December 21, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Ja'Marr Chase was once again a tough player to stop during Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Chase has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a disappointing season for the Bengals. On Sunday, Chase hauled in nine of his 11 targets for 109 yards in Sunday's 45-21 victory over the Dolphins. This marked the third time in the last four games that Chase has surpassed the 100-yard mark in a game. The return of quarterback
Joe Burrow has certainly helped boost his play in the previous four contests. Chase is one of the best wideouts in the league and will continue to be an elite fantasy option for next week's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback
Joe Burrow needed a bounce-back game after throwing two interceptions during last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Burrow delivered a massive performance for fantasy managers during Sunday's 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins. The 29-year-old completed 25-of-32 passing attempts for 309 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for six yards on two attempts during Sunday's victory. He connected with
Tee Higgins for a nine-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He would later find running back
Chase Brown for two short-yardage scores in the third quarter. Burrow would finish off his day with a 17-yard touchdown to
Mike Gesicki in the fourth quarter. Burrow is back to his elite ways and will get a promising matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Justin Jefferson looked more like his old self on Sunday by catching six passes on eight targets for 85 yards despite losing his starting quarterback for the second half in a 16-13 victory against the New York Giants. The superstar receiver had multiple impressive catch-and-runs, made an excellent sideline catch, and was on pace for a big day, but settled for merely a good one after
J.J. McCarthy (hand) was lost for the day right before halftime. Still, it was a welcome slump-buster for Jefferson, who caught more than five passes for the first time since Week 9 and surpassed 80 yards for the first time since Week 5. It was a welcome sight for managers who survived the worst three-game stretch of Jefferson's career, but the immediate future looks uncertain. If McCarthy cannot return in time for a Christmas Day showdown against Detroit, undrafted rookie
Max Brosmer would be in line for another start.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Chris Olave caught 10 of his 16 targets for 148 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 win over the New York Jets. Olave is having quite the redemption campaign in New Orleans this season, as he now has over 1,000 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns. He ranks among the top eight fantasy receivers in scoring (full-PPR) this season, which is also the highest mark of his career. One of the biggest factors toward Olave's success has been his health. Knock on wood, the 25-year-old has not yet missed a game this season. He missed three games over his first two pro seasons, and he was sidelined for a whopping nine contests last year. As long as Olave stays healthy for the final two weeks of the year, he'll continue to be a strong WR1 option rest-of-season. That includes Week 17, when the Saints face off against the Titans and could deliver another double-digit margin of victory.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 21, 2025
Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (upper body) won't be available until after the Christmas break, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports. The Red Wings have one more game before the break, facing the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. This will mark Kane's fifth consecutive absence. Kane has been sharp when in the lineup this season, posting 23 points (six goals, 17 assists) in 24 appearances. John Leonard has been doing a great job as his replacement on the second line, scoring in back-to-back games and amassing three points (two goals, one assist) in four outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Helene St. James
December 21, 2025
Buffalo Bills running back
James Cook had 16 carries, 117 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 win over the Cleveland Browns. He also converted two targets into one catch for 17 receiving yards. Cook's quest for the NFL rushing title continued against a Browns defense that has been absolutely ripped apart by opposing running backs over the last three weeks. Buffalo's primary ball-carrier now has 14 touchdowns and over 1,800 scrimmage yards on the year, including five trips to the end zone in his last two games. Preseason concerns that Cook was due for regression have been completely unfounded, as he remains one of the top fantasy running backs while continuing to play a massive role around the goal line. He's a very strong RB1 option with a high ceiling heading into Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 21, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback
Justin Herbert completed 23 of his 29 pass attempts for 300 yards, two passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 16 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He also had eight rushing attempts, 42 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. Herbert put together a phenomenal fantasy performance with three total touchdowns and zero turnovers. He also made an impact on the ground and led the Chargers to a key win in the midst of the playoff hunt. After four consecutive games where Herbert was less than 100% due to injury, it was very encouraging to see him bounce back in such a huge way. After Sunday's big outing, managers should trust Herbert as a solid QB1 option heading into Week 17, despite facing off against a strong Houston Texans defense.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 21, 2025
Buffalo Sabres center Tyson Kozak (upper body) won't play on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils, Mike Morreale of NHL.com reports. He suffered an upper-body injury during Thursday's win over the Philadelphia Flyers and will be sidelined for a second consecutive game. With Kozak out, Buffalo has lost one of its most physical players, as the 22-year-old ranks third on the team with 62 hits. Offensively, Kozak has contributed two goals and two assists in 24 outings this season. Josh Dunne has taken over fourth-line center duties for the Sabres.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Morreale
December 21, 2025
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) will return from a two-game absence on Sunday night versus Brooklyn. He's getting back on the floor at a perfect time, considering the Nets are one of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association. With Poeltl available,
Sandro Mamukelashvili, who had 24 points and five rebounds on Saturday against the Boston Celtics, will likely return to the bench, significantly decreasing his fantasy value.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Vivek Jacob
December 21, 2025
Edmonton Oilers forward Jack Roslovic (lower body) was activated from long-term Injured Reserve and is expected to return from an 11-game absence on Sunday night against the Vegas Golden Knights. Roslovic has been a great pickup for the Oilers, totaling 10 goals and 18 points in 23 appearances. Despite missing nearly a month of action, the 28-year-old remains Edmonton's third-highest goal-scorer. He has found the back of the net in each of his last two appearances. Roslovic last managed a three-game goal streak in November 2024. On Sunday, Roslovic is projected to join Vasily Podkolzin and Leon Draisaitl on the second line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 21, 2025
Washington Wizards center
Alexandre Sarr (adductor) won't suit up against the Spurs. He missed six games because of this issue. However, the 20-year-old has appeared in the previous two contests, most recently amassing an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double in Saturday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies. With
Marvin Bagley III (calf) also out,
Tristan Vukcevic is expected to enter the starting lineup. Unfortunately, fantasy participants may want to look elsewhere for a streaming option, considering Vukcevic had just four points and three boards in his only start this season. It also won't help that the Spurs have
Victor Wembanyama and
Luke Kornet roaming around underneath the basket.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 21, 2025
New Jersey Devils winger Arseni Gritsyuk (upper body) has been cleared for action and will return from a four-game absence on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. The Devils' offense will get a big boost for Sunday's contest, as Jack Hughes (hand) and Timo Meier (personal) will also be available. Gritsyuk is expected to be paired with Hughes on the same line. The Russian winger has amassed 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 31 games during this rookie campaign, tied for the seventh-most among first-year players. In his first meeting with Buffalo, Gritsyuk potted two goals in a 5-0 win on Nov. 27.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 21, 2025
Washington Wizards center
Marvin Bagley III (calf) won't play on Sunday against the Spurs.
Alexandre Sarr (adductor) is also unavailable, so the Wizards will be shorthanded at the five spot.
Tristan Vukcevic, who had four points and three rebounds in his only start this season, is expected to handle most of the work in the middle. However, despite a potential uptick in fantasy production, Vukcevic could have a tough time getting anything going versus a Spurs team that will have
Victor Wembanyama and
Luke Kornet patrolling underneath the basket.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 21, 2025
New Jersey Devils winger Timo Meier (personal) will return to action on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. He has sat out five games for personal reasons. The Swiss forward has managed only one point in his last four appearances. However, Meier recorded a six-game point streak not long ago and has had a good bounce-back season. Across 30 outings, Meier has recorded 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) and 61 hits. He returns in a good matchup, facing a Sabres team that allows 29.9 shots and 3.35 goals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 21, 2025
Miami Heat forward
Davion Mitchell (ankle) will play on Sunday against the Knicks. He didn't play in Friday's loss to the Boston Celtics, although the ankle sprain won't keep him off the floor for more than a game. The 27-year-old has averaged 9.9 points, 1.3 steals, and a career-high 7.7 assists this season. With
Tyler Herro (toe) unavailable, Mitchell might benefit offensively.
Kasparas Jakucionis, who had 17 points and six rebounds as a starter on Friday, will presumably head back to the bench now that Mitchell is clear to suit up.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Miami Heat
December 21, 2025
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (hand) will rejoin the lineup on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. He has missed 18 games after sustaining a "freak" hand injury at a team dinner last month. Hughes is expected to slot back into the top-line center role and will work on the first power-play unit. Before his injury, Hughes showed fantastic form, notching 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 17 outings. He averages over four shots per contest and could have a very productive comeback game on Sunday against a team that allows the seventh-most goals in the NHL.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Miami Heat forward
Andrew Wiggins (back) will play on Sunday versus the Knicks after missing Friday's loss to the Boston Celtics. The 30-year-old isn't having the best season, averaging 16.3 points, the second-lowest mark of his career. However,
Tyler Herro (toe) remains sidelined, meaning Wiggins could pick up more of the slack on the scoring end.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., who had 14 points and eight rebounds against the Celtics, will presumably head back to the bench now that Wiggins is cleared to suit up.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Miami Heat
December 21, 2025
New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller (upper body) will exit the lineup on Sunday against the Nashville Predators and is considered week-to-week. The Rangers captain suffered an upper-body injury during Saturday's shootout win against the Philadelphia Flyers. While Miller faces a spell on the sidelines, he is expected to be available for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics. Miller's fantasy production has been disappointing this season. After being a 100-point player a couple of campaigns back, the 32-year-old has recorded 10 goals and 22 points in 35 contests. Taylor Raddysh is projected to enter the Rangers' lineup as Miller's replacement.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 21, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback
Shedeur Sanders completed 20 of his 29 pass attempts for 157 yards and one touchdown, but threw two interceptions in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Sanders managed to overcome an injured pinky finger on his throwing hand, which forced him out of the game for a few plays, and completed 69% of his passes, his best passing completion percentage of the year. Most notably, the rookie play caller had four rushes for 49 yards, also a season high. If Sanders continues to gain yards on the ground, which helps to support his fantasy points floor, he may become a more appealing deep league Superflex option. Looking ahead, the Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, whose defense gives up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks for the year.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie running back
Raheim Sanders led the Browns' backfield after rookie running back
Quinshon Judkins (ankle, leg) left the game early due to an injury during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Buffalo Bills. Sanders substituted in as the early downs back and turned his 11 rushing attempts into 42 yards. He also brought in one reception for four yards, but running back
Trayveon Williams saw the majority of the backfield's passing opportunities. The Cleveland Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, who are a tough matchup for opposing running backs. With rookie running back
Dylan Sampson (hand) still managing an injury and Judkins at risk of missing the rest of the season, Sanders may emerge as the starter against the Steelers.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Cleveland Browns running back
Trayveon Williams came in after rookie running back
Quinshon Judkins (ankle, leg) exited early with a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Buffalo Bills. The veteran back caught all four of his targets for 38 yards and ran the ball three times for 17 yards, but saw fewer rush attempts than rookie running back
Raheim Sanders. The Cleveland Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, who are a tough matchup for opposing running backs. With rookie running back
Dylan Sampson (hand) still managing an injury and Judkins almost certainly missing the rest of the season, Williams should profile as the primary passing-down back in the upcoming gritty AFC North matchup.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. hauled in four of his six targets for 34 yards and scored two total touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Buffalo Bills. Fannin Jr. set a franchise record for most receptions by a rookie in a season and, for the third straight week, he led the team in receptions and targets. The Browns offense continued to manufacture touches for Fannin Jr., as evidenced by his rushing touchdown after lining up as a fullback and receiving an inside handoff. Fannin Jr. has a great matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense in Week 17, which has allowed the second-most points to tight ends this season. With tight end
David Njoku (knee) still on the mend and rookie running back
Quinshon Judkins (knee, leg) suffering a serious injury in Week 16, Fannin Jr. is postured to remain a focal point in an offense that is looking for ways to get him the ball.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Marcus Mariota (right hand, quad) is day-to-day ahead of Thursday's Week 17 contest against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Dan Quinn told the media. Mariota's right hand injury, which forced him out of Saturday's Week 16 loss to the Eagles, required stitches. He is also dealing with a quad ailment.
Josh Johnson relieved Mariota on Saturday and finished the game. Now, it appears that the veteran journeyman has a chance to become the Commanders' third different quarterback to start a game this season. Managers invested in Mariota's availability should closely monitor the Commanders' injury reports from Monday through Wednesday.
--Andersen PickardSource: Zach Selby
December 21, 2025
Cleveland Browns running back
Quinshon Judkins (leg, knee) has been diagnosed with a broken leg and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. He is also being evaluated for a knee injury. It's a devastating end to a promising rookie campaign for the second-round pick out of Ohio State. He finishes the season with 827 rushing yards, 171 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns through 15 games. Judkins will now begin recovering in hopes of making a full recovery ahead of the 2026 season. If healthy, he'll rank as a fringe top-12 running back in next summer's fantasy drafts. As for the Browns' short-term outlook,
Dylan Sampson (hand) has a chance to return in Week 17 and lead Cleveland's backfield the rest of the way.
Raheim Sanders should also earn more touches out of the backfield.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
December 21, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback
Gardner Minshew (left knee) likely tore his ACL during Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Tennessee Titans, according to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest. The veteran signal-caller exited in the first half after completing just three of his eight pass attempts for 15 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and zero turnovers. He also had eight rushing yards. This is deflating news for the Chiefs, who have now lost both
Patrick Mahomes (knee) and Minshew to torn ACLs in back-to-back weeks. This crushing sequence of injuries will leave third-string quarterback
Chris Oladokun in line to start on Thursday against the Denver Broncos. Outside of Oladokun, Kansas City has no healthy quarterbacks on its active roster or practice squad, so they'll likely make an addition or two within the next few days. In the meantime, Minshew will undergo additional testing to confirm his initial diagnosis.
--Andersen PickardSource: Matt Derrick
December 21, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal (neck) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had just five carries for 11 rushing yards. After a couple of weeks splitting touches with
Omarion Hampton, Vidal took on a smaller role this weekend while Hampton got more involved. Even if Vidal returns Sunday, he'll likely remain in a change-of-pace role. While he's sidelined,
Hassan Haskins will operate as Los Angeles' No. 2 option out of the backfield.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 21, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kaleb Johnson (coach's decision) and wide receiver
Roman Wilson (coach's decision) are both healthy scratches for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Detroit Lions. Johnson is inactive for the very first time in his rookie campaign. The 22-year-old played just 3% of the snaps last Monday versus Miami, and he has just 28 carries, 69 rushing yards, one catch, and nine receiving yards so far this year.
Jaylen Warren and
Kenneth Gainwell are the Steelers' only active running backs on Sunday. Meanwhile, Wilson is inactive for the third game in a row. He has 12 catches, 166 yards, and two touchdowns in his second NFL campaign, and he hasn't caught a pass since Week 11. At the wide receiver position,
Scotty Miller and
Ben Skowronek are active, offering additional depth behind
DK Metcalf,
Calvin Austin III, and
Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
--Andersen PickardSource: Pittsburgh Steelers
December 21, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
Ryan Flournoy (knee) won't return to Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. He exited in the second quarter and was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out. Despite being behind
CeeDee Lamb and
George Pickens on the depth chart, the 26-year-old carved out a role for himself before departing. He finishes the game with two catches, 18 yards, and a touchdown. He'll now have just four days to get healthy before the Cowboys return to action on Christmas Day against the Washington Commanders. Look for KaVonte Turpin and
Jonathan Mingo to earn more snaps in his absence.
--Andersen PickardSource: Patrik Walker
December 21, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Christian Kirk (illness) is officially active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. He had been listed as questionable after missing Friday's practice. The veteran receiver is healthy enough to suit up this weekend, but he'll likely continue to operate in a depth role behind wide receivers
Nico Collins and
Jayden Higgins. He could also be out-targeted and out-produced by tight end
Dalton Schultz once again. As it stands, he ranks as RotoBaller's WR80 and can be benched or dropped to waivers in fantasy football.
--Andersen PickardSource: Aaron Wilson
December 21, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Nick Chubb (ribs) is officially active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after practicing in full. The veteran will be tasked with leading Houston's backfield on Sunday after
Woody Marks (ankle) was ruled out. Chubb has previously shown that he's capable of handling a lead-back workload both in Cleveland and Houston. However, he'll likely share plenty of opportunities this week with
Jawhar Jordan and
Dare Ogunbowale. Chubb ranks as a high-end RB3, and Jordan has the potential to sneak into the low-end RB3/flex tier.
--Andersen PickardSource: Aaron Wilson
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