December 1, 2025
Carolina Panthers running back
Rico Dowdle rushed for only 58 yards on 18 carries during Week 13's 31-28 upset win over the Los Angeles Rams. The Carolina RB also added 21 receiving yards on two receptions, totaling 9.9 PPR points. It was the first time since Weeks 7-8 that Dowdle ended back-to-back games with less than 12 PPR points. For the first time since being named the starting RB in Week 9, Dowdle was outplayed by
Chuba Hubbard, who registered 20.4 PPR points on 124 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown. The workload between the two RBs was split, and Hubbard took the most snaps (59%). In Week 15, Dowdle and the Panthers face the New Orleans Saints for the second time this season after a bye. In the last four weeks leading up to Week 13, the Saints ranked 13th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs. During the Panthers' prior game against New Orleans in Week 10, Dowdle finished with 63 scrimmage yards and a rushing TD. With the possibility of Dowdle now being in a timeshare with Hubbard, he cannot be regarded as a must-start player regardless of matchup anymore. But he should still be a good start against the Saints, because the surprising Panthers may totally control the flow of the matchup. If Carolina rolls to a big win, you should see Dowdle get into the end zone at least once.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 1, 2025
New Orleans Saints rookie running back
Devin Neal made the first start of his NFL career in Sunday's 21-17 loss to the hosting Miami Dolphins in Week 13. Neal handled a team-high 14 carries for 47 yards (3.4 yards per tote) while also adding three catches on three targets for an additional 22 yards through the air. The 22-year-old got the opportunity after veteran
Alvin Kamara (knee) suffered an MCL sprain in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Neal played a season-high 82% of the offensive snaps, with
Evan Hull seeing five rushing attempts as his backup. Although his production wasn't exactly head-turning on Sunday, Neal deserves more attention on the waiver wire this week (he's rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues) since there's a good chance Kamara will miss more time. Neal will be at least an RB3/flex in fantasy in Week 14 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers if Kamara is out again.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 1, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) has been out since breaking his collarbone way back in Week 2, but he's been practicing in recent weeks and figures to be activated from Injured Reserve to make his return for a crucial Week 14 divisional clash against the Chicago Bears this weekend. The Packers will most likely ease Reed back onto the field after his long layoff due to a broken collarbone and after having surgery for a broken foot, but the 25-year-old is definitely deserving of being stashed in fantasy leagues for managers who have a shot at competing in the playoffs. Reed is widely available in Yahoo leagues, as he's only rostered in 38% of leagues heading into Week 14. Green Bay has a vast array of wideouts that they rotate on game days, but Reed has scored 18 total touchdowns in 35 career games and should have a key role once he's back up to speed following his injuries.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
December 1, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans (collarbone) has not played since breaking his collarbone in Week 7 and is on Injured Reserve, but he could be a factor for fantasy managers in the fantasy playoffs, which typically run from Weeks 15-17. The Buccaneers originally were optimistic that the 32-year-old veteran and future Hall of Famer would be able to return before the end of the regular season because of the fact that he suffered a clean break of his collarbone. Reports over the weekend suggested that Evans could even return as early as the team's Week 14 game on Sunday, Dec. 7, against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Evans is currently rostered in only 58% of fantasy leagues, so if your team has a shot at playing beyond Week 14, he's someone to seriously consider picking up and stashing for the stretch run.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
December 1, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin Jr. saw a steady increase in workload during Week 13's 20-17 win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals, reeling in 3-of-5 passes for 78 yards. The veteran saw a decent uptick in snap share this past weekend, eclipsing 50% of plays, and notching a team- and season-high with his yardage total. It's an encouraging outing for Godwin Jr., who has spent most of the season battling ankle and fibula injuries. He should continue to see his involvement rise over the coming weeks as he's further removed from the latter, and may hold some fantasy value yet down the stretch. The Penn State product's roster percentage is at one of its lowest rates in years, so now is a good time for fantasy managers to buy back in, particularly with a solid matchup in the New Orleans Saints slated for Week 14.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 1, 2025
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Alec Pierce posted a nice bounce-back effort in Sunday's 20-16 home loss to the Houston Texans, corralling four of five looks for 78 yards and a touchdown. The former Cincinnati Bearcat was a letdown in a tough Week 12 meeting with the Chiefs, but he rewarded fantasy managers who stuck with him this past weekend and remains a critical piece of the Colts' attack. Pierce's TD -- his second of the campaign -- was another impressive downfield contested catch. While it may be difficult for him to surpass his career-high in touchdowns (seven) with only five games remaining, the 25-year-old is well on his way to smashing the rest of his personal bests. Currently, Pierce is still available in over 40% of leagues, and is a top waiver-wire target for fantasy managers in need of aid at the WR position.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 1, 2025
Indianapolis Colts defensive back Sauce Gardner (calf) is considered week-to-week after injuring his calf in Sunday's 20-16 loss to their division-rival Houston Texans, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Gardner was forced out of Week 13's home clash early due to a non-contact injury, so the fact that it's just a sprain is excellent news for the team. However, the issue is considered "mild," and the "hope" is that the fourth-year pro will be able to return by the end of the regular season, Rapoport notes. For now, teammates Mekhi Blackmon and Jaylon Jones figure to see increased playing time in Gardner's stead. While he'll miss some time, it's fortunate that the 25-year-old avoided a significant injury.
--Alex CiullaSource: Ian Rapoport
December 1, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Jalen Coker was a bright spot for the team in their rain-soaked 31-28 win against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, compiling a 4/74/1 line on six targets. The second-year pro was a key contributor in the upset victory, posting team-highs across the board, while snagging his first touchdown of the campaign. Since returning from a quad injury seven games ago, Coker has racked up 18 receptions and 224 yards (25 targets). The numbers are modest at best, although he's just 63 receiving yards behind teammate
Xavier Legette, who is only ten catches ahead of him despite making four more appearances. Quarterback
Bryce Young has been up and down, but he looked good on Sunday in a tough matchup with less-than-ideal conditions, and Coker has displayed explosiveness getting off the line. He's firmly on the fantasy radar.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 1, 2025
New LSU head coach Lane Kiffin will make $13 million annually with his new contract in Baton Rouge, tying him with Georgia head coach Kirby Smart for the highest-paid coach in college football. LSU would owe him 80% of his remaining contract if he is fired without cause. The 50-year-old officially accepted the Tigers' coaching gig on Sunday after leading Ole Miss to a program-record 11 regular-season wins in 2025. Overall, Kiffin tallied a 55-19 record in Oxford, including four seasons of at least 10 wins and three bowl-game victories. The son of the late Monte Kiffin is known for his explosive offenses and strong personality, and he'll have no shortage of resources and in-state talent to chase a College Football Playoff National Championship in his fifth head-coaching position in college football.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Chris Low - On3Sports
December 1, 2025
New York Jets wide receiver
John Metchie III may have been a disappointment for fantasy in Week 13, but he's still trending positively with the team's offensive attack finally gaining some traction in the campaign. The 25-year-old continued his heavy utilization in New York's 27-24 home win over the Atlanta Falcons, nabbing 4-of-8 passes for 19 yards. It isn't what managers expected, particularly after Metchie III strung together two double-digit fantasy-point outings. Even with the down game, though, the usage was there, and veteran quarterback
Tyrod Taylor has been a decent boost for the Jets' offense, making the former Houston Texan a decent prospective waiver claim. Teammate
Garrett Wilson (knee) may return in two weeks, but Metchie III looks to be carving out a solid role with his new team. He'll get the Dolphins at home in Week 14.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 1, 2025
Minnesota Vikings running back
Jordan Mason has recorded single-digit touches in each of his last four games. However, the 26-year-old may step into a much more prominent role going forward after fellow Vikings back
Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) suffered a shoulder injury during the team's Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Across the four games that Jones Sr. missed earlier this season with a hamstring injury, Mason recorded 301 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 66 touches. Minnesota's offense as a whole has spiraled downwards in recent weeks, recording six points combined over its last two games. However, Minnesota could get quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (concussion) back in Week 14, and the Vikings have a far more favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders. If Jones Sr. is forced to miss time, Mason would have starting fantasy appeal in Week 14. He's worth targeting on the waiver wire even if more clarity around Jones Sr.'s status does not come until later in the week.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 1, 2025
Florida football found its new head coach on Sunday, officially announcing the hiring of former Tulane and Troy head coach Jon Sumrall. The young defensive mind said one of his top priorities will be assembling "an incredible staff, including an offensive coordinator who understands that, at Florida, having an explosive offense isn't optional." On3's Pete Nakos lists Georgia Tech's Buster Faulkner and Tennessee's Joey Halzle as potential candidates for the Gators' offensive coordinator job. Faulkner is known for helping develop quarterback Haynes King and leading this year's Georgia Tech offense to compile 466.3 yards per game and 33.1 points per game. Halzle took over OC duties in Knoxville following the departure of recently-hired Auburn head coach, Alex Golesh. The Vols ranked sixth nationally in yards per game (482.0) and seventh nationally in points per game (40.8) during the regular season. Whoever takes over the Florida offense could be tasked with helping DJ Lagway realize his potential, but it remains to be seen if Lagway will stick around for the new staff in Gainesville.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
December 1, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back
Bhayshul Tuten recorded his fifth touchdown of the season in his team's Week 13 win over the Tennessee Titans, but he recorded just 19 scrimmage yards on nine touches. After his breakout 74-yard game in Week 11, Tuten has now been held under 20 scrimmage yards in back-to-back weeks. The 23-year-old has flashed upside throughout the year, but he remains firmly behind
Travis Etienne Jr. in the Jaguars backfield pecking order. Still, Tuten has scored three touchdowns in his last five games and would immediately profile as a must-start fantasy running back if Etienne Jr. were to suffer an injury. Tuten's standalone value is as a low-end flex, at best. However, he's worth targeting on the waiver wire as a priority handcuff option heading into Jacksonville's Week 14 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 1, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Bam Knight recorded 98 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 14 touches in his team's Week 13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Knight has now recorded double-digit touches in five out of his last six games and scored a touchdown in each of the last three weeks. Arizona should get running backs
Trey Benson (knee) and
Emari Demercado (ankle) back from injury in the coming weeks, which will likely impact Knight's playing time. However, neither back is guaranteed to play in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. Even if one or both of Benson and Demercado return, Knight may have done enough in their absence to remain in a flex-worthy role. The 24-year-old has proven capable as both a rusher and receiver, hauling in 11 catches on 12 targets over his last three games. In fantasy leagues where he's still available, Knight is a must-add waiver-wire running back heading into Week 14.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 1, 2025
Chicago Bears rookie running back
Kyle Monangai delivered a statement performance in his team's massive Week 13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, recording 130 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Monangai has been stealing touches away from veteran Bears back
D'Andre Swift for multiple weeks, but Week 13 may signal a more permanent shift in the Chicago backfield. Monangai has now earned more carries than Swift in back-to-back weeks, although it's worth noting that Swift also dominated against Philadelphia with 125 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts. Monangai's ceiling is limited by his lack of receiving work, as he's failed to record a catch in three out of his last four games. Still, the rookie is averaging 4.9 yards per carry this season and appears to be emerging as the lead rusher in an increasingly impressive Chicago offense. Monangai is a must-add player off the waiver wire in fantasy leagues where he remains available heading into a Week 14 showdown against the Green Bay Packers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 1, 2025
The University of Kentucky has officially fired longtime head coach Mark Stoops, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. This decision comes after two consecutive losing seasons in Lexington, capped off by a 41-0 loss to Louisville in the final week of the 2025 campaign. Before the 4-8 and 5-7 seasons in 2024 and 2025, Stoops led the Wildcats to a school-record eight consecutive bowl berths, and he won 10 games in 2018 and 2021. With a 72-80 overall record in 13 seasons with the program, Stoops is the winningest coach in Kentucky history. Known as a top-tier defensive mind, Stoops could land a job with another team quickly if he chooses to continue his coaching career right away.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
December 1, 2025
New York Jets wide receiver
Adonai Mitchell had a breakout game in his team's Week 13 win over the Atlanta Falcons, recording eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. Since being acquired by the Jets in early November, Mitchell has established himself as a key piece in the team's offense. Across his last three games, the 23-year-old has earned 25 targets. Mitchell has also played at least 85% of New York's offensive snaps in each of the last two weeks. With star Jets wideout
Garrett Wilson (knee) on Injured Reserve through at least Week 14, Mitchell should continue to have opportunities to contribute. Mitchell should be a priority target on the waiver wire for fantasy managers heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 1, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback
Justin Herbert (hand) has been diagnosed with a metacarpal fracture in his left hand, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Herbert suffered the fracture during his team's Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and was able to finish the game after a brief absence. Rapoport reports that Herbert is scheduled to undergo surgery, but that the plan is for him to be active for the Chargers' Week 14 Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Herbert completed 15 of 20 pass attempts for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against Las Vegas. If Herbert were to suffer a setback or be unable to play in Week 14, backup quarterback
Trey Lance would be in line to start for the Chargers against the Eagles. For now, fantasy managers should proceed as though Herbert will play, although he likely won't be at full strength.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
December 1, 2025
Michigan Sports Writer Dave Birkett reported that Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke on Costa & Jansen with Heather on 97.1 The Ticket and said that wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown's (ankle) availability vs. Dallas probably won't be known until gameday or the day before. St Brown suffered a tough ankle injury early in Week 13's contest against the Green Bay Packers and did not return, as the Lions went on to lose 31-24 and are now a few games out of first place in the NFC North. The Lions' star receiver has been a rock for this team and city over the past few seasons, and his absence will undoubtedly hurt the team's chances of being at the top of their game. The Cowboys (6-5-1) are also coming off back-to-back wins against the Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) and the Kansas City Chiefs (6-6), and are looking to make a strong push in the NFC, so with the Lions sitting at (7-5), this matchup in Week 14 is massive between the two squads fighting for a Wild Card spot. Fantasy managers with St. Brown will want to keep their eyes on his progress throughout the week. If he can't go,
Jameson Williams would operate as the Lions' No. 1 receiver, and
Isaac TeSlaa could be a sneaky play in Week 14.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Dave Birkett
December 1, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Christian Watson gave his Packers fans and his fantasy managers something to cheer about on Thanksgiving Day, as he hauled in four of his 10 targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. The 10 targets were the most he has seen all season, and with the Packers desperately looking for a No. 1 wide receiver to help out sixth-year quarterback
Jordan Love, Watson stepped up in a big way in Week 13. Wastson started the season on the Injured Reserve; however, since being activated in Week 8, he has produced 363 receiving yards, hauled in 21 receptions, and scored three touchdowns. As the weeks have progressed, and Watson has continued to ramp up, he has become the clear go-to target for Love with
Tucker Kraft (knee) out for the rest of the season. If Watson is on your waiver wire, he is a must-add in all formats and can be started in your lineups moving forward as a low-end WR2/flex play. Outside of a Week 15 matchup with the Denver Broncos, he gets some solid matchups against the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens for the rest of the fantasy season.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 1, 2025
Los Angeles Rams second-year running back out of Michigan,
Blake Corum, had himself a fantastic Week 13 with 81 rushing yards (11.57 YPC) on 11 carries and a touchdown. More importantly for Corum fantasy owners,
Kyren Williams left the game for a bit with an ankle injury. However, he eventually returned, scored a touchdown, and finished with 13 carries on the afternoon, nearly doubling Corum in total touches. Regardless, it's difficult to ignore Corum's production on Sunday, combined with the fact that since Week 7, he has seen at least seven carries and played between 28 and 40 percent of the snaps during that stretch, which is more than last year or anytime earlier in this season. Corum remains one of, if not the best, handcuffs in fantasy football. If Williams were to miss time, Corum would immediately become a top-20 running back on one of, if not the best, offenses in the NFL in 2025.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 1, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. continued to lead the Commanders in running back touches in Week 13's 27-26 loss to the Denver Broncos with 11 carries. Backfield mates
Jeremy McNichols had six, and
Jacory Croskey-Merritt only had four. Rodriguez has clearly cemented himself as the running back to own in this Commanders backfield, as over the last two games, he has earned 26 carries, rushed for 120 yards, and scored two touchdowns on the ground. Moving forward, not only is he the only Commander running back that can be started in fantasy football, but he can confidently be started as an RB3 or flex play in deeper leagues. As we take a look at the next few weeks, Rodriguez gets matchups with the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys in three of the next four weeks, all matchups that are far better than what he faced on Sunday Night Football against the Broncos, in which he still scored over 10 fantasy points. Rodriguez is a must-add off the waiver wire and can be plugged into lineups if you have players who are going on a bye in Week 14 or are dealing with multiple injuries in your lineups.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 1, 2025
Arizona Cardinals second-year running back out of Florida State,
Trey Benson (knee), was close to returning in Week 13, but was ruled out on Friday after participating in practice for the second straight week. It was frustrating news for fantasy managers, as most owners were expecting Benson back by now, and had been holding him on their Injured Reserve spot since Week 5. With Week 14 being the last week of the fantasy football regular season in many leagues, fantasy managers will be tasked with the tough decision of playing Trey Benson if he's active, which most signs point to being the case. Suppose Benson has been dropped to the waiver wire in your leagues. In that case, he is a priority add heading into the last few weeks of the fantasy season, as he looked sharp before his injury (5.52 YPC) and was drafted in the third round of the 2024 draft to be
James Conner's (foot) eventual replacement. Additionally,
Bam Knight (3.45 YPC) and
Michael Carter (3.04 YPC) haven't done enough to earn the starting role once Benson is healthy and cleared to return, making Benson a lower-end RB2 when he does return.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 1, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (suspension) is set to make his team debut in Tuesday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. Sources have told ESPN's Kevin Weekes that Hart is likely to play in the contest. On Saturday, the Golden Knights recalled Hart from a conditioning stint in the AHL. Due to a suspension, Hart was ineligible to play in the NHL before Dec. 1. Hart's last NHL outings came during the 2023-24 season, when he finished with a 12-9-3 record, a 2.80 goals-against average, and a .906 save percentage. His spell in the minors didn't go too well, as the 27-year-old won only one of three appearances, allowing over three goals per game (3.07) with a .839 save percentage.
--Taavi PailkSource: Kevin Weekes
December 1, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Andre Drummond (knee) exited Sunday's game against Atlanta after six minutes and did not return, leaving his status for upcoming contests unclear. Drummond has been productive recently with 8.8 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across his last five full outings, so any absence would open a path for second-year big
Adem Bona. Bona logged 22 minutes with four points, three rebounds, and two blocks on Sunday and profiles as a deeper-league stream for defensive stats if Drummond misses time.
--Brian DailisanSource: Tony Jones
December 1, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (lower body) is without a timeline for his return, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports. The Russian netminder last played on Nov. 15, improving to 4-0-0 for the season with a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins. He has since been on the shelf with a lower-body injury. During Kochetkov's absence, the Hurricanes have leaned on Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi in the crease. While Andersen is the more established name, Bussi has been a better option for fantasy managers. He has started back-to-back games and improved to 5-0-0 over his last five appearances with his first career shutout in Sunday's 1-0 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 1, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner (upper body) is on the cusp of returning to the lineup, Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch reports. The Blue Jackets captain has missed nine games with an upper-body injury. On Sunday, Jenner was back at practice, and the team now wants him to be involved in just a couple more skates before inserting the veteran back into the lineup. Jenner averages nearly two hits per game and has posted 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 16 appearances. Columbus starts a four-game week on Monday against the New Jersey Devils.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brian Hedger
December 1, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard
Tre Mann (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Brooklyn Nets after logging only 10 minutes in his most recent outing, and his potential absence carries minimal fantasy impact. Mann has averaged 5.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists across his last five games on 37.9 percent shooting, keeping him off the radar in most formats. Second-year guard
KJ Simpson could enter the rotation if Mann sits, though he still profiles as a deep-league watch-list option.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 1, 2025
Dallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (undisclosed) was hurt during the second period of Sunday's 6-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. He left the game with an undisclosed injury after being involved in a collision with Senators forward Fabian Zetterlund. Bichsel has recorded three points, nine shots, 24 blocks, and 85 hits in 26 games for the season. He has recently seen an increase in ice time due to Dallas' injury situation on defense. Ilya Lyubushkin returned to the lineup on Sunday, but the team is still without Thomas Harley (lower body) and Nils Lundkvist (lower body).
--Taavi PailkSource: Reuters
December 1, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (knee) exited Sunday's game and did not return after appearing uncomfortable during a brief stint, putting his availability for upcoming contests in question. Any missed time would bump
Jaxson Hayes into a larger role, though he remains more of a fringe option outside deep formats. Hayes has averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 block across two spot starts while shooting 90.9 percent from the field in 31.1 minutes, making him a reasonable speculative stream if Ayton is sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
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