December 26, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings' hampered offense looked helpless for much of Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions, but running back
Aaron Jones Sr. was still able to scratch out a solid fantasy day with 53 yards rushing, three catches for 10 yards, and a touchdown in a Vikings win. Playing on a short week, Minnesota was missing its top two quarterbacks, three starting offensive linemen, its starting tight end, and Jones' fellow running back,
Jordan Mason (ankle). The Vikings naturally leaned on Jones, who needed 18 carries to gain 53 yards as the Lions loaded the box and put pressure on Brosmer. The Vikings gained a miserable three net passing yards, but the combination of defense and a pair of rushing touchdowns was just enough. Jones has been a reliable fantasy back this year, but he'll need some good news on the injury front as the Vikings prepare for a Week 18 game against Green Bay.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
A beleaguered Minnesota Vikings offense did very little for most of a Christmas Day showdown against the Detroit Lions, but wide receiver
Jordan Addison provided a late-game spark with a 65-yard touchdown run that changed the game in a 23-10 victory. Missing three offensive line starters, their top two quarterbacks, and their starting tight end, the Vikings threw for a miserable 51 yards passing behind undrafted rookie quarterback
Max Brosmer, which led to one target and no catches for the third-year receiver. The Minnesota defense played an outstanding game by forcing six turnovers, and the offense finally came to life late in the fourth quarter with an end-around to Addison that clinched the game. Routinely a risky fantasy option, Addison came through with one big play this week. He and the Vikings will finish the season by playing host to the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Baltimore Ravens running back
Derrick Henry has faced some tough times this season in regard to ball security and questionable coaching decisions. While he registered his fourth fumble of the year last week against the New England Patriots, he still accrued 128 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
Tyler Huntley is likely to be under center in Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers, which means Henry should see some more carries. In Weeks 6 and 8, Henry received a combined 45 carries with Huntley as the starter. The Packers, however, are the eighth-toughest team in the league against the position over the last four weeks. They only allow 19.38 fantasy points per game to opposing backfields, but Henry was able to run all over the third-ranked Patriots defense, so he still projects as the RB11 in RotoBaller's rankings.
--Alex FischbeinSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal is in a precarious position heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans. Vidal is officially questionable after sustaining a neck strain last week. He managed a limited practice on Friday but was largely ineffective before exiting the game, posting just 2.2 yards per carry. He continues to be outshined by rookie
Omarion Hampton, who has shown far superior explosiveness and vision. The Texans boast a top-seven rush defense that allows the fifth-fewest rushing yards in the league, making this a brutal environment for a struggling, banged-up back. Even if Vidal is active, his plummeting volume and lack of production make him an impossible start with fantasy titles on the line. He should remain on your bench this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has this unit playing inspired football of late, having just held the high-powered Dallas Cowboys to 17 points to secure a fourth straight win. While the Chargers D/ST lacks the flashy defensive touchdowns that drive elite fantasy scores, they are a dominant real-life unit playing at home in SoFi Stadium on Saturday. They face a Houston Texans offense that, while efficient, ranks only 19th in passing and 23rd in rushing yards per game. This game is shaping up to be a low-scoring battle of field position. Although safety R.J. Mickens (shoulder) is out, the expected return of Elijah Molden and Bud Dupree bolsters the rotation. If you prioritize a high floor and low points allowed, this unit is a solid streaming D/ST with top-10 potential this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers kicker
Cameron Dicker has been the definition of reliable, remaining perfect last week with two field goals and four extra points. However, his Week 17 outlook is tempered by a projected low-scoring affair against the Houston Texans. Both the Chargers and the Texans have ridden elite defenses to recent success, with Houston limiting opponents to just 18 points per game during their seven-game win streak. This matchup has the hallmarks of a defensive slog, which could severely limit the Chargers' ability to move the ball into scoring range. While Dicker's accuracy is never in question, the lack of projected offensive volume caps his ceiling in a week where every point matters. He is a mid-range K1 and ranks K13 in the weekly rankings.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Tyler Huntley looks to be in line to start against the Green Bay Packers after
Lamar Jackson (back) received a doubtful status on the injury report. The former Pro-Bowler took over for Jackson after he suffered a back contusion in their Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots. Huntley posted 65 yards while completing nine out of his 10 throws, and rushed for two yards on two carries. The Packers have a similarly stout defense, but have started to show some holes ever since Micah Parsons (knee) was injured. While they allow 25.04 fantasy points per game over the last two weeks to quarterbacks, Huntley and the Ravens are likely to lean a little more on the run game. That leaves him as the QB22 in RotoBaller's projections, right behind
Philip Rivers.
--Alex FischbeinSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end
Oronde Gadsden saw his involvement crater last week, recording just one catch for seven yards on a season-low 3.5% target share. This drop in usage stems from the Chargers prioritizing extra pass protection for their battered offensive line, leaving non-blocking Gadsden on the sidelines for significant stretches. The Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans offers little hope for a rebound. While Houston is occasionally susceptible to tight end touchdowns, they rank top-10 in yards allowed to the position and lead the league in EPA/Pass. With Gadsden's routes and targets trending sharply downward, he cannot be trusted during the most important week of the fantasy season. He should remain on your bench as a low-end TE2.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Jaylen Warren exploded in Week 16 with 143 rushing yards (10.21 YPC) and two touchdowns, both of which came in the second half from 45 yards out. Backfield mate
Kenneth Gainwell also had a monster game, with 21.30 fantasy points. This Steelers backfield has become an actual running back by committee backfield, with both Gainwell and Warren playing around 50 percent of the snaps; however, not only have they both produced at a high clip, but Warren has scored 10 or more fantasy points now in six of his last eight games, and scored one or more touchdowns in five of those eight. The Steelers have made these running backs the focal point of their offense, and both are seeing enough usage to be valued as an RB2. Week 17 presents a challenge going up against a stiff Cleveland Browns defense, but they have been reeling of late, opening up a window for Warren to have another successful game.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris saw his opportunities dwindle in Week 16, as his snap share fell from 85% to 46% following
Quentin Johnston's return. While Harris remained efficient with four catches for 54 yards, he is now the third or fourth option in a low-volume passing attack. This Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans is the worst possible environment for a rotational wideout; the Texans allow the fewest passing yards per game and rank second in completion percentage allowed. With Herbert expected to be under heavy pressure, targets will likely be concentrated among the primary starters or dumped off to running backs. Harris lacks the volume and matchup appeal to be a viable fantasy starter. He is a low-end WR5 and should stay on benches.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings' defense/special teams turned in one of the most impressive defensive games of the year by swarming the Detroit Lions for six turnovers and five sacks in a 23-10 Christmas Day victory. A Minnesota offense ravaged by injuries offered little help for most of the day, but the Lions had absolutely no answer for a Vikings defense that barraged them with pressure and won the line of scrimmage from the outset. Minnesota held Lions running back
Jahmyr Gibbs to 41 yards rushing and limited quarterback
Jared Goff to 197 yards passing and one touchdown. The Vikings picked off Goff twice, recovered four fumbles, three of which were credited to Goff, and saw seven different players record a tackle for loss. Managers who boldly started the Vikings against a strong Detroit offense were handsomely rewarded with a huge performance in a key week. Minnesota will conclude its season next week against Green Bay.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston reminded fantasy managers of his "boom" potential last week, erupting for 104 yards and a touchdown against the league's worst pass defense. However, his historical consistency remains an issue, and the pendulum swings back toward "bust" territory against the Houston Texans. The Texans are a defensive juggernaut, ranking first in EPA/Pass and second in pressure rate. While Johnston has overcome his groin injury, he now faces a secondary that excels at erasing deep threats and minimizing yards after the catch. In a game where
Justin Herbert will likely be under constant duress, Johnston's high-variance profile makes him an extremely dangerous start in championship week. Unless you are chasing a miracle, the risk outweighs the reward. He is a touchdown-reliant, low-end WR4.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Keenan Allen remains a steady veteran presence, but his fantasy upside is evaporating at the worst possible time. Last week, Allen caught all five of his targets, yet his 47% snap share underscores a concerning trend as he continues to split routes with rookie Tre' Harris. This week's matchup against the Houston Texans is the toughest possible test, as the Texans rank second in completion percentage allowed and third in interception rate. With Houston allowing the fewest passing yards per game and consistently pressuring the quarterback, the aging veteran may struggle to find open windows in a game script expected to be a defensive slog. Fantasy managers in championship matchups should look for higher-upside alternatives. He is merely a low-end WR4/FLEX option this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Ladd McConkey returned to the end zone last week, leading the team with six targets, but a repeat performance will be difficult on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Houston's secondary is arguably the best in the NFL, ranking first in EPA/Pass and allowing the fewest passing yards per game. While McConkey remains
Justin Herbert's primary target, the Texans' elite pass rush, which is tied for sixth in sacks, will likely force Herbert into quick, low-ADOT throws. This defensive pressure mirrors the conditions that led to McConkey's recent dud games rather than his productive outing against a porous Dallas secondary. While his target floor remains decent, the matchup significantly limits his big-play potential. He is a touchdown-dependent WR3 for the fantasy finals.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tony Pollard has been on a heater the last three games, scoring three touchdowns, rushing for 367 yards (6.12 YPC), and averaging 18.6 fantasy points per game during this stretch. It's by far the best stretch of the season for him, as in the previous 13 weeks, he had only rushed for 582 yards (3.88 YPC) and two touchdowns. Because of the recent surge in production, Pollard has worked his way up the running back ranks to become more of a lower-end RB2 compared to the RB3 rankings, where he has been a majority of the season, considering he is playing about 50 percent of the team's snaps, and splitting work with
Tyjae Spears. The young Titans offense as a whole has looked much better the last few weeks, so it should not come as a surprise that Pollard's production has been better of late as well. Week 17 presents a mediocre matchup, as the Saints rank 17th overall in fantasy points allowed to the running back position, keeping Pollard in the low-end RB2 ranks. RotoBaller ranks him as the RB22 for the week.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
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