December 15, 2025
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Julian Strawther (back) has been cleared to return to the lineup on Monday versus the Houston Rockets. He has missed 12 games due to a back problem and was initially listed as questionable for the matchup. Strawther's return adds another body to the Nuggets' rotation, but he likely won't play a large role for the team, even with
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and
Christian Braun (ankle) on the shelf. This season, Strawther has been limited to 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.9 minutes per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 15, 2025
Los Angeles Clippers guard
James Harden (calf) will suit up on Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Due to a calf contusion, the former MVP was in danger of missing his second game of the season. However, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has confirmed that Harden will play. Recently, Harden dropped 34 points on the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he has been sluggish overall this month. In five December outings, Harden has posted 22.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. The veteran superstar met the Grizzlies only a couple of weeks ago, settling for 16 points in 36 minutes and handing out seven assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: Farbod Esnaashari
December 15, 2025
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that he's hoping that left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) will be back in the final three weeks of the season, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. O'Connell called Darrisaw's injury week-to-week and day-to-day. The 26-year-old has been dealing with a knee injury this month. He was able to play in Week 14 but was held out of the Sunday night win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15. Darrisaw's practice status this week will determine if he'll be available to protect quarterback
J.J. McCarthy's blind side in Week 16 on the road in New York versus the Giants. If Darrisaw misses a second straight game this weekend, Justin Skule will make another start at left tackle for the Vikings.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
December 15, 2025
The Denver Broncos placed safety Brandon Jones (pectoral) on Injured Reserve on Monday, according to Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Jones will be forced to miss the final three regular-season games and the first postseason game for Denver after he was injured in Sunday's 34-26 win over the visiting Green Bay Packers in Week 15. It's a notable loss for the Broncos in their secondary to close out the regular season, but thankfully for Denver, they've already clinched a playoff spot. With Jones out for at least the next four games, Devon Key will be the team's starting free safety, beginning this Sunday against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. The 27-year-old Jones is in his sixth year in the NFL (second with Denver) in 2025, and he has 78 tackles (43 solo), half a sack, one interception, seven pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in 14 games.
--Keith HernandezSource: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
December 15, 2025
Houston Rockets forward
Tari Eason (oblique) has been ruled out for Monday's clash against the Denver Nuggets, ESPN's Vanessa Richardson reports. He has been out of action since Nov. 14 due to a right oblique strain and isn't ready to return on Monday night after carrying a questionable tag on the initial injury report.
Jabari Smith Jr. has taken on some heavy minutes during Eason's absence, with the Rockets also relying more on
Josh Okogie and
Jae'Sean Tate. Eason's next opportunity to return will come on Thursday night in a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.
--Taavi PailkSource: Vanessa Richardson
December 15, 2025
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that the 21-day practice window for wide receiver
Mecole Hardman (calf) could be opened this week, according to Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com. Hardman is eligible to be activated to the 53-man roster from Injured Reserve for the team's Week 16 contest against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The 27-year-old has been on IR since Nov. 20 and has already missed the required four games. Even if he returns to practice this week, it won't be a lock that Hardman will be active this weekend against the Browns. And when Hardman returns to action, he'll probably only contribute on special teams as a kick returner. He's only been active for one game for the Bills this year and has no catches on one target.
--Keith HernandezSource: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
December 15, 2025
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) will be limited to 17-20 minutes in Monday's contest against the Utah Jazz, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports. The athletic big man has featured in only one of Dallas' six games, missing time due to a lingering ankle injury. The Mavericks are without
Anthony Davis (calf) on Monday, and with Gafford on a minutes restriction,
Dwight Powell could have a larger workload.
Moussa Cisse is also an option to get some work at the five spot.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Curtis
December 15, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring), who left Sunday's win over the Detroit Lions with a hamstring injury, is considered week-to-week, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. It's an aggravation of a previous injury he was dealing with, but Rapoport writes that it will almost certainly "knock him out" for Thursday night's big divisional clash against the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams aren't ruling out the 32-year-old veteran just yet for Week 16, but unfortunately, fantasy managers in their league's semifinal matchup probably won't have him available this week. The six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro currently leads the NFL with 14 touchdown receptions in 14 games in his first year in L.A., so it will be a big loss for the Rams' offense if he's out.
Tutu Atwell and
Jordan Whittington will have bigger roles behind
Puka Nacua, as will tight end
Colby Parkinson, who had two touchdowns in Week 15.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
December 15, 2025
Utah Jazz forward/center
Kyle Filipowski will make his eighth start of the season in Monday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports. A spot in the starting five opened up after
Jusuf Nurkic (rest) was ruled out for the contest. Filipowski posted a nice 21-point, 10-rebound double-double in his last start on Dec. 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Overall, he has averaged 9.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in a starting role this season. Filipowski is in a great spot to perform on Monday, as the Mavericks won't have
Anthony Davis (calf) in the lineup, and they are a team that allows the fifth-most fantasy points in the league to centers.
--Taavi PailkSource: Andy Larsen
December 15, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Roman Wilson will be a healthy inactive for the Monday Night Football game against the visiting Miami Dolphins in Week 15, according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. It's the second straight game that Wilson will sit on the sidelines without dealing with an injury. It coincides with the team picking up veteran
Adam Thielen for WR depth behind
DK Metcalf and
Calvin Austin III. The 24-year-old former third-rounder in 2024 has only 12 receptions on the year on 21 targets for 166 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games in his second year in the NFL. In addition to Thielen, the Steelers have added veteran wideout
Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their active roster, pushing Wilson further down the WR depth chart in Pittsburgh.
--Keith HernandezSource: Steelers.com - Teresa Varley
December 15, 2025
Dallas Mavericks point guard
Brandon Williams (Achilles) will miss Monday's meeting with the Utah Jazz. Earlier in the day, Williams was added to the injury report due to right Achilles soreness, and the team has downgraded him from questionable to out. Williams has been ever-present in the Mavericks lineup since November, averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals in 21.8 minutes this season. Rookie
Ryan Nembhard, who was promoted to the first unit late last month, looks set for a busy night in Dallas' backcourt, with
Jaden Hardy potentially also having a significant role to play.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dallas Mavericks PR
December 15, 2025
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (toe) won't play against the Toronto Raptors on Monday. He was a late scratch for the contest as Herro continues to deal with a toe injury.
Simone Fontecchio received the starting nod in Herro's place. Fontecchio's minutes have fluctuated lately, but he could secure a regular spot in the rotation again if Herro must miss additional time. Including Monday's contest, the 2025 All-Star has appeared in just one of the last four games due to a right big toe contusion.
--Taavi PailkSource: Miami Heat
December 15, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Jaylen Warren (illness), who was a late addition to the Week 15 injury report due to an illness, is officially active for the Monday night game against the visiting Miami Dolphins, according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. Fantasy managers can leave the 27-year-old in their starting lineups, but Warren may be spelled a bit more by backfield mate
Kenneth Gainwell against Miami. Warren has been Pittsburgh's primary RB all year and is averaging 12.0 half-PPR fantasy points per game on 652 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 159 rushing attempts. He's added 30 receptions for 277 yards and another two scores as a receiver. Warren has a pretty high ceiling as an RB2, as he's had double-digit touches in all 12 of his games in 2025 while averaging 15.8 touches and 77.4 scrimmage yards.
--Keith HernandezSource: Steelers.com - Teresa Varley
December 15, 2025
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
Anthony Davis (calf) won't play on Monday against the Utah Jazz. Davis was listed as questionable on the initial injury report. The star big man participated in the morning shootaround, but Davis won't be ready to play on Monday after making five consecutive appearances. Fortunately for the Mavericks, they will have
Daniel Gafford (ankle) available in the middle. Gafford has missed three games while managing an ankle injury. On Monday, Gafford will share the load at center with
Dwight Powell and
Moussa Cisse. This is a favorable matchup for Dallas' big men, as Utah gives up the seventh-most fantasy points to centers in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dallas Mavericks PR
December 15, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback
Trevor Lawrence is one of the hottest QBs in the league when it matters most for fantasy football managers. Lawrence took advantage of a great matchup against a bad New York Jets defense in Week 15 to go 20-for-32 passing for a season-high 330 yards and five passing touchdowns on Sunday. He added five carries for 51 yards on the ground and a sixth touchdown on the day. Since Week 12, Lawrence has thrown for 1,059 yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions on 119 pass attempts while running for 121 yards and another TD on 17 attempts. In the last five weeks, he's been the QB6 in overall fantasy points as he finally starts to click in head coach Liam Coen's offense. The addition of receiver
Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline has also helped Lawrence. The 26-year-old has become a popular waiver-wire pickup over this stretch. However, he could quickly come back down to Earth with a poor Week 16 matchup on the road in Denver against a strong Broncos defense.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 15, 2025
Utah Jazz forward
Georges Niang (foot) is not close to making his season debut, as the team announced he will be re-evaluated in two weeks. The veteran sniper has not been able to play so far this campaign due to a stress reaction in the fourth metatarsal of his left foot. Utah could really use Niang's shooting ability, as the team is currently ranked 25th in three-point shooting percentage. Niang has been a 40.6 percent career shooter beyond the arc. Youngsters like
Ace Bailey and
Brice Sensabaugh have more playing opportunities with Niang out.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA.com
December 15, 2025
Toronto Raptors forward
Jamison Battle (ankle) will be active against the Miami Heat on Monday, Zulfi Sheikh of Sportsnet reports. The 24-year-old has missed two games with a sprained ankle and was listed as probable on the initial injury report. Battle has been a bit-part player this season for the Raptors, averaging 8.1 minutes per game across 17 appearances. With
RJ Barrett (knee) sidelined, Battle's playing time has increased recently, but he still hasn't made an impact in fantasy basketball.
--Taavi PailkSource: Zulfi Sheikh
December 15, 2025
At least in deeper fantasy football leagues, New Orleans Saints running back
Audric Estime is worth looking at on waivers going into Week 16 action after rookie RB
Devin Neal injured his hamstring in the Week 15 upset win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Estime played a season-high 36% of the offensive snaps and split backfield work with
Evan Hull after Neal was injured in the second quarter. The 22-year-old handled three carries for 11 yards and also caught all three of his targets for an additional 39 yards. Hull had just one more carry than Estime and wasn't involved at all in the passing game. Estime could be in play as a deep-league RB3/flex option in a great Week 16 matchup against the New York Jets if both
Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) and Neal are unable to play. Keep in mind that both rookie quarterback
Tyler Shough (team-high eight carries on Sunday) and tight end
Taysom Hill could take valuable carries away from both Estime and Hull if Kamara and Neal are out this weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 15, 2025
Toronto Raptors guard
Immanuel Quickley (illness) will return from a one-game absence on Monday against the Miami Heat. Due to illness, Quickley missed his first game of the season last week against the New York Knicks.
Jamal Shead started in Quickley's place and will return to the second unit on Monday night. However, the continued absence of
RJ Barrett (knee) means Shead will likely remain a significant piece in the rotation. Quickley has blown hot and cold in December, averaging 19.5 points and 5.5 assists. He finds himself in a great spot to make noise on Monday, as the Heat allow the fifth-most fantasy points in the league to point guards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 15, 2025
Houston Texans rookie wide receiver
Jayden Higgins was held to just one target for the fifth time this season in Sunday's 40-20 blowout win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals. He caught one pass for a gain of four yards. The 23-year-old has four receptions on six targets for just 38 yards and no touchdowns in the last two games. The last time that Higgins had only one target came on Nov. 2 against the Denver Broncos. Higgins had a streak of five games with at least five targets from Weeks 9 to 14 before seeing just one look from quarterback
C.J. Stroud on Sunday. The second-rounder from Iowa State ranks third on the team with 397 receiving yards in 14 games this year, adding four touchdowns. While Higgins has been quiet the last two games, he's a good bet to bounce back with a strong game for fantasy managers in deeper leagues as a flex play in an excellent Week 16 matchup against the last-place Raiders. Higgins is rostered in 43% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 15, 2025
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
RJ Barrett (knee) will remain out on Monday against the Miami Heat but is expected to return soon. According to Sportsnet's Blake Murphy, Barrett will begin "return-to-play" activities this week. The Canadian star has missed nine games due to a right knee sprain. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection for his knee last week.
Jamal Shead has had a larger role in the rotation during Barrett's absence, averaging 8.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.4 steals across 24.4 minutes per game in December.
--Taavi PailkSource: Blake Murphy
December 15, 2025
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (hip) was diagnosed with a left hip contusion, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reports. This is a positive update, considering Suggs left the arena in a wheelchair after being injured in Saturday's loss to the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup semifinals. However, it remains unclear when Suggs will be available to return to the court. Orlando will be back in action on Thursday, facing the Denver Nuggets on the road.
Tyus Jones appears to be the most likely option to fill Suggs' place in the starting lineup, while
Tristan da Silva could see increased minutes coming off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 15, 2025
The Arizona Cardinals are unsure if running back
Bam Knight (ankle) will be able to play in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. "Not sure. It's an ankle, though. He was sore today," head coach Jonathan Gannon said when asked if he expects Knight to play this week. The 24-year-old was carted off the field in Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans and is believed to be dealing with a "bad sprain." The diagnosis alone should lead fantasy managers to believe that Knight probably won't play in Week 16, especially with the Cardinals eliminated from playoff contention. It wouldn't be a surprise if Knight doesn't play in the final three weeks of the season.
James Conner (foot) and
Trey Benson (knee) are out for the season, so the backfield would be split by
Michael Carter and
Emari Demercado if Knight is unable to play against Atlanta. We should have a better idea of Knight's Week 16 status in a few days.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Arizona Republic - Theo Mackie
December 15, 2025
Boston Celtics guard
Payton Pritchard (neck) will play on Monday against Detroit. He popped up on the injury report because of neck spasms. Fortunately, the 27-year-old won't miss his first game of the 2025 campaign. Pritchard is having a fantastic season, averaging 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, all career-highs. While he's shot a career-low 33.7% from behind the arc, he remains a must-start in all fantasy formats despite a tough matchup on the horizon.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 15, 2025
Denver Broncos second-year wide receiver
Troy Franklin went quiet in Weeks 13 and 14, with rookie wideout
Pat Bryant (hamstring) taking on a bigger role in the passing attack. Franklin resurfaced in Sunday's 34-26 win over the visiting Green Bay Packers, though, with Bryant sidelined with a hamstring injury. Although he played only 50% of the offensive snaps, the 22-year-old from Oregon caught all six of his targets for 85 yards and his sixth touchdown of the year. In the previous two games, Franklin had just five catches (seven targets) for 32 yards and no scores. With Bryant out in Week 15, Franklin finished second on the team in catches, targets, and receiving yards. His touchdown was a beautiful 23-yard hookup with quarterback
Bo Nix to end the third quarter. Franklin's Week 16 fantasy value will largely hinge on whether Bryant can return to face the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 15, 2025
San Jose Sharks forward Will Smith (undisclosed) was placed on Injured Reserve on Monday, along with fellow forward Philipp Kurashev (upper body). Both players were hurt during Saturday's win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Losing Smith is a bigger blow for the Sharks, as the 20-year-old has been the team's second-highest scorer in 2025-26. Across 33 outings, Smith has produced 12 goals and 29 points. Smith and Kurashev skated alongside teenage phenom Macklin Celebrini on the top line against Pittsburgh. With both sidelined, players such as William Eklund and Jeff Skinner may now have an opportunity to step into the top six.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 15, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end
Oronde Gadsden led the team in receiving in the team's 16-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, with four catches for 61 yards on five targets, posting a 19% target share against a tough defense. However, his route participation dropped to 64%, the first time below 80% since becoming the starter, as the Chargers focused on extra pass protection and a run-heavy approach. Gadsden has now gone four straight games without a red-zone target, limiting his touchdown upside. Week 16 features a matchup against a Dallas Cowboys defense that has struggled significantly against receivers but has only allowed four touchdowns to tight ends all season. Gadsden remains a low-end TE1 or streaming option offering a modest floor but limited scoring upside.
--Don FanelliSource: NFL
December 15, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Ladd McConkey had another quiet game in the team's 16-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, catching just two passes for 20 yards and posting one of his lowest target shares of the season at 11.5%. Despite ranking near the top of the league in routes run, McConkey's production has declined as the Chargers shift to a run-heavy offense to compensate for offensive line issues and an injured
Justin Herbert. Even with
Quentin Johnston out, McConkey saw fewer targets and no red-zone targets, as opportunities were distributed elsewhere. Week 16 offers a potential rebound against a Dallas Cowboys secondary that ranks last in passing yards and touchdowns allowed, but game script remains a concern. McConkey remains a volatile, low-end WR2 with upside in a possibly favorable matchup.
--Don FanelliSource: NFL
December 15, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (undisclosed) will remain out on Monday against the Florida Panthers but is nearing his return. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper told reporters on Monday morning that he's hopeful Vasilevskiy will return to action before Christmas. After Monday night, Tampa Bay has three more games scheduled before the holiday break. Jonas Johansson will remain between the sticks on Monday. Although Johansson has gone 2-3-1 over his last six starts, he has posted a strong 2.19 goals-against average with a .916 save percentage. The Swedish netminder will face a sharp offense on Monday, as the Panthers are averaging 3.13 goals per game this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 15, 2025
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (shoulder) will miss the rest of the season with a left-shoulder injury, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. Greenard originally injured his left shoulder in Week 10 and missed two games. Greenard had been playing on a part-time basis in the last three games before aggravating the injury in the 34-26 Sunday night win over the hosting Dallas Cowboys. He will undergo surgery and is expected to be at full strength for the start of next season. The 28-year-old pass-rusher was limited to 12 games this year due to his shoulder injury, and he will finish with three sacks while ranking fifth in the league with a 13.5% pressure rate. Second-year linebacker Dallas Turner should have a full-time role in Minnesota for the final three games with Greenard out. Greenard signed a four-year, $72 million contract in 2024 and recorded 12 sacks in 17 games to earn Pro Bowl honors.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
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