December 20, 2025
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
Anthony Davis (illness) has been upgraded from probable to available and will hit the court on Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Davis picked up a probable tag on the injury report after dealing with an illness earlier this week. Philadelphia has ruled out
Joel Embiid (illness) for the contest, making this a more favorable matchup for Davis. The 10-time All-Star has posted back-to-back double-doubles, averaging 19.8 points and 12.3 rebounds in 30.8 minutes this month.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dallas Mavericks PR
December 20, 2025
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown (illness) won't play on Saturday against the Toronto Raptors. This was expected after Brown logged 35 minutes in Friday's win over the Miami Heat and was handed a doubtful tag on the initial injury report. With Brown out, Boston's offense will rely on
Derrick White,
Payton Pritchard, and
Anfernee Simons. Meanwhile,
Sam Hauser could play a larger role in the rotation as Brown's replacement in the first unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: Boston Celtics
December 20, 2025
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (upper body) will return from a two-game absence on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He will replace Jayden Struble in the lineup. Noah Dobson's arrival in Montreal has impacted Matheson's role on the blue line, but he remains a crucial piece for the Canadiens. The veteran leads the team in ice time, averaging 24:54 per game. He has logged 16 points (four goals, 12 assists), 39 shots, 69 blocks, and 22 hits in 32 games. In a matchup against his former team, Matheson will hope to avoid a season-worst five-game point drought on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 20, 2025
San Jose Sharks defenseman Timothy Liljegren (upper body) will miss Saturday's contest against the Seattle Kraken. He will be absent for a second time in four games after sustaining an upper-body injury during the morning skate. Liljegren has had a limited offensive role with the Sharks, recording zero goals and four assists in 28 contests this season. However, his presence will be missed in the defensive zone, as Liljegren sits second on the team with 63 blocks. The Swedish blue-liner will be replaced in the lineup by Vincent Iorio, who will make his 12th appearance of the season. He also hasn't scored a goal this season, logging one assist, 14 blocks, and nine hits.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 20, 2025
Florida Panthers right wing Mackie Samoskevich (lower body) has been ruled out for Saturday's clash against the St. Louis Blues. He is considered day-to-day after sustaining a lower-body injury during Friday's comeback victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. While seeing some time in the top six, Samoskevich has contributed four goals and 13 assists in 34 games. Florida will replace the young forward with Jack Studnicka on Saturday. Studnicka has yet to score points this season, going minus-four across eight outings. Samoskevich will get his first chance to return on Tuesday in a rematch against Carolina.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 20, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (hamstring) exited during the first quarter of Saturday's Week 16 contest. He is officially listed as questionable to return. Dean suffered the injury while tackling
Treylon Burks on a completion over the middle. The 25-year-old had four sacks over his previous six games, so Philadelphia will hope he's able to return sooner rather than later. In the meantime, first-round rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell will enter the game in Dean's absence.
--Andersen PickardSource: Philadelphia Eagles
December 20, 2025
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Jaylin Lane (ankle) exited during the first quarter of Saturday's Week 16 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie is officially listed as questionable to return. He suffered the injury while returning a punt prior to the start of Washington's second offensive drive. Lane had not registered an offensive statistic at the time of his departure. In his absence,
Treylon Burks and
Chris Moore could earn more snaps behind starting wide receivers
Terry McLaurin and
Deebo Samuel Sr.--Andersen PickardSource: Zach Selby
December 20, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) will play on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Cirelli didn't finish Thursday's loss to the Los Angeles Kings due to an undisclosed injury. However, he won't miss additional time and will remain in the lineup against Carolina. Cirelli has contributed nine goals and 10 assists in 30 outings this term. He has been slumping offensively for a while, finishing nine of his last 11 games pointless. The 28-year-old last scored a goal nearly a month ago, lighting the lamp on Nov. 24 in a 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 20, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (upper body) was placed on Injured Reserve on Saturday, Diandra Loux of The Hockey News reports. He will miss his second consecutive game on Saturday night against the Carolina Hurricanes and won't be eligible to be activated until Dec. 27. Tampa Bay also faces the St. Louis Blues on Monday before the Christmas break. Hagel tops the Lightning with 18 goals and has accumulated 31 points over 32 games. In Hagel's absence, Gage Goncalves has landed in a top-six role, but he isn't expected to make a significant impact.
--Taavi PailkSource: Diandra Loux
December 20, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (illness) is a game-time decision for Saturday's tilt against the Carolina Hurricanes. On Thursday, Kucherov was a late scratch for a meeting with the Los Angeles Kings. He has been dealing with an illness and didn't skate on Saturday morning. Kucherov has once again been a scoring machine with the Lightning, notching 42 points (13 goals, 29 assists) in 30 outings. Brandon Hagel (upper body) has already been ruled out for Saturday, giving Gage Goncalves a top-six job. However, he has limited fantasy value, producing seven points (two goals, five assists) in 30 appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 20, 2025
New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller (upper body) left Saturday's 5-4 shootout win against the Philadelphia Flyers in the third period. He contributed an assist as the Rangers turned a 4-2 deficit into a win thanks to a third-period comeback. However, Miller appeared to have hurt his arm or shoulder with eight minutes left in regulation. The Rangers captain has had a disappointing campaign, totaling 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in 35 contests. A serious injury would be another setback for him. Jonny Brodzinski and Taylor Raddysh are the candidates to enter the lineup if Miller is deemed unhealthy to play on Sunday against the Nashville Predators.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
The Carolina Panthers won't activate wide receiver
David Moore (elbow) from Injured Reserve this week, according to Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. Moore landed on IR after suffering an elbow injury during Carolina's 42-13 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 4. The 30-year-old wideout has just one catch for five yards in his four games played this season. The veteran will hope to return to action for Week 17's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Mike Kaye
December 20, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams have fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Rams' special teams have played a role in three of their four losses this season, including Thursday night's massive game against the Seattle Seahawks, which essentially decides the top seed in the NFC. It's a surprising development for the league's most dominant team this year and marks the first in-season coaching change in Sean McVay's tenure.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Adam Schefter
December 20, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Christian Watson (chest, shoulder) should be able to go for Saturday night's divisional matchup against the Chicago Bears, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Watson missed Tuesday's practice but practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday this week. The 26-year-old wideout was sent to the hospital after suffering injuries to his chest and shoulder during last week's loss to the Denver Broncos, but said that he was "feeling pretty good" this week and will suit up for a big matchup on Saturday night. Watson has been the Packers' most explosive pass catcher since returning in Week 8 and offers WR2 upside in a favorable matchup against the Bears.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Ian Rapoport
December 20, 2025
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) will benefit from his team's high-volume passing attack if he's healthy enough to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. Harrison has missed four of the last five games due to various injuries, but he's making good progress ahead of Sunday's battle of eliminated NFC teams. The former first-round pick was limited in practice this week and told reporters that he's healthy enough to play. Assuming he's confirmed as active for Week 16, Harrison should operate as a high-volume WR2. The Cardinals' passing attack has been impressive ever since
Jacoby Brissett took over for
Kyler Murray (foot). Brissett is averaging 43 pass attempts and 301 passing yards per game as a starter, and he has been a top-12 fantasy quarterback in each of his nine starts. Arizona's high passing volume has allowed Brissett to support fantasy-relevant performances from Harrison,
Michael Wilson, and
Trey McBride. Therefore, Arizona's game plan and Week 16 game script against the Falcons bodes well for Harrison to deliver a solid fantasy performance. The Falcons have allowed the fourth-most touchdowns and seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2025. Harrison ranks as the overall WR36 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16, but he could climb into the top 24 once he's officially confirmed as active on Sunday.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
The Buffalo Bills have elevated kicker
Michael Badgley from the practice squad to the active roster and activated wide receiver
Mecole Hardman (calf) from Injured Reserve. Badgley will be filling in for an injured
Matt Prater (quadriceps), who could be looking at a multi-game absence. The 30-year-old Badgley was signed to the Bills' practice squad after beginning the season with the Indianapolis Colts, where he made 10 of his 11 field goal attempts and 18 of his 21 extra points in seven games. Hardman, on the other hand, landed on IR after injuring his calf in his first game with the Bills in Week 11's win over the Buccaneers. The 27-year-old wideout is unlikely to be a significant factor in the Bills' offense, but should play a role on special teams in Week 16's game versus the Cleveland Browns.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Buffalo Bills PR
December 20, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Emari Demercado is expected to handle an increased workload against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16, but his fantasy outlook remains murky. He is on track to operate as the backup to
Michael Carter this week after
Zonovan Knight (ankle) was placed on injured reserve. While Demercado was viewed as Arizona's passing-down specialist at points earlier this season, it's unclear whether that remains his role given how well Carter has performed in the passing game lately. Carter has 19 catches over his last five games, whereas Demercado has just 10 catches through parts of 10 games this year. Rather than being a true passing-down specialist, it seems more likely that the 26-year-old will fall into a change-of-pace role, allowing the Cardinals to manage Carter's workload and keep him fresh. Demercado has shown impressive burst in the past, and his 8.3 yards per carry over the last two seasons indicates that he's capable of breaking off big plays. His fantasy value in Week 16 likely hinges on whether he's able to break off any big runs or catches against the Falcons. In other words, he'll need high efficiency to overcome a backup's workload. He currently ranks as the RB51 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) missed practice for the third straight day on Saturday and is considered unlikely to play Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports. Pearsall aggravated his PCL injury during last week's win over the Tennessee Titans and is set to miss more time. The second-year wideout still produced a strong receiving line despite picking up the injury, catching six of seven targets for 96 yards.
Jauan Jennings should be in line to see an uptick in opportunities behind
Christian McCaffrey and
George Kittle in San Francisco's pass game on Monday night, with
Kendrick Bourne also in line to fill in for extra reps.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Matt Barrows
December 20, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard
Collin Sexton (quadriceps) isn't available for Saturday's game in Detroit. He was initially listed as questionable, so it appears he's inching closer toward a return. However, that won't happen on Saturday night. With
LaMelo Ball recently returning from a stint on the shelf, Sexton's fantasy ceiling should be lower once he's healthy enough to get back on the floor. Until that happens,
KJ Simpson and
Sion James may continue to see more action, although that could change with
Tre Mann (knee) available to suit up after missing the last seven contests.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 20, 2025
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Michael Wilson should remain a strong fantasy option against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16 despite the potential return of
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel). Harrison, listed as questionable, is working his way back from missing four games in the last five weeks. Wilson has been at his best when Harrison is inactive. During those four games, he averaged a whopping 15.0 targets, 10.3 catches, 124.8 yards, and 0.8 touchdowns. Harrison's potential return would certainly lower his ceiling and floor, but he can still be a viable fantasy starter, especially with
Jacoby Brissett throwing the ball at least 40 times every game. Wilson has low-end WR1 upside if Harrison sits out, and he'd be a low-end WR2 or high-end WR3 with Harrison playing. Even if Harrison suits up, we wouldn't be surprised to see Wilson lead the Cardinals' wide receiver room in snaps, targets, catches, and yards, given how well he has played lately. He ranks as the overall WR15 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee, illness) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Mavericks. The 2023 MVP logged three-straight appearances recently, combining for 77 points during that stretch. However, not only is he back on the report for injury management purposes, he's also dealing with an illness. If Embiid gets ruled out,
Andre Drummond will presumably take his place in the rotation once again, with the 32-year-old finishing with 14 points and 13 rebounds in Friday's win over the New York Knicks.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 20, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie tight end
Gunnar Helm (toe) is expected to play on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Helm was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being upgraded to full on Friday. The rookie fourth-rounder has emerged as one of the few bright spots on the Titans' offense in recent weeks. He caught all four of his targets for 49 yards and his second touchdown of the season in last week's loss to the 49ers. The Texas product leads the team with 131 receiving yards over the past four games, ranking as the TE15 in that span. Helm's stock is trending up, and he projects as an upside TE2 option even in a tougher matchup on Sunday against a Kansas City Chiefs defense that has given up the fifth fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Jeremy Fowler
December 20, 2025
Boston Celtics forward
Jaylen Brown (illness) is questionable for Saturday's matchup with Toronto. Like many of the players around the National Basketball Association of late, Brown's not feeling well. Considering he amassed 30 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in 35 minutes against the Heat on Friday night, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised to see him miss the meeting with the Raptors. If that's the case,
Sam Hauser,
Anfernee Simons, or
Hugo Gonzalez are the favorites to enter the starting lineup.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 20, 2025
Arizona Cardinals tight end
Trey McBride remains a top fantasy option despite a difficult matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. On paper, it may appear that the odds are stacked against McBride. Not only is he facing a Falcons defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, but he could also face additional competition if
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel, questionable) returns from his two-game absence. However, McBride has consistently established himself as matchup-proof this year, so he should feast despite facing Atlanta. Furthermore, he could still lead the team in targets and catches, even if Harrison does return to the mix. In total this year, the 26-year-old has 105 catches, 1,071 yards, and a career-high 10 touchdowns. He is on track to finish this year as the overall TE1 in PPR leagues after finishing 2024 as the TE2. McBride has especially benefited from the presence of quarterback
Jacoby Brissett. In full-PPR leagues, he averaged 12.5 fantasy points per game with
Kyler Murray (foot) as the starter, and a whopping 23.3 fantasy points per game with Brissett as the starter. We should expect more otherworldly, video-game numbers from McBride this week. He's the undisputed TE1 in this week's fantasy rankings and should be a must-start as the fantasy playoffs continue.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Tennessee Titans tight end
Chig Okonkwo isn't a realistic fantasy option for Week 16's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Okonkwo has yet to find the end zone in 14 games this season and hasn't exceeded four catches in a game. The 26-year-old tight end is second on the team in receiving yards over the past four games, but that's more of a reflection of how poor the Titans' offense is. Okonkwo has a tough matchup on deck in Week 16 against a Kansas City Chiefs defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. He's fallen outside the top 32 tight ends in RotoBaller's Week 16 rankings.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 20, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver
Elic Ayomanor hasn't been a trustworthy fantasy option despite playing a full-time role since the start of the season. Ayomanor has caught just one ball in each of the past three games after recording multiple receptions in his first 10 games. His two lowest target totals of the season have also come in the past two games. The rookie fourth-rounder has scored double-digit PPR points twice in 13 games, coming back in Weeks 2 and 3. Ayomanor is tough to trust beyond a deep league FLEX option for Week 16's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 20, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter should lead the backfield against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16, reinforcing his fantasy value as a low-end RB2 or high-end RB3 in fantasy football. Carter will handle a larger workload this week after
Zonovan Knight (ankle) was placed on injured reserve. After Knight exited last weekend, Carter played a season-high 80% snap share with 14 carries, 56 rushing yards, four catches, and 38 receiving yards. The 26-year-old is likely headed for similar volume this Sunday, but we also wouldn't be surprised if
Emari Demercado eats into his workload slightly. Nevertheless, Carter should remain the clear No. 1 back heading into a favorable matchup against the Falcons, who have allowed the 13th-most rushing yards and 14th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. A spread of ATL -3.0 also indicates that this should be a competitive game, which is another reason why we expect Carter to see a healthy dose of carries and targets. He ranks as the overall RB25 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver
Chimere Dike has held down a full-time role in the offense, but hasn't emerged as a reliable option for fantasy football. Dike leads the Titans with 24 targets in the past four games, but has generated just 93 yards. The rookie fourth-rounder delivered his two best fantasy performances in Weeks 7 and 8, scoring 16.9 and 16.4 PPR points. However, he has underwhelmed in six games since, averaging just 6.6 points per game. The Florida product still profiles as the most reliable receiver in the Titans' offense, but he is tough to trust for fantasy purposes for a tough matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. He profiles as a deep league FLEX option at best in Week 16.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 20, 2025
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Jacoby Brissett has filled in admirably for
Kyler Murray (foot), and he remains a strong fantasy option ahead of Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran quarterback wasn't expected to have any fantasy relevance coming into this season, and even when he took over as the Cardinals' starter, expectations were quite low. However, he has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers, ranking as a top-12 quarterback in all nine of his starts this year. Since replacing Murray in Week 6, he is the overall QB3 in fantasy scoring, trailing only
Josh Allen and
Trevor Lawrence. He already has talented receiving threats available in
Trey McBride and
Michael Wilson, and he could get additional reinforcements with
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) listed as questionable. Harrison is working his way back after missing four of the last five Cardinals games. Having all three of his top targets available would give Brissett an extra boost against the Falcons, who rank near the middle of the league with the 16th-most fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Just last week, Atlanta's defense surrendered 277 passing yards and two touchdowns to
Baker Mayfield. As it stands, Brissett is the overall QB7 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tyjae Spears recorded just five touches for 36 yards in last week's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. It was the third year back's fewest touches in a game since Week 5, his first game of the season after opening the year on Injured Reserve with an ankle injury. Spears' role in the Titans' offense hasn't expanded with
Tony Pollard locking down the lead back duties and delivering his two best performances of the season in the last two weeks. The 24-year-old has just one game this season with double-digit PPR points, coming back in Week 8. Spears will remain a low-upside FLEX option in a tough Week 16 matchup versus the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed the fourth fewest PPR points per game to running backs.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
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