December 22, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
DK Metcalf is being suspended for two games without pay due to his confrontation with a fan during their victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon. Metcalf was seen physically confronting the fan during the contest. However, Pelissero noted that the lead wideout is planning to appeal his suspension as he has already reported this same fan to security last season. During their thrilling victory over the Lions, Metcalf brought in just four of his nine targets for 42 yards. However, during Weeks 14 and 15, Metcalf averaged a strong 18.1 PPR points per game and tallied 101.5 yards per game. If Metcalf were to lose his appeal, the team's top wideout would not be eligible to participate in their final two games of the regular season. This would leave
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) as the tentative WR1, if he can suit up, as he suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday. With his status potentially in doubt as well, managers should expect both running backs,
Jaylen Warren and
Kenneth Gainwell, to see an even higher target share in their Week 17 tilt against the Browns.
--Andy SmithSource: Tom Pelissero
December 22, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Herbert Jones (illness) will play on Monday against the Mavericks. He popped up on the injury report because of migraine headaches. However, it won't keep him off the floor. The 27-year-old has averaged only 9.8 points this season. While that kind of production doesn't make him a viable fantasy option in most formats, his presence will be felt on the defensive side of the ball, which could mean below-average contributions from
Cooper Flagg (back) and
P.J. Washington.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end
Oronde Gadsden saw his role shrink significantly in the team's 34-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, recording just one catch for seven yards while playing only 59% of the snaps and posting a 3.5% target share. This marked his lowest usage since becoming a regular contributor, continuing a troubling post-bye trend in which his snap rate has dipped as the Chargers prioritize pass protection for their depleted offensive line. For the first time since Week 2, veteran
Will Dissly out-targeted Gadsden, highlighting the rookie's diminishing involvement. Week 17 brings a difficult matchup against the Houston Texans, who rank among the top pass defenses and top-10 units against tight ends in yards allowed. With declining playing time, reduced targets, and a challenging opponent, Gadsden should not be trusted in fantasy lineups during championship week.
--Don FanelliSource: NFL
December 22, 2025
Boston Celtics forward
Jordan Walsh (illness) won't play on Monday against Indiana. He's not feeling well. Fortunately, the C's aren't back in action until Friday for a rematch versus the Pacers, so he'll have time to feel better. Walsh is easily having the best season of his career. He's also started 16 times, averaging 8.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in those appearances. However, now that he's on the shelf for Monday's contest,
Sam Hauser and
Hugo Gonzalez could see more minutes, giving both players a bump in fantasy expectations.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Philadelphia Flyers center Christian Dvorak (lower body) will play on Monday against the Vancouver Canucks, returning from a one-game absence. A lower-body injury forced Dvorak to miss Saturday's matchup against the New York Rangers. Luckily for the Flyers, he has made a quick recovery and will rejoin the first line on Monday night. Dvorak also skates on the second power-play unit. Recently, Dvorak enjoyed his best offensive spell of the season, notching seven points (one goal, six assists) over a six-game stretch. He sits third in scoring on his team, boasting 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) in 33 contests. Monday's matchup is a good one for Dvorak and the Flyers, as Vancouver allows 3.34 goals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 22, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Alex Caruso (finger) won't suit up for Monday's meeting with Memphis. The 31-year-old has been on and off the injury report all season. This time, he'll be sidelined by a sprained right middle finger. He's averaged only 5.8 points, 3.1 boards, and 1.8 steals throughout the 2025 campaign, so he hasn't been an every day fantasy option. With
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf),
Jaylin Williams (heel), and
Chet Holmgren (illness) also out, Caruso could have gotten more involved. However, it appears
Kenrich Williams will see extra work, even more so if
Aaron Wiggins (adductor) doesn't play.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (upper body) participated in the morning skate but won't play on Monday versus the Philadelphia Flyers, missing an eighth consecutive game. Canucks head coach Adam Foote hopes that Pettersson can return in the first or second game after the holiday break. In 28 appearances, Pettersson has recorded 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists), leading all Canucks forwards in scoring. He has also averaged nearly two blocks per game and one hit. David Kampf has seen time in the top six during Pettersson's absence, though he's having a really difficult time in 2025-26, posting one goal and zero assists in 15 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 22, 2025
Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour (hand) has been ruled out for four weeks after having surgery. The versatile blue-liner injured his hand last week and will miss a third consecutive game on Monday night against the Anaheim Ducks. In 27 outings this season, Montour has registered 16 points (six goals, 10 assists), 68 shots, 35 blocks, and 34 hits. He averages nearly 22 minutes of ice time, so the Kraken have a big gap to fill on the backline. Josh Mahura has entered the lineup during Montour's absence, while Jamie Oleksiak and Adam Larsson have seen their workload increase.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 22, 2025
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (groin) will play on Monday against Denver after missing the last two contests. The 2017 No. 7 overall pick has had a fantastic 2025 campaign, averaging a career-high 27.8 points, adding 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals. Of course, that kind of production makes him a must-start in all fantasy setups, with his return likely resulting in
Kyle Filipowski heading back to the bench.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Miles Wood (lower body) will be available after a one-game absence on Monday against the Los Angeles Kings. Due to a lower-body injury, he was a late scratch for Saturday's matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. Wood has contributed eight goals and four assists in 28 outings, delivering 35 hits. However, Wood hasn't produced any offense in six straight appearances. Columbus tries to spark Wood on Monday by pairing him with two creative players, Dimitri Voronkov and Sean Monahan, on the third line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 22, 2025
Charlotte Hornets center
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) won't play on Monday against Cleveland. The rookie will miss his third contest of the 2025 campaign, so his next chance to suit up will be on Tuesday versus the Washington Wizards. Without him,
Moussa Diabate is the favorite to enter the starting lineup. The 23-year-old has started twice this season, averaging 8.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. However, his statistical contributions could improve, considering
Evan Mobley (calf) remains sidelined.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (lower body) will miss Monday's matchup against the Los Angeles Kings. The good news is that the team considers Werenski day-to-day. He sustained a lower-body injury while blocking a shot in Saturday's loss to the Anaheim Ducks. After Monday night, Columbus will be off until Sunday, giving Werenski plenty of time to recover. Werenski and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche are the only defensemen this season to reach the 40-point plateau. Only three points separate the two, with Werenski producing 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists) in 35 games. Jake Christiansen is expected to take Werenski's place in the lineup on Monday, while Ivan Provorov will replace him on the first power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 22, 2025
Boston Celtics forward
Jaylen Brown (illness) will play against Indiana. He didn't suit up for Saturday's win over the Toronto Raptors, marking only his second absence of the 2025 campaign. Fortunately, the illness won't keep him off the floor for more than one contest. The 29-year-old has had a fantastic season, averaging a career-high 29.3 points. That trend should continue versus the Pacers, a team that has had their share of struggles defensively this season.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (lower body) won't play in Monday's contest against the Seattle Kraken and is day-to-day. This will be Anaheim's final contest before the Christmas break, so Carlsson will get a good amount of time to recover from his lower-body injury before the next game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings. It has been an incredible season for Carlsson, who has a good chance to surpass his last campaign's scoring total (45 points) before the turn of the year. Across 36 outings, he has produced 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists). Mikael Granlund will move into the top six on Monday and looks like an appealing fantasy option after scoring in three consecutive games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 22, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (illness) won't play on Monday against Memphis.
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and
Jaylin Williams (heel) are also sidelined, so OKC will be thin at the five spot. To make matters worse,
Aaron Wiggins (adductor) is questionable. As a result,
Jalen Williams might be spending most of his time at the power forward position, with
Kenrich Williams in line to enter the starting lineup, giving him a bump in streaming value versus a Grizzlies team that is without
Brandon Clarke (calf) and
Zach Edey (ankle)
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard
LaMelo Ball (wrist) will play on Monday against Cleveland. The 24-year-old has missed 10 games this season for various ailments. Fortunately, that trend won't continue, with Ball in line to suit up for his third-straight contest. He has struggled offensively this season, averaging 19.2 points, down from the 2024 campaign, although he's at least amassed a career-high 8.6 assists per contest. Despite his struggles on the offensive end, Ball is a must-start in any format, and his scoring issues could improve somewhat now that
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) won't suit up.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Head Coach Sean McVay said that the Los Angeles Rams will not activate tight end
Tyler Higbee (ankle) from injured reserve for Monday night's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Higbee was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury he sustained in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks. The 32-year-old was eligible to return to play in Week 16 but will remain on injured reserve. Before his injury, Higbee had hauled in 20 catches for 190 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 30 targets. In his absence,
Colby Parkinson has stepped into the TE1 role for the Rams offense and has been a reliable streaming option for fantasy managers. With a playoff spot secured, the Rams will want to make sure Higbee is fully healthy before rushing him back into action.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: Sarah Barshop
December 22, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson has a serious contusion to his back and is considered day-to-day, coach John Harbaugh said, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. Harbaugh also said, "It doesn't look like it's more than that. He's in there getting treatment now." Jackson was kneed in the back on a run play during the Sunday night loss to the New England Patriots. Before his exit, Jackson went seven-for-10 for 101 passing yards, along with two carries for seven rushing yards. The Ravens remain hopeful that Jackson can return to play soon as they continue to fight for a playoff spot. If Jackson is unable to play in Week 17,
Tyler Huntley will be forced to start on the road against the Green Bay Packers.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: Jamison Hensley
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal was diagnosed with a neck strain and is considered day-to-day after an MRI, according to Ian Rapoport. Vidal left Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys early in the fourth quarter. Before his exit, Vidal had five carries for 11 rushing yards. The Chargers leaned on rookie
Omarion Hampton and
Hassan Haskins to close out the game on the ground. The 24-year-old has stepped up when needed this season, totaling 152 carries for 631 yards and three touchdowns. Vidal could miss some time, but the belief is that the injury is not serious. If Vidal does miss time, Hampton and Haskins will get more work in the backfield in his absence.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: Ian Rapoport
December 22, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Audric Estime had a season high in touches on Sunday against the New York Jets. The 22-year-old had five carries for 19 yards, along with three catches for 17 yards on four targets. Estime was projected to be the lead back for the Saints with
Alvin Kamara and
Devin Neal missing time due to injuries, but was out-touched by
Taysom Hill in Week 16. Hill led the team with 12 carries in the Saints' final home game. With Kamara's status unknown in Week 17, Estime will likely split carries with Hill and
Evan Hull. With a lot of mouths to feed in the Saints' backfield, Estime should only be added off the waiver wire in deeper leagues to add bench depth heading into fantasy championships.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Parker Washington is coming off a week 16 win over the Broncos in which he caught six of nine targets for a career-high 145 yards and a touchdown, and he will be a popular waiver addition heading into fantasy championships. While he is capable of providing a relatively safe floor as part of a Jaguars' offense that has seen
Trevor Lawrence flourish of late under the tutelage of first-year head coach Liam Coen, it's important to consider the context behind his Week 16 explosion. With Broncos' All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II shadowing
Jakobi Meyers and
Brian Thomas Jr. for most of the game, the Jaguars leaned heavily on Washington and tight end
Brenton Strange. Against the Colts in Week 17, Jacksonville should see its primary pass catchers more involved, especially if Sauce Gardner, who did not practice at all before missing his third consecutive game, is unable to suit up again.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed fifth-year quarterback
Shane Buechele off the Bills' practice squad, pending a physical. With
Patrick Mahomes (ACL) and
Gardner Minshew (ACL) both being lost to severe knee injuries in back-to-back weeks, the Chiefs were forced to turn to
Chris Oladokun, a 2022 7th-round pick out of South Dakota State, in their Week 16 loss to the Titans. With no other quarterback currently rostered, Kansas City adds emergency depth with Buechele, who has never taken a professional snap but spent the first two years of his career with the Chiefs after going undrafted in 2021. With Oladokun primed to make the first start of his career in a Christmas night divisional matchup against the Broncos, none of the Chiefs' offensive weapons should be in consideration for fantasy championships.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Adam Schefter
December 22, 2025
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski provided no updates on quarterback
Deshaun Watson (Achilles) regarding an activation to the 53-man roster. The deadline to activate Watson from the Physically Unable to Perform list is this Tuesday, and despite telling the media that a decision would be made this week, nothing appears imminent with approximately 24 hours to go. If no move is made by the deadline, Watson will be ineligible to play in the team's final two games, likely leaving rookie
Shedeur Sanders as the starter for the rest of the season. The Browns will have Watson, Sanders, and fellow rookie
Dillon Gabriel under contract heading into 2026, but with a projected top-five pick in April's draft, they will very much be in play to further address the quarterback position.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Zac Jackson
December 22, 2025
Dallas quarterback
Dak Prescott finished Week 16 on the sideline, watching backup
Joe Milton III take the team's final offensive snaps in what became a blowout loss to the Chargers, but according to team CEO Stephen Jones, he will remain the team's starter for a Week 17 divisional matchup with the Commanders. Prescott and the Cowboys' offense started hot on Sunday, finishing each of their first three drives with points, but stalled out after that, with their most successful drive of the second half being the six-play opener that resulted in 21 yards and a punt. The Commanders provide what is, on paper, a dream fantasy matchup for Prescott and the rest of Dallas' weapons. Still, with the Cowboys now eliminated from playoff contention, there is an air of uncertainty surrounding many of the studs that likely had a part in punching many a ticket to the fantasy championship.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Tommy Yarrish
December 22, 2025
Carolina quarterback
Bryce Young had his ankle stepped on early in the team's Week 16 win over the Buccaneers, but he did not miss any time, and head coach Dave Canales expects him to be a full go as the Panthers begin preparation for a Week 17 matchup with the Seahawks. Young completed nearly two-thirds of his passes in Sunday's divisional win, finishing with just under 200 yards and two passing touchdowns, and he has been a usable and occasionally exciting play in Superflex formats. With one game left to be played on Monday night, he sits as the QB11 for the week, which would be his third top 12 finish in the last five weeks, including finishes of QB2 and QB3. The Seahawks have been one of the 10 most difficult matchups for fantasy quarterbacks, making Young a risky play in single quarterback leagues, but he should provide a safe enough floor to be considered in the championship matchup of Superflex leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Joe Person
December 22, 2025
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that quarterback
Josh Johnson will get the "lion's share" of the starter's reps at practice this week, according to JP Finley of NBC Sports Washington. Johnson was forced into action on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles when fellow quarterback
Marcus Mariota (hand) exited early with a hand injury. The 39-year-old went five-for-nine for 43 yards with one interception. Entering the 2025 season, Johnson earned the QB3 job in Washington after outperforming
Sam Hartman during the preseason. After an injury-riddled season, Johnson is trending toward being the Commanders' starting quarterback on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys. On a short turnaround, Mariota's availability remains unclear for Week 17, and
Jayden Daniels has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. It is worth noting that Washington recently signed quarterback
Jeff Driskel off the Cardinals' practice squad to add depth to their quarterback room.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: JP Finlay
December 22, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts have activated defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) from Injured Reserve ahead of their Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Buckner will play in tonight's game against his former team after missing an extended period of time due to a neck injury. The 31-year-old captain will not only solidify the Colts' defensive front but also provide a much-needed veteran presence in the locker room after the team lost both
Daniel Jones and Sauce Gardner in recent weeks. Before exiting Week 9 early, Buckner had tallied 42 tackles and four sacks this season. As a result of Buckner being activated, the Colts have waived quarterback
Brett Rypien.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: Ian Rapoport
December 22, 2025
The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired right-handed pitcher
Hunter Dobbins and right-handed pitching prospects Blake Aita and Yhoiker Fajardo from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for veteran first baseman
Willson Contreras, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. As part of the deal, St. Louis will cover $33.5 million of the $41.5 million remaining on Contreras' contract. The Cardinals are in rebuild mode and did not see Contreras as their first baseman of the future. Dobbins, 26, logged a 4.13 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 45 strikeouts over 61 innings during the 2025 season before suffering a torn ACL in his right knee while attempting to cover first base. He has since begun a throwing program and is expected to be ready for spring training, where he'll compete for a rotation spot. Aita, 22, spent last season between Single-A and High-A Greenville, posting a 3.98 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a 14.9% K-BB rate across 115 1/3 innings. He is expected to remain in the minors next season. Fajardo, the youngest of the trio at 19, recorded a 2.81 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with a 28.8% strikeout rate over 51 1/3 innings last season. Although Fajardo is a few years away from being called up to the majors, his strikeout ability gives him the highest ceiling among the three pitchers.
--Marty TallmanSource: Ken Rosenthal
December 22, 2025
The Washington Commanders are signing quarterback
Jeff Driskel off the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Driskel served as Washington's QB3 last season and knows how to operate in Kliff Kingsbury's offense. This move adds much-needed depth to an injury-plagued quarterback room in Washington. With
Marcus Mariota's (hand) availability unclear and
Jayden Daniels being sidelined for the rest of the season, Driskel could be forced to slide into the QB2 role. Washington is playing on a short week and will be facing off against division rival Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day. On a quick turnaround, Washington likely wanted to bring in someone who has been around their offense to back up
Josh Johnson.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: Ben Standig
December 22, 2025
Denver Broncos kicker
Wil Lutz had a decent day in the 34-20 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lutz converted two of three field goal attempts, with the longest coming from 54 yards out, and converted both PAT attempts. His eight points on the day could've been 11 had he not hit the right pole of the uprights on his first field goal attempt from 44 yards out in the first quarter. It was a tough break and a slight shift in momentum, as neither team had scored yet in the game, with five minutes and 11 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Still a confident kicker with plenty of reliability, Lutz will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17, in which he went five for five field goals and converted his lone PAT when he last faced them in Week 11.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
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