December 28, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Sterling Shepard (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Miami Dolphins. Shepard has now been inactive for back-to-back weeks and is the odd man out in a receiver room that also features
Mike Evans,
Chris Godwin Jr.,
Emeka Egbuka,
Jalen McMillan,
Tez Johnson, and
Kameron Johnson. Even if one of those receivers were to suffer an injury, Shepard would still be too far down the pecking order to make a fantasy impact next week. He can be dropped in all fantasy leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Rick Stroud
December 28, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback
Dillon Gabriel (shoulder) injured his left shoulder at some point during the week and has been ruled out for the Week 17 divisional clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. With Gabriel inactive,
Bailey Zappe has been elevated to the 53-man active roster from the practice squad and will serve as rookie
Shedeur Sanders' backup this weekend. The 25-year-old Gabriel ended up making six starts for Cleveland in his first year in the NFL in 2025, but he was largely mediocre while failing to push the ball downfield. Gabriel's reign as the team's starting QB ended in Week 11 when he suffered a concussion, opening the door for Sanders to take over. In his six starts, the Oregon product completed 58.9% of his passes for 918 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions while adding 86 rushing yards. Gabriel is expected to compete for the starting gig next year with Sanders and
Deshaun Watson (Achilles).
--Keith HernandezSource: Cleveland Browns
December 28, 2025
Chicago Bulls center
Zach Collins (lower body) exited in the closing minutes of Saturday's loss to Milwaukee and did not return, putting his availability for Monday against Minnesota in question. Collins finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists in 24 minutes before leaving the floor. The timing is notable given his recent bench production, averaging 11.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in 19.3 minutes while scoring in double figures in six straight games. If Collins misses time,
Nikola Vucevic would absorb heavier center minutes, while
Jalen Smith becomes a deeper-league rebound streamer after logging six points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes Saturday.
--Brian DailisanSource: K.C. Johnson
December 28, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie running back
Dylan Sampson (hand) is officially active for Cleveland on Sunday as they take on the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. Sampson missed two practices this week due to his hand injury, but he was able to return on Friday and is now ready to take over as the team's top RB with fellow rookie
Quinshon Judkins (leg) done for the season after suffering a gruesome injury in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills. Behind the 21-year-old will be
Trayveon Williams and
Raheim Sanders vying for touches in the Browns' backfield. Sampson hasn't been very efficient as a runner in his first NFL season, as he's averaging only 2.6 yards per carry on 44 rushing attempts in his 13 games played. He's been more prolific as a pass-catcher, taking 28 catches for 259 yards and two touchdowns. But for the added volume alone this Sunday, he has upside as an RB3/flex in fantasy in deeper leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Cleveland Browns
December 28, 2025
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Mason Tipton (groin) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. Tipton is sidelined just one week after posting season-highs in targets (five), catches (four), and yards (29). His absence creates more inconsistency throughout the depth chart behind
Chris Olave. With
Rashid Shaheed traded away,
Brandin Cooks released,
Devaughn Vele (shoulder) on injured reserve, and Tipton inactive, look for Kevin Austin to step up as the Saints' No. 2 receiver. Olave and
Juwan Johnson are the only New Orleans pass-catchers who should be started with full confidence.
--Andersen PickardSource: New Orleans Saints
December 28, 2025
Boston Celtics forward/center
Chris Boucher (personal) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Portland, marking his second consecutive absence. The veteran remains outside Boston's regular rotation, keeping his fantasy impact minimal. Coach Joe Mazzulla has leaned more on
Neemias Queta, who has averaged 10.0 points and 6.7 rebounds in 22.1 minutes over his last three games, while
Luka Garza has produced 11.0 points and 7.7 rebounds in 25.6 minutes in the same span. Boucher can be left on the waiver wire.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 28, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. (groin), who was considered questionable to play on Sunday against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, is officially active in Week 17. The 21-year-old didn't have any setbacks with his groin injury in his return to practice on Friday and is ready to go as the Browns try to play spoiler against Pittsburgh in the second-to-last game of the 2025 season. Fellow TE
David Njoku (knee) is missing yet another game for Cleveland, too, so Fannin should once again be one of rookie quarterback
Shedeur Sanders' top targets in the passing game. Fantasy managers might be a little more hesitant to consider Fannin a TE1 due to his injury, but he's expected to be full-go on Sunday in terms of his snap count. In half-PPR scoring this year, Fannin checks in as the TE6 with 70 catches on 105 targets for 701 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. Start him in Week 17.
--Keith HernandezSource: Cleveland Browns
December 28, 2025
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) is officially active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. The Cardinals are expected to manage his snap count for a second consecutive week, which is bad news for fantasy football. The 23-year-old played 51% of the snaps in his return to action last week, which resulted in just three targets, one catch, and 14 receiving yards. A similar snap share could lead to similar production this week. As a result, Harrison is nothing more than a WR3/flex in deep leagues.
Michael Wilson and
Trey McBride are the Arizona pass-catchers to start in fantasy football for Week 17.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
December 28, 2025
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Chris Olave (back) is officially active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable after being downgraded to a limited participant in practice on Friday. In the end, though, the talented wide receiver will suit up for this weekend's contest between two eliminated teams. Olave is coming off one of the best games of his young career, catching 10 passes for 148 yards and a pair of touchdowns last Sunday against the New York Jets. He is the overall WR6 in PPR leagues this season and should remain a strong fantasy option against the Titans, who have surrendered the eighth-most receiving yards and seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. He ranks as a mid-range WR1 once again.
--Andersen PickardSource: Tina Howell
December 28, 2025
New Orleans Saints kicker
Charlie Smyth (illness) is active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable but evidently recovered enough from an illness that forced him to practice in a limited capacity on Friday. The 24-year-old recently inked a three-year extension with the Saints and led all kickers in fantasy scoring last Sunday with five field goals on six attempts. Now that he's healthy, he is a strong top-10 kicking option for Week 17 fantasy football.
--Andersen PickardSource: Tina Howell
December 28, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan (illness) is officially active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17. He did not carry an injury designation into this weekend, but the Panthers added him to the injury report on Sunday morning and listed him as questionable. Now that he's active, McMillan can be locked into lineups as a strong WR2 option. The rookie has played in every game so far this season, catching 65 passes for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. He scored a touchdown last Sunday and ranks as the overall WR14 in PPR leagues this year.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 28, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Gabe Vincent (back) will not play Sunday against Sacramento, extending his absence to five straight games after last appearing Dec. 14. Vincent's short-term fantasy impact remains minimal after averaging 6.2 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 21.3 minutes across his last five outings. With
Austin Reaves (calf) sidelined for multiple weeks, Vincent could resurface in a secondary ballhandling role once healthy, but
Luka Doncic and
Marcus Smart continue to dominate guard usage. Vincent can safely be left on the wire in standard leagues.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 28, 2025
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was non-committal when asked about the quarterback situation for Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings. Given that Green Bay has already secured the No. 7 seed in the playoffs, the team is expected to rest several key players to avoid the risk of injury. However, the Packers have also lost three consecutive games and would like to get back into the win column.
Jordan Love (concussion, shoulder), who remains in concussion protocol, could be healthy in time to face the Vikings. Other options include
Malik Willis, who left Saturday's loss to the Ravens with a shoulder injury but could have returned, and
Clayton Tune, who completed one of his four pass attempts with an interception in Week 17. Managers who roster Love, Willis, or any Green Bay wide receiver should stay tuned for quarterback updates throughout the week leading up to Packers-Vikings.
--Andersen PickardSource: Rob Demovsky
December 28, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers guard
Jrue Holiday (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Boston and remains without a timetable after missing 19 games since Nov. 14. The veteran's continued absence has consolidated playmaking duties for
Deni Avdija, who has averaged 26.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 8.4 assists in 39.4 minutes over his last five games.
Shaedon Sharpe maintains a primary scoring role, while
Sidy Cissoko,
Rayan Rupert, and
Caleb Love stay in the rotation but lack fantasy reliability. Holiday remains a stash-only option.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 28, 2025
The Green Bay Packers clinched the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs on Saturday night. As a result, they are expected to rest key players in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Adam Schefter. This is common practice among teams that have secured a specific seed heading into the final week of the season. The outcome of Packers-Vikings has no bearing on the Packers' seeding, so they'll sideline plenty of key players to allow them to rest and avoid risking injury. Schefter didn't specify which Packers will sit out Week 18, but quarterback
Jordan Love (shoulder, concussion) and running back
Josh Jacobs are safe bets on the offensive side of the ball. Fantasy managers rostering any Packers players should check back for updates from head coach Matt LaFleur in the days leading up to Week 18.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 28, 2025
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Collin Murray-Boyles (illness) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Golden State after being downgraded from questionable. The rookie first-rounder has averaged 7.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 steals in 19.8 minutes across his last five games, offering modest defensive value but limited scoring. With
Jakob Poeltl (back) sidelined,
Sandro Mamukelashvili would be positioned to handle expanded frontcourt duties after posting 14.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers in 29.3 minutes.
Ochai Agbaji and
Jonathan Mogbo project for situational minutes, keeping Murray-Boyles in a hold-only range for deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 28, 2025
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Michael Wilson remains in must-start territory ahead of Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. While
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) should play this week, he's expected to have a reduced snap share. As a result, Wilson should operate as the Cardinals' No. 1 wide receiver and one of
Jacoby Brissett's top targets once again. He has been spectacular in the back half of the season, catching 46 passes for 587 yards and four touchdowns over his last six games. During that span, he ranks as the overall WR3 in full-PPR leagues. In addition to his terrific momentum lately, Wilson should benefit from a very favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals' defense, which ranks among the worst in the NFL. They have been stronger against the pass, but this game's implied total of 53.5 points suggests that we're in for a shootout with plenty of offense and very little defense. Wilson ranks as the WR16 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 17, and he has top-10 upside.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 28, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter is worth starting as an RB2, RB3, or flex in most fantasy leagues ahead of his extremely favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. Although Carter did see his snap share (55%) and carries (11) get reduced last Sunday, he was still highly efficient with 65 total yards. He has 4.7 yards per carry over his last five contests, and he has also carved out a massive receiving role with 19 targets and 14 catches during that span. Carter should benefit from facing the Bengals, who have surrendered the most rushing yards and fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. They have also allowed the ninth-most rushing touchdowns, seventh-most catches, third-most receiving yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns to the position. While the game script could be better -- the Bengals are seven-point favorites with a -360 moneyline -- this game's implied total of 53.5 points bodes very well for Carter. He ranks as the overall RB25 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings for Week 17.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 28, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan (illness) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Seattle Seahawks, according to ESPN's Jeff Darlington. McMillan was a late addition to the injury report on Sunday morning, when the Panthers announced that he was questionable to play. According to Darlington, the rookie arrived at the facility feeling unwell. He is expected to play in Week 17, but the Panthers still wanted to report his status for transparency purposes. McMillan has appeared in all 15 contests this year, catching 65 passes for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. Fantasy managers should check back around 11:30 a.m. EST for confirmation on his status. If McMillan is confirmed as active, he will rank as a strong WR2 option in fantasy football. In the event that he suffers a setback and doesn't play,
Xavier Legette and
Jalen Coker would likely step up as quarterback
Bryce Young's top targets.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeff Darlington
December 28, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan (illness) was added to the injury report on Sunday morning and is officially listed as questionable to play against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17. McMillan had not previously been listed on the injury report, so it appears that he picked up the illness sometime within the last 36 hours. The rookie has played in all 15 games so far this season, catching 65 passes for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. He scored a touchdown last Sunday and ranks as the overall WR14 in PPR leagues this year. Fantasy managers should check back around 11:30 a.m. EST for confirmation on his status. If McMillan can't play,
Xavier Legette and
Jalen Coker would likely step up as quarterback
Bryce Young's top targets.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ari Meirov
December 28, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
David Moore (elbow) was not activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Seattle Seahawks. As a result, he won't face his former team this weekend. Moore was eligible to be activated and seemed to be trending in the right direction after logging three full practices. However, the Panthers have decided to hold him out. Moore hasn't played since Week 4. He played 97% of the snaps in Week 3 but has just one catch for five yards this year. Even when he returns to action, the 30-year-old won't be a reliable fantasy receiver.
--Andersen PickardSource: Mike Kaye
December 28, 2025
The Tennessee Titans D/ST is coming off an impressive showing against a banged-up Kansas City Chiefs offense, but the unit could come back down to earth in Week 17 against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have looked weak at certain times this year, but they're playing some very good football all of a sudden. New Orleans has won three consecutive games, and they exploded for 412 yards and 29 points last week against the New York Jets. Meanwhile, the Titans did tally four sacks and allow just nine points last Sunday, but they strongly benefited from a matchup against
Gardner Minshew (knee) and
Chris Oladokun. Tennessee has the 12th-lowest-scoring D/ST in fantasy football this year, and they drop to 10th-lowest if you throw out last week's game. Fantasy managers should be wary about starting the Titans this Sunday against the surging Saints. There are better alternatives available on the waiver wire.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 28, 2025
The Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST continues to be a strong fantasy football option heading into their Week 17 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars have been one of the hottest defenses in football lately, ranking as the second-highest-scoring D/ST unit since Week 10. This week, they'll benefit from a matchup against the
Philip Rivers-led Colts. While the Colts have played competitive football since turning to the 44-year-old quarterback, Rivers is still turnover-prone. He has an interception in each of his two games, which bodes well for a Jaguars defense that has picked off six passes over the last three weeks. The Jaguars remain in must-start territory on Sunday.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 28, 2025
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Cooper Kupp has been underwhelming during his first year with the team, but last week's season-high snap share offers plenty of optimism near the end of the regular season. Kupp played 93% of the snaps in last week's overtime win over his old team, the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the increased involvement, he posted modest volume with four targets, three catches, 39 yards, and a lost fumble. With that being said, managers should feel optimistic that his high snap share could lead to improved volume in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Kupp, who is the WR33 in half-PPR leagues over the last three weeks, faces a Carolina defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to slot receivers in 2025. His 284 slot snaps rank 14th-most among wide receivers this year. Kupp enters Week 17 as the WR49 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 28, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) is expected to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 17, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Pearsall is listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. While star tight end
George Kittle (ankle) is unlikely to play, San Francisco will get a major reinforcement in the passing game with Pearsall back from his one-game absence. The second-year receiver had six catches for 96 yards in his last healthy game against the Tennessee Titans, and he'll look to build on that performance this week against the Bears, who have allowed the third-most receiving yards and fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2025. He ranks as a low-end WR3/flex in deeper leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 28, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) is "highly unlikely" to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 17, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Kittle had been listed as questionable, and while he was expected to be a game-time decision, it seemed like he was trending in the wrong direction after missing all three practices this past week. He has been the overall TE2 since Week 8, so his absence will be felt among fantasy managers and the 49ers. As most leagues host their fantasy championships this week, managers should look for replacement options ahead of time. There are plenty of waiver-wire or bench options who play in the afternoon windows of games. Managers who want to wait until Kittle is ruled out tonight could pivot to
Jake Tonges (Sunday night) or
Colby Parkinson (Monday night).
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 28, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov produced a goal and two assists in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. The Russian forward collected all his points in the third period. After a sluggish start to the season, Svechnikov found his stride in late December, collecting a third of his total points over a five-game point streak. During the impressive run, he has bagged three goals and six assists, finding the back of the net in each of the last three outings. Overall, Svechnikov has 10 goals and 17 assists in 37 games this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 28, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker
Chase McLaughlin has been offering consistent fantasy value all season. He's getting plenty of chances and is converting on them when he's called upon. The 29-year-old has converted 28 of 32 field goal attempts and has made 29 of 30 extra point tries over 15 games in 2025. McLaughlin hasn't missed a kick since the Week 6 matchup versus the San Francisco 49ers. He'll head into a decent matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. A team that is middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to kickers this season. McLaughlin isn't an elite option, but is a consistent enough option to be trusted for Week 17.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 28, 2025
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews ended a four-game point drought on Saturday with a big performance in a 7-5 victory over the Ottawa Senators. He scored Toronto's fourth goal and set up two others. The Maple Leafs captain became the second U.S.-born player in NHL history to score 40-plus goals in a calendar year at least seven times. It will be something to build on for Matthews, who has had a torrid time in 2025-26. In 32 outings, he has settled for 15 goals and 26 points. Next up, Matthews faces the Detroit Red Wings, who limited him to one assist in two games early in the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 28, 2025
Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Van Jefferson is seeing consistent playing time, but hasn't been a reliable contributor this season. Jefferson has been held to under 40 receiving yards in every game but three this season. The veteran wideout has five total receptions over his last three games. He's also heading into a tough matchup against the New Orleans Saints defense in Week 17. A defense that has allowed the third-fewest receiving yards to wideouts this season. Fantasy managers are best to leave Jefferson on the bench this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
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