December 17, 2025

The Miami Dolphins announced they will be benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and starting rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers. While former first-round pick Zach Wilson was an option as well, they will be rolling with the rookie with their playoff hopes completely eliminated. The 2025 seventh-round pick led the Texas Longhorns to the semifinals in 2024, totaling 3,472 yards and 32 touchdowns in 14 games. In the preseason, Ewers completed 23 of 43 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Ewers is hard to trust for fantasy managers, even against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have given up the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. While running back De'Von Achane will remain an elite RB1, pass catchers Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, and Darren Waller all become more volatile options.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network

December 17, 2025

The Miami Dolphins are benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers in Week 16, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. After struggling in Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Mike McDaniel mentioned the idea of making a change at quarterback, stating, "all options are on the table." Tagovailoa is benched after having a career-worst season, leading the NFL in interceptions (15) and ranking near the bottom of the league in QBR (88.5). The former first-round pick received a massive contract extension that will make it difficult for him to be traded during the offseason. This is a situation to monitor closely as free agency approaches, while fantasy managers can safely drop Tagovailoa in all leagues.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network

December 17, 2025

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was the leading receiver in Week 15, hauling in five of six targets for 55 yards in the 34-26 loss to the Denver Broncos. In his first two games back, Reed has returned to his slot role in the offense and has played his traditional snap count at around 65%. With Christian Watson's (chest) status unclear in Week 16, Reed could emerge as a fantasy asset against the Chicago Bears. Not only have the Bears allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, but they have also allowed the most to slot receivers. With Watson unsure for Week 16 and the Bears' struggles without slot corner Kyler Gordon, Reed is a player to consider starting in the fantasy playoffs.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 17, 2025

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum has been breaking out down the stretch of this season, and he did it again in Week 15. Over the past three weeks, Corum has totaled 280 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 30 carries. He totaled 71 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries against the Detroit Lions, who rank among the top run defenses in the NFL. Corum saw his largest workload of the season as well, playing 46% of the snaps, while starter Kyren Williams (54%) saw his lowest snap count of the season. Both backs are playing well, and with Davante Adams (hamstring) uncertain to play in Week 16, the Rams will use that run game a ton against the Seattle Seahawks. Corum is a low-end RB2 in Week 16 as he looks to continue his dominance on Thursday Night.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 17, 2025

Tennessee quarterback Jake Merklinger is entering the transfer portal, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett and Pete Nakos. Merklinger just completed his redshirt freshman season and has three years of eligibility remaining. The Georgia native appeared in six games over the last two seasons, completing just under 58% of his passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Merklinger was beaten out by transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar for the QB1 job in Knoxville following the departure of Nico Iamaleava, and if he stayed at Tennessee, he'd likely be behind big-time quarterback recruits George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon in 2026.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Pete Nakos - On3Sports

December 17, 2025

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving took on the majority of the workload in Week 15, totaling just 71 scrimmage yards on 17 attempts. Since returning from shoulder and foot injuries in Week 13, Irving has totaled 233 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 53 attempts, averaging 13.4 PPR points per game. While he started the season as the primary workhorse in this Buccaneers' offense, Irving has been limited to just 54% of the snaps, while backups Rachaad White (43% and Sean Tucker (14%) have been factors. Irving faces the Carolina Panthers defense in Week 16, which has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. In his only two games against the Panthers in his career, he has had over 185 scrimmage yards in both outings. In a must-win game for the Buccaneers and with his favorable history against Carolina, look for Irving to unleash in Week 16.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

December 17, 2025

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell had a monster game in Week 15, as he totaled 126 all-purpose yards (80 on the ground, 46 through the air), played 52 percent of the snaps, and was much more efficient as a runner than backfield mate Jaylen Warren. That being said, Warren was playing with an illness leading up to the game; however, this has been trending towards an actual backfield split for about six to seven weeks now. Additionally, in PPR formats, Gainwell is seeing all of the running back receiving work; he has 31 receptions over the past five weeks (6.2 receptions per game). At the same time, Warren is seeing two, maybe three targets per game during that same stretch. On the season, Warren is RB19 while Gainwell is RB23. Given the Steelers' Week 16 matchup with the Detroit Lions, who are stout against the run (allowing the third fewest points to the running back position), it appears likely the Steelers might be in a shootout or from behind, meaning it's setting up to be a game where Gainwell sees a ton of volume in the receiving game, giving him low-end RB2/flex value in Week 16.--Nicho Roessler
Source: RotoBaller

December 17, 2025

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday morning that the New York Jets have agreed to terms with young tight end Jeremy Ruckert, locking him in for the future. He gets a 2-year, $10M extension with upside to $11M. Ruckert, the fourth-year player out of Ohio State, has underwhelmed in the receiving game since joining the Jets. This year, he has hit career highs in receptions (20) and receiving yards (163), but was drafted in the third round and is an asset to the team primarily because of his willingness and effectiveness to block in the run game. The Jets now have Ruckert and a rookie out of LSU, Mason Taylor, as their top tight end options for years to come. From a fantasy football standpoint, Ruckert is well off the radar and shouldn't be rostered in any formats.--Nicho Roessler
Source: Ian Rapoport

December 17, 2025

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard has caught fire of late, running wild for 265 rushing yards and three touchdowns over the past two weeks, which has earned him back-to-back top 10 running back performances. After landing on most analysts' "sit" list for most of the season due to his lack of effectiveness and how bad the Titans' offense has been, Pollard is showing some life in the fantasy playoffs and should be back on the fantasy radar in Week 16. Unfortunately for Pollard and the Titans, they have a tough matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, who allow the seventh fewest points to the running back position. That being said, Pollard should continue to see the volume he's seen over the past two weeks and project to see 10-15 carries, which keeps him in the RB3 conversations in Week 16. Backfield mate, Tyjae Spears, has been involved, playing about 50 percent of the snaps, but is not nearly seeing the amount of running back carries as Pollard has been getting, as most of Spears' production has been as a pass-catcher.--Nicho Roessler
Source: RotoBaller

December 17, 2025

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko recorded his 10th career shutout on Tuesday night, pushing aside 23 pucks in a 3-0 road victory over the New York Rangers. It's his first shutout this season, making Demko the sixth goalie in history to have double-digit shutouts with the Canucks. Demko has sat out a lot of time again in 2025-26 due to injury, but he has made a strong return to action. The American netminder has gone 2-1-0 over his past three starts, allowing 1.35 goals with a .938 save percentage. This run has improved Demko's record for the season to 7-5-0. He has logged a goals-against average of 2.45 and a save percentage of .910. In his next start, Demko will attempt to win a third consecutive outing for the first time this season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

December 17, 2025

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini became the third player this season to reach 50 points for the campaign, totaling four points in a 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. He had two goals and two assists, scoring a spectacular spin-o-rama goal as the game-winning marker. Celebrini became the third teenager in NHL history to reach 50 points during a season in 34 or fewer games and hit the plateau three games faster than any other player in franchise history. After an impressive start to the season, Celebrini has found a way to elevate his game further in December, going for 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in eight games. He has already recorded four games with three-plus points this month. San Jose's teenage sensation will have three more games before Christmas, entering the stretch with 51 points (18 goals, 33 assists) in the bag.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

December 17, 2025

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland has been solid for fantasy managers of late and has been providing a safe floor in most of his matchups since Week 8. Over that stretch, he has seen at least four targets in every game and has scored four times over that stretch. While he doesn't provide much of a ceiling, his safe floor can reassure fantasy managers that it's very likely he will score five to seven points at least in PPR formats. Additionally, a lot of the pass catchers for the Bears, such as Cole Kmet (ankle, knee), Rome Odunze (foot), and Luther Burden III (ankle), are all dealing with injuries. If any of the three miss time, it should move Loveland up the pecking order for additional targets, only increasing his chances at a higher floor and boom potential. The Bears (10-4) take on the Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) in a pivotal NFC North showdown at the top of the NFC North. In their last matchup in Week 14, Loveland saw five targets and turned that into four receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown (10.90 fantasy points). Loveland will be on the TE2 radar in Week 16.--Nicho Roessler
Source: RotoBaller

December 17, 2025

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl surpassed 1,000 career points during Tuesday's 6-4 road win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He needed only one point to become the first German player in NHL history to reach 1,000 career points in the regular season. Draisaitl finished the contest with four points, all coming through assists. The former MVP helped set up three power-play goals. This was Draisaitl's 824th career game, making him the fifth-fastest player born outside North America to reach the 1,000-point mark. Edmonton's No. 29 is a scoring machine and has showcased it in style this month, averaging two points per game across eight outings. For the season, Draisaitl has posted 17 goals and 47 points in 34 games.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

December 17, 2025

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (upper body) missed Tuesday's practice, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. Vegas' defensive star has sustained an upper-body injury and could be absent from the lineup for the first time this season when the team faces the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday. In 31 outings, Theodore has posted 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) with 48 blocks. He leads all Vegas skaters in ice time at 24:01 per game, working with Noah Hanifin on the first defensive pairing and anchoring the second power-play unit. Jeremy Lauzon (undisclosed) practiced fully on Tuesday and could be Theodore's replacement in the lineup against New Jersey.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Danny Webster

December 17, 2025

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (illness) didn't finish Tuesday's practice, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. Eichel's early departure from the session leaves his status uncertain for Wednesday's contest against the New Jersey Devils. The American star is battling an illness and could miss his first game of the season. It has been a sensational year for Eichel, who is attempting to post his first 100-point season. After 31 appearances, he is sitting on 12 goals and 41 points. Currently, Eichel is riding a five-game point streak, posting multiple points four times during that stretch. Brett Howden and Tomas Hertl will have a heavy workload in the middle if Eichel can't play against the Devils.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Danny Webster

December 17, 2025

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (upper body) was placed on Injured Reserve and will miss at least three games. L.A.'s No. 1 suffered an upper-body injury during Monday's loss to the Dallas Stars. The team has called up Pheonix Copley from the minors to fill in for Kuemper on the roster. Anton Forsberg will probably get the bulk of the starts until Kuemper returns, although Copley could be used during the Kings' upcoming back-to-back set. The 33-year-old has logged a 7-6-0 record in the AHL this season, allowing 3.13 goals with a .885 save percentage.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Los Angeles Kings

December 17, 2025

Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour (undisclosed) didn't finish Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. He exited the game in the third period after appearing to be hurt during a scuffle between several players. The Kraken have two more games to come this week, and it would be a blow for the team if one of their defensive leaders isn't available. Montour averages the second-most ice time among Kraken skaters at 21:55 per game and helps out on both ends of the ice. He has logged 16 points (six goals, 10 assists), 35 blocks, and 34 hits in 27 appearances. If Montour misses time, the Kraken will bring either Cale Fleury or Josh Mahura into the lineup.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Seattle Kraken PR

December 17, 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (hand) will sit out his 13th consecutive game on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls. He hasn't played for a month due to a right hand sprain. The injury has halted a career year for Merrill, who has averaged 13.9 points per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the three-point line. The absence of Merrill and Max Strus (foot) has allowed Jaylon Tyson to blossom. The 23-year-old sophomore has recorded three double-doubles this month, averaging 17.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists for December. Tyson and the Cavaliers have an outstanding fantasy matchup on Wednesday against a team ranked second in pace this season, but with a bottom-ten defensive efficiency.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 17, 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus (foot) will remain sidelined on Wednesday versus the Chicago Bulls. The veteran sniper underwent left foot surgery in August, and it still isn't clear when the Cavaliers can expect to have him in the lineup. Strus' ability to get hot from downtown would be a big asset for a Cleveland team that has connected on just 34.0 percent of its three-point attempts this season, ranking near the bottom of the league. Following surgery, Strus was given a 3-4-month recovery timeline, so his season debut may be approaching soon.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 17, 2025

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has played in only one of the last four games and might miss another contest due to a right thumb sprain. Players like Kevin Huerter, Isaac Okoro, Tre Jones, and Patrick Williams could all lose some minutes if Dosunmu is cleared to return. Dosunmu has taken a significant offensive leap this season, averaging a career-high 15.2 points per game with very efficient shooting. He has netted 47.5 percent of his triples, while shooting 51.9 percent from the field overall.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 17, 2025

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Brandon Clarke (knee) continues to inch closer to his season debut and may be ready for action on Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team has upgraded his status from doubtful to questionable on the injury report. Clarke had right knee surgery during the offseason. Currently, he would make for a vital addition to the Grizzlies' frontcourt, as Zach Edey (ankle) won't be available for several weeks. If Clarke can't make his return on Wednesday night, his next opportunity will come on Saturday against the Washington Wizards.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 17, 2025

Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer (personal) won't play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. He has been ruled out for personal reasons, missing his first game of the season. The 25-year-old has carved out a significant role in the Grizzlies' rotation and posted a career-high 27 points in Monday's win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Due to Spencer's absence, players like Cedric Coward, Vince Williams Jr., and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could be more involved in Wednesday's game, especially if Ja Morant (ankle) has to miss another contest.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 17, 2025

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley (Achilles) will miss a third consecutive game on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 38-year-old veteran has landed on the shelf due to right Achilles tendiopathy. With Conley missing from the lineup, Rob Dillingham's minutes have received a boost, but he has not been worthy of fantasy consideration. In Sunday's win over the Sacramento Kings, Dillingham notched five points, three assists, and one steal in 12 minutes. Bones Hyland, who filled in for Anthony Edwards (foot) in the starting unit on Sunday, could also pick up some of Conley's minutes.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

December 17, 2025

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine (ankle) will be re-evaluated in one week, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports. The two-time All-Star injured his left ankle in Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. LaVine also recently dealt with a thumb injury. He has had a difficult season in Sactown, averaging 20.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 32.8 minutes per game. Nique Clifford filled in for LaVine in the starting unit when he missed a game due to his thumb injury. The 23-year-old struggled in the contest, but it looks likely that he will now get a run of starts and has a chance to build momentum.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Jason Anderson

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