December 18, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Jeremy McNichols surprisingly drew the start last week against the New York Giants with
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) sidelined and handled all the snaps on the opening drive of the game. Rookie
Jacory Croskey-Merritt took over the bulk of the carries for the remainder of the game and proved to be the far more effective runner, producing 96 yards on 18 carries compared to McNichols with six yards on nine carries. The veteran handled a season-high 10 touches, but totalled only 22 yards and also lost a fumble with less than three minutes remaining in the game with Washington up 29-21, giving the Giants a shot to tie the game. With Rodriguez set to play on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles, McNichols should return to his normal duties as the primary third-down back. He profiles only as a deep-league dart throw in PPR formats in Week 16.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
Washington Commanders rookie running back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt delivered his best game in more than two months in the Week 15 win over the New York Giants, handling a season-high 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown. Croskey-Merrit took advantage of his opportunities with
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) out of the lineup, but Rodriguez will be back for Saturday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. It's to be determined if the rookie seventh-rounder earned a larger role with his strong performance, but he looked dynamic and reminded fantasy managers why he generated buzz earlier in the season. Croskey-Merritt struggled mightily after his breakout game in Week 5, ranking 38th out of 38 running backs with at least 40 carries with a 3.0 yards-per-carry average in Weeks 6-11. However, over the past three games, he's turned things around, averaging 5.1 yards per tote and ranking ninth among backs with at least 25 carries. It's another good matchup for Washington running backs in Week 16, as the Eagles have allowed the seventh-most yards per carry (4.5) this season, but with the uncertainty around Croskey-Merritt's role, he profiles only as a deep-league flex option.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
Atlanta Hawks guard
Trae Young (knee) will return on Thursday against Charlotte. However, according to head coach Quin Snyder, he'll be on a minutes restriction. The former Sooner missed the last 22 games because of a right MCL sprain, so it's not surprising that he'll see fewer minutes than the 27.8 he averaged before going on the shelf. Still, it's hard to imagine Young not being productive for fantasy managers in a favorable matchup versus the Hornets, even if he's limited to 20-25 minutes.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Sam Perley
December 18, 2025
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring (lower body) is expected to end a 14-game absence in Thursday's matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers. Kesselring also missed time earlier in the campaign and has been limited to nine appearances in 2025-26. While Kesselring has been a two-way contributor in previous years, he hasn't yet scored any points this season. Without the puck, he has recorded nine blocks and seven hits. Kesselring will replace Jacob Bryson as Owen Power's partner on the blue line. However, Bryson may still get an opportunity to play, as Conor Timmins (undisclosed) is considered a game-time decision.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 18, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers guard
Tyrese Maxey (illness) isn't listed on the injury report heading into Friday's matchup with the Knicks. He was having an exceptional year before an illness forced him to miss the last two games, averaging a career-high 31.5 points. Without question, that type of production has put him in the MVP conversation. Maxey is always a must-start in any fantasy setup. However, he might be even more potent offensively if
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee),
Josh Hart (abdomen), and
Mitchell Robinson (ankle), who are all sidelined on Thursday against Indiana, aren't able to get back on the floor.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 18, 2025
Buffalo Sabres forward Peyton Krebs (illness) is expected to suit up on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers. His status for the game was in doubt after Krebs missed Wednesday's practice due to illness. However, he appears to have made a quick recovery and will likely line up on the top line next to Tage Thompson and Josh Doan. Krebs mainly adds physicality to the line, as he ranks second on the team with 76 hits. He has yet to light the lamp this season with 37 shots on goal but does have nine assists in 32 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 18, 2025
Miami Heat forward
Norman Powell (ankle) is available on Thursday against Brooklyn. The ankle injury isn't anything new. Fortunately, it won't keep him off the floor, which is excellent news, considering
Tyler Herro (toe) won't suit up. As a result, Powell, who has averaged a career-high 24.4 points this season, could be in line for a productive showing versus a Nets team that hasn't been consistent defensively.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 18, 2025
Calgary Flames defenseman Jake Bean (undisclosed) is scheduled for surgery and will be out indefinitely, head coach Ryan Huska said on Thursday. Bean has been on Injured Reserve since Dec. 11 and last played for the Flames on Dec. 6. In total, he has made only 16 appearances in 2025-26, recording two points (one goal, one assist) and 29 blocks. Huska noted that Bean had been attempting to play through his injury, but said that undergoing surgery was "the best path forward for him". The Flames boss did not specify if Bean would miss the rest of the season. Among Calgary's d-men, Rasmus Andersson has been by far the best fantasy piece this season, providing steady offense and around two blocks per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
December 18, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was a full participant in practice this week and doesn't have an injury designation heading into Saturday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Rodriguez missed last week against the Giants' 31st-ranked run defense and saw rookie
Jacory Croskey-Merritt record his best day on the ground since his breakout performance in Week 5. The third-year back still has a favorable matchup in Week 16 against an Eagles defense that has allowed 4.5 yards per carry and the 11th-most PPR points to running backs. The Kentucky product had recorded double-digit carries in each of the past five games, with him leaving early due to injury in Week 10 being the only exception, but it remains to be seen if Croskey-Merritt worked his way back into a more prominent role after his performance last week. Rodriguez is a consistent threat to find the end zone, but he doesn't have the highest ceiling in a split backfield and is a non-factor in the passing game. He's tough to trust as anything more than a low-end RB3/flex option for the second round of the fantasy playoffs.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Tee Higgins (concussion) was listed as a limited participant in practice again on Thursday, according to Ben Baby of ESPN. Higgins has not been a full participant at practice since reporting concussion-like symptoms following the team's Dec. 7 loss in Week 14 to the Buffalo Bills. The 26-year-old suffered his first concussion of the year in Week 12 and did not play in the Thanksgiving night win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13. Higgins was held out of last week's shutout loss to the Ravens and remains in the league's concussion protocol. He will need clearance from an independent neurologist to play this Sunday in a meaningless game against the Miami Dolphins, with both teams eliminated from the postseason. Higgins' availability is up in the air, but he'd be a must-start in fantasy football if he's active in a great matchup.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Ben Baby
December 18, 2025
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (upper body) will skip a second consecutive contest on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Matherson's absence has left a huge gap on the blue line, as the veteran leads all skaters on the team in ice time with 24:54 per game. He has notched 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 32 games while blocking 69 shots. Arber Xhekaj has joined the lineup during Matheson's absence, with Jayden Struble moving into the top-four group. Both Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson absorbed additional minutes in Tuesday's loss to the Philadelphia Flyers and have extra fantasy value until Matheson returns.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans (collarbone) was given the day off on Thursday after he put in a limited practice on Wednesday, according to the team's official website. Evans returned last week for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 7. He played only 55% of the offensive snaps, but when he was on the field, quarterback
Baker Mayfield was looking his way often. The 32-year-old veteran pass-catcher was targeted a season-high 12 times, catching six passes for 132 yards in the loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. The Bucs will most likely be resting the veteran during the week from here on out, but he should be ready to roll for a huge divisional game on Sunday on the road in Carolina against the Panthers. After Evans' big performance in Week 15, fantasy managers should have him slotted back into all starting lineups in Week 16.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buccaneers.com
December 18, 2025
New York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) won't play on Thursday versus Indiana. He logged 18 minutes in Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the San Antonio Spurs, finishing with four points, 15 rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. The 27-year-old is listed as out for injury management purposes, so it appears he may be back on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. With
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) also unavailable,
Ariel Hukporti and
Guerschon Yabusele will presumably split time in the middle, with the former the favorite to start.
--Dennis ClausenSource: James L. Edwards III
December 18, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Marcus Mariota has a tough matchup in Week 16 against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Mariota will remain Washington's starter for the remainder of the regular season after the team shut down
Jayden Daniels (elbow) after aggravating his elbow injury in Week 14. The 32-year-old signal-caller has been solid all season while filling in for Daniels, completing 62% of his passes for 1,600 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while adding 49 carries for 298 yards and a touchdown as a runner in 10 games (seven starts). Mariota is averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game in his seven starts, which would be tied for QB11 on the season among quarterbacks with at least six games. Mariota profiles as a QB2 on Saturday against an Eagles defense that has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (undisclosed) is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Los Angeles Kings. The team activated Vasilevskiy from Injured Reserve earlier this week, while reassigning Brandon Halverson to the minors. It's unclear whether Vasilevskiy will start the contest. However, having the former Vezina winner back is definitely good news for the Lightning. The Russian netminder has won 11 of his last 14 starts, carrying an 11-6-2 record for the season. He has recorded one shutout, allowing 2.31 goals with a .917 save percentage. The Kings average the fifth-fewest goals in the NHL (2.58), making this a good matchup for Vasilevskiy if he returns to the crease on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 18, 2025
New York Knicks forward
Josh Hart (abdomen) is ruled out heading into Thursday's matchup with the Pacers. The 30-year-old has been starting of late, most recently amassing 11 points, eight rebounds, and two steals in Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the San Antonio Spurs. Fantasy managers will now have to take the wait-and-see approch regarding his availability for Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. With
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) also sidelined,
Jalen Brunson and
OG Anunoby (knee) should have plenty of work to do versus one of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association.
Jordan Clarkson and
Tyler Kolek, combining for 29 points on Tuesday, are also projected to see some extra minutes.
--Dennis ClausenSource: James Edwards III
December 18, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was able to practice in full all week and has been cleared to play in the Week 16 divisional game this Saturday versus the Philadelphia Eagles, according to the team. Rodriguez was a surprise inactive for last week's win over the New York Giants due to a groin injury. With the 25-year-old out last Sunday, rookie
Jacory Croskey-Merritt saw a season-high 18 rushing attempts for 96 yards and a touchdown. Before C-Rod's injury, he had taken over lead-back duties in Washington and had double-digit carries in four of the last five games. However, after JCR's impressive performance in Week 15, it's possible the two could split backfield touches more evenly in a tough matchup against the Eagles' defense. With a potential timeshare in Week 16, Rodriguez loses a lot of fantasy value and will be more of a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex for fantasy managers in deeper leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Washington Commanders
December 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (undisclosed) was activated from Injured Reserve and is poised to end an 18-game absence on Thursday versus the Los Angeles Kings. Declan Carlile is expected to come out of the lineup to accommodate McDonagh's return. Tampa's blue line has been badly hit by injuries this season, and McDonagh hasn't seen any action since Nov. 8. Erik Cernak (undisclosed), Victor Hedman (elbow), and Emil Lilleberg (undisclosed) remain out against L.A., so McDonagh could have a heavy workload in his return. The veteran rearguard has managed six points (three goals, three assists) in 15 outings this season, sending 15 shots on goal and blocking 26 efforts from the opposition.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 18, 2025
New York Knicks forward
OG Anunoby (knee) will play on Thursday against the Pacers. The former Raptor had a fantastic showing in Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the Spurs, amassing 28 points and nine rebounds while shooting 5-for-10 from behind the arc. The Knicks won't have
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee),
Josh Hart (abdomen), and
Mitchell Robinson (ankle), so Anunoby should be very busy versus an Indiana team that hasn't looked good defensively throughout the 2025 campaign.
--Dennis ClausenSource: James Edwards III
December 18, 2025
New York Knicks center
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) won't play in Thursday's game in Indiana. KAT, who had a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double in Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the San Antonio Spurs, will miss his second contest of the 2025 campaign. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day, so there's a chance he may be back on the floor on Friday night against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. With
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) also out,
Guerschon Yabusele and
Ariel Hukporti will presumably split time in the middle for the meeting with a Pacers team that has struggled on the defensive side of the ball this season.
--Dennis ClausenSource: James Edwards III
December 18, 2025
New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (illness) is a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup against the St. Louis Blues. The Rangers' leading scorer is battling an illness and wasn't available for the morning skate. Even during a down year, Panarin is averaging nearly a point per game, recording 11 goals and 23 assists in 35 appearances. If Panarin can't play, Conor Sheary could start Thursday's game as a member of the top six. Sheary has popped up with a couple of good performances this month but hasn't provided consistent fantasy production all season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 18, 2025
The Green Bay Packers' defense and special teams unit faltered against the Denver Broncos, but they will look to pick up the pieces following Micah Parsons' season-ending knee injury in Week 16 against the Chicago Bears. The Packers' D/ST was already an underachieving unit for fantasy purposes, with just three top-12 finishes in 14 games this season. However, the season-ending injury to Parsons (knee) puts a huge damper on the Packers' D/ST in the final three games of the season. The Packers have just one total sack and two takeaways in the last two games, which makes their D/ST even more untrustworthy. With the Packers heading to Soldier Field to play the Chicago Bears, the Packers are a tough D/ST to trust in Week 16.
--Kevin TompkinsSource: RotoBaller
December 18, 2025
Green Bay Packers kicker
Brandon McManus has been perfect over his last four weeks since returning to the Packers' lineup, and looks to keep that hot stretch going when the Packers head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. McManus hasn't missed a kick in the last four weeks, culminating in last week's effort against the Denver Broncos, where he booted home all four of his field goal attempts plus both of his extra point attempts. The Packers have been getting into the opponent's side of the field with regularity, but the fact that they can't turn some of those possessions into touchdowns leads to quite a few attempts for McManus, who has averaged two field goals and three extra points in these last four games. Against Chicago, the weather calls for wind gusts up to 20 miles per hour, so McManus is a low-end starting option for fantasy in Week 16.
--Kevin TompkinsSource: RotoBaller
December 18, 2025
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that New Orleans Saints rookie running back
Devin Neal (hamstring) has been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his 2025 season. Neal suffered a hamstring injury during New Orleans' Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers. With Saints backs
Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) and
Kendre Miller (knee) sidelined, Neal has served as his team's RB1 since Week 13. The 22-year-old played well across his two fully healthy starts, recording 153 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 37 touches. With Kamara's return timeline uncertain and Neal and Miller both done for the season, the Saints appear likely to turn to the combination of
Audric Estime and
Evan Hull for backfield snaps down the stretch of the season. Estime was the more productive of the two backs in Week 15, recording 50 scrimmage yards on six touches. New Orleans will host the New York Jets in Week 16 before traveling to Tennessee to take on the Titans in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
December 18, 2025
Green Bay Packers tight end
Luke Musgrave is coming off the best game of his 2025 season in Week 15 and will look to keep that momentum going when the Packers travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. After
Tucker Kraft's season-ending injury, Musgrave ran a season-high 81% of routes and 76% of snaps for the Packers in Week 10, but has been in a rotation with fellow tight ends
John FitzPatrick and
Josh Whyle for the next four weeks. Last week, Musgrave had his second-highest routes (52%) and snap share (52%) of the season as the tight end rotation condensed down to Musgrave and FitzPatrick. Musgrave put up a season-high six targets and four receptions for 52 yards in that game. Still, a rotation of any kind does little in the way of upside for Musgrave for fantasy purposes. Against Chicago in Week 16, Musgrave is a low-end fantasy tight end option, where you're hoping he gets into the end zone.
--Kevin TompkinsSource: RotoBaller
December 18, 2025
Texas has fired defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and is replacing him with Will Muschamp, according to On3Sports. In 2025, Texas ranked sixth in the SEC in scoring defense (19.8) and ninth in the conference in total defense (336.0). Although the Longhorns had a solid showing defensively for most of the season, their 29 points surrendered to Florida and 35 points allowed to Georgia were evidently enough to cost Kwiatkowski his job. Muschamp is an SEC veteran, working as a defensive coordinator at Auburn, LSU, and Georgia throughout his coaching career. He spent nine total seasons as a head coach in the league with Florida and South Carolina, posting a 56-51 record overall. Muschamp has been a successful defensive mind at several stops, and he's worked closely with Nick Saban and Kirby Smart in the past. He spent time as the Texas defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2010, which ultimately earned him the Gators' head coaching job following the departure of Urban Meyer.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3 on X
December 18, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Matthew Golden was pressed into more duty following the injury to
Christian Watson (chest) in Week 15, and looks to carve out a meaningful role when the Packers head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. Golden tied
Jayden Reed for the most receiving yards on the Packers in Week 15 against Denver, with 55. He also caught all three of his targets in the loss, but Golden was much more involved against the Broncos than in Week 14 against the Bears. This time around, against the Bears in Week 16, there is much more uncertainty with a couple of Packers donning a questionable tag, including Watson and
Dontayvion Wicks (ankle). For fantasy, there's too big a hill to climb for Golden to get the requisite workload that turns into fantasy value, so he's a recommended sit when the Packers face the Bears on Saturday in Week 16.
--Kevin TompkinsSource: RotoBaller
December 18, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was among the players ESPN's Katherine Terrell listed as absent from the team's practice on Thursday. The 30-year-old has not practiced or played since suffering a sprained MCL in Week 12, and he could be headed for his fourth straight missed game in Week 16 against the New York Jets. Saints rookie back
Devin Neal (hamstring) has been serving as the team's lead back in Kamara's absence, but Neal suffered a hamstring injury in Week 15 and has already been ruled out for Sunday against New York. If Kamara remains sidelined, it appears New Orleans will turn to the combination of
Audric Estime and
Evan Hull for backfield snaps in Week 16. Estime recorded 50 scrimmage yards on six touches in Week 15 and could be the best option from the Saints for fantasy managers to pick up on the waiver wire.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Katherine Terrell
December 18, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed (personal) put in a full practice on Thursday and is good to go for the Packers' Week 16 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Reed has seen his production climb over the last two weeks he's been active, and in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos, Reed led the team in targets (six), with five receptions for 55 yards. With
Christian Watson (chest) questionable after two limited practice sessions, both Reed and
Romeo Doubs could slide up in the pecking order for quarterback
Jordan Love. Reed has been targeted once on every five routes (21% targets per route run) in Weeks 14 and 15, and should see quite a bit of attention from Love in a game the Packers sorely need. Slot in Reed as a high-end flex for fantasy purposes in Week 16 against the Bears.
--Kevin TompkinsSource: RotoBaller
December 18, 2025
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (calf) was upgraded from questionable to probable on Thursday before his team visits the Nets. Powell also said he'll play, so he should be ready to roll in what should be a favorable matchup for him in the absence of
Tyler Herro (toe). Powell has scored at least 20 points in six of his last seven games and is averaging 24.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in his 22 games this season. Without Herro, Powell will carry more of the work on Thursday, and he'll be a strong DFS option with a high ceiling in all formats.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
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