December 31, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers discussed his future with the media on Wednesday and left open the possibility that he could return for another year, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. "Listen, I'm thinking about this week. I'm 42 years old, and I'm on a one-year deal, so you know what the situation is. Whenever the season ends, I'll be a free agent. That will give me a lot of options if I still want to play... maybe one or two," Rodgers said. The future Hall of Famer said he's enjoyed his experience this year with Pittsburgh, but he will discuss his future with his wife in the offseason. Rodgers' decision about whether to continue playing into 2026 will likely depend on how this year ends with the Steelers. Rodgers will square off against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens this Sunday night to decide the AFC North winner. The loser's season will be over.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
December 31, 2025
Buffalo Bills kicker
Matt Prater (quadriceps) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. The Bills only held a walkthrough practice on Wednesday, but Prater's full participation is a sign that he could return to action as the team's placekicker for the Week 18 regular-season finale this weekend against the division-rival New York Jets. The 41-year-old veteran has missed the last two games with a right-quad injury. Prater has been solid for fantasy football managers in 2025 in his first year with the Bills when he's been healthy, making 90% of his 20 field-goal attempts while going 43-for-46 on his extra-point tries in 14 games. However, with the Bills potentially resting key pieces on offense this weekend, Prater won't come highly recommended for starting lineups in Week 18 if he makes his return.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills PR
December 31, 2025
Buffalo Bills tight end
Dawson Knox was limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Knox should be good for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival New York Jets, but it's unclear if the Bills will rest some of their banged-up players as they get ready for the start of the postseason next week. With fellow TE
Dalton Kincaid (knee) sidelined in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Knox caught all five of his targets, but he was held to only 30 receiving yards and did not find the end zone. The 29-year-old has had a low fantasy ceiling again in 2025, with Kincaid serving as quarterback
Josh Allen's favorite pass-catching TE target. It's unclear what the Bills' plan is this weekend for their starters, making Knox a streaming TE option to avoid for now.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills PR
December 31, 2025
Buffalo Bills tight end
Dalton Kincaid (knee) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to his knee injury. Kincaid was unable to play in Sunday's one-point loss to the visiting Philadelphia Eagles due to his knee injury, but it's a good sign that he's limited in the first practice of Week 18. However, the Bills may decide to rest key starters this weekend against the division-rival New York Jets, including quarterback
Josh Allen (foot), so Kincaid might not be all that attractive for fantasy managers if he's healthy enough to return to action this weekend. Fellow TE
Dawson Knox (knee) is also managing a knee injury and was limited in Wednesday's practice. Despite missing several games this year with knee and hamstring injuries, Kincaid is Buffalo's second leading receiver with 36 catches for 523 yards and a team-high five touchdowns.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills PR
December 31, 2025
New York Giants tight end
Theo Johnson (illness) was one of three Giants players either sent home or absent from Wednesday's practice with an illness. Johnson missed the team's Week 17 win over the Raiders after not practicing at all with what is presumed to be the same illness. Fantasy managers still playing for a Championship in Week 18 will need to monitor New York's injury report, as Johnson and the Giants face a Cowboys defense in the season finale that has allowed 34 or more points in three of the last four games. With New York still competing under interim head coach Mike Kafka, their offense could continue to provide fantasy relevance at a time when many other teams are resting starters.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Jordan Raanan
December 31, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (undisclosed) will miss a second straight game on Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils. He was an unexpected scratch on Monday against the Ottawa Senators and still appears to be dealing with a health issue that prevents him from playing. The veteran has been banged up all season, so it isn't surprising that he is taking some time off. Monahan's ongoing health issues have affected his performance, limiting him to just 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in 37 games. On Monday, Cole Sillinger was promoted from the fourth line to the top six and contributed two assists in a 4-1 victory. Sillinger is projected to remain as the second-line center on Wednesday, enhancing his fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 31, 2025
Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle (ribs) is not practicing on Wednesday due to a rib injury, according to Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. Waddle is in danger of missing the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots after injuring his ribs in the Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 27-year-old was able to return to Sunday's game, but he played only 26% of the offensive snaps and finished the day with zero catches on one target. However, Waddle is just 90 yards shy of his third career 1,000-yard season, so perhaps that will give him the motivation to play this weekend in New England. If Waddle does not play in Week 18,
Malik Washington and
Theo Wease Jr., who had a long touchdown last weekend, would be more involved in Miami's passing attack.
--Keith HernandezSource: Miami Herald - Omar Kelly
December 31, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (lower body) will remain out for a fourth consecutive game on Wednesday versus the New Jersey Devils. Werenski's big campaign has been disrupted by a lower-body injury. However, Blue Jackets head coach Dave Evason said Werenski could be ready to return on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres. As a result of Werenski's absence, Dante Fabbro's playing time has significantly increased, as he has joined Ivan Provorov on the first defensive pairing. Meanwhile, Denton Mateychuk has taken Werenski's place on the top power-play unit, recording a goal and two assists in the last three games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 31, 2025
New York Giants wide receiver
Wan'Dale Robinson (ribs) was not present at Wednesday's practice after sustaining a rib injury in a Week 17 win over the Raiders in which he caught a season-high 11 passes for 113 yards. In Sunday's week-winning effort, Robinson also eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career, and he now sits only eight receptions shy of 100. If he can clear the injury report to suit up against the Cowboys' worst pass defense in the league in Week 18, it seems likely the team will make every effort to get him to that milestone. Fantasy managers still playing for a Week 18 title will need to monitor the Giants' practice reports this week, but if Robinson plays on Sunday, he is a must-start.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Jordan Raanan
December 31, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) did not take part in the team's practice on Wednesday, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. St. Brown played through knee irritation in the Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Vikings, playing 83% of the snaps while catching eight of his 13 targets for 68 yards. The 26-year-old is as tough as they come, but with Detroit having nothing to play for in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Chicago Bears, St. Brown may be held out this weekend. If St. Brown has played his last game in 2025, he'll finish with a strong 106 catches, 1,262 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns in 16 games for his fantasy managers. If he doesn't play against Chicago, rookie
Isaac TeSlaa and
Kalif Raymond would see more targets alongside
Jameson Williams.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
December 31, 2025
New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (hand) is questionable to play on New Year's Eve against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He missed the end of Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs after being slashed on the hand in the final minute. Hamilton has been among the biggest fantasy disappointments in 2025-26, settling for eight points (four goals, four assists) in 35 appearances. Tuesday's game marked his 16th consecutive outing without any points. Dennis Cholowski is expected to step in for Hamilton on Wednesday if necessary, though he offers no fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 31, 2025
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told the media on Wednesday that his starters will play in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the Dolphins. How long they will play remains unclear, having just witnessed quarterback
Drake Maye pulled from the game early in the third quarter of a Week 17 blowout win over the Jets. Though in that case, he had already tallied five touchdowns. With number one receiver
Stefon Diggs sitting eight receptions and 30 yards away from a pair of contract incentives, it would come as no surprise to see him featured early. With the number one seed in the AFC and a first-round bye still in play for the Patriots, there exists a possibility that New England's starters could play start to finish. However, securing the top spot requires help from the Chargers, who have already announced plans to rest
Justin Herbert and are currently 12.5-point underdogs to the Broncos.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Doug Kyed
December 31, 2025
Free-agent right-hander
Tyler Mahle agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Mahle will head to the National League West and an excellent pitcher's ballpark after spending the last two years with the Texas Rangers. The 31-year-old veteran only made 16 starts for the Rangers last year due to shoulder injuries, but when he was on the mound, he was great. Mahle went 6-4 with a career-best 2.18 ERA (3.37 FIP) and 1.13 WHIP with 66 strikeouts and 29 walks in 86 2/3 innings pitched. He had Tommy John surgery in 2023 and has had a strikeout rate under 20% in each of the last two years. That, along with his recent injury history, will limit Mahle's fantasy appeal. However, despite not missing many bats, Mahle could be a decent back-of-the-rotation arm for fantasy managers if he stays healthy in San Fran.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
December 31, 2025
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (illness) is expected to sit out a second consecutive game on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The punishing blue-liner is battling an illness and missed Tuesday's practice. Gudas averages close to 3.5 hits per game and has produced eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 27 outings this season. With Gudas out, Pavel Mintyukov made a scoring return to the lineup on Monday night versus the San Jose Sharks. Compared to Gudas, Mintyukov has more offensive upside and has lit the lamp three times in his past seven appearances. Anaheim is also expected to remain without forward Frank Vatrano (upper body) on Wednesday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 31, 2025
Minnesota Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (hand) had a "really positive" throwing session on Tuesday with the team's medical staff and will take part in practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. McCarthy will probably be limited on Wednesday, but he's making progress toward Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The 22-year-old signal-caller suffered a hairline fracture in his right throwing hand in Week 16 against the New York Giants and did not play in the Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions last week. Even though Minnesota has nothing left to play for in Week 18, it appears McCarthy is in play to return for the final game of the season if he looks good in practice this week. If he ultimately doesn't gain clearance,
Max Brosmer would make a second straight start for the Vikes.
UPDATE: McCarthy was officially limited on Wednesday and is considered day-to-day.--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
December 31, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Stefon Diggs is expected to play in a Week 18 game against the Dolphins, days after being charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery. The Patriots released a statement on Tuesday, showing support for their 32-year-old receiver, and with Diggs' arraignment not scheduled until January 23rd, it does not appear that any punishment or suspension is imminent. Diggs enters the week with 82 receptions and 970 yards, and with contract incentives for both 90 receptions and 1,000 yards, it would come as no surprise if he is heavily involved on Sunday. The number one seed in the AFC is still in play for the Patriots, and they are expected to play their starters, so their final game against Miami is one to be looked at by any fantasy managers still playing for a Week 18 championship.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Alex Barth
December 31, 2025
Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (illness) will play on Wednesday against the Buffalo Sabres. He has shaken off an illness to return from a one-game absence. Kyle Capobianco played instead of Lyubushkin in Saturday's shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks and will not dress against Buffalo. Lyubushkin has tallied five points (one goal, four assists) across his last 12 appearances. However, his offensive improvement is unlikely to last for long, as the Russian rearguard has never posted more than 15 points in a single NHL campaign. During the 2025-26 season, he has notched seven points (one goal, six assists) in 27 outings, while blocking 52 shots and delivering 43 hits.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 31, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Malik Davis (eye) is expected to be limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Starting RB
Javonte Williams (shoulder) will also be limited. With both Davis and Williams dealing with injuries going into the final week of the regular season in a meaningless game on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, rookie
Jaydon Blue could be active and see playing time for the first time since Week 8. It's unclear if Davis or Williams will be held out entirely in Week 18, but the bottom line is that Dallas' backfield carries a lot of uncertainty going into Sunday's game. With Williams injuring his shoulder in the first half of the Christmas Day win over the Washington Commanders, Davis had 20 carries for 103 yards. If Williams is inactive against New York, Davis could be in line for another big workload if he's active on Sunday.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Dallas Morning News - Joseph Hoyt
December 31, 2025
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon (lower body) will sit out Wednesday's contest against the Dallas Stars. On Wednesday morning, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said Lyon will miss "a bit of time" with a lower-body injury, so his absence may not be limited to one game. The in-form goalie, who has recorded seven straight victories, was hurt late against the St. Louis Blues on Monday. Colten Ellis (concussion) was activated from Injured Reserve and will dress as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's backup on Wednesday. While Luukkonen has lost his starting job to Lyon, he has recorded back-to-back wins, allowing only one goal in each contest.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 31, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Javonte Williams (shoulder) is expected to be limited in practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Malik Davis (eye) is also expected to be limited for what is a banged-up Cowboys backfield heading into their Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. With nothing to play for but pride, Williams could be rested this weekend. Owner Jerry Jones hinted that rookie RB
Jaydon Blue could get some playing time on Sunday for the first time since Week 8. The 25-year-old Williams has been an excellent value play for fantasy managers who drafted him in his first year in Dallas, but he'll be a pretty risky starting lineup option in Week 18. After finding the end zone in last Thursday's Christmas Day win over the Commanders, Williams didn't return due to a shoulder injury that he's been battling in recent weeks.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Dallas Morning News - Joseph Hoyt
December 31, 2025
New York Jets undrafted rookie quarterback
Brady Cook will make his fourth straight start in a Week 18 divisional matchup with the Bills. Dating back to Week 14, when he took over early for an injured
Tyrod Taylor, Cook has completed less than 60% of his passes for 679 yards, while throwing one touchdown to seven interceptions. He has also been sacked a league-leading 18 times in that span, making the Bills DST an obvious unit to target in any leagues still playing for a Week 18 fantasy championship. Even with questions surrounding the availability of
Josh Allen (foot) and the rest of the Bills' starters, Buffalo is a seven-point favorite at home in a game that will help to determine seeding in the AFC.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Rich Cimini
December 31, 2025
Free-agent outfielder
Jarred Kelenic is signing a non-roster deal with the Chicago White Sox, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. The 26-year-old spent the last couple of years with the Atlanta Braves after originally being a first-round pick by the New York Mets back in 2018. Kelenic was once one of the Seattle Mariners' top prospects, but he has never been able to put it all together at the plate and has a career .658 OPS in five big-league seasons. He'll have a better shot to make the big-league roster in Chicago, but Kelenic is coming off his worst season as a pro, slashing .167/.231/.300 with a .531 OPS, two home runs, two RBI, and 23 strikeouts in 65 plate appearances in 24 games for Atlanta. He wasn't much better at Triple-A Gwinnett, hitting .213/.286/.309 in 95 games. At best, Kelenic will probably be hoping for a platoon role with the White Sox in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
December 31, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak (hand) was activated from long-term Injured Reserve and is set to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks. The Slovakian blue-liner has been out since Nov. 22 due to a hand injury. Cernak might take Max Crozier's spot in the lineup. Across 19 appearances, Cernak has racked up 43 blocks and 40 hits. After a career-high 21 points a season ago, he has been limited to four assists on the offensive end. Still, Cernak could tally points in three straight appearances for the first time since April 2022.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 31, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Xavier Worthy (illness) will miss his team's practice on Wednesday, per Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star. The 22-year-old has had a disappointing 2025 season overall, recording 42 receptions for 532 yards and a touchdown on 73 targets across 14 games. However, he profiles as the Chiefs' WR1 with Kansas City wideouts
Rashee Rice (concussion) and
Tyquan Thornton (concussion) both on Injured Reserve. Worthy failed to take advantage of his first opportunity without Rice and Thornton in Week 17, recording zero catches on three targets against the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs have an easier matchup in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Still, the Kansas City passing game is difficult to trust with third-string quarterback
Chris Oladokun in line to make his second straight start under center. If active, Worthy profiles as a deep-league flex option at best in Week 18.
--Will BradySource: The Kansas City Star - Pete Sweeney
December 31, 2025
Carolina Panthers running back
Rico Dowdle (toe) is back at practice on Wednesday after missing Tuesday's session with a toe injury, per Joseph Person of The Athletic. Carolina plays the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday in a game that will determine the NFC South champion and the number four seed in the NFC playoffs. Across 16 games this season, Dowdle has recorded 1,343 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns on 266 touches. However, his production has tailed off a bit in recent weeks, as he's failed to record more than 59 rushing yards in a game since Week 9. If Dowdle is sidelined or limited against Tampa Bay, Panthers back
Chuba Hubbard would be in line for a significant increase in role. Assuming Dowdle is active, he profiles as a high-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 18.
UPDATE: Dowdle practiced in full on Wednesday.--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Joseph Person
December 31, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
David Njoku (knee, personal) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Njoku has not played since suffering a knee injury in Week 14, and he appears to be at risk of missing his fourth straight game in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Across 12 games in 2025, the 29-year-old has hauled in 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns on 48 targets. Browns tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is also expected to miss practice on Wednesday, so the team could be without its top two tight ends in Week 18. If both Njoku and Fannin Jr. are inactive, the Browns will likely split tight end snaps against Cincinnati between
Blake Whiteheart,
Brenden Bates, and
Sal Cannella. Canella earned four targets in Cleveland's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Whiteheart and Bates were each targeted once.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Daniel Oyefusi
December 31, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Fannin Jr. was forced to exit early from Cleveland's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers after re-aggravating an existing groin injury. The 21-year-old rookie has recorded 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets across 16 games this season. He's displayed growing chemistry with Browns quarterback
Shedeur Sanders, recording four touchdown catches across six games since Sanders took over as Cleveland's starter in Week 12. Fellow Browns tight end
David Njoku (knee) has not played since Week 14 due to a knee injury and will also miss the team's practice on Wednesday, so Cleveland could be shorthanded at the position in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. If both Fannin Jr. and Njoku are unable to go, the Browns will likely split tight end reps between
Blake Whiteheart,
Brenden Bates, and
Sal Cannella in Week 18.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Daniel Oyefusi
December 31, 2025
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said the team is "hopeful" that wide receiver
Luther Burden III (quad) will be able to play in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions, per Harrison Graham of Chat Sports. Burden III suffered a quad injury on the final play of Chicago's Week 17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but it appears he has avoided a long-term absence. Chicago has already locked up the NFC North crown, but it can assure itself of the number two seed in the NFC playoffs with a win over Detroit. Burden III has emerged as a late-season breakout player, recording 18 catches for 289 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets over his last three games played. Chicago may remain without wideout
Rome Odunze (foot) in Week 18, which would keep Burden III in the team's WR2 role alongside veteran wide receiver
DJ Moore. If active, Burden III profiles as a borderline fantasy WR1 against Detroit in Week 18.
UPDATE: Burden was limited in Wednesday's practice.--Will BradySource: Chat Sports - Harrison Graham
December 31, 2025
In his media availability on Wednesday morning, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said that running back
Isaiah Davis (concussion) will not practice on Wednesday. Davis exited early from New York's Week 17 loss to the New England Patriots after suffering a concussion. He will need to clear the NFL's concussion protocol to have a chance to play in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills. Davis has spent most of the season as the Jets' RB2 behind
Breece Hall (knee), recording 422 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 64 touches across 16 games. Hall is also missing practice on Wednesday due to a knee injury, so New York could be without its top two running backs against Buffalo. If both Hall and Davis are sidelined,
Kene Nwangwu and
Khalil Herbert would likely see the majority of the backfield reps for the Jets in Week 18.
--Will BradySource: New York Jets
December 31, 2025
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said that running back
Breece Hall (knee) will miss Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury. Hall suffered the injury late in New York's Week 17 loss to the New England Patriots, although he told reporters after the game he did not think it was a serious ailment. Still, Hall's status for the team's Week 18 matchup against the Buffalo Bills appears to be in question. The 24-year-old has recorded 1,415 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns on 279 touches across 16 games this season. Jets RB2
Isaiah Davis (concussion) is in the NFL's concussion protocol and is also missing practice on Wednesday, so New York may be very thin at running back in Week 18. If both Hall and Davis are sidelined, veteran backs
Kene Nwangwu and
Khalil Herbert would likely see the majority of the team's backfield reps against Buffalo.
--Will BradySource: New York Jets
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