December 25, 2025
Chicago Bears rookie running back
Kyle Monangai has emerged as an integral part of the team's offensive attack and presents as a solid flex play despite splitting time with backfield mate
D'Andre Swift. The 23-year-old began the season minimally involved in the Bears' offense, averaging just seven carries a game through the campaign's first eight weeks. However, following a 176-yard eruption in Week 9 in Swift's stead, Monangai has been much more heavily utilized, picking up double-digit rush totals in six of eight appearances. Swift's presence will keep the rookie on the back burner for as long as he's healthy, capping his upside. Still, fantasy managers can comfortably slot the latter into their lineups for low-end flex production at worst. Moreover, Monangai holds massive built-in upside if his teammate is ever forced to miss time. The duo will get a formidable San Francisco 49ers' rush defense this weekend on Sunday Night Football.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 25, 2025
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford is coming off one of his best performances of the season in last Thursday's 38-37 shootout with the Seahawks, and remains a high-end fantasy option moving forward. Stafford tossed three touchdowns across 457 yards in Week 16's defeat. The yardage total was a career-high, and it was the eighth time he'd thrown at least three TDs and no interceptions in the 2025 campaign. The former Georgia Bulldog has been lights out this season, and managers can continue rolling him out with confidence deep into the fantasy playoffs. While LA may decide to sit the veteran and other starters in Week 18 depending on this weekend's outcomes, Stafford will be afforded an excellent outing on Monday night against a Falcons' defense that's yielded 24 points per game -- ranking in the bottom third of the league.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 25, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kenneth Gainwell has come on strong in recent weeks, solidifying himself as an excellent fantasy asset over the back half of the season. Gainwell popped off earlier in the campaign in backfield mate
Jaylen Warren's (hip) stead, although he'd operated in a secondary role for most of the season. However, in Week 11, the 26-year-old emerged as a legitimate threat in the passing game and has since recorded at least six targets in all but one appearance. Furthermore, Gainwell has out-snapped Warren in each of the previous two weeks despite the latter remaining heavily involved in the rush attack. While both will seemingly hold substantial value over the season's remaining weeks, Gainwell stands to see an uptick in targets, considering wide receiver
DK Metcalf will be absent while he serves a two-game suspension, vacating looks in the offense.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 25, 2025
New Orleans Saints tight end
Juwan Johnson saw an increased role in Week 16's 29-6 home win against the New York Jets, and figures to remain heavily involved moving forward after the loss of teammate
Devaughn Vele (shoulder) for the remainder of the season. Johnson has been a strong producer for the Saints and fantasy managers alike in 2025. However, the emergence of Vele had capped the veteran's upside over the last month or so. Leading up to New Orleans' victory last Sunday, Vele was placed on injured reserve, paving the way for Johnson to operate as the second option behind wide receiver
Chris Olave (back), and he delivered (8/89). With rookie
Tyler Shough playing competently, Johnson is poised to carry high-end TE fantasy value for the campaign's remaining weeks. He'll get another excellent matchup in the hosting Tennessee Titans this Sunday.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 25, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Darren Waller (rest, groin) could not find the end zone again in Week 16's 45-21 lopsided loss to the Bengals, but projects to be a useful fantasy asset for the remainder of the season. Waller and the rest of the Dolphins' skill players' value took a hit last Sunday when the team announced they'd turn to rookie signal-caller
Quinn Ewers. The move was a response to teammate
Tua Tagovailoa floundering in his role as a starter. For one game, at least, it was a downgrade for the Dolphins' offense. However, Waller remained involved, placing second on the team in targets (five) behind wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle's nine. Waller's upside won't be the same with Ewers under center, but owners can still rely on him as a fringy TE1, particularly against a Buccaneers' defense that's allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to the position (15.65).
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 25, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston registered a stellar performance in his return to the field in Week 16, corraling 4-of-5 targets for 104 yards and a touchdown during the team's 34-17 road win against the Dallas Cowboys. The TCU product was inactive for LA's victory over the Chiefs the week prior after popping up on the practice report with a groin injury. Nonetheless, Johnston only missed one appearance and posted his first 100-yard performance of the campaign. While the 24-year-old has seen his production dip from an excellent first month of play, he's remained, at worst, the Chargers' second-leading wideout in terms of snaps on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, consistent production has been hard to find with a myriad of mouths to feed in the team's attack. However, he'll remain on the flex radar with substantial upside, even against a staunch Texans' defense in Week 17.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 25, 2025
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Alec Pierce posted a strong bounce-back effort in Week 16's 48-27 loss to the 49ers, reeling in all four of his targets for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Pierce has been a solid fantasy asset all season. However, he looked to be fading two weeks ago when Indy named veteran QB
Philip Rivers their starter. At the time, the 25-year-old's downfield skill set didn't appear to be a match for Rivers' current play style. That changed on Monday night, though, when the 44-year-old began pushing the ball a bit more. If Rivers won't be pigeonholed into a short, quick attack, then Pierce will still hold a bit of value down the stretch. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect a ton of volume from the former Cincinnati Bearcat, but he'll at least still be the recipient of valuable downfield targets. Pierce has led all Colts' receivers in snaps in eight of their last nine outings.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 25, 2025
Chicago Bears wide receiver
DJ Moore has been on a tear over the previous few weeks and is poised to retain an elevated role in the offense amid injuries to his teammates. Moore felt like an afterthought in Chicago's attack early in the campaign. Through the first nine games of the year, the University of Maryland alum had recorded just one touchdown and three double-digit fantasy performances. However, he's been more involved over the last month or so, particularly with fellow wideout
Rome Odunze (foot) battling a nagging foot issue. While it's unclear if Odunze will miss a fourth straight outing, he's yet to practice in any capacity since Week 15. Furthermore, rookie
Luther Burden III (ankle) could also be out again. If one or both are inactive, fantasy managers can rely on Moore as a solid WR2 with upside against a vulnerable San Francisco 49ers defense on Sunday Night Football.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 25, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness) will not be available for the team's divisional clash with the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 26-year-old was a late addition to Washington's injury report, as he came down with an illness early on Thursday. Despite initially garnering a questionable tag, he'll now miss his second game in three weeks. With Rodriguez inactive, backfield mates
Jeremy McNichols and
Jacory Croskey-Merritt will each see a significant uptick in work. Notably, in the last game sans Rodriguez, Croskey-Merritt barely eked out McNichols in snaps (32-30). However, he handily out-touched the latter 18-10. With that in mind, McNichols appeared to be the preferred passing-down back, so game script may determine who sees more work against the visiting Cowboys.
--Alex CiullaSource: Adam Schefter
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys placekicker
Brandon Aubrey remains a high-end fantasy asset for Week 17's road clash with their division-rival Washington Commanders. The Notre Dame product has been sensational when called upon in 2025, connecting on all but one extra-point try (42-of-43) and knocking through 32-of-36 field goal attempts. Notably, the four kicks Aubrey has missed have all been from 50-plus yards out. He'll benefit from another excellent matchup this Thursday in the hosting Commanders, who have yielded the sixth-most points per game to their opponents on the season (26.9). Owners can continue to rely on the 30-year-old as an elite fantasy play, and he'll rank as RotoBaller's No. 1 kicking option ahead of Week 17's outing.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Malik Davis won't be an optimal choice for fantasy when his team takes on the hosting Washington Commanders on Christmas Day. The fourth-year pro has seen a bit of extra work over the previous two weeks, notching eight carries in consecutive outings while getting a boost in playing time. In both appearances, Davis' extended play came while backfield mate
Javonte Williams tended to injuries. With Williams presumably back to full health ahead of a road outing with the Commanders, considering he carries no designation, owners can look elsewhere for assistance in the fantasy playoffs. Even in an excellent matchup with the league's fourth-worst rush defense (141 yards per game), the 27-year-old is little more than a desperation flex play for fantasy. Davis lands as RotoBallers PPR RB57 for Week 17.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 25, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys defense should be viewed as a top streaming option in Week 17 when they travel to Washington to face the Commanders on Christmas afternoon. Even though the Cowobys enter Week 17 allowing a hefty 30.3 PPG (second-most in the league), they carry elite upside in the fantasy championships. They will face a Washington Commanders team decimated by injuries under center. With
Jayden Daniels (elbow) out for the season and
Marcus Mariota (hand) ruled out, they will turn to veteran
Josh Johnson to lead the offense. In relief last weekend, Johnson went 5-for-9 with a mere 43 yards and an interception during their loss to the Eagles. In addition, with top running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. added to the injury report with an illness, this offense could have an even tougher time moving the ball downfield. Even though the Dallas defense has not forced a single sack in each of their last two games, their matchup against Johnson pushes them onto the streaming radar.
--Andy SmithSource: Pro Football Reference
December 25, 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Philip Rivers has entered streaming territory ahead of his Week 17 tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite not appearing in an NFL game since the 2020 season, the 44-year-old has looked quite comfortable in the Indianapolis offense and has flashed solid upside for fantasy. In his season debut in Week 15, Rivers faced a tough Seattle defense and went 18-for-27 with 120 yards and a 1:1 TD:INT. However, on Monday evening, Rivers took a massive step forward, going 23-for-35 with 277 yards, two scores, and just one interception during their loss to the 49ers. On Sunday, Rivers has a very favorable matchup against a Jaguars defense that is allowing the ninth-most PPR points to opposing QBs. Rivers carries high-end QB2 upside and viable streaming appeal for those in deeper 12+ team one-QB formats.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
December 25, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) could see a larger role on Sunday afternoon when they face the New York Jets. During their victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night, wideout
Kayshon Boutte and running back
TreVeyon Henderson both exited with a concussion and are now in concussion protocol, which could open up more targets for Hollins this weekend. However, Hollins is also dealing with an abdominal injury himself, as he was unable to suit up during Wednesday's practice. Managers should not continue to monitor his status throughout the week, as he could have sleeper appeal in deeper three-WR leagues given his potential for a larger role, especially if Boutte cannot pass through the league's protocol. Since Week 11, Hollins has logged at least 75% of the snaps in all but one of his last six games and is averaging a strong 8.5 targets per game over his last two. He would carry FLEX upside in deeper leagues if Boutte cannot play.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
December 25, 2025
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson is set to remain in a lead role during their Week 17 contest against the Atlanta Falcons despite his disappointing showing last week. On Thursday, with No. 2 WR
Davante Adams (hamstring) out of action, Parkinson was expected to see a larger role in the passing game, but was only able to bring in two of his four targets for a mere 21 yards. Instead, depth wide receiver
Konata Mumpfield was able to draw eight targets, and rookie tight end
Terrance Ferguson found the back of the end zone. However, with Adams set to miss another game, managers in 12+ team formats should view Parkinson as a viable low-end TE1 in the fantasy championships. Before his Week 16 dud, Parkinson averaged a strong 13.5 PPR points per game from Weeks 10 through 15 and should be poised to bounce back on Monday night.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
December 25, 2025
According to Jason Lieser of The Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) is "increasingly unlikely to play" on Sunday night when the Bears travel to Santa Clara to face the 49ers. Lieser noted that there is a chance Oduzne may also be held out of action in Week 18. Odunze has been on the shelf for the last three games due to this foot injury, and appears to be on track to miss another week of action. However, head coach Ben Johnson has noted that the second-year wideout has not been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to Sunday's game, but should look to find another viable option for another week, given his current trajectory. With Odunze set to miss another contest, managers should expect
DJ Moore to continue to operate as the WR1, with rookie tight end
Colston Loveland taking on an increased role.
--Andy SmithSource: Jason Lieser
December 25, 2025
According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness) was added to the injury report and is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Dallas Cowboys. The 25-year-old missed their Week 15 contest due to a groin injury but quickly reclaimed the starting role last weekend, taking 15 carries for 63 yards and a score during their loss to the Eagles. Over his last four games, Rodriguez has logged at least 10 carries in each game and averaged a solid 9.7 PPR points, operating as the preferred option in the backfield. Managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to kickoff in case Rodriguez faces a setback and is unable to play. If he is ruled out, managers should view seventh-round rookie
Jacory Croskey-Merritt as a viable FLEX play in deeper formats, facing a Dallas defense that is allowing the seventh-most PPR points to opposing running backs.
--Andy SmithSource: Nicki Jhabvala
December 25, 2025
Detroit Lions running back
David Montgomery (illness) is expected to play on Christmas afternoon when the Lions face the Minnesota Vikings. The veteran RB was listed as a non-participant during Tuesday's practice session but upgraded to limited participation on Wednesday. However, he was still listed as questionable on the team's final injury report. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status leading up to kickoff, but it appears the 28-year-old is trending towards suiting up. Last weekend, Montgomery had a disappointing fantasy day, tallying just 14 yards on a mere four attempts during their loss to the Steelers. However, over his last three games (Weeks 13 through 15), Montgomery found the back of the end zone in each contest and averaged 12.1 PPR points per game. Managers should view Montgomery as a mid-end FLEX play, serving as the change-of-pace option behind
Jahmyr Gibbs.
--Andy SmithSource: Mark Garafolo
December 25, 2025
Golden State Warriors guard
Seth Curry (glute) won't be in the lineup on Christmas Day against the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran sniper is managing a left glute injury and hasn't played since Dec. 4. Curry signed with the Warriors on Dec. 1 for the rest of the season and managed to make just two appearances before dropping out of the lineup. Curry's next opportunity to play will be on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors, though he holds no fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
Houston Rockets forward
Jae'Sean Tate (wrist) has been tagged as questionable for Thursday's meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is nursing a left wrist contusion ahead of the Christmas Day matchup. Tate hasn't had a regular role in the rotation, making his status irrelevant from a fantasy perspective. The 30-year-old veteran has averaged 3.0 points and 1.6 rebounds in 8.2 minutes this season. Going forward, Tate may have even a tougher time getting minutes on this Rockets squad, as
Dorian Finney-Smith has been upgraded to questionable on the injury report and is closing in on his season debut.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
Dallas Mavericks center
Dwight Powell (illness) is considered probable for Thursday's tilt against the Golden State Warriors. An illness has kept Powell sidelined for two games. Overall, he hasn't featured in four consecutive games, falling out of Jason Kidd's plans following
Daniel Gafford's return to the lineup. Powell isn't likely to receive any meaningful playing time as long as Gafford and
Anthony Davis are healthy. Davis has missed only one of the last 10 games and has a chance to post a third consecutive 30-point game on Thursday. Gafford's fantasy value has been limited this month, as he has averaged 3.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Jaylin Williams (heel) will miss Thursday's Christmas action against the San Antonio Spurs. He has been dealing with a heel issue recently and won't be in the lineup for a fifth consecutive game. With both
Chet Holmgren and
Isaiah Hartenstein available, Williams' absence isn't a big deal for Oklahoma City. However, both big men have had a tough time against the Spurs this season. Holmgren has been limited to 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in this matchup, while Hartenstein has posted 9.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Ousmane Dieng (calf) isn't ready to face the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day. He will be sidelined for a third consecutive game due to a right calf strain. Even before the injury, DIeng was out of the rotation, appearing in only three contests this month. The 22-year-old has averaged 4.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.5 minutes across 17 appearances during his fourth NBA campaign. The Thunder should do just fine without Dieng, though the defending champions have struggled against
Victor Wembanyama's crew this season, losing both previous meetings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
New York Knicks forward/center
Guerschon Yabusele (illness) may miss Thursday's Christmas matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report. The bulky Frenchman is battling an illness and has already sat out two games. Even if Yabusele shakes off the questionable tag, he likely won't have a big role in the rotation. His tenure in New York has been disappointing, with Yabusele averaging just 9.6 minutes per game across 26 appearances. Recent reports suggest that the Knicks are considering trading him before the February deadline, leaving Yabusele's future with the team in doubt.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
New York Knicks guard
Miles McBride (ankle) won't suit up for a Christmas Day battle against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He remains sidelined due to a left ankle sprain sustained at the start of this month.
Landry Shamet (shoulder) also isn't available for the Knicks, giving both
Jordan Clarkson and
Tyler Kolek a chance to make a significant mark off the bench. The duo has a favorable matchup on Thursday, as Cleveland gives up the seventh-most bench points in the NBA. McBride's next opportunity to return will be on the road against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys tight end
Jake Ferguson hasn't scored in five straight weeks and is coming off two of his four lowest yardage totals in the past two weeks. Ferguson was remarkably consistent for most of the season leading up to Week 15, catching at least four passes in 11 of the first 13 games and at least five in 10 of those contests. The 26-year-old tight end hasn't been as productive with
CeeDee Lamb back in the lineup and has become dependent on finding the end zone, which he has only done once since scoring twice against the Washington Commanders in Week 7. He'll look to bounce back this week as he faces Washington again on Christmas Day. The Commanders' defense has been bad in all facets, including against tight ends, allowing the third-most PPR points per game. Ferguson can be trusted as a mid-range TE1, ranking as RotoBaller's TE8 in PPR leagues in Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
George Pickens rebounded last week against the Chargers after a two-game lull entering Week 16. Pickens racked up seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown on nine targets in Week 16, marking his fifth game with at least 130 receiving yards, tied with
Puka Nacua for the most in the league. It's been a tremendous first season in Dallas for the former Pittsburgh Steeler, ranking as the WR4 in PPR points. He gets another opportunity to add to his career highs in various receiving stats on Christmas Day against a porous Washington Commanders defense that has allowed the sixth most PPR points per game to wide receivers. Pickens should be fired up again as a borderline WR1 in Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb posted his lowest yardage total of the season last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, catching six of seven targets for 51 yards. It snapped a three-game streak of 100+ receiving yards and was also the star wideout's first game averaging less than 10 yards per reception since Week 12 of last season against the Washington Commanders. The 26-year-old is primed for a big performance against a vulnerable Washington secondary on Christmas Day. He terrorized them for 110 yards and a touchdown on five catches (eight targets) in his first game returning from an early-season three-game absence due to an ankle injury. Lamb remains an elite WR1 option in fantasy for Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Javonte Williams (neck) posted his worst fantasy performance of the season last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, handling a season low nine carries for 34 yards while adding two catches (three targets) for nine yards. It marked his fewest total yards in a game since Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers. Williams played through a neck injury last Sunday but doesn’t carry an injury designation heading into the Christmas game versus the Washington Commanders. The former Denver Bronco has a dream spot on Christmas Day against the Commanders to rebound and finish his strong first season in Dallas on a high note. The 25-year-old compiled 19 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown to go with one reception (four targets) for two yards in their Week 7 matchup. Washington is one of only four teams to allow over five yards per carry while also allowing the third-highest rate of runs that result in 10 yards or more over the last five games. Williams ranks as a borderline RB1 in Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Dak Prescott had another outstanding performance last week against a strong Chargers defense despite the loss, completing 21 of 30 passes for 244 yards (8.1 Y/A) with two touchdowns. Prescott remains one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in a high-volume passing offense with two elite wide receivers in
CeeDee Lamb and
George Pickens. The 32-year-old signal caller gets a beautiful matchup on Christmas Day against a horrid Washington Commanders defense, which the Cowboys scored 44 points against back in their Week 7 meeting. The Commanders have allowed the third most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and have shown little to no resistance against the pass in recent weeks. Prescott profiles as a set-and-forget top-three QB option in Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
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