December 29, 2025
The Carolina Panthers' offense was virtually non-existent in Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, with quarterback
Bryce Young throwing for only 54 yards on the day. Wide receiver
Jalen Coker caught both of his targets for only 16 yards, but that was good enough to lead the team. The dud performance broke a string of six straight games in which Coker had at least three receptions. In Weeks 13, 15, and 16, the 24-year-old pass-catcher had a combined 11 receptions on 15 targets for 181 yards and two touchdown grabs as he appeared to be trending towards becoming the No. 2 WR behind rookie first-rounder
Tetairoa McMillan. The entire Carolina offense should bounce back this weekend in the Week 18 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the NFC South title and a trip to the postseason on the line. Don't count out Coker being a serviceable WR4/flex option in deeper fantasy football leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 29, 2025
Brooklyn Nets forward
Ziaire Williams (ankle) will play on Monday night against the Golden State Warriors. He is ready to return from a one-game absence after the team initially listed him as probable for the matchup. Williams has taken a step back in 2025-26, averaging 8.7 points and 2.5 rebounds in 22.2 minutes. After starting 45 of 63 contests last season, he has been limited to only two starts this campaign. As a reserve, Williams does not have any fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Orlando Magic center
Goga Bitadze (knee) is set to return on Monday against the Toronto Raptors. Bitadze missed three straight games due to a sprained left knee. The 26-year-old big man will slide back into his role as backup center behind Wendell Carter. With Bitadze back in the mix,
Jonathan Isaac's usage will be reduced. Bitadze won't be a fantasy factor as his minutes will likely be restricted during tonight's tilt after an extended absence.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Orlando Magic PR
December 29, 2025
Golden State Warriors forward
Jimmy Butler III (back) will suit up on Monday against the Brooklyn Nets. The veteran star is dealing with lower back soreness but is ready to make his ninth consecutive appearance in the second leg of a back-to-back. While Butler struggled to hit shots in Sunday's overtime loss to the Toronto Raptors, he still had a decent fantasy line with 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Monday night could also prove to be difficult on the offensive end for Butler, as the Nets have been among the NBA's best defensive teams in recent weeks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Tennessee Titans quarterback
Cameron Ward has shown flashes of why he was the No. 1 overall pick back in April, but mostly, it's been a struggle for the 23-year-old and the Titans' offense in 2025. However, in the Week 17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, Ward had one of his best all-around showings of the year, going 21-for-40 for 251 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions against a decent Saints defense. He added two carries for 10 yards on the ground. Ward fumbled twice, losing one of them. Don't look now, but Ward has now thrown two touchdown passes in four straight games with only one interception. It could signal that he's taking the next step as an NFL passer as he heads into a difficult Week 18 matchup against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, who are looking to lock up the AFC South title. In the first meeting with the Jags on Nov. 30, Ward threw for 141 yards with no touchdowns or picks.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 29, 2025
Miami Heat forward/center
Bam Adebayo (back) will return to the lineup on Monday against the Denver Nuggets, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports. The talented big man has been nursing a lower back injury lately, missing two games.
Pelle Larsson filled in for Adebayo in the starting lineup and will likely drop back to the bench on Monday, despite a pair of quality performances. Adebayo had a two-point dud in his first meeting with
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets this season. His recent form isn't encouraging either, as Adebayo has finished two of his last four appearances with fewer than 10 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Chiang
December 29, 2025
New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback
Tyler Shough continues to get better with more playing time. For the second straight week, the 26-year-old threw for over 300 yards in the Week 17 win over the Tennessee Titans. Shough went 22-for-27 passing on Sunday for a season-high 333 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in the 34-26 win. He added six rushing yards on four attempts. The second-rounder out of Louisville has latched on to star receiver
Chris Olave, but beyond him, he doesn't have a lot of experienced options, which makes his rise in the second half of the 2025 season that much more impressive. In 10 games (eight starts), Shough has completed 67.8% of his pass attempts for 2,125 yards, nine TDs, and five interceptions, adding 152 rushing yards and two more touchdowns. In the season finale this weekend against Atlanta, Shough will be a popular streaming option in fantasy as he looks to close out his rookie campaign on a high note.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 29, 2025
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (hip) is unavailable for Monday's matchup with the Toronto Raptors. Suggs will miss his seventh straight game due to a left hip contusion.
Tyus Jones should continue to start while Suggs is sidelined. Jones will continue to be a short-term fantasy assists streamer posting averages of 6.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists during his last six appearances.
Jase Richardson should also still see an expanded role this evening with Suggs on the shelf.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Orlando Magic PR
December 29, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward
Sion James (illness) will remain in the lineup on Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks. He was initially handed a questionable tag on the injury report due to illness. James had a multi-week spell as a starter last month and could return to the first unit on Monday due to
Kon Knueppel's (ankle) absence. However, even in a starting role, James has not been an appealing fantasy option, averaging 7.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Emari Demercado hasn't really been a realistic starting option for fantasy managers this year, even in a banged-up Cardinals backfield. Through 12 games in 2025, Demercado has 42 rushing attempts for 283 yards (6.7 yards per tote) while adding 12 catches for 73 yards and one touchdown on 19 targets. The 26-year-old played only seven snaps in Week 15 in his return from injury against the Houston Texans, but he's been more involved the last two weeks, carrying the ball five times apiece the last two games. Demercado outsnapped lead back
Michael Carter in Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and finished with five carries for 11 yards while catching two of his three targets for nine yards. It wasn't much to look at, but with fewer options available to fantasy managers in Week 18, Demercado could be a sneaky deep-league PPR flex play as a pass-catcher in a matchup against the Rams that should feature plenty of positive game script for the Cardinals to use Demercado as a receiver.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 29, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward
Gary Trent Jr. (calf) will return from a two-game absence on Monday against the Charlotte Hornets. Trent Jr. recently sustained a calf contusion in a game against the Indiana Pacers, but the team has upgraded his status from questionable to available. During the season, the 26-year-old has been in and out of the starting lineup, averaging 9.6 points and 1.6 assists in 26.8 minutes. Unfortunately, Trent Jr. has not provided much fantasy production, and his performances against Charlotte have been even poorer, as he has notched 5.0 points per game across two contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports that Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman said there's a chance we see forward
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and guard
Christian Braun (ankle) on this roadtrip for Denver. "Hoping at the back end of this road trip we see them," said Adelman. The Nuggets are in the midst of a seven-game road trip that began on Saturday in Orlando. Gordon has been out since November 21 due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. Braun has been dealing with a left ankle sprain and has been sidelined since November 12. Both players are on the team's road trip and participated in a pregame workout before Saturday's 127-126 loss in Orlando. Fantasy managers should expect them to return likely during the first week of the new year.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Katy Winge
December 29, 2025
Although Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter doesn't have a high fantasy ceiling, he's still the team's lead back for the final week of the regular season for a divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. In the Week 17 loss on the road to the Cincinnati Bengals, Carter was held in check, picking up only 29 yards on the ground on seven rushing attempts. The 26-year-old added two receptions on four targets for 14 yards. He was outsnapped by backfield mate
Emari Demercado, but Carter had two more touches. It was a disappointing performance for Carter in a plus matchup against a bad Bengals defense, but with the Cardinals falling behind by multiple scores early, they weren't really able to keep using Carter as a runner. On the bright side, Carter has 208 rushing yards and 4.6 yards per carry in the last six games, and he's had double-digit carries in two of the last three games. He'll be in play as an RB3/flex in deeper fantasy leagues this weekend against L.A.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 29, 2025
Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk will be a healthy scratch on Monday night against the Seattle Kraken. His performances have not been up to par during his second season of a seven-year, $38.5 million contract. In 37 appearances, DeBrusk has contributed only nine goals and seven assists. Just one of his goals has come during even-strength play. Last season, DeBrusk produced a career-high 28 goals and finished with 48 points in 82 outings. With DeBrusk in the press box on Monday, Liam Ohgren will get an opportunity in the top six. Since being acquired from the Minnesota Wild in the Quinn Hughes deal, the 21-year-old has notched two goals and one assist in six games with the Canucks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says he doubts that Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll will be back with the team in 2026. If the Raiders come away with another loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday, they will have the No. 1 overall pick for the 2026 NFL Draft. As things currently look, the Raiders would be expected to draft Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick next year after the failed
Geno Smith experiment in 2025. The Raiders are desperately searching for some glimmer of hope for the future, and securing the No. 1 overall pick would be a big step in the right direction. However, the front office will need to surround a new franchise QB with the right coaching staff as well. Carroll, at 74 years old, wouldn't exactly be a great fit for a rookie signal-caller.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
December 29, 2025
Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is set to play in Monday's tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was labeled a game-time decision earlier in the day. A lower-body injury sidelined Pinto for 10 games. Despite his multi-week absence, Pinto remains Ottawa's third-highest goal-scorer with 13 markers. In 27 outings, he has also had six assists. Defenseman Tyler Kleven (lower body), who has missed three games, is also available on Monday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. (foot) suffered a new foot injury in Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Harrison missed Weeks 14 and 15 due to a heel injury that was on the opposite foot of the one he injured in Week 17. Gannon said that Harrison will play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams "if he is healthy enough to play." Given all of the 23-year-old's injuries this year and the fact that the Cardinals have nothing to play for, fantasy managers still playing for a championship this week shouldn't be holding their breath for Harrison. Even if Harrison ends up suiting up, he probably won't be on the field all that much as the No. 3 target behind
Michael Wilson and star tight end
Trey McBride.
--Keith HernandezSource: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
December 29, 2025
St. Louis Blues forward Pius Suter (ankle) will sit out at least four weeks of action. He injured his right ankle during Saturday's 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. Suter has gone 10 consecutive games without registering a point. However, he was sharp early in the campaign and has managed 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 37 games for the season. Robby Fabbri is slated to replace Suter in the lineup on Monday against the Buffalo Sabres. Since joining the team on Dec. 10, Fabbri has recorded two assists in six appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (lower body) is "probably out for the year," head coach Rod Brind'Amour said Monday. He is set to undergo lower-body surgery, and Carolina placed Kochetkov on Injured Reserve ahead of Monday's clash against the New York Rangers. The Russian netminder also missed time at the start of the campaign due to a lower-body injury and has made only eight starts in 2025-26, going 6-2-0 with a 2.33 goals-against average, a .899 save percentage, and one shutout. Brandon Bussi and Frederik Andersen will share the Hurricanes' crease for the rest of the way. Recently, Bussi has operated as the primary starter, posting the second-longest single-season point streak in franchise history with a 10-0-1 run.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
The Houston Texans announced on Monday that they activated wide receiver
Justin Watson (calf) from Injured Reserve. Watson will be eligible to play in the team's Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but it's unclear if he'll actually be active. The Texans activating the 29-year-old this week ensures that they'll have him available for their playoff run as additional receiving depth behind
Nico Collins, rookies
Jayden Higgins and
Jaylin Noel, and slot man
Christian Kirk. Watson had played in only two games with Houston before landing on IR, catching three of his four targets for 30 yards. The eight-year vet probably isn't going to be a huge part of the Texans' offense the rest of the way, barring an injury to a receiver ahead of him on the depth chart.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Texans
December 29, 2025
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (undisclosed) is expected to be in the lineup when the team hosts Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. He was listed as day-to-day after missing Sunday's practice. Officially, Morrissey is regarded as a game-time decision on Monday. Winnipeg's No. 1 defenseman is currently tied for sixth in scoring among blue-liners, boasting 30 points (six goals, 24 assists) in 36 games. Assuming he plays on Monday, Morrissey will look to record his second three-game point streak of the month. If he suffers a setback, either Haydn Fleury or Connor Miller will take Morrissey's place.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
Indiana Pacers center
Jay Huff (ankle) is available for Monday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. Huff was tagged as questionable on Sunday for tonight's tilt due to a left ankle sprain. The 28-year-old has appeared in all 32 Pacers games this season and will play once again this evening. Despite posting 11 points, one rebound, two assists, one steal and three blocks on Saturday against Miami, he will likely make a minimal impact in fantasy going up against a solid Rockets defense.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (upper body) was moved to Injured Reserve and will remain out on Monday against the Nashville Predators. The move is retroactive to Dec. 23, so Vejmelka will be eligible to return to the lineup for Utah's next game on Thursday against the New York Islanders. This season, Vejmelka has registered a lowly .896 save percentage. Yet, he carries a solid 16-10-2 record with a 2.70 goals-against average. Vitek Vanecek, who is 2-8-1 for the year, will start in Monday's favorable matchup against the 24th-ranked offense in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (personal) is back with the team and is expected to play on Monday against the St. Louis Blues. The Sabres captain spent the holidays in Sweden to be with his fiancée, who is recovering from a heart procedure. He missed Saturday's 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins. Jacob Bryson entered the lineup at the weekend, and Bowen Byram took Dahlin's spot on the first power-play unit. On Monday night, Dahlin will likely resume his regular duties with the man advantage and as Mattias Samuelsson's partner on the first defensive pairing. The Swedish blue-liner has amassed 28 points (four goals, 24 assists) in 33 games during the 2025-26 campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 29, 2025
Indiana Pacers point guard
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is set to suit up against the Houston Rockets. McConnell will return to the floor on Monday after missing Saturday's matchup against Miami due to hamstring soreness. The 33-year-old veteran backup point guard is averaging 10.0 points, 4.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 16.8 minutes per contest across 20 games this season. He's finished with 16 points in two of his last three outings, going into this evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Winger Yegor Chinakhov will continue the 2025-26 campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins after he was traded on Monday. The Columbus Blue Jackets gave up Chinakhov for forward Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick. Heinen cleared waivers on Monday and has been assigned to the AHL. Chinakhov is a former first-round draft pick who struggled to establish himself in Columbus. This season, the 24-year-old has been limited to 10:16 of ice time across 29 appearances, producing just six points (three goals, three assists). Only a couple of years ago, Chinakhov flirted with a 20-goal campaign and had 29 points in 53 outings. Pittsburgh will be counting on him to rediscover that form, making him a player to watch for fantasy managers.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that quarterback
Trey Lance will make the start on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. The Chargers will rest
Justin Herbert, and he won't dress for the game in Denver. Lance will make his first start of the year and only the sixth start of his NFL career.
DJ Uiagalelei will be elevated from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster to back Lance up. The 25-year-old former first-round pick has completed seven of his 13 pass attempts in three games played for the Bolts in 2025 for 90 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. With other starters on offense possibly being rested while facing one of the best defenses in the league (the Broncos will be playing for a first-round bye), Lance will not be set up for success in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
December 29, 2025
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that quarterback
Josh Allen (foot) is dealing with "some soreness" in his right foot, much like he was last week, but he might be slightly better this week, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. The Bills will see how Allen looks over the course of the week, but as of right now, fantasy managers should expect him to be available to play in a juicy Week 18 matchup against the division-rival New York Jets. The 29-year-old underwent precautionary X-rays after Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and they came back negative. Despite not being 100% on Sunday, the former MVP did run the ball seven times for 27 yards and two touchdowns in the one-point loss to Philly. Allen went 23-for-35 passing for 262 yards without a TD or interception as a passer. Depending on how Allen progresses this week, it's still possible that Buffalo decides to shut him down for the regular-season finale.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
December 29, 2025
Golden State Warriors center
Al Horford (toe) is back on the injury report and won't play on Monday night in Brooklyn. The 39-year-old has been in street clothes more often than his uniform in his first season with the Warriors. When he's active, he's playing about 20 minutes per game, while shooting a career-low 36% from the field. Quentin Post will continue to start at center for Golden State, with
Trayce Jackson-Davis filling in the gaps.
--Andrew BallSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that center Tyler Biadasz (ankle, knee) doesn't need surgery for his injuries, but he's unlikely to play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. In addition to Biadasz, quarterback
Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) is expected to miss a second straight game to close out the year. It means that Nick Allegretti will most likely be snapping footballs to journeyman QB
Josh Johnson to close out the season against an Eagles team that could be resting most of their starters this weekend. The 28-year-old Biadasz suffered ankle and knee injuries in last Thursday's Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ben Standig
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