December 29, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Parker Washington posted another superb performance in Week 17, notching back-to-back ten-target, 100-plus-yard outings as the team beat out their division-rival Colts 23-17. Jacksonville has been on a roll, and the Penn State alum has been a big part of it, leading his squad in receiving in consecutive games. Moreover, Washington ranked second at his position in snaps on Sunday, eking out teammate
Brian Thomas Jr. 56-54, with only
Jakobi Meyers playing ahead of him (65). While it's unclear if this signals an official change in the Jags' passing game hierarchy, fantasy managers should scoop up the 23-year-old anywhere he's unowned, as it appears he'll remain heavily involved despite the corps being at full strength. He's set career-highs across the board in 2025.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Jalen Coker caught two passes for 16 yards in the team's Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Carolina WR finished the game with 3.6 PPR points, his lowest fantasy total since Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. Coker also had back-to-back weeks with fewer than 10 PPR points for the first time since Weeks 9 and 10. In Week 18, Carolina will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the second time this season. Tampa Bay ranked sixth in fantasy points per game allowed to the WR position in the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against the Buccaneers, Coker had three receptions for 47 yards and 7.7 PPR points. Although the Tampa Bay matchup is not ideal, the overall volume is a bigger concern for Coker, as he has only been targeted five-plus times in a game twice this year. Coker is not recommended for those playing in Week 18, despite him playing in a division title-deciding game.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Green Bay Packers running back
Emanuel Wilson would be in line for a significant snap share during Week 18's road outing with the Vikings if the team decides to rest its starting unit. The 26-year-old had already begun to see the field more, operating in an increased capacity over his previous two appearances, while teammate
Josh Jacobs dealt with knee and ankle injuries. Despite placing third in snaps for Saturday's loss to Baltimore, Wilson led the backfield with 16 rushing yards and saw just one fewer carry than Jacobs' four. With the news that head coach Matt LaFleur has considered sitting the first-string unit ahead of next Sunday's game against Minnesota, Wilson would be poised for substantial utilization alongside Brooks. He's a good speculative add for fantasy managers still hanging around either way.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Carolina Panthers rookie first-round wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan had the worst game of the season in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie WR was targeted four times but only caught one pass for five yards. Although he reportedly worked past an illness to play, he finished with 1.5 PPR points, marking the second time in the last three weeks he totaled less than 5.0 PPR points. In Week 18, the Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their NFC South rival, for the division title. The Buccaneers ranked sixth in fantasy points per game allowed to WRs over the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against Tampa Bay, McMillan had six receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. He totaled 19.3 PPR points in one of his best games of the year. Despite the seemingly unfavorable matchup, McMillan may bounce back against a Tampa Bay team he performed well against previously. Fantasy leaguers who are playing in Week 18 can consider starting McMillan as a WR3 or flex option in a winner-take-all game for Carolina.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Carolina Panthers running back
Rico Dowdle had 12 carries for 59 yards in the team's 27-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Carolina RB also added three receptions for four yards and totaled 9.3 PPR points. It was the first time since Weeks 1 and 2 that Dowdle registered less than 10 PPR points in consecutive games. The Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an important rematch in Week 18. Tampa Bay ranked 15th in fantasy points per game allowed to the RB position in the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against the Buccaneers, Dowdle had 29 rushing yards on nine carries and finished with 8.3 PPR points. Despite the middling matchup, Dowdle has been underwhelming over the last five games. In that span, Dowdle had only two double-digit PPR fantasy finishes and only one touchdown. Even though a playoff berth is on the line, Dowdle has underperformed too much recently to be a reliable play if your league holds its fantasy championship game in Week 18.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Carolina Panthers quarterback
Bryce Young completed 14 of 24 passes for a career-low 54 yards and one interception in the team's 27-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Carolina QB totaled 27 rushing yards on nine carries and scored the team's only touchdown. Young finished the game with 9.9 fantasy points, his lowest fantasy total since Week 10. In 15 games played this year, Young has averaged 14.1 fantasy points per game. In Week 18, the Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the second time this season. Tampa Bay ranked 27th in fantasy points per game allowed to QBs over the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against the Buccaneers, Young had 21 completions for 191 yards, two touchdowns, and 17.6 fantasy points. Consider starting Young as a fantasy QB2 superflex option if your league is still playing in Week 18. Young may post decent fantasy numbers in a critical matchup with the NFC South title on the line.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Luther Burden III (quad) suffered a quad injury on the last play of the game in his team's Week 17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers that will require additional testing. However, initial reports indicate that the injury is not thought to be serious, which could give Burden III a chance to play in his team's Week 18 match against the Detroit Lions. Before getting hurt, Burden III had a massive game against San Francisco, hauling in eight catches for 138 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. With Bears wideout
Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined by a foot injury, Burden III has emerged as an integral part of his team's passing game. Across three games played without Odunze, Burden III has recorded 18 receptions for 289 yards and a score on 22 targets. Given that they already have the NFC North crown locked up, Chicago could choose to be cautious with Burden III and hold him out of Week 18. However, he would profile as a must-add player off the waiver wire if further reporting indicates he's healthy enough to play.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
New York Giants running back
Devin Singletary bounced back from a couple of subpar showings in Weeks 15 and 16 with a solid game in his team's Week 17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, recording 70 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 12 touches. While
Tyrone Tracy Jr. has established himself as the RB1 in New York in recent weeks, Singletary has maintained a role in the Giants' offense. Across eight games since New York lost running back
Cam Skattebo (ankle) to a season-ending ankle injury, Singletary has racked up double-digit touches seven times. He's also scored four touchdowns and recorded fewer than 46 scrimmage yards just once in that eight-game stretch. While Singletary's upside is limited by Tracy Jr.'s presence, he's demonstrated flex-worthy production on a relatively consistent basis. Singletary could be worth targeting on the waiver in fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams heading into a favorable Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Chicago Bears tight end
Colston Loveland had one of his best games of the season in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers, recording six catches for 94 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. With Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined by a foot injury, Loveland's role in the Chicago offense has grown in recent weeks. He's now recorded at least five targets in six straight games and logged three touchdown grabs in that stretch. Additionally, Chicago wideout
Luther Burden III (quad) suffered a quad injury in Week 17 that could put his status for Week 18 in question, further opening an opportunity for Loveland to climb the team's pass-catching pecking order. The Bears are locked into either the number two or number three seed in the NFC regardless of their result in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions, so they may be inclined to rest Odunze and Burden III to make sure both players are ready to go for the playoffs. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Loveland profiles as a player to target on the waiver wire.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a big showing in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. The 24-year-old has played some of his best football of late, logging 226 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries over his last three games. Croskey-Merritt has benefited from the absence of Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness), who has missed two out of the last three weeks with various ailments. Croskey-Merritt played 64% of Washington's offensive snaps in Week 17 with Rodriguez Jr. sidelined, but just 20% of the snaps in Week 16 with Rodriguez Jr. active. Still, Croskey-Merritt's improved performance of late could lead the team to shift more carries his way even if Rodriguez Jr. returns. Croskey-Merritt may be worth targeting in all fantasy leagues with 10 or more teams heading into his Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Audric Estime had a breakout game in Week 17, recording 14 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Tennessee Titans. With Saints running backs
Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle),
Kendre Miller (knee), and
Devin Neal (hamstring) all sidelined, the team has an opportunity for backfield contributors to emerge. Estime appeared to step into that void in Week 17, as his 14 rush attempts were nearly triple that of running back
Evan Hull and tight end
Taysom Hill combined (5). Estime also dominated running back playing time against Tennessee, playing 76% of the Saints' offensive snaps. Miller and Neal are on Injured Reserve, while Kamara has a chance to return in Week 18. However, Kamara has missed five straight games, and there's not a ton of incentive for the 6-10 Saints to bring him back this season. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Estime should be a waiver-wire target heading into his Week 18 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston has had a rollercoaster 2025 season. After averaging 84.3 receiving yards per game and scoring four touchdowns over the first four weeks of the season, the 24-year-old averaged just 24.5 yards per game and scored two touchdowns over his next eight contests. However, Johnston appears to be re-emerging in recent weeks. Over his last two games, he's recorded nine receptions for 202 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets. Johnston remains a big-play threat, averaging 14.4 yards per reception for the season and 22.4 yards per reception over the last two weeks. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams where he remains available, Johnston could be a player to target on the waiver wire heading into his Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Across eight healthy games in 2025, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin Jr. has recorded 32 receptions for 352 yards and two touchdowns on 50 targets. The 29-year-old broke out in Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins, hauling in seven catches for 108 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. It was Godwin Jr.'s first game with more than five catches or 78 receiving yards this season, and it may be a sign that the veteran wideout is finally working his way back to full strength from the lower leg injuries that have bothered him since the middle of 2024. Godwin Jr. also played 79% of Tampa Bay's offensive snaps in Week 17, the most among all Buccaneers wide receivers. In all PPR fantasy leagues with 10 or more teams, Godwin Jr. is a player to target on the waiver wire heading into his Week 18 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder) dominated on Saturday night against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17. He completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 60 yards and scoring twice on the ground, good for 31.52 fantasy points, making him worth a look on the waiver wire if he is scheduled to start again for Week 18. Important to note that Willis did leave the game midway through the fourth quarter after he appeared to re-aggravate his shoulder on a throw. At this time, he is questionable for Week 18. Because of his recent performance, he should be on the fantasy radar in Week 18 if he starts against the Minnesota Vikings. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was non-committal about who will start between Love and Willis after Saturday's 41-24 loss. Primarily because the Packers have locked up the seventh seed in the NFC and can no longer move up or down, in addition to the injuries to both Willis and Love. In Week 18, they also take on the Minnesota Vikings, who have been dominant against opposing quarterbacks, allowing the fewest fantasy points to the quarterback position on the season.--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
San Francisco 49ers fourth-year player out of California,
Jake Tonges, stepped in for the injured
George Kittle (ankle) on Sunday Night Football and made the most of it. He earned himself an impressive nine targets, hauled in seven of them for 60 yards, and scored a touchdown. When given the opportunity in 2025, considering Kittle has now missed seven games this season, Tonges has made the most of it. On the season, he now has five touchdowns and 293 yards on 34 receptions. The key thing to monitor here will clearly be the status of Kittle's ankle, as Tonges is the clear backup to the superstar. If Kittle remains out, Tonges will be in the low-end TE1 rankings in a crucial Week 18 matchup with the No. 1 seed for the NFC and the division on the line when the 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders third-year tight end out of Notre Dame,
Michael Mayer, stepped in for the injured
Brock Bowers (knee) on Sunday and dominated, hauling in nine of his 10 targets for 89 yards. The 10 targets were the most on the team, with
Tre Tucker with the second most at six targets. With Bowers landing on the Injured Reserve and set to miss the rest of the 2025 season, Mayer will have an opportunity to continue to showcase his skill set for one more game before the regular season is over. Entering Week 18, Mayer will be in the low-end TE1 conversation against the Kansas City Chiefs, who also have had their fair share of injuries. The biggest question to monitor with Mayer would be whether
Geno Smith (ankle) or
Kenny Pickett will be throwing him passes. Regardless, Mayer should dominate target share, and because of that, find himself as a valuable fantasy asset in most 12-team or larger leagues.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Dallas Cowboys' fourth-year running back out of Florida,
Malik Davis, led the backfield in running back touches in the Cowboys' Week 17 30-23 win on Christmas Day over the Washington Commanders. He stepped in for the injured
Javonte Williams (shoulder) and ended the game with 20 rush attempts (5.15 YPC) for 103 yards. Additionally, over the past two games, he has earned 54 percent and 34 percent of the snaps, respectively. He is starting to see an increased workload as the season comes to an end for the eliminated-from-the-playoffs Cowboys. With a strong Week 18 matchup looming against the New York Giants in Week 18, Davis is a must-add off the waivers for those fantasy managers still competing for a championship. If Williams were to sit out, Davis would immediately become a plug-and-play RB2.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver
Luther Burden III (quadriceps), who was carted off the field after Sunday night's game, suffered a quad injury that is not thought to be serious. He will undergo additional testing today, ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports. The very last play of the game, with the Bears down 42-38, they had the ball inside the red zone, and while quarterback
Caleb Williams was scrambling, trying to find an open receiver in the end zone to win the game, Burden was crunched between a few defenders and was down on the field. After the incomplete pass, the game ended so abruptly, and the 49ers team stormed the field. We saw a quick mention of Burden being down on the field; however, on television, it was never further discussed. The additional testing on Monday morning will provide further clarity into the severity of his injury. Fantasy managers who are still competing in Week 18 will want to keep their eyes on this, as
Rome Odunze(foot) has missed the last few games and Burden has taken advantage of his opportunities.
Olamide Zaccheaus and
Jahdae Walker would likely see an increased amount of playing time should Burden miss any time. At the same time,
DJ Moore and
Colston Loveland would likely be the biggest beneficiaries.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Adam Schefter
December 29, 2025
Atlanta Hawks guard
Trae Young (quad) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Oklahoma City due to a right quad contusion, adding uncertainty to an already thinned rotation with
Jalen Johnson (illness) and
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) ruled out. If Young sits, Atlanta's offense would shift toward secondary creators.
Dyson Daniels and
Nickeil Alexander-Walker would be asked to absorb more on-ball work, while
Keaton Wallace and
Luke Kennard could see added minutes despite limited recent production. Daniels offers the most stable fantasy floor, while Wallace and Kennard remain high-risk streamers tied to playing time volatility.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko scored two goals in Sunday's 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders. He had the opening goal of the game eight minutes into the contest and registered the game-winning marker with 16:41 played in the third period. Marchenko lit the lamp for a second consecutive game, producing his third multi-goal performance of the season. While Marchenko had one of the longest point streaks in franchise history earlier in the campaign with a 12-game run, he has struggled for consistency since it ended. Over the last six weeks, the Russian winger has scored points in back-to-back games just three times and hasn't produced offense in more than two consecutive games. Still, it has been a big season for Marchenko, who is Columbus' highest-scoring forward with 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) in 33 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (ankle) is listed as probable for Monday's matchup against Minnesota after appearing on the injury report with a left ankle sprain. The designation suggests minimal risk of a workload reduction, keeping Giddey locked into a high-usage, playmaking role. The 23-year-old has produced across multiple categories over his last five, averaging 17.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 10.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 2.3 three-pointers in 31.7 minutes. His availability stabilizes Chicago's backcourt, limiting added ball-handling upside for
Tre Jones while maintaining consistent usage for
Coby White.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Houston Rockets forward/center
Alperen Sengun (calf) is listed as questionable for Monday's matchup against Indiana after missing the previous win over Cleveland with a left calf issue. His status carries notable fantasy implications given his central role in Houston's offense. If Sengun remains sidelined,
Steven Adams and
Clint Capela would again split center minutes. Adams logged nine points and eight rebounds in 22 minutes last game, while Capela added four points and eight rebounds in 18 minutes. Adams profiles as a short-term rebounds stream, while Capela remains a deeper-league fallback.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Justin Brazeau had a big outing on Sunday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, erupting for his first career hat trick in a 7-3 win. He scored Pittsburgh's third goal during a dominant four-goal first period and added two more in the second, including a power-play marker. Brazeau had a red-hot start to the season with 12 points in October, but he has struggled to regain momentum after missing several weeks with an upper-body injury. Since returning in early December, the 27-year-old has managed only six points (five goals, one assist) in 11 appearances. He has finished eight of those games without producing any offense. Despite his recent struggles, Brazeau is fourth on his team with 11 goals and has totaled 18 points in 23 games this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
Anthony Davis (adductor) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Portland after missing one contest since suffering the injury on Christmas Day. His availability remains fluid, but the lack of an immediate shutdown is mildly encouraging for fantasy managers. If Davis sits,
Daniel Gafford might be in line for another start after posting 11 points, seven rebounds, and one block in 23 minutes, while
P.J. Washington could continue handling small-ball center duties following a 17-point, five-rebound, four-block outing.
Dwight Powell and
Moussa Cisse may also see floor time, though both remain too inconsistent for reliable fantasy use.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovský had his best outing of the season in Sunday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, bagging three points. The Slovakian talent did all of his scoring in the third period, helping Montreal rescue a point from a 3-0 deficit. Slafkovsky recorded two goals and one assist, scoring a dramatic game-tying goal with only four seconds left in regulation. With the end of the year approaching, Slafkovsky has heated up. He is on a four-game point streak and has registered three consecutive multi-point games. Following back-to-back 50-point years, Slafkovsky has elevated his game and can record 60 points for the first time in his career. Across 38 contests, he has contributed 13 goals and 15 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (hip) is expected to miss a seventh straight game against the Toronto Raptors as he continues to deal with a left hip contusion, having not played since Dec. 13. His absence has reshaped Orlando's guard rotation and fantasy landscape.
Tyus Jones should continue to start and remains a short-term assists streamer, averaging 6.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over his last six.
Anthony Black has absorbed added usage, posting 24.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 three-pointers in 34.4 minutes, making him a sell-high candidate.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Seattle Kraken winger Eeli Tolvanen contributed to three goals in Sunday's 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. He set up Chandler Stephenson for the game-winning tally and iced the game with a pair of empty-net goals. The Finnish forward has now found the score sheet in six consecutive outings, matching his career-best scoring streak from March 2021. He has had multiple points in three of the games, including each of the last two. There isn't any time for Tolvanen to cool off, as the Kraken head out again on Monday night against the Vancouver Canucks. Through 36 games this season, he has tallied 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists) and leads his team with 95 hits.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (knee) will miss a sixth consecutive game Monday against Washington, extending his absence since Dec. 14 due to right knee injury management. His continued absence keeps the Suns' backcourt rotation thin and boosts short-term fantasy value elsewhere.
Collin Gillespie has emerged as the most reliable beneficiary, averaging 16.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers in 32.6 minutes over his last five.
Royce O'Neale offers low-ceiling depth in deeper leagues, while
Jordan Goodwin's role remains volatile.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (lower body) will sit out a sixth straight game on Monday against the Minnesota Wild. Two weeks ago, the American scoring machine was sidelined due to illness, and he is currently nursing a lower-body injury. It's unclear when Eichel will rejoin the lineup, but Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy has not ruled him out for Wednesday's clash against the Nashville Predators on New Year's Eve. With Eichel out of the lineup, the fantasy value of the team's other centers has increased. Thomas Hertl is taking a five-game point streak into Monday's matchup, while Brett Howden has scored in back-to-back contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: Reuters
December 29, 2025
New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (upper body) is considered day-to-day, Peter Baugh of The Athletic reports. This is a positive development, as the star blue-liner has been out of the lineup for 13 games due to an upper-body injury. On Sunday, Fox was a full participant at practice, indicating that he is nearing his return to action. The Rangers begin a three-game week on Monday against the Carolina Hurricanes and wrap it up with the 2026 Winter Classic versus the Florida Panthers on Friday night. Fox, who has notched 26 points (three goals, 23 assists) in 27 games this season, will undoubtedly be desperate to play in the special Winter Classic matchup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Peter Baugh
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