December 29, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter had seven carries for 29 yards in Sunday's 37-14 blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. Carter also had two catches for 14 yards on four targets. The 26-year-old has been the lead running back in the Cardinals' backfield after the team has seen season-ending injuries to
James Conner (foot),
Trey Benson (knee), and
Bam Knight (ankle). However, Carter had under 50 total scrimmage yards in the perfect fantasy matchup. Heading into Sunday, the Bengals' defense had allowed the most fantasy points to running backs this season. Carter and the Cardinals' offense will look to bounce back in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams to close the regular season.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Greg Dulcich had his best performance of the season during Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dulcich hauled in five of his six targets for 58 yards and a touchdown in the win. The 25-year-old has now finished with 40 receiving yards or more in four straight games, even though fellow TE
Darren Waller remains healthy. Rookie quarterback
Quinn Ewers is set to make his third straight start in the Week 18 regular-season finale. The rookie signal-caller has connected with Dulcich eight times in two games. The expectation is that this trend will continue against the division-rival New England Patriots this Sunday. Dulcich isn't a great streaming option, but he is worthy of a look in deeper leagues this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 29, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Kris Murray (quadriceps) won't play on Monday against the Dallas Mavericks. He will exit the lineup due to a quadriceps contusion after logging 30 minutes in Sunday's win over the Boston Celtics. With
Jerami Grant (Achilles) unavailable, Murray made his fifth consecutive start on Sunday. The team may now look to
Sidy Cissoko to fill one of the starting forward spots, while
Rayan Rupert is likely to receive increased minutes coming off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Jacoby Brissett went 21-for-37 for 212 yards with two touchdowns in his team's 37-14 Week 17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Arizona's pass-happy offense stalled despite going against a bottom-tier pass defense. Brissett threw for under 215 yards and finished outside of QB1 territory for a second straight week, marking the first time since taking over the offense. From Week 6 to Week 15, Brissett was the QB3 overall in all fantasy football and averaged 21.2 fantasy points per game. The 33-year-old veteran has averaged 14.05 fantasy points over his last two games. Brissett seems to have found himself in a valley with his play during the fantasy football playoffs, but he will look to climb out of it in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Miami Heat guard/forward
Pelle Larsson (ankle) will not finish Monday's contest against the Denver Nuggets. He has been ruled out for the remainder of the game due to a right ankle sprain. The Swedish youngster sustained the injury early in the fourth quarter. With
Bam Adebayo's return, Larsson dropped to the second unit on Monday, tallying three points and two rebounds before his premature exit.
Simone Fontecchio may re-enter the regular rotation this week if Larsson misses additional time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Miami Heat
December 29, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Pat Freiermuth finished with his second-highest total in yardage during Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns. Freiermuth hauled in three of his five targets for 63 yards in the loss. He saw 70 percent of the offensive snaps, which is the most for him since Week 3. The increased playing time was because
Darnell Washington (forearm) was forced to leave the game. Washington suffered a broken forearm during that game, so he won't play in the regular-season finale. Freiermuth figures to play a bigger role alongside
Jonnu Smith during the Week 18 matchup against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Freiermuth has seen four or more targets in three straight games coming into this one. He's worthy of looking at as a TE2 streamer for the regular-season finale.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 29, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) will miss the rest of Monday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team announced. While Giddey was on the injury report with an ankle issue before the game, he exited the action with a hamstring problem in the third quarter. The Bulls also lost
Coby White (calf) during the contest, leaving the team without its starting backcourt. Without Giddey,
Tre Jones will operate as the primary ball-handler, while Kevin Huarter and
Ayo Dosunmu will also help to fill the gap in the backcourt.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chicago Bulls
December 29, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) has been ruled out for the rest of Monday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He exited the action in the first quarter with a right calf injury, playing only seven minutes.
Jalen Smith was elevated to the starting lineup for the second half. White also dealt with calf problems earlier in the season. If he misses additional time,
Kevin Huerter,
Tre Jones, and
Ayo Dosunmu must be ready for a heavier workload.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chicago Bulls
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers tight end
Oronde Gadsden found the end zone for the first time since Week 8 during Saturday's loss to the Houston Texans. The rookie tight end was able to salvage his fantasy value with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the game with three receptions on six targets for 32 yards and the one score. His value has been inconsistent this season, and it's not going to get any better in Week 18 in the regular-season finale on the road against a tough Denver Broncos defense. The Chargers are expected to rest most of their starters in Week 18, which includes quarterback
Justin Herbert. Backup
Trey Lance will take over under center, which will be a downgrade for the entire offense. It's unclear how much Gadsden is going to play, and having a backup QB throwing the rock around isn't going to do him any favors. Fantasy managers are better off looking elsewhere for TE help in Week 18.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 29, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Monday's game against the Miami Heat, Sam Amick of The Athletic reports. Jokic injured his left knee late in the second quarter. He was on his way to another huge fantasy line, posting 21 points, five rebounds, and eight assists in 19 minutes.
Jonas Valanciunas stepped in as the starting center for the second half, and his fantasy value could surge if Jokic misses additional time.
Zeke Nnaji would also have a more prominent role in the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sam Amick
December 29, 2025
Dallas Mavericks point guard
Brandon Williams (calf) has been cleared to play on Monday versus the Portland Trail Blazers. He was upgraded from questionable to probable earlier in the day, and the team has now listed Williams as available for the game. Williams posted a season-high 26 points in his most recent outing on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors. While he faces a good matchup on Monday against a team that allows the third-most fantasy points in the league to point guards, Williams has been inconsistent all month and may disappoint fantasy managers against Portland.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dallas Mavericks PR
December 29, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver
Elic Ayomanor tied for the team lead in receptions and targets during Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints. The rookie wideout hauled in four of his seven targets for 37 yards and snagged a touchdown in the defeat. Ayomanor has seen his role in the offense increase with the Titans down a few wideouts due to injuries to close out the season. Over the last two games, Ayomanor has secured seven receptions for 95 yards and one score. He figures to continue getting the ball thrown his way in the Week 18 regular-season finale. There's not great upside here, but Ayomanor should at least offer deep-league value for the final game against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 29, 2025
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
Anthony Davis (adductor) has been ruled out for Monday night's action against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 10-time All-Star attended Monday morning's shootaround, but he won't be ready to play, with the team downgrading Davis' status from questionable to out.
Daniel Gafford will likely keep his spot in the starting lineup, while
Dwight Powell will provide cover at the center position on Monday night. This is a good matchup for Dallas' centers, as Portland gives up the sixth-most fantasy points in the league to the position.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dallas Mavericks PR
December 29, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) is questionable to return on Monday versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports. White was limited to seven minutes in the first half before leaving with a right calf injury, which has already sidelined him for 11 games this season. In his absence,
Ayo Dosunmu,
Kevin Huerter, and
Tre Jones are expected to see increased playing time.
--Taavi PailkSource: K.C. Johnson
December 29, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic limped to the locker room with an apparent left knee injury at halftime in Monday's matchup against the Miami Heat. The multi-time MVP seemed to hyperextend his knee when teammate
Spencer Jones accidentally stepped on his foot late in the first half.
Jonas Valanciunas took Jokic's place in the starting lineup for the second half.
Zeke Nnaji is also expected to see increased minutes, with Jokic considered questionable to return.
--Taavi PailkSource: Bleacher Report
December 29, 2025
Charlotte Hornets forward
Miles Bridges (ankle) exited Monday's contest against the Milwaukee Bucks with a right ankle sprain. He was injured in the first quarter, leaving the action after logging only seven minutes. Losing Bridges is a massive blow for Charlotte, as he leads the team in scoring with 20.4 points per game. With
Kon Knueppel (ankle) already out,
LaMelo Ball,
Brandon Miller, and
Collin Sexton will be very busy on the offensive end for the rest of Monday's game.
Tidjane Salaun started the second half in Bridges' place.
--Taavi PailkSource: Charlotte Hornets PR
December 29, 2025
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that a nine-month recovery is expected for Green Bay Packers star pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee) after he underwent ACL surgery on his injured left knee on Monday. Parsons suffered the season-ending injury in the Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos when he came down awkwardly on his left knee while rushing the passer. The 26-year-old is expected to miss the beginning of the 2026 season, but all in all, it's good news that Parsons suffered a clean tear of his ACL and that no other ligaments were affected. Parsons will cost a little less in IDP fantasy football formats next year because of his injury, but he'll still be worth rostering as an elite defender. The five-time Pro Bowler was on his way to a new career-high in sacks before his injury, finishing with 12.5 sacks and 41 total tackles in 14 games in his first year in Green Bay. Parsons has at least 12 sacks in all five of his NFL campaigns.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
December 29, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) is considered "up in the air" for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday night against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Watt missed a third straight game in Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns after having surgery to fix a partially collapsed lung in early December. Reports have varied as far as his potential availability for this Sunday's game, in which the winner wins the AFC North division, and the loser goes home. Head coach Mike Tomlin has said that Watt won't return to game action until he can practice in full for an entire week, so the 31-year-old's practice status will be closely monitored this week. If Watt is active Sunday night versus Baltimore, he surely won't be at 100% and will most likely be on a pitch count.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
December 29, 2025
Utah Jazz guard
Keyonte George (illness) is considered questionable for Tuesday's clash against the Boston Celtics. He is feeling under the weather and may skip his first game of the season. It has been a monster campaign for the 22-year-old, who has upped his scoring production from 16.8 points per game to a career-high 24.2. George has greatly improved his efficiency and is doing a better job as a playmaker, posting 6.8 assists per game, also a career high. If George sits out Tuesday's action,
Isaiah Collier would see a much larger workload, while the rest of the starting group would have additional offensive touches.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (ankle) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. He may miss a second consecutive game due to a sprained right ankle. With Embiid out on Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder,
Andre Drummond logged another start. However, he was quiet in 18 minutes of action, finishing with four points and four rebounds.
Adem Bona saw a lot more success, notching 11 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks in 28 minutes off the bench. Given his strong performance in the last game, Philadelphia may reward Bona with a starting role on Tuesday if Embiid doesn't play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
San Antonio Spurs point guard
De'Aaron Fox (adductor) has shed the questionable tag and will return from a one-game absence on Monday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Julian Champagnie, who filled in for Fox in the starting unit on Saturday against the Utah Jazz, will move back to the bench. Fox took Saturday off after a superb Christmas Day debut, during which he produced 29 points on 12-for-19 shooting in a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. His recent play has been inconsistent, and he'll aim to find more stability with his performance on Monday.
--Taavi PailkSource: San Antonio Spurs
December 29, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Zion Williamson will rejoin the starting lineup for Monday's tilt against the New York Knicks. Since returning from a hamstring injury, he has made seven consecutive appearances off the bench. His move back to the first unit indicates that Williamson is now ready for his usual workload. As a starter, the explosive forward has averaged 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 steals in 30.9 minutes this season.
Bryce McGowens will give up his spot in the first unit to Williamson and is listed as inactive on Monday.
--Taavi PailkSource: New Orleans Pelicans
December 29, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Ajay Mitchell (shin) is good to go for Monday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. He sustained a left shin contusion during Sunday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers and initially received a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Monday's contest. Mitchell has been highly productive in the second unit this season and can show off his talents on Monday night against a team that allows the 13th-most bench points in the Association.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said on Monday that it "seems like it's going well with
Rashid Shaheed" after he suffered a concussion in Sunday's win over the Carolina Panthers, but the team won't know if he'll make it through the league's concussion protocol until later in the week, according to Curtis Crabtree of FOX 13 Seattle. It will all depend on the 27-year-old's ability to practice this week, but with the Week 18 divisional clash against the San Francisco 49ers coming this Saturday, we don't like Shaheed's chances of suiting up. Shaheed has been more of an asset on special teams for Seattle since they acquired him at the trade deadline from the New Orleans Saints. He has caught 14 of his 25 targets for 186 yards and no touchdowns in his eight games with the Seahawks.
Cooper Kupp and tight end
AJ Barner will have bigger roles on offense behind
Jaxon Smith-Njigba if Shaheed can't get cleared for Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX 13 Seattle - Curtis Crabtree
December 29, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Jaylin Williams (heel) and forward/center
Ousmane Dieng (calf) will remain out on Monday against the Atlanta Hawks. The two frontcourt reserves have been out for several games due to injury, with Williams missing a seventh consecutive game and Dieng sidelined for a fifth straight contest.
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) is also unavailable on Monday, meaning
Branden Carlson could see meaningful minutes in the rotation.
Jalen Williams and
Kenrich Williams may also get some burn at the center position.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Isaiah Joe (neck) will play on Monday night against the Atlanta Hawks. Due to neck soreness, his day at the office was limited to only five minutes on Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers, but the Thunder have not included Joe on Monday's injury report. Joe mostly provides outside shooting for the defending champions, averaging 2.6 makes from downtown with a career-high 42.4 efficiency. He has a good matchup on Monday, as Atlanta gives up the 11th-most three-point attempts in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
According to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, Chicago Bulls center
Zach Collins (toe) is unavailable for Monday's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Collins is expected to be sidelined the rest of the week due to a sprained right toe. His injury occurred in the closing minutes of Saturday's loss to Milwaukee. The 28-year-old big man finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists in 24 minutes before leaving the floor. With the timetable presented, he will be sidelined for at least three more games. With Collins on the shelf,
Nikola Vucevic will be assigned extra minutes at center.
--Andrew LennoxSource: K.C. Johnson
December 29, 2025
The Miami Marlins are acquiring speedy outfielder
Esteury Ruiz from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday in exchange for Cuban right-hander Adriano Marrero, sources told Francys Romero. Marrero had signed with the Marlins for a $350,000 signing bonus on Jan. 15 of last year. Ruiz, 26, led all of baseball with 67 stolen bases back in 2023 with the Athletics, but he couldn't replicate that success with the A's in 2024 and was eventually cut. The Dominican outfielder latched on with the Dodgers last year but ended up playing in only 19 games at the big-league level, going 4-for-21 (.190) at the plate with a homer, two RBI, and four steals. Ruiz, despite his electric wheels, has not been an asset defensively and has slashed only .241/.296/.343 in his four seasons in the majors. While he could start 2026 in the minors, Ruiz has a much better shot to return to the big leagues and stick around now that he's in Miami.
--Keith HernandezSource: Francys Romero
December 29, 2025
New York Knicks guard
Tyler Kolek (ankle) will be active on Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans, Steve Popper of Newsday reports. Since turning heads on Christmas Day with a near double-double against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Koler has sustained an ankle injury and was initially considered questionable for Monday's matchup. While Kolek has produced a few good performances lately, his workload may decrease going forward, as
Miles McBride (ankle) returns from a three-week absence on Monday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Steve Popper
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring), who came into Monday night listed as doubtful, is officially inactive versus the hosting Atlanta Falcons in Week 17. It will be the second straight game that Adams will miss due to a lingering left-hamstring injury. The 33-year-old veteran is expected to be held out in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals as well. In last Thursday night's crazy overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks,
Xavier Smith and
Konata Mumpfield stepped up in Adams' absence behind star receiver
Puka Nacua to combine for five catches and 97 receiving yards. In addition to Smith and Mumpfield, tight ends
Davis Allen,
Terrance Ferguson, and
Colby Parkinson should remain more involved in the passing attack. Adams is fully expected to be ready to return for the wild-card round of the postseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Rams
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