December 17, 2025

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is set to lead the backfield following Bam Knight (ankle) being placed on Injured Reserve. The Cardinals' backfield has been ravaged by injuries this season, and now Carter is the next man up. The 26-year-old played 53 of 66 snaps in the Week 15 loss to the Houston Texans, recording 14 carries for 56 yards while adding four receptions (four targets) for 38 yards as a receiver. Emari Demercado returned after missing the past three games with an ankle injury, but he wasn't very involved, playing just seven offensive snaps with three touches. Carter is expected to be the every-down back with Knight out of the picture, as he handled 78% of the running back rushing attempts and ran 72% of the routes in his absence. Carter had one game earlier this season with a similar workload back in Week 5, where he was inefficient as a runner with 18 carries for 51 yards, but found the end zone and added five catches (five targets) for 22 yards, finishing with 18.3 PPR points. Carter profiles as a top waiver-wire pickup this week and can be immediately plugged into lineups as an RB3/flex in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 17, 2025

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift has enjoyed a bounce-back season in his second year with the team, compiling 191 carries for 935 yards and seven touchdowns to go with 29 receptions for 254 yards and another score on 41 targets. Swift has maintained a slight upper hand on the touches over rookie Kyle Monangai in the Bears' backfield lately, and notched his first two-touchdown game of the season in the Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns. The 26-year-old back has been one of the most reliable weapons in an explosive Chicago offense all season, missing just one game. He's posted double-digit touches in all but one game, including at least 15 touches in all but two contests. Swift remains a must-start in fantasy football lineups, but he will have a tougher matchup in Week 16 against the division-rival Green Bay Packers this Saturday night.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 17, 2025

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. exploded for three receiving touchdowns in the Week 15 blowout win over the New York Jets. Etienne added 12 carries for 32 yards and three catches for 73 yards on four targets in the game. The 26-year-old continued his breakout campaign, becoming the eighth player this season and the first running back with three receiving scores. Etienne entered the game with only three career receiving touchdowns, but he doubled that mark on Sunday. There have only been four other running backs to record three touchdown catches in a game since 2015. Despite averaging just 3.0 yards per carry over the last three games, Etienne has totalled the fourth-most PPR points among running backs (57.8) during that stretch. He is firmly entrenched as one of the best weekly running back options in fantasy, even in a tough Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 17, 2025

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins continues to establish himself as a potential waiver wire option in deeper leagues ahead of Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. Hollins has been heavily involved in the Patriots' offense, averaging six targets and 9.2 full-PPR fantasy points over his last seven contests. During that span, he ranks as the overall WR40. He has also played at least three-quarters of the offensive snaps in each of his last five games. The veteran receiver is coming off an impressive, high-volume contest against his old team, the Buffalo Bills, in which he converted eight targets into four catches for 41 yards. During that Week 15 contest, he totaled 136 air yards, which ranked eighth-most among all NFL wideouts. Quarterback Drake Maye trusts Hollins as one of his most reliable receivers on the perimeter, which bodes well for his Week 16 outlook. The Ravens have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025, as well as the 14th-most fantasy points to wide receivers who play on the perimeter. Hollins isn't the flashiest name, but his consistency, reliability, and high involvement make him a solid WR3/flex play for Week 16.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

December 17, 2025

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt operated as the team's lead runner in Week 15, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) ruled out with a groin injury. Croskey-Merritt delivered a strong performance, handling 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown in Washington's win over the New York Giants. Jeremy McNichols actually drew the start for Washington, but JCM ended up doubling him in carries. The rookie seventh-rounder found the end zone for the first time since his breakout performance in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he totalled 150 yards and two touchdowns. JCM looked decisive and explosive against the Giants, who notably have one of the worst run defenses in the league, but it was great to see the rookie deliver for fantasy managers who plugged him into their lineups for the first round of the fantasy playoffs. Croskey-Merritt could potentially work himself back into a more significant timeshare with McNichols and Rodriguez upon his return, creating a messy situation to sort through. He remains worth rostering and would project favorably again on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles if Rodriguez is out again on a short week.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 17, 2025

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Konata Mumpfield has emerged as a potential riser with teammate Davante Adams'(hamstring) status in doubt for Week 16 against the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams play on Thursday Night Football, leaving very little turnaround time for Adams to get healthy. The veteran receiver didn't practice on Monday, and while head coach Sean McVay didn't rule him out yet, he certainly faces an uphill battle to play. If Adams is inactive, Mumpfield could handle an increased workload on Thursday. The 23-year-old rookie has played at least 38% of the offensive snaps in each of his last four games, including 44% of the snaps last Sunday with both Adams and Puka Nacua (cramping) receiving medical attention. His Week 15 snap share ranked third among Rams receivers behind Adams and Nacua. Although the Pitt product's snap share has increased lately, his volume remains relatively low. Over his last four games, he has just four targets, three catches, and 30 receiving yards. Managers should expect Mumpfield to handle more opportunities this week, while also acknowledging that he has a low floor. His outlook also hinges on whether Jordan Whittington (back) suits up in Week 16. Whittington was limited on Monday before logging a full practice on Tuesday. At this point, Mumpfield is a low-floor receiver who is on track for more snaps and targets, but is only worth considering in extremely deep fantasy leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

December 17, 2025

Denver Broncos rookie running back R.J. Harvey (rib) has found the end zone four times over the past three games, bringing his season total to 10 touchdowns. The rookie second-rounder is currently dealing with a rib injury he suffered late in the Week 15 win over the Green Bay Packers. The severity of the injury is unknown, but the Broncos did claim RB Cody Schrader off waivers on Tuesday, so fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on Harvey's status in practice this week. Harvey has recorded at least 14 touches in four games since taking over as Denver's lead back with J.K. Dobbins (foot) on Injured Reserve. He's been one of the most productive running backs in fantasy football with the increased workload, ranking as the RB6 in PPR points per game at 18.6 over that stretch. Assuming he is healthy, Harvey will project as a solid RB1 again in Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Harvey is held out or is limited, Jaleel McLaughlin would step in to handle most of the early down work, with Tyler Badie working on passing downs.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 16, 2025

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (ankle) exited early from his team's Week 15 blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals due to an ankle injury. However, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans indicated on Monday that Marks could have re-entered the game had the score been closer. While Marks' status for Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders is still up in the air, Ryans' comments would seem to point to his running back avoiding missed time. Before getting injured against Arizona, Marks appeared to be emerging as the clear RB1 in Houston. Across a five-game stretch from Week 10 to Week 14, Marks recorded 313 rushing yards and a touchdown on 93 carries. Fellow Texans running back Nick Chubb (ribs) is also dealing with an injury that caused him to miss Week 15. If Chubb misses additional time and Marks can make his return in Week 16, he could be in line to continue dominating backfield work in Houston down the stretch of the season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

December 16, 2025

The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz. Pomeranz enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign with the Chicago Cubs, posting a 2.17 ERA, 28.1% strikeout rate, and 1.07 WHIP across 57 appearances. The 37-year-old veteran also recorded 14 holds and surrendered the lead just twice all season. For 2026, Pomeranz is expected to serve as a high-leverage lefty and offers limited fantasy value outside of leagues that count holds.--Marty Tallman
Source: Ari Alexander

December 16, 2025

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton missed seven games in the middle of the 2025 season due to an ankle injury, but he made his return to the field in Week 14. The Chargers have worked Hampton back in slowly, as he's split backfield snaps with Kimani Vidal over each of the past two weeks. Even with the limited playing time, Hampton has provided modest production. Over his last two games, the 22-year-old has recorded 132 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 31 touches. In his final two full games before suffering the ankle injury, Hampton demonstrated his explosive upside by logging 294 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 42 touches. If the Chargers continue to increase his workload as he gets healthier, Hampton could get back to his pre-injury levels of production. Los Angeles will face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16 before hosting the Houston Texans in Week 17.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

December 16, 2025

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) is dealing with an ankle injury that caused him to miss practice on Tuesday ahead of Chicago's Week 16 matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. If Burden III can get back on the practice field and prove healthy enough to play, he could see his best opportunity of the season to make an impact in Chicago. Bears wideout Rome Odunze (foot) also missed practice on Tuesday and is considered week-to-week with a stress fracture in his foot. With Odunze sidelined in Week 15, Burden III recorded six catches for 84 yards on seven targets despite being limited to just 29 offensive snaps due to the ankle injury. Burden III's role has been steadily growing over the second half of the season, as he's earned at least five straight targets in five straight games after failing to hit that mark in any of his first eight contests. Depending on Odunze's return timeline and his own health, Burden III could emerge as a league-winner over the final weeks of the fantasy season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

December 16, 2025

After missing two games due to a concussion, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart recorded a season-low four rush attempts in his first game back against the New England Patriots in Week 14. However, Dart got back to his aggressive style of play in Week 15 against the Washington Commanders, recording 63 rushing yards on nine attempts. The 22-year-old also completed 20 of 36 pass attempts for 246 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Across 11 games (nine starts) in 2025, Dart has thrown for 1,802 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 400 yards and seven scores. When healthy and let loose, Dart has proven to be one of the NFL's premier dual-threat quarterbacks. As long as New York continues to let him run, Dart's legs give him fantasy upside every week. The Giants will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16 and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

December 16, 2025

Across 14 games this season, Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has recorded 66 catches for 667 yards and four touchdowns on 99 targets. While the 21-year-old has played an important role in his team's offense all season long, he's seen his usage ramped up to a new level in recent weeks. Over his last two games, Fannin Jr. has hauled in 15 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown on a whopping 25 targets. Fannin Jr. has played at least 90% of Cleveland's offensive snaps in four straight games, including a season-high 96% in Week 15 with fellow Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) sidelined by a knee injury. Even if Njoku returns for the team's Week 16 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Fannin Jr. should have a path to production. Across four games since Shedeur Sanders has taken over as the starting quarterback in Cleveland, he's targeted Fannin Jr. on 29.5% of his pass attempts. Fannin Jr. profiles as a must-start fantasy tight end down the stretch of the season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

December 16, 2025

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby (illness) was listed as a limited practice participant on Tuesday due to an illness. With Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (stinger) a non-participant in practice due to a stinger he suffered in Week 15, Bigsby could be in line for more work in Philadelphia's Week 16 matchup against the Washington Commanders. The 24-year-old recorded 17 carries for 57 yards in Week 15 and has rushed for 225 yards on 36 carries across 13 games with Philadelphia this season. While Bigsby's status for the weekend is not yet under threat, he will have one fewer day than usual to recover, as the Eagles and Commanders square off on Saturday. If Barkley and Bigsby were both sidelined, Philadelphia would likely turn to the combination of Will Shipley and A.J. Dillon to handle backfield reps in Week 16.--Will Brady
Source: Philadelphia Eagles

December 16, 2025

Right-handed reliever Jordan Romano has agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. Romano, 32, struggled in 2025 with the Philadelphia Phillies, posting an 8.23 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 25.1% strikeout rate, and 9.1% walk rate across 42 2/3 innings. He landed on the injured list in late August with inflammation in his right middle finger, an issue that reportedly affected his velocity throughout the season. The two-time All-Star now looks to revive his career in Southern California. With the Angels losing Kenley Jansen to free agency and no clear closer in their bullpen, Romano could quickly move up the depth chart and see save opportunities. For fantasy purposes, Romano is a high-risk, high-reward option, and as of now, it appears he will be the closer in Los Angeles.--Marty Tallman
Source: Jeff Passan

December 16, 2025

San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish (elbow) may retire after completing rehab from his latest injury, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Over the weekend, Darvish spoke at a charity event and said he is focused on his rehab and is unsure if he will try to pitch again after the process is complete. The 39-year-old veteran underwent surgery in October to repair a flexor tendon and the UCL in his right elbow. Darvish is one of the most decorated Japanese pitchers in MLB history. Over his 13-year career, he has a 3.65 ERA with 2,075 strikeouts across 1,778 innings. Hopefully, we get to see the five-time All-Star pitch again, but if not, he had an amazing career.--Marty Tallman
Source: Dennis Lin

December 16, 2025

The Arizona Diamondbacks have expressed interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, though re-signing him remains the Boston Red Sox's top priority. Bregman, 31, opted out of his three-year deal with Boston after slashing .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs, 62 RBI, and 64 runs scored across 495 plate appearances, good for a 125 wRC+. While he would fit well with either club, Fenway Park is the preferred landing spot for fantasy purposes, as his pull-heavy approach plays perfectly off the Green Monster. For 2026, Bregman profiles as a top-10 third baseman with top-five upside if he lands in the right situation.--Marty Tallman
Source: Bob Nightengale

December 16, 2025

The Los Angeles Angels may allow outfielder Mike Trout to play center field again in 2026. General manager Perry Minasian said he's keeping his options open, which includes Trout seeing time at all three outfield positions. Trout, 34, appeared in 130 games last season, his highest total since 2019. He served as the designated hitter in 106 games and played right field in just 22, reinforcing the idea that keeping him out of center field is likely the best path to preserving his health. In 2025, Trout slashed .232/.359/.439 with 26 home runs, 64 RBI, and 74 runs scored, good for a 120 wRC+. With a current ADP of 194, the future Hall of Fame slugger offers power upside without requiring a significant draft-day investment.--Marty Tallman
Source: Rhett Bollinger

December 16, 2025

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama will come off the bench in Tuesday's NBA Cup Final against the Knicks. He recently returned from a 12-game absence for Saturday's win over Oklahoma City. Although he also came off the bench for that one, he still finished with an impressive 22 points, nine boards, two blocks, and one steal. There's a good chance Wemby plays a little more than the 20 minutes he logged in his last outing, making him a must-start in all fantasy setups.--Dennis Clausen
Source: San Antonio Spurs

December 16, 2025

Free-agent righty reliever Chris Martin has agreed to a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. Martin, 39, was effective in 2025, posting a 2.98 ERA (3.11 SIERA) and a 24.7% strikeout rate over 42 1/3 innings. He recorded two saves and 13 holds last season and could see a few matchup-based closing chances again in 2026 because the incumbent closer, Robert Garcia, is a lefty. However, the Rangers also recently signed Alexis Diaz, so fantasy managers should take a wait-and-see approach before drafting any of the Rangers' relievers.--Marty Tallman
Source: Jeff Passan

December 16, 2025

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (personal) isn't listed on the injury report for Wednesday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. The multi-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year was having himself a fantastic night in Sunday's win over Sacramento. However, he exited after 20 minutes due to "personal reasons," and would finish that one with seven points, 12 boards, and one block. With Anthony Edwards (foot) potentially out once again, Gobert could continue to benefit on both sides of the floor versus a Memphis team that is without Zach Edey (ankle).--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 16, 2025

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (foot) is considered questionable heading into Wednesday's meeting with the Memphis Grizzlies. He's already missed two-straight games because of what is being called right foot "injury maintenance." However, despite how the issue is labled on the official Injury Report, the chance of another absence certainly doesn't sit well with fantasy managers. With Mike Conley (Achilles) out again, Bones Hyland, coming off an 18-point, five-assist, one-block effort, is worth considering for fantasy lineups. Of course, that's assuming he remains in the starting lineup.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 16, 2025

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai has had some impressive performances during his first year in the NFL. Monangai has rushed for over 100 yards twice but has been held in check lately. Even though D'Andre Swift remains Chicago's primary back, Monangai continues to get consistent playing time in the backfield. The 23-year-old has 10 carries or more in five straight contests. The biggest problem is that Swift has been the much more effective runner lately. The Bears have shown they will ride with the hot hand, which is Swift right now. Monangai is worth holding, but he shouldn't be considered as much more than a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex in fantasy for the rematch against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16 on Saturday night.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 16, 2025

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (ankle) is questionable ahead of Wednesday's contest versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. He recently missed 10 games because of a right calf strain. However, after returning for the loss to the Utah Jazz on December 12, the 26-year-old tweaked his left ankle late in Monday's win over the the Los Angeles Clippers. It's unknown just how severe Morant's latest injury is, although it's somewhat reassuring that he at least has a shot to suit up, or so it appears. If he's unable to get on the floor, Vince Williams Jr. will likely take his place his rotation. The 2022 No. 47 overall pick has made 11 starts throughout the 2025 campaign, averaging 8.1 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, giving him some value for those participating in deep fantasy formats, especially since Cam Spencer (personal), who had 27 points on Monday night, has already been ruled out.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 16, 2025

New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson had arguably his best performance of the season last week in the loss to the Buffalo Bills. Henderson rushed the ball 14 times for 148 yards and scored two touchdowns versus Buffalo. The rookie back put the league on notice when he took over as the lead RB when Rhamondre Stevenson missed three games earlier in the season. Since Stevenson returned, the two backs have been splitting the workload in the backfield. Henderson has been the much more productive option with 60 rushing yards or more in each of his last five games. The expectation is that Henderson will continue to be fed the ball often because of his explosive playmaking abilities. He'll have RB1 upside against the Baltimore Ravens defense in Week 16.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 16, 2025

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (neck) was a non-participant during Tuesday's practice session with a stinger that he suffered in the Week 15 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. This was only a walkthrough, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried yet. Barkley is coming off a solid performance, where he rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in the blowout win over the Raiders. He's a little banged up to begin the week, but he should be fine with a few days of rest. Barkley has another plus matchup ahead of him against the Washington Commanders defense in Week 16. As long as he's active on Saturday, Barkley is a must-start, as always, in fantasy lineups.--Andy Webb
Source: Philadelphia Eagles

December 16, 2025

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has only turned in two solid fantasy days in his last six outings. Darnold and the Seahawks' offense have failed to do well to find the end zone in recent weeks. Additionally, Darnold has been turning the ball over far too much. Although the Seahawks continue to win, their recent success is largely attributed to their stellar defensive play. Based on what we saw earlier in the season, we know what Darnold and this offense are capable of. However, NFL defensive coordinators are very adaptable, and they may have figured out the ticket to stopping Seattle. With matchups against the Rams, Panthers, and 49ers remaining, Darnold will face three solid-to-great defenses in a row. Streaming Darnold was fun earlier in the season, but it may not be feasible in the fantasy playoffs.--Quincy Milton III - RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller

December 16, 2025

New York Giants kicker Younghoe Koo was waived by the organization on Tuesday, according to Tom Pelissero. This doesn't come as a total shock after Koo's struggles this past Sunday. The 31-year-old missed three kicks during the 29-21 loss to the Washington Commanders. He connected on six of nine field-goal attempts while making 13 of 14 extra points during his five-game span with the Giants. It's unclear if Koo will get another opportunity this season with only three games left in the regular season. The Giants are expected to elevate Ben Sauls off the practice squad to serve as their kicker for the Week 16 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Fantasy managers should avoid Sauls everywhere.--Andy Webb
Source: Tom Pelissero

December 16, 2025

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) was a non-participant during Tuesday's walkthrough practice. Wicks was on the injury report last week with a lingering ankle issue. He ended up playing on Sunday but was ineffective with one catch for six yards in the loss to the Denver Broncos. Wicks has been a non-factor since his two-touchdown performance against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. The 24-year-old could see an increased role in Week 16 with Christian Watson (chest, shoulder) banged up to begin the week. The absence of both wideouts could mean bigger roles for Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and rookie Matthew Golden. Fantasy managers will need to monitor the Packers' injury report throughout the week ahead of the Week 16 rematch against the Chicago Bears on Saturday.--Andy Webb
Source: packers.com

December 16, 2025

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was a full participant in practice on Tuesday. Rodriguez was limited twice in practice last week before being ruled out for Sunday's win over the New York Giants. He appears to be trending in the right direction with a full session to begin Week 16 preparation. In his absence on Sunday, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries during Sunday's victory. The return of Rodriguez would likely reduce Croskey-Merritt's role for the upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday. If healthy, Rodriguez should offer low-end flex appeal in deep leagues this weekend in a bad matchup.--Andy Webb
Source: Ben Standig