December 16, 2025
Since returning in Week 13 from an ankle injury that caused him to miss two games, Cincinnati Bengals running back
Samaje Perine has recorded 135 scrimmage yards on 38 touches across three contests. While Bengals back
Chase Brown remains the lead rusher in Cincinnati, Perine plays a third-down role that has led to a consistent snap share this season. He's played at least 37% of Cincinnati's offensive snaps in every game since returning from injury, giving him a chance at standalone fantasy value every week. Still, Perine's main utility for fantasy managers is as a handcuff option to Brown. If Brown were to go down over the final weeks of the season, Perine would likely dominate backfield snaps in Cincinnati. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Perine is worth targeting on the waiver wire and stashing in a bench spot.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 16, 2025
East Carolina is pursuing North Texas offensive coordinator Jordan Davis to be its next offensive coordinator, reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel. The 33-year-old aided former UNT head coach Eric Morris in leading the Mean Green to the No. 1 total offense (504.3) and scoring offense (44.8) in 2025. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker had a breakout season under Davis, passing for over 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. Davis began his coaching career at Texas Tech in 2016 as a graduate assistant before stints at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and North Texas. If the two sides reach a deal, he will be tasked with replacing John David Baker, who has been hired as Ole Miss' offensive coordinator for 2026.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
December 16, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver
Tre' Harris had his best game of the season in Week 15 versus the Kansas City Chiefs, collecting three receptions (five targets) for a season-high 49 yards. His big day was the direct result of fellow wideout
Quentin Johnston sitting out with a groin injury. Harris recorded a 75.8% route share, which only trailed
Ladd McConkey in the game. It was the rookie's highest mark since Week 6, and only his third game at 50% or higher. With an increased role, Harris should be on the fantasy radar as a potential deep-league flex option for a favorable Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys if Johnston misses another game. The Cowboys rank last in passing yards and touchdowns allowed, which could set Harris up for a breakout game if his uptick in playing time sticks.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 16, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end
Brenton Strange had a down week in Week 15, recording just one catch for 26 yards on three targets against the New York Jets. However, the 24-year-old had earned 15 targets over his last three games heading into Week 15. Jaguars quarterback
Trevor Lawrence is playing some of his best football in recent weeks, throwing for 1,059 passing yards and 12 touchdowns over his last four outings. With the Jacksonville passing game finding its groove, Strange should have opportunities for high-value targets every week. The Jaguars have a difficult matchup in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos before a more favorable matchup in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts. For fantasy managers in leagues with 12 or more teams in need of help at the tight end position, Strange could be a solid streaming option to target on the waiver wire.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 16, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback
Patrick Mahomes (knee) "appears to be hellbent" on returning for Week 1 of the 2026 season, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Kansas City's Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his season. The 30-year-old underwent surgery on Monday, so a return in Week 1 of 2026 would be right around nine months of recovery time. While it's obviously too soon to know exactly when Mahomes will return, it's noteworthy that the initial plan is to be ready for the start of the season. By his lofty standards, the two-time MVP had a down year in 2025, completing a career-low 62.7% of his pass attempts for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions across 14 games.
Gardner Minshew is the current fill-in for Mahomes in Kansas City, but he will be a free agent at the end of the season. If Mahomes were to miss time in 2026, it's unclear who the Chiefs would turn to under center.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
December 16, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back
LeQuint Allen Jr. hasn't played a significant role this season behind
Travis Etienne Jr. and fellow rookie
Bhayshul Tuten, but he is likely to see an uptick in snaps with Tuten set to miss a few weeks with a finger injury that will require surgery. Allen handled five touches for 16 yards in the Week 15 blowout win over the New York Jets, his most since Week 11. The rookie seventh-rounder will step into the RB2 role behind Etienne and becomes an interesting deep-league option heading into the Week 16 game against the Denver Broncos on the road. His appeal is limited to deep leagues only, but he could have some standalone value with more touches likely coming his way.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 16, 2025
Across 14 games this season, Philadelphia Eagles running back
Tank Bigsby has recorded 41 carries for 237 yards. The 24-year-old's playing time is limited by the presence of star Eagles running back
Saquon Barkley, who dominates backfield snaps in Philadelphia. Bigsby has played double-digit snaps in just two games this season, so he holds little to no standalone fantasy value as long as Barkley is healthy. However, if Barkley were to get injured, Bigsby would be in line for a significant workload increase. He's proven he can be effective in a larger role, as he recorded 766 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 168 carries across 16 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Bigsby is worth rostering just in case Barkley goes down over the final weeks of the season.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 16, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Malik Davis saw more action in Week 16 when
Javonte Williams left briefly in the first half with a shoulder injury in Sunday night's loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but Williams returned in the second half. Davis took advantage of his increase in opportunities in the first half, handling eight carries for 21 yards and a touchdown to go with two receptions (three targets) for 16 yards as a receiver. He had only played 52 total offensive snaps entering the game, but played 37 in the loss to the Vikings. The 27-year-old has proven to be a quality backup behind Williams this season, adding more explosiveness to the Cowboys' backfield. It seems Williams will be good to go for Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers, but his status will be worth monitoring this week. Davis should be added as a strong contingency option in an elite Dallas offense.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 16, 2025
The New York Jets are releasing wide receiver
Allen Lazard, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports. Lazard hasn't played a significant role for the Jets this season, collecting 10 catches for 70 yards on 18 targets in 10 games. His snap share dipped to just 22.4% over the past three games after averaging 45.7% over his first seven games. The 29-year-old wideout was passed on the depth chart by trade-deadline acquisitions
Adonai Mitchell and
John Metchie III, who both present more youth and upside at the WR position. Lazard will likely be scooped by another team in the coming days, but he can be ignored in fantasy football.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Zack Rosenblatt
December 16, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end
Oronde Gadsden recorded four catches (five targets) for 61 yards in the Week 15 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, his most yards in a game since Week 9. Gadsden struggled to produce in the previous four games, totalling just seven receptions for 88 yards on 17 targets as his route participation dipped during that time. The Chargers have shifted to a more run-heavy approach and heavier pass protection with a banged-up offensive line, which has limited the rookie's production of late. The Syracuse product led the Chargers in receiving on Sunday but saw his route share dip to 54.5%, his lowest since he became a full-time starter. However, Gadsden is still involved in the passing game and has upside in a favorable Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. He is worthy of streamer consideration for the second round of the fantasy playoffs.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 16, 2025
Houston Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud is coming off one of his most efficient performances of the season against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15, completing 22 of 29 passes for three touchdowns. It marked his fourth game this season in which he completed more than 75% of his passes with at least two touchdown passes, tying for the second-most in the league. The third-year signal-caller is emerging as a strong streaming option with the Texans' offense finding its best form and an ideal Week 16 matchup on deck against the Las Vegas Raiders. While he doesn't add much value as a runner, Stroud is showing the passing upside to be worth consideration as a plug-and-play starter this week.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 16, 2025
Minnesota Vikings QB
J.J. McCarthy had a rough start to the season, with mistakes and injuries keeping him from being a fantasy option in almost all formats. In the last few weeks, though, the Michigan man has found a very nice groove while leading his team to wins over the Commanders and Cowboys. On Sunday Night Football, he completed 15 of 24 pass attempts for 250 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 15 rushing yards and a third score on the ground. He has six total touchdowns and just one turnover in those two games, and he has a great matchup to keep his momentum going in Week 16 as the Vikings head to New York and face the Giants. If you're looking for a second QB or are desperate for a streaming option, McCarthy's rushing potential makes him a solid snatch and start option this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 16, 2025
Atlanta Falcons running back
Tyler Allgeier continues to share time with
Bijan Robinson, which makes him a high-risk play in standard leagues. Allgeier only had two carries for 18 rushing yards against the Bucs in Week 15. He had averaged double-digit carries for the previous three weeks with a touchdown and 98 rushing yards, but he didn't get nearly as much work this week in Tampa. Robinson is carrying a very heavy workload, but Allgeier has made the most of his opportunities when given chances. He still has deep league upside, since he has eight touchdowns this season, but he is too inconsistent to rely on in standard leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
December 16, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin Jr. has stepped back into a meaningful role after missing five games with a fibula injury earlier this season. Godwin has worked his way back into the mix, with 12 catches over the last three games for a total of 153 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown came on Thursday Night Football against the Falcons in Week 15, when he hauled in four of his five targets for 20 yards. Godwin and the Bucs have a big divisional matchup against the Panthers this week in Week 16, and they'll meet again in Week 18. In between, they'll face the Dolphins, so Godwin has solid potential working out of the slot over the next few games. He clearly has the trust of
Baker Mayfield and will continue to be a fringe PPR option for the next few weeks.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 16, 2025
Anaheim Ducks left wing Cutter Gauthier scored two goals in Monday's 4-1 road win against the New York Rangers. With the game tied at one, Gauthier popped up with a power-play goal early in the third period and completed his third multi-goal effort of the season with an empty-netter. On Monday, Gauthier took over the goal-scoring lead in the Ducks camp. He boasts 18 markers for the campaign and has tallied 36 points in 33 appearances. It has been a superb year for Gauthier, although his recent production has been inconsistent. The 21-year-old has finished half of his eight appearances this month scoreless.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 16, 2025
Michigan quarterback Jadyn Davis plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to On3Sports. The former four-star recruit in the Class of 2024 has appeared in just one game, attempting two passes, and throwing one interception. The North Carolina native was stuck behind five-star Bryce Underwood in 2025, and he'll search for a new opportunity ahead of the 2026 season. The list of transfer quarterbacks continues to grow with names like Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati), Dylan Raiola (Nebraska), and DJ Lagaway (Florida), so Davis won't be the hottest name available. That said, he's a talented player and should have several suitors.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3 on X
December 16, 2025
Cleveland Browns wide receiver
Jerry Jeudy still has plenty of big-play potential and is getting chances in his team's passing game. Jeudy has 16 targets in the four games since
Shedeur Sanders took over at quarterback, and he caught two of his four targets in Week 15 for 22 yards. He had 76 yards and a touchdown in Week 14 against the Titans and has multiple catches in each of his last three games. He still brings big-play upside, and Sanders does throw lots of deep balls, which gives him upside against the Bills and Steelers in a pair of home games in the next two weeks. Jeudy is high-risk, but there is still upside to playing him in deep leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 16, 2025
Reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel, former Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams is joining Mike Elko's staff at Texas A&M as a linebackers coach. He could also potentially join the staff with another title. The 42-year-old began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant for Auburn in 2009 and worked his way up to co-defensive coordinator for the Tigers. He then spent two seasons as UCF's defensive coordinator before three seasons running the Razorbacks' defense. Arkansas showed flashes on defense in 2023 and 2024, but Williams' unit fell apart in 2025, ranking at or near the bottom of several defensive stats in the SEC. Despite that, this is a strong hire for Elko, as Williams has tons of practical experience and a reputation as a solid recruiter.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
December 16, 2025
Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stutzle recorded three assists as the team beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 in overtime on Monday night. The Senators were facing defeat with only a couple of minutes left to play in the third period. Yet, Jake Sanderson sent the game into the extra frame with a goal 1:54 from the end of regulation, and Brady Tkachuk delivered Ottawa the victory in overtime. Nick Cousins also scored in the contest, helping Stutzle post his third three-point game of the season. The Senators have alternated between wins and losses lately, but Stutzle has been consistent with his production, and it has been outstanding. The German star has finished with multiple points in four consecutive games. Another such effort on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins would tie Stutzle for the longest multi-point streak in franchise history. During the hot streak, Stutzle has become Ottawa's leading scorer, posting 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in 32 appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 16, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Sean Tucker isn't the primary running back for the Buccaneers, like he was during his breakout performances, but he is still getting enough work to have touchdown-dependent fantasy value. Tucker has found the end zone in each of the last two weeks, taking seven carries for 29 yards against the Saints, followed by four carries for seven yards against the Falcons. Tucker has six touchdowns in his last seven games, and it seems like he'll continue to get enough short-yardage chances to be a touchdown-dependent flex option for deep leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 16, 2025
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg provided most of his team's goals in Monday's 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues, recording his 11th career hat trick. Only 27 seconds had been played when Forsberg opened the scoring. He potted a power-play goal in the second period and had an empty-netter late in the game. Kent Nilsson (14) is the only Swedish player in NHL history with more hat tricks. It has been a difficult year for everybody involved with the Predators, but Forsberg has started to make the most of a bad situation. After Monday night, he holds a season-best five-game point streak. The 31-year-old leads his team with 14 goals and ranks second with 25 points in 32 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 16, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Romeo Doubs could get more work in the coming weeks, depending on the status of
Christian Watson (chest). Watson left the team's loss to the Broncos after landing hard on his left shoulder while battling cornerback Patrick Surtain II for a jump ball. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for further examination, but he was able to fly home with the team and could avoid missing time. Doubs finished with only two catches for 36 receiving yards on Sunday, but he filled in more effectively earlier this season when Watson was sidelined. If you need receiver depth, adding Doubs makes sense if Watson misses any time. In Week 16, the Packers face the Bears in a very important divisional matchup, so watch the Packers' practice report for Watson's status this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
December 16, 2025
Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart notched two goals in Monday's 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. He made a big impact on special teams, opening the scoring during a short-handed situation early in the game and netting Florida's fourth goal of the contest on the power play in the second frame. Reinhart now has four career games with both a short-handed and a power-play goal, tying him for the most among active players. Overall, Reinhart has potted 17 goals this season, grabbing five of them with the man advantage and three with his team a man down. He is tied for the league lead with five game-winning markers. Over 32 appearances, Reinhart has also produced 15 assists, putting him on track for a third consecutive year with a scoring average of at least one point per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 16, 2025
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (upper body) left Monday's 4-1 defeat to the Dallas Stars in the first period. He sustained an upper-body injury in a collision with Stars forward Mikko Rantanen. Before exiting, Kuemper stopped all five shots he faced. Anton Forsberg, who replaced Kuemper in the crease, gave up three goals on 20 shots. While Kuemper carries an underwhelming 10-6-6 record this season, he has performed well. The 35-year-old has collected two shutouts with a 2.19 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. Meanwhile, Forsberg has allowed nearly three goals per game (2.82) and holds a .893 save percentage. Pheonix Copley or Erik Portillo may see action this week, with the Kings heading into a back-to-back next and Kuemper's availability uncertain.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 16, 2025
Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (undisclosed) was injured early in the third period of Monday's 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. He left the contest after blocking a shot from Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov with his left arm. So far this season, Forsling has been ever-present in the Panthers' lineup, recording 14 points (one goal, 13 assists), 39 shots, 37 blocks, and 26 hits in 32 outings. He skates on the first defensive pairing and is a vital player for the penalty kill. Florida plans to re-evaluate Forsling on Tuesday. The Panthers have Donovan Sebrango as an extra defenseman on the roster, and he could get an opportunity to play this week if Forsling has to sit out additional time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 16, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (undisclosed) failed to complete Monday's 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers. He exited the game in the third period after taking an elbow to the head from Panthers defenseman Seth Jones. Hagel has struggled recently, going scoreless five times in his last six appearances, but he is still averaging nearly a point per game for the season. In 32 games, Hagel has posted 18 goals and 31 points. He ranks first among Tampa Bay forwards with a plus-18 rating. Nicholas Paul, who was limited to a fourth-line role on Monday, may return to the top six if Hagel misses time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 16, 2025
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg had a special night on Monday, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 40-plus points in a game. He led all scorers with 42 points on 13-for-27 shooting in a 140-133 overtime loss. Flagg, who will turn 19 on Sunday, also had seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks in the contest. He went 15-for-20 at the charity stripe and shot 1-for-4 from downtown. Previously, the highest points total by an 18-year-old in the NBA was 37, set by
LeBron James in 2003. Although Flagg has struggled with consistency at times in his rookie year, he has still had a strong overall season. Across his first 26 career appearances, Flagg has averaged 18.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 16, 2025
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama may start Tuesday's NBA Cup final against the New York Knicks on the bench. The French superstar came off the bench for the first time in his career when he returned from a calf strain in Saturday's semifinal against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Wembanyama sat out the entire first quarter and played only seven minutes in the first half. He logged 13:20 after halftime, recording 22 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks in the game. Even with a limited workload, Wembanyama can make a huge impact, and his fantasy production isn't dependent on whether he starts or not.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 16, 2025
Miami Heat forward
Nikola Jovic (elbow) will undergo an MRI on Tuesday, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports. Only seconds after entering Monday's tilt against the Toronto Raptors, Jovic injured his right elbow and had to exit the game. He took an awkward fall on a dunk attempt. X-rays on Jovic's right arm came back negative on Monday night, which is good news. However, he might still have to miss time.
Simone Fontecchio and
Jaime Jaquez Jr. will see additional playing time if Miami loses Jovic from the rotation. The team will return to work on Thursday night against the Brooklyn Nets.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Chiang
December 16, 2025
Boston Celtics forward
Sam Hauser (ankle) played only four minutes in Monday's 112-105 loss to the Detroit Pistons. He left the action in the first quarter after injuring his left ankle. Initially, the team announced that Hauser was questionable to return, but he sat out the rest of the contest. In his absence,
Hugo Gonzalez and
Baylor Scheierman picked up more shifts off the bench. Gonzalez made a greater impact, scoring five points and recording five assists in 18 minutes. Boston will be off until Friday, when the team starts a back-to-back set, giving Hauser extra time to recover. Whether this will be enough for him to play and avoid his first absence of the season remains uncertain.
--Taavi PailkSource: Boston Celtics
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