December 26, 2025
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Jacoby Brissett enters Week 17 as a QB1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, who allow the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks on the season. Week 16 was underwhelming for Brissett, as he threw for only 203 yards and one touchdown with an interception. Before Week 16, Brissett had finished as a QB12 or better on the week in nine consecutive contests since he took over as the starter in Week 6, and he deserves a pass for his poor showing in Week 16, where he only scored 11.62 points. Looking forward to Week 17, he should be fired up with confidence as
Marvin Harrison Jr. is back from injury and should help the offense even more, combined with his rapport with
Trey McBride and
Michael Wilson, which has allowed Brissett to elevate his play and make both of those players tremendous fantasy assets during the second half of the fantasy season. On the season as a whole, Brissett has thrown for 2,911 yards and 19 touchdowns with seven interceptions in 12 games played. RotoBaller ranks Brissett as the QB9 this week.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback
Justin Herbert enters Week 17 fresh off a massive 300-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys, but fantasy managers should prepare for a steeper climb this Saturday. While Herbert thrived behind a clean pocket last week, he now faces a Houston Texans unit that ranks first in EPA/Pass and second in both completion percentage allowed and pressure rate. The Texans' pass rush, led by Will Anderson Jr., poses a significant threat to a Chargers offensive line that remains in shambles with Jamaree Salyer (hamstring) ruled out. Given that Houston has allowed the fewest passing yards per game, Herbert may need to replicate his recent rushing success to salvage his fantasy floor. Despite his elite talent, the lack of protection and the opponent's lockdown secondary cap his ceiling in the championship round. He is a mid-range QB2 this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
San Francisco starting quarterback
Brock Purdy tore up the Indianapolis Colts' defense on Monday Night Football to put a bow on Week 16, and now enters Week 17 ranking as a mid-tier QB1 in the final weekend for some fantasy managers in the fantasy playoffs. Week 16 was his best game of the season; he dominated in primetime, finishing with five touchdown passes and 295 yards, finishing as the QB1 in fantasy for the week. His rapport with all pass catchers,
Christian McCaffrey,
George Kittle (ankle), and
Jauan Jennings, was all on display. He even hit
Demarcus Robinson on a touchdown pass as well. Since his return from the toe injury in Week 11, Purdy has scored 17 or more fantasy points in four of his last five starts and has finished as the QB10 or better in three of those five. With another decent matchup on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, Purdy should be fired up into starting lineups confidently as we look forward to Week 17.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans kicker
Ka'imi Fairbairn continues to regularly deliver for the Texans and his fantasy owners, so he's a strong starting option kicking indoors on Saturday afternoon against the Chargers. The 31-year-old from Hawaii made all three of his field goals last week from 55, 50, and 49 yards and also knocked through all three of his extra points. He's 36-for-40 on field goal attempts this season and a perfect 24-for-24 on extra points. The Texans rely on their defense and usually take points whenever possible, leading to plenty of attempts for Fairbairn. He is the No. 6 K in RotoBaller's Week 17 rankings, so even though the game against the Chargers is expected to be lower-scoring, he remains a strong starter in standard-sized leagues this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
The Houston Texans D/ST has fueled the team's seven-game winning streak, and they'll go on the road this week in a critical matchup against the Chargers on Saturday afternoon. The Texans can clinch a playoff spot with a victory, and they had four sacks and four interceptions against
Justin Herbert when they faced him in last year's playoffs. Pass-rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter will look to continue their impressive seasons and continue to force turnovers. Last week, the DST had a touchdown, an interception, and three sacks against the Raiders. The Chargers have been a top-10 matchup for DSTs this season, and since they have a playoff spot wrapped up, they may be slightly less aggressive this week. Even on the road against a playoff team, the Texans DST still ranks as the No. 6 DST in RotoBaller's rankings, so start them with confidence on Saturday afternoon as they look to lock up a return to the postseason.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
According to the Jaguars' injury report,
Bhayshul Tuten (finger) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. Tuten did not play in the Jaguars' Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos due to this finger injury, and it was initially reported that he could miss multiple games, so it's encouraging to see him log consecutive limited practices, which should bode well for him suiting up Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Fantasy managers who are relying on Tuten's availability on Sunday will want to keep tabs on his Friday practice to see whether he will be available come Sunday. Once he returns, Tuten will likely resume his clear backup role to
Travis Etienne and won't be on the fantasy radar as anything better than a handcuff or a touchdown-dependent RB3. On the season, Tuten has 284 rushing yards (3.64 YPC) and four touchdowns. He's also contributed through the air with 79 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: https://www.jaguars.com/team/injury-report/
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz has been a consistent PPR producer for most of the season and has played his way up the rankings coming into his team's Saturday afternoon matchup with the Chargers. Schultz has 75 catches for 685 yards and three touchdowns this season and has found the end zone in each of the last two weeks against the Cardinals and Raiders. Schultz has at least five catches in three of his last four games and in 10 of his last 13. While his yardage totals are typically underwhelming, he gets plenty of looks in the Texans' current conservative play-calling. The Chargers are a below-average matchup for Schultz, but he still ranks as the No. 6 TE in RotoBaller's rankings, indicating he can be started with confidence in Week 17 in standard-sized leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (toe) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks, marking his sixth consecutive absence. Herro has yet to return to game action while recovering from the toe injury, with his next opportunity coming Saturday. With Herro sidelined, Miami's guard usage remains spread across the rotation, while frontcourt minutes have stayed elevated.
Kel'el Ware has averaged 17.0 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 26.6 minutes over his last five games and would remain in a larger role if
Bam Adebayo (back) is also unavailable.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Christian Kirk is coming off one of his best games of the season last week against the Raiders, as the veteran played his most snaps (39) since Week 9 and had his most targets (5) since Week 12. He'll have a tougher matchup this week against the Chargers on Saturday and is a high-risk play for fantasy purposes since his role is still extremely shaky. He finishes second on the team in receiving yards and tied for second in targets last week, though, so it's possible he'll continue to trend up as the Texans continue their playoff push. Since he only has 25 catches for 241 yards and a touchdown this season, Kirk is a high-risk option in this tough matchup in Los Angeles, and he's just the No. 67 WR in RotoBaller's rankings. He can be left on the bench or waiver wire in most leagues, but it is worth monitoring his involvement to see if last week's performance was a matchup-based outlier or the start of a trend.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Jayden Higgins has made good progress throughout his rookie season, climbing the depth chart and locking in as the team's top option across the field from
Nico Collins. However, he only has one catch in each of his last two games, so he'll be a long-shot play this week, when his team takes on the Chargers in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader. Higgins has scored four touchdowns this season and hauled in 37 catches for 414 yards. He is only the WR 56 in RotoBaller's rankings for this week, though, so his recent quiet games have dropped him out of consideration as a flex play in standard-sized leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Nico Collins has remained his team's clear go-to option at receiver this season, but he's only a fringe WR1 this week in a tough Saturday afternoon matchup against the Chargers. Collins has hauled in 68 of his 116 targets this season for 1,060 receiving yards and six touchdowns, and he has at least three catches in every game he has played this season. Last week against the Raiders, he had four catches for 59 scoreless yards, but he found the end zone twice in the previous week against the Cardinals. He's still
C.J. Stroud's favorite target both in the open field and near the goal line, so he always brings upside, even in tough, low-scoring games like is expected this week. The Chargers have only allowed eight WR touchdowns all season, but did give up two last week to the Cowboys. Collins is the No. 9 WR in RotoBaller's Week 17 rankings, so he should be started as a top option in most formats, even with slightly tempered expectations.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Miami Heat center
Bam Adebayo (back) is questionable for Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks as Miami opens a back-to-back set. His availability across both games remains unclear. If Adebayo is held out,
Kel'el Ware would likely absorb the majority of center minutes after averaging 17.0 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 26.6 minutes over his last five games.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has logged 32.9 minutes per game during that span, while
Simone Fontecchio's role would remain situational.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Nick Chubb has been a regular part of the team's running back rotation this season, but his role in Week 17 against the Chargers is a little murky.
Woody Marks is ready to return from an ankle injury after missing Week 16, and
Jawhar Jordan had a nice breakout while Marks was injured. With both Marks and Jordan in the mix this week, carries could be hard to come by for Chubb. He could still be utilized as a short-yardage specialist since he is an effective between-the-tackles option, but he doesn't have the explosiveness he showcased earlier in his career. He'll be a touchdown-dependent flex long shot this week in a tough matchup, and he's only the No. 53 RB in RotoBaller's rankings, making him best left on the bench or waiver wire if possible this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers guard
VJ Edgecombe (illness) is questionable for Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls after missing the team's most recent contest. Edgecombe has yet to return since being sidelined and remains a fluid pregame decision, with Philadelphia also monitoring
Quentin Grimes (illness), who is questionable, while
Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) remains out. If Edgecombe is held out again, guard and wing minutes would likely continue to consolidate around
Jared McCain, who logged 39 minutes and posted 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals last game.
Eric Gordon added 12 points in 17 minutes off the bench, while
Justin Edwards logged 20 minutes in a secondary wing role.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Jawhar Jordan has impressed the last two weeks, but he's high-risk this week since his role is uncertain as his team visits the Chargers on Saturday afternoon. The 26-year-old broke out in his NFL debut in Week 15, taking 15 carries for 101 yards against the Cardinals. He followed that up last week with 15 more carries but only for 53 yards, but he saved his fantasy day with five catches for 17 more yards. Both of those big games came after
Woody Marks (ankle) left with an injury, but Marks is ready to return this week. Jordan and
Nick Chubb will likely continue to mix in for the Texans, but Marks was the primary running back before his injury and will likely resume that role moving forward. The Chargers have been good against the run this season, and Jordan is only the No. 52 RB in RotoBaller's Week 17 rankings. He's a desperation play who should still be involved, but he's best left on your bench this week if possible.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Woody Marks (ankle) missed last week's game against the Raiders after sustaining an injury in Week 15 against Arizona, but he had full participation in practice and has no injury status for this week, indicating he should be a full go in Week 17. The Texans are in a tough matchup against the Chargers in what is expected to be a low-scoring contest on Saturday afternoon, but Marks should step back into a significant role. Before his injury, Marks had set a season-high with 26 carries for 68 yards against the Chiefs and scored a touchdown as a receiver. The rookie now has five touchdowns on the season and seems to have taken the lead role in the backfield, although
Jawhar Jordan and
Nick Chubb will also likely remain involved. Since the Chargers have been good against the run and he's still in a committee, Marks is the RB No. 32 in RotoBaller's rankings for Week 17, since he is a high-risk RB3 or flex option with touchdown-dependent upside.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Herbert Jones (ankle) will remain sidelined for Friday's matchup against Phoenix, marking a second straight absence due to a right ankle sprain. Jones was unavailable in the previous game, keeping New Orleans short on its usual perimeter defense. If Jones is held out again,
Bryce McGowens would likely continue starting on the wing after logging 31 minutes with eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals last time out.
Trey Murphy III and
Saddiq Bey should continue in their usual roles, leaving McGowens as a fringe option tied primarily to playing time.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud is in a tough matchup on Saturday afternoon against the Chargers, but he has shown enough momentum to still be a strong option in two-QB formats or in deep leagues this week. Stroud only threw for 187 yards and a touchdown last week in a narrow win over the Raiders, but he looked much better with 260 yards and three touchdowns the previous week against the Cardinals. Stroud has led his team to four straight wins since returning from a concussion, and the Texans have won seven straight overall to put themselves in a prime position to make the playoffs. While defense and a conservative offensive strategy have been the main reasons for their success, Stroud has shown enough play-making upside to still be the No. 17 QB in RotoBaller's rankings this week, making him a solid QB2.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) will miss Friday's matchup against the Clippers, extending his absence to a fourth straight game. Grant has been sidelined with left Achilles tendonitis and is not expected back until at least Sunday. If he remains out, Portland would likely continue redistributing forward minutes, with
Kris Murray (neck) positioned for extended run if cleared. Murray logged 13 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block in 28 minutes last time out, but his questionable tag keeps the rotation fluid.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Chicago, remaining under injury management. Embiid logged 31 minutes in his last appearance, finishing with 27 points, six rebounds, and four assists, though his availability remains fluid. If Embiid sits again,
Andre Drummond would likely absorb the bulk of center minutes after posting six points and 12 rebounds in 23 minutes last time out, with
Adem Bona picking up limited backup minutes. If Embiid plays, Drummond's role would narrow, keeping frontcourt value tied closely to pregame status.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward
Cedric Coward (heel) is listed as questionable for Friday's matchup against Milwaukee after not dressing in the previous game. If Coward remains sidelined, Memphis would likely continue spreading wing minutes across a thin rotation.
Cam Spencer handled added responsibility last time out, finishing with 11 points and 13 assists in 32 minutes, while
Jaylen Wells also logged 32 minutes, and
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope picked up extra wing run. When active, Coward has typically remained in the starting group, providing a more stable wing presence.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) is ruled out for Friday's game against Washington, marking a second straight absence after aggravating the issue earlier in the week. If Poeltl remains sidelined,
Sandro Mamukelashvili would likely continue starting and capitalizing on an expanded role, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over his last five games in 26.4 minutes.
Collin Murray-Boyles (illness) is listed as questionable but has seen extended run when available, including an 11-point, 12-rebound showing in 25 minutes, with his role remaining situational. Mamukelashvili carries clearer short-term value, while Murray-Boyles profiles as a fringe fantasy option tied to minutes and availability.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (knee) will remain out Friday against New Orleans, extending an absence that has already spanned multiple games. Allen's continued unavailability removes a high-minute wing and keeps Phoenix operating with a redistributed backcourt.
Collin Gillespie has absorbed added responsibility, averaging 12.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across his last five games while logging 31.8 minutes.
Royce O'Neale and
Jordan Goodwin would likely continue in complementary roles, leaving both as fringe fantasy options if Allen remains sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (ankle) is questionable for Friday's matchup against Milwaukee after missing multiple games recently with a left ankle sprain. Morant has averaged 13.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in his last five appearances while logging just 23.9 minutes, underscoring both health and workload risk. When Morant has sat,
Cam Spencer has handled lead-guard duties, most recently posting 11 points and 13 assists in 32 minutes. Spencer profiles as a short-term streamer for assists and threes, while Morant remains a high-upside but volatile hold.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) failed to practice again on Thursday as the team prepares to take on the hosting New York Jets in Week 17. Hollins had one of his better games of the campaign in New England's 28-24 victory over Baltimore last Sunday, reeling in 7-of-9 targets for 69 yards. However, he presumably picked up the issue in the win, despite leading the Pats' WR room in snaps. With teammate
Kayshon Boutte (concussion) following the same practice regimen as the veteran, and
DeMario Douglas (hamstring) limited with an injury of his own, New England is in danger of being down several critical offensive pieces. As it stands,
Stefon Diggs,
Kyle Williams, and
Efton Chism III are the only other active wideouts without a designation.
--Alex CiullaSource: New England Patriots
December 26, 2025
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Luther Burden III (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity for the second straight day ahead of Sunday night's matchup with the hosting San Francisco 49ers. The 22-year-old was deemed inactive for Week 16's win over the Packers after failing to practice at all leading up to the outing. However, Burden stringing together two limited sessions would seemingly put him on track to suit up on the road against San Francisco. If the rookie can get himself cleared to play in Sunday's game, he'd be in store for another significant workload, considering teammate
Rome Odunze (foot) is trending toward not playing. In the event that neither plays, fantasy managers can fire up
DJ Moore as a strong play against an exploitable 49ers' pass defense. Fellow wideouts
Olamide Zaccheaus and
Jahdae Walker would slot in behind him.
--Alex CiullaSource: FOX Sports
December 26, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
David Njoku (knee) has yet to return to practice, listed as a non-participant for the second consecutive session as the team gears up for a divisional matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday. The veteran has missed Cleveland's previous two games as he recovers from a knee injury sustained in Week 14's loss to the Tennessee Titans. That Njoku hasn't been able to practice in even a limited capacity since suffering the issue suggests he's trending toward missing his third straight appearance, paving the way for fellow TE
Harold Fannin Jr. to retain a featured role in the passing game in his stead. As it stands, if Njoku is inactive again, teammates
Blake Whiteheart and
Brenden Bates will continue working in behind the rookie.
--Alex CiullaSource: Cleveland Browns
December 26, 2025
Per the team, Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Christian Watson (shoulder, illness) is officially questionable for the team's Week 17 clash with the visiting Baltimore Ravens. Watson has dealt with a shoulder injury for a few weeks now, but was able to participate fully for Green Bay's first two practices of the week. However, the 26-year-old was a late addition to the report, picking up an illness that led to his being listed as a non-participant on Thursday. Unfortunately, this puts his availability for the Pack's Saturday night matchup in doubt, making him a volatile WR3/flex if active. If Watson is unable to suit up, teammates
Matthew Golden and
Dontayvion Wicks would see an uptick in snaps behind
Jayden Reed and
Romeo Doubs in the passing game.
--Alex CiullaSource: Green Bay Packers
December 26, 2025
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (hip) is not anticipated to play on Friday versus Charlotte. He's already missed four games because of a left hip contusion. While the doubtful designation at least suggests the 24-year-old is trending in a favorable direction, it appears he'll miss another contest on Friday night. If that's the case,
Tyus Jones is expected to remain in the starting lineup. Jones is coming off a quality 16-point, seven-assist, one-steal showing in Tuesday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers. With that in mind, he has an excellent chance of staying as productive against a Hornets team that has struggled defensively throughout the 2025 campaign.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
Boston Celtics forward
Jordan Walsh (illness) is expected to play on Friday against Indiana. With
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) sidelined, Walsh has stepped up for the C's throughout the 2025 campaign, averaging 7.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting 44.4% from downtown. He didn't suit up when these clubs met on Monday because of an illness, opening the door for
Josh Minott to enter the starting lineup. However, with Walsh anticipated to return, Minott will presumably head back to the bench. With that said, Minott had only two points in nine minutes as a starter, so he won't be a trustworthy fantasy option if Walsh suffers a setback and gets ruled out.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
RADIO
