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
December 16, 2025
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (side) is not expected to miss extended time, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports. Watson played only six minutes in Monday's 128-125 overtime win against the Houston Rockets, leaving the action with a right trunk contusion. "Nothing long term as far as I can understand," Nuggets head coach David Adelman said postgame about Watson's injury, calling it a "stinger." Due to injuries, Watson has held a very important role in the rotation, starting every game over the last month. He has averaged 14.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 30.0 minutes as a starter. Watson must recover by Thursday to avoid missing his first game of the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Vinny Benedetto
December 16, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (ankle) suffered another injury blow in Monday's 121-103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal reports. The enigmatic star tweaked his left ankle on a drive to the basket late in the fourth quarter. He missed the final 3:40 of action, finishing with 12 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 21 minutes. This was Morant's second game back after he missed 10 contests with a calf injury. Morant also dealt with a left ankle injury during preseason and didn't play in any of the exhibition games. Memphis will re-evaluate Morant on Tuesday to determine his availability for the rest of this week's slate.
--Taavi PailkSource: Damichael Cole
December 16, 2025
Miami Dolphins running back
De'Von Achane recorded 12 carries for 60 yards to go with six receptions (six targets) for 67 yards as a receiver in Monday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Achane ran efficiently, marking his fifth straight game with at least five yards per carry. The star running back also got involved as a receiver again after recording just one catch over the past two games, leading Miami in receiving yards and notching his sixth game with at least six receptions this season. Despite the Dolphins struggling to move the ball all night in the cold weather in Pittsburgh, Achane was still able to manage 127 total yards and deliver another strong performance for fantasy managers. The 24-year-old profiles as one of the best options in all of fantasy for next week's matchup against the porous Cincinnati Bengals defense.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 16, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kenneth Gainwell continues to be a PPR machine, racking up seven receptions for 46 yards while adding 13 carries for 80 yards on the ground in the Monday night win over the Miami Dolphins. Gainwell led the team in catches, with four other Steelers tied for second with three, and outgained
Jaylen Warren by 47 yards on the ground on one more carry. The 26-year-old remains a vital piece of the Steelers offense and a player that quarterback
Aaron Rodgers relies on for easy dump-off passes to pick up yards after the catch. Gainwell has recorded at least six receptions in four of the past five games and has emerged as a weekly option in PPR leagues. He'll project favorably again as an RB2/flex option next week against the Detroit Lions.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 16, 2025
Miami Dolphins quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in Monday night's 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The final line for Tagovailoa is not reflective of his overall performance, as Miami's offense struggled to move the ball all night. The 27-year-old signal-caller threw an ugly first-quarter interception and led the Dolphins to just 109 yards of offense on 21 plays in the first half. Miami went backwards in the third quarter, totaling minus-20 yards on their two drives before making up for lost time in the fourth quarter in garbage time, when Tagovailoa found tight end
Darren Waller for two touchdowns. The Alabama product ended up with his most passing yards in a game since Week 9, but it was an empty performance. Tagovailoa will look to get back on track next week in a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 16, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns in Monday night's 28-15 win over the Miami Dolphins. The 42-year-old signal-caller completed 85.2% of his passes, the second-highest in a game of his storied career. Rodgers and the Steelers' offense got off to a slow start with punts on their first three drives, but then they found the end zone on four consecutive drives en route to a dominant win. The veteran peppered running back
Kenneth Gainwell with seven underneath targets to pick up easy yardage, then threw touchdown passes on back-to-back drives to former Green Bay Packers teammate
Marquez Valdes-Scantling on the opening drive of the second half and
D.K. Metcalf on the ensuing possession. Rodgers has put together two of his best games of the season in the past two weeks and will look to stay hot next week against the Detroit Lions on the road. It won't be an easy matchup, but Rodgers should be forced to throw plenty in a game with shootout potential.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 16, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Emari Demercado had one carry for a yard in Sunday's 40-20 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 15. Demercado also had two catches for zero yards on three targets. The 26-year-old had a quiet performance in his first game back after missing three games due to an ankle injury.
Bam Knight (ankle) was carted off the field early on Sunday and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Michael Carter then slid into the RB1 role and dominated carries the rest of the game. With the Cardinals unsure of Knight's status for Week 16, Demercado could be in for a bigger workload against the Atlanta Falcons. If Knight can't play next week against the Atlanta Falcons, Carter and Demercado would split work in the backfield. It is worth noting that Demercado had out-snapped Carter in two consecutive games before suffering his own ankle injury. Heading into Week 16, Demercado is worth monitoring on waiver wires ahead of his matchup against the Falcons.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: RotoBaller
December 16, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Darren Waller recorded seven receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns in Monday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Waller scored the only touchdowns of the night for the Dolphins and notched his second two-touchdown game of the season, with the other coming back in Week 4 against the Jets. Both touchdowns came in garbage time in the fourth quarter as Miami's offense struggled to generate anything for most of the game. The 33-year-old tight end was quiet in the last two games after returning from a pectoral injury, totaling three catches for 60 yards on six targets, but he remains a dangerous threat in the red zone. Waller profiles as an interesting streamer in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have been the worst defense in the league against tight ends.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
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