchup with the Eagles. The future Hall of Famer has been held out of the last two games after injuring his hamstring in a Week 16 win over the Colts. Even with their best offensive lineman sidelined in Week 17, the 49ers managed to put up 200 yards on the ground in a win over the Bears before coming back down to earth to the tune of 53 rushing yards in a Week 18 loss to the Seahawks. Without question, San Francisco's rushing attack is at its best when both Williams and tight end George Kittle are active, which looks to be the case for Sunday, helping to make Christian McCaffrey RotoBaller's RB1 for the first week of playoff fantasy leagues.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Jake McCarthy Gets Traded to Rockies
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy was traded to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. In exchange, the D-Backs will receive right-handed pitcher Josh Grosz from Colorado. On paper, this seems like an ideal landing spot for the speedy outfielder. He figures to get a chance to play regularly and should be a strong fit in the outfield at Coors Field. McCarthy is looking to rebound after posting disappointing numbers with the D-Backs last season. In 2024, McCarthy slashed .285/.349/.400 with eight home runs, 56 RBI, and 25 steals in 142 games. He offers interesting late-round appeal with his above-average speed, and his power could see an uptick in Colorado. As for Grosz, he was traded to Colorado in the deal that sent Ryan McMahon to the New York Yankees. He only pitched in seven games for the Rockies' Single-A team last season. The walk numbers are concerning, but 135 strikeouts in 23 games (22 starts) is promising. He won't see the big leagues for a few years, but he offers decent upside.
Source: Colorado Rockies
Source: Colorado Rockies
Cade Cunningham Questionable Versus Clippers
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (wrist) could miss Saturday's meeting with the Clippers. He has a contusion on his right wrist, keeping him off the floor for Wednesday's win over the Chicago Bulls. Jaden Ivey ended up replacing him in the rotation, although he had only eight points. While Daniss Jenkins struggled even more offensively, he still did something for fantasy managers by amassing 15 assists. If Cunningham isn't back for this one, Ivey and Jenkins can both be considered risky, high-upside fantasy options.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Joshua Palmer Ruled Out for Sunday
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's Wild-Card matchup with the Jaguars. Palmer had been unable to practice this week with an ankle injury and will now miss the team's playoff opener. Palmer's 303 receiving yards across 12 regular-season games were good enough for the third-highest total amongst Buffalo wide receivers. In his absence, second-year wideout Keon Coleman will be in line for a larger role following a disappointing sophomore season that saw him benched on multiple occasions. Jacksonville has ranked as a middle-of-the-pack unit in terms of defending the pass, but with no obvious superstars in the Bills' wide receiver room, Josh Allen will again be tasked with putting the offense on his back if Buffalo is to win their first road playoff game since 1992.
Source: Buffalo Bills PR
Source: Buffalo Bills PR
Andrew Nembhard in Danger of Missing Another Game
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) is questionable heading into Saturday's game against Miami. He didn't suit up on Thursday night versus the Hornets, resulting in Quenton Jackson entering the starting lineup. However, it was T.J. McConnell who benefited the most without Nembhard on the floor, with the 33-year-old ending the evening with 23 points, eight assists, and four steals. If Nembhard remains out, Jackson can be considered for streaming purposes for those willing to take a chance. On the other hand, McConnell would be classified as a must-start fantasy option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kawhi Leonard Questionable for Saturday Night
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Pistons. The multi-time All-Star was on the injury report ahead of Friday's win over the Brooklyn Nets, although he was able to play, finishing the night with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block. However, with Saturday's contest being the second of a back-to-back, fantasy managers may not see him out there. If Leonard doesn't suit up, Kobe Sanders should be considered the favorite to replace him in the rotation. The 2025 No. 50 overall selection started a few games ago in the one-point win over the Warriors. He played well, too, amassing 20 points in 35 minutes of action. If Sanders gets another crack with the first-five, he'll be worth considering for those participating in deep league fantasy setups.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Luther Burden III Remains a High-Upside WR Option This Weekend
Across 15 games in 2025, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. The 22-year-old played his best football of the year down the stretch, recording 21 catches for 324 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets over his final four contests. However, all four of those performances came with fellow Bears wideout Rome Odunze sidelined by a foot injury. Odunze will return for the team's Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Green Bay Packers, which could lead to fewer opportunities for Burden III. The Packers were also one of the NFL's better pass defenses in the regular season, ranking sixth in the league in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.4). However, Burden III's explosive upside is difficult to overlook. Entering the postseason, Burden III profiles as the most attractive wide receiver option on the Bears roster for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rome Odunze Tough to Trust in Wild-Card Round After Long Injury Layoff
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze missed the final five games of the regular season due to a stress fracture in his foot. However, the 23-year-old is off the injury report and will play in his team's Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. Across 12 games before getting injured, Odunze recorded 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns on 90 targets. He recorded three or fewer catches in four out of his last five games played, although he still averaged 6.8 targets per game during that stretch. It's difficult to project how involved Odunze will be in the Chicago passing game coming off the long layoff, particularly with Bears rookie wideout Luther Burden III emerging during Odunze's absence. The Packers also had one of the NFL's better pass defenses during the regular season, ranking sixth among all units in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.4). Given the injury uncertainty and the matchup, Odunze profiles as a difficult player for fantasy managers to trust in the Wild Card round.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colston Loveland has High-End Upside in Wild-Card Round
Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland finished his first NFL regular season with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns on 82 targets across 16 games. The 21-year-old also closed the year on a tear, hauling in 16 catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns on 23 targets across his final two outings. Loveland may see a slightly reduced role in the Bears' first playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers, as Chicago will get wideout Rome Odunze back from the foot injury that caused him to miss the team's last five regular-season games. Still, Loveland has proven himself to be a consistent feature in the Bears' passing game, with upside. The Packers were a solid pass defense in the regular season, ranking sixth in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.4) and tied for 12th in passing touchdowns allowed (24). However, Green Bay struggled a bit down the stretch after losing star edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee) to a season-ending knee injury in Week 15. Loveland profiles as a high-end tight end option in the Wild Card round for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bryce Young May Struggle in First Career Playoff Game
Across 16 games in 2025, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young completed 63.6% of his pass attempts for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The 24-year-old proved himself to be an effective game manager, but he struggled to produce consistent fantasy production in Carolina's run-heavy offense. Young topped 200 passing yards in just four games during the regular season. The Panthers' offense will face a tough test in the first round of the NFC playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams. Los Angeles finished the regular season ranked 11th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.8) and tied for seventh in sacks (47). It's worth noting that Young was highly efficient in the Panthers' Week 13 win over the Rams, completing 15 of 20 pass attempts for 206 yards and three touchdowns without committing a turnover. However, Carolina leaned heavily into the run game in that matchup with 40 total rush attempts. That could be the game plan again in the playoffs, which would limit Young's opportunities for production. All in all, Young profiles as a difficult quarterback for fantasy managers in playoff leagues to trust against the Rams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Packers, Matt LaFleur Will Discuss Extension After the Season
The Green Bay Packers and current head coach Matt LaFleur plan to meet and discuss an extension following the end of the season, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport reports that there is a "mutual goal of extending (LaFleur's) contract," and that LaFleur is "not coaching for his job" in Saturday night's Wild Card round matchup against the Chicago Bears. LaFleur, who turned 46 in November, has won 65.4% of his regular-season games since taking over as the head coach in Green Bay in 2019. He's led the Packers to playoff appearances in six out of his seven seasons at the helm and reached the NFC championship game twice. If LaFleur were to somehow hit the open market, he'd undoubtedly be an extremely sought-after head coaching candidate. However, it appears as though both LaFleur and the Packers are motivated to make sure he remains in Green Bay long term.
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
Puka Nacua a Must-Start Wide Receiver for Wild-Card Weekend
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had a dominant 2025 season, recording a league-leading 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns on 166 targets across 16 games played. Nacua earned double-digit targets in five straight games to finish the regular season and recorded six touchdown grabs in that stretch. The Rams will get wide receiver Davante Adams back for their Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Carolina Panthers after Adams missed the final three games of the regular season with a hamstring injury. Nacua's red zone usage may drop off with the return of Adams, who had 14 touchdown catches in the regular season. The Panthers were also a solid pass defense in the regular season, ranking 14th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (3,657) and tied for seventh in passing touchdowns allowed (20). Still, Nacua has proven to be one of the most consistent pass-catchers in football and profiles as a must-start wide receiver for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colby Parkinson Should Stay Involved in Wild-Card Round
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson scored his seventh and eighth touchdowns of the year in the regular season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, capping a career year for the 27-year-old. Despite the return of top tight end Tyler Higbee, Parkinson matched a season high with seven targets while playing 84% of the snaps. Higbee also had a strong game in his return from Injured Reserve, catching five of six targets for 91 yards and a score. Parkinson figures to stay involved in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Panthers, though the return of Davante Adams (hamstring) could reduce his looks in the red zone. Rookie TE Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) is questionable to play Saturday, which could help Parkinson stay on the field more often. Parkinson was quiet in the Rams' first meeting against the Panthers in Week 13, with four catches for 27 yards. He projects as a touchdown-dependent option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Stafford Remains Elite Option for Wild-Card Round
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered an MVP-caliber campaign in his age-37 season, completing 65% of his passes for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 17 games. Stafford became the eighth QB of all time to throw at least 46 touchdowns in a season and the first since Aaron Rodgers' MVP season in 2020. The veteran signal caller will get one half of his star-studded WR duo back on Saturday's Wild Card game, with Davante Adams (hamstring) set to return after missing the final three games of the regular season. Stafford had one of his worst games of the year in Week 13's loss at Carolina, completing 18 of 28 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns while matching a season high with three turnovers. Stafford still projects as one of the top QB options for Wild Card weekend and the entire playoffs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Blake Corum Profiles as Decent Option Against Panthers
Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum enjoyed a strong season working in tandem with Kyren Williams. He handled 145 yards for 746 yards and six touchdowns with eight catches (14 targets) for 36 yards as a receiver while suiting up for all 17 games. The second-year back recorded double-digit carries in seven games this season, averaging 65.3 yards per game to go with four touchdowns. With how dynamic Corum has been on his touches, he should continue to split touches with Williams in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Panthers. The Panthers allowed the ninth-highest yards per carry (4.4) this season, and Corum went for 7-81 and a touchdown in the Rams' Week 13 meeting in Carolina. Corum ranks as RotoBaller's RB15 in PPR leagues for Wild Card weekend.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Davante Adams Good to Go for Wild-Card Game
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) was cleared from the injury report and will play in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Carolina Panthers. Adams missed the final three games of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury in Week 15. Despite missing time, the 33-year-old wideout still led the league with 14 receiving touchdowns. Adams and QB Matthew Stafford developed an elite connection in the red zone, and the two should pick up where they left off on Saturday in Carolina. The six-time Pro Bowler caught four of five targets for 58 yards and two scores in Week 13's matchup against the Panthers and projects again as a high-end receiver option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle Lacks Upside for Wild-Card Matchup
Across 17 games this season, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle finished with 236 carries for 1,079 yards and six touchdowns while adding 39 catches (50 targets) for 297 yards and another score as a receiver. Dowdle was producing like a top running back in the league early in the season after taking over lead back duties over Chuba Hubbard, but his production had slid down the stretch as Hubbard became more involved. The 27-year-old's efficiency has also dipped significantly in the second half, handling 105 carries for 341 yards (3.2 YPC) since Week 10. He notched only nine touches in the regular season finale, his lowest since Week 8. Dowdle profiles as a borderline RB2/RB3 for Saturday's Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, who have allowed the ninth-fewest PPR points per game to running backs this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tetairoa McMillan Profiles as Strong Option for Wild-Card Weekend
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan put together an impressive rookie campaign, finishing with 70 catches for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns while playing all 17 games. McMillan is currently a heavy favorite to take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after serving as the engine of Carolina's passing attack. The 22-year-old wideout earned a team high 25.8% target share and recorded at least five receptions in seven games. He caught only one of his two targets in Carolina's Week 13 matchup against the Rams, but he thought it went for a 43-yard touchdown. McMillan is in a good position for a better statistical output in Saturday's rematch, as the Rams have allowed the third-most catches per game (5.4) and third-most yards per game (72.6) to opposing teams' WR1s this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Panthers Expected to Pick Up Bryce Young's Fifth-Year Option
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Carolina Panthers are expected to pick up quarterback Bryce Young's fifth-year option this offseason. All eight quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall since 2011 have had their fifth-year options exercised. Young has had an up-and-down third season in the league, completing 63.6% of his passes for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions to go with 54 carries for 216 yards and two scores on the ground in 16 games. The 24-year-old signal caller has reached extreme heights, throwing for the fifth-most yards in a game this season with his 448-yard performance in Week 11. However, Young has also thrown for under 200 yards in 12 games. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick will look for more consistency in the future as he aims to establish himself as the Panthers' franchise quarterback.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Kyren Williams Projects as High-End Option in Wild-Card Game
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams delivered another highly productive season, compiling 259 carries for 1,252 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 36 catches (50 targets) for 281 yards and three more scores as a receiver in all 17 games. The 25-year-old split carries with second-year RB Blake Corum for a good stretch of the season as the Rams reportedly aimed to manage Williams' workload to keep him fresh for the playoffs. Williams should be in line to handle an increased workload in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Carolina Panthers, who have been solid against the run down the stretch, ranking sixth in defensive rushing success rate (36%) over the final five games. Williams had a productive game in the Rams' first meeting versus Carolina in Week 13, rushing for 72 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. He profiles as a high-end RB1 for the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Falcons Hire Matt Ryan as President of Football Operations
The Atlanta Falcons are hiring former star quarterback Matt Ryan to be their new president of football operations, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. Atlanta created the position specifically for Ryan, who will now have the final say as the Falcons' decision-maker. Falcons owner Arthur Blank spoke highly of the 2016 MVP, saying, "Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt's leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game, and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise's history. I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role." The Falcons fired general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris after finishing 8-9 in 2025, and Ryan will look to bring the franchise back to the playoffs for the first time since his playing days in 2017.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Isaiah Stewart Downgraded to Questionable Saturday with Illness
Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart (illness) has been downgraded to questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Clippers. Stewart is coming off a dominant outing, posting 31 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks in 30 minutes on Wednesday. He has stepped into a larger role with Jalen Duren (ankle) and Tobias Harris (hip) sidelined, averaging 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in 31.0 minutes over the last four games. Paul Reed would likely see a meaningful workload increase and move from a modest option to a more intriguing short-term fantasy play if Stewart sits, especially with Detroit thin in the frontcourt.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Rui Hachimura Optimistic to Return vs. Kings
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) is trending toward a return Monday against Sacramento, with head coach JJ Redick expressing optimism Friday. Hachimura has not played since Dec. 28 and could face a minutes restriction initially. His return carries clear fantasy ripple effects. Jake LaRavia, who thrived during the absence, averaged 15.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.5 three-pointers in 36.2 minutes over the last six games, delivering third-round nine-category value. That production likely regresses with Hachimura back, pushing LaRavia toward streamer status.
Source: Daniel Starkand
Source: Daniel Starkand
RJ Barrett Ruled Out for Remainder of Friday with Ankle Injury
Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett (ankle) was ruled out for the rest of Friday's game against Boston after logging 28 minutes. He finished with 19 points, four rebounds, and seven assists before exiting. Barrett's next chance to play comes Sunday versus Philadelphia. Toronto's injury list remains crowded, with Brandon Ingram (thumb), Scottie Barnes (knee), and Jakob Poeltl (back) sidelined. Immanuel Quickley stands to absorb primary usage after posting 17 points and 13 assists, while Ja'Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, and Gradey Dick gain short-term fantasy appeal as streamers in expanded roles.
Source: Blake Murphy
Source: Blake Murphy
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Exits in Second Quarter Friday
Memphis Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (jaw) exited Friday's loss to Oklahoma City in the second quarter and did not return, finishing with two points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 10 minutes. His availability for Sunday against Brooklyn is uncertain. If Caldwell-Pope misses time, Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson II stand to see increased wing minutes. Williams recently logged 13 points, three rebounds, and five assists in 23 minutes, while Jackson offers scoring upside but remains inconsistent, making both situational fantasy streamers.
Source: Grizzlies PR
Source: Grizzlies PR
Robert Williams III Exits Early Friday With Knee Injury
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) will not return to Friday's game against Houston after suffering a right knee injury and logged just seven minutes. He finished with three rebounds and one assist before exiting. Williams' status is worth monitoring ahead of Sunday's matchup with New York. If he misses time, Donovan Clingan should continue handling heavy minutes after posting eight points, 15 rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 33 minutes, while Yang Hansen could see a modest uptick as the primary backup. Hansen profiles as a deep-league watch option only.
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Tari Eason Exits Friday with Ankle Sprain
Houston Rockets guard/forward Tari Eason (ankle) did not return to Friday's game against Portland after suffering a right ankle sprain and logged just 16 minutes. He finished with six points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block before exiting in the third quarter. Eason's status bears close monitoring after he averaged 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers in 26.1 minutes over his last eight games. If he misses time, Josh Okogie and Dorian Finney-Smith gain minutes but remain volatile fantasy options.
Source: Will Guillory
Source: Will Guillory
Kevin Huerter May Miss Saturday's Game vs. Mavericks
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Kevin Huerter (back) is questionable for Saturday against Dallas after missing Thursday's game. With Josh Giddey (hamstring) sidelined for multiple weeks, Huerter's status carries added fantasy weight. If he sits, Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones should continue handling expanded roles. Over his last five games, Dosunmu has averaged 16.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.6 three-pointers in 26.5 minutes, while Jones has posted 10.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 27.5 minutes. Both remain viable streamers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Julian Champagnie May Sit Saturday vs. Boston
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Julian Champagnie (back) is questionable for Saturday's game against Boston due to mid-back soreness. With Devin Vassell (adductor) sidelined, Champagnie has stepped into a larger role, starting and averaging 19.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 32.0 minutes. If he sits, wing minutes open up. Keldon Johnson becomes the primary beneficiary after posting 27 points in 28 minutes last game. Dylan Harper has shown inconsistent production, while Lindy Waters III has barely played lately, keeping both as risky deep-league options.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Mark Scheifele Scores Twice as Jets End Skid
Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele scored two goals in Friday's 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, helping the team end an 11-game losing streak. Scheifele popped up with two goals late in the second period after Quinton Byfield had put the Kings on the board. Gabriel Vilardi assisted on both Scheifele goals, including a power-play marker. Scheifele had multiple goals in a game for the fifth time this season. Judging by his numbers, you wouldn't guess that the Jets have declined from Presidents' Trophy winners to the worst team in the league. Across 43 games, Scheifele has picked up 52 points (22 goals, 30 assists), giving him a good opportunity to reach the 100-point plateau for the first time in his career.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
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