December 4, 2025
Golden State Warriors forward
Jimmy Butler III (knee) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Philadelphia 76ers. The veteran star played only 15 minutes in Tuesday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, exiting the action with a sore left knee.
Gary Payton II started the second half in Butler's place, notching 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Buddy Hield also had a larger workload without Butler, logging 28 minutes off the bench. He finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Both players would have more fantasy value if Butler sits out Thursday's action.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 4, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Paul George (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Philadelphia begins a back-to-back on Thursday, and it appears certain that George will miss at least one of the games. Since his season debut, George has seen limited action and played only 18 minutes in Tuesday's win over the Washington Wizards. He is averaging 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals in 22.2 minutes per game.
Justin Edwards could return to the starting lineup if George doesn't play, giving him more fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 4, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) has been listed as doubtful for Thursday's clash against the Golden State Warriors, indicating that he is likely to miss a second consecutive game. Due to knee issues, the former MVP has taken the court just seven times this season, averaging 19.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals. Embiid's absence means fantasy managers can continue to keep faith in
Andre Drummond, who has posted seven double-doubles in his 10 starts this season. Golden State ranks 25th in rebounding rate, making it a favorable fantasy matchup for Drummond.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 4, 2025
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown (illness) is considered doubtful for Thursday's matchup against the Washington Wizards. He will likely miss his first game of the season due to illness. A second absence might also be in store for Brown, as Boston has another game on Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown leads the Celtics in scoring with 29.0 points per game, and his absence would open up a lot of offensive touches for other players on the team.
Derrick White,
Anfernee Simons,
Sam Hauser, and
Payton Pritchard will all have increased fantasy appeal if Brown sits on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 4, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
George Pickens has already posted career highs in receptions (73), receiving yards (1,142), and touchdowns in 12 games this season. Pickens has been a seamless fit in his first year with the Cowboys and has formed one of the most dynamic wide receiver duos in the league with
CeeDee Lamb. The 24-year-old was limited in practice on Monday with calf and knee injuries, but he has been cleared from the injury report and is all set to play Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. It's a dream matchup for the former Pittsburgh Steeler, as Detroit has played man coverage at a league-high 42.8% clip this season. Pickens has arguably been the best receiver against man coverage this season, leading all players by a wide margin with 463 yards against man, per Fantasy Points Data. In a matchup featuring the highest projected point total of the week, Pickens profiles as one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football in Week 14.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 4, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb is coming off his best game of the year on Thanksgiving Day against the Kansas City Chiefs, posting seven receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. Lamb has had some frustrating drops this season, but he is still one of the best weekly fantasy football options at wide receiver. His 112 yards in Week 13 matched a season high and was his first 100-yard outing since Week 7 against the Washington Commanders. The star wideout has been overshadowed at times by
George Pickens, who has had a fantastic first season in Dallas, but there is plenty of passing volume with quarterback
Dak Prescott at the helm for both receivers to be high-end fantasy options every week. Lamb is ranked as RotoBaller's WR2 in PPR leagues for Thursday night against the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the second-most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 4, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Malik Davis had his best game of the season last week against the Chiefs on Thanksgiving, handling three carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. Davis ripped off a 43-yard touchdown during the second quarter, showing impressive burst and explosiveness. That marked the longest rushing touchdown of the season for the Cowboys, and Davis' speed is a nice complement to the bruising running style of starter
Javonte Williams. The 27-year-old Davis has been up and down from the practice squad for Dallas this season, but he has been active for each of the past six games and has firmly established himself as the No. 2 running back over rookie
Jaydon Blue. He could work his way into more touches against the Lions on Thursday night after an impressive Week 13 performance. However, Davis still profiles as a handcuff option for now and should remain on benches in Week 14.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 4, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Javonte Williams hasn't been as efficient a runner in recent games, but he still has one of the biggest workloads among RBs. In Weeks 1-7, Williams recorded 111 carries for 592 yards (5.2 yards per tote ) and six touchdowns while adding 23 receptions (32 targets) for 85 yards and a touchdown as a receiver, ranking as the RB7 in PPR points per game (19.0). Over the past five games, the 25-year-old has still been solid, but not quite as dynamic, with 87 carries for 363 yards (4.2 YPC) and two touchdowns to go with eight receptions (10 targets) for 43 yards and a touchdown. He still ranks as the RB20 with 13.3 PPR points per game in that span, which fantasy managers will take if that is considered his floor. Williams should be in line for a big workload again Thursday night versus the Detroit Lions in a game featuring the highest projected point total of the week. The Lions' defense has been stingy against the run, but Williams' body of work this year has made him matchup-proof.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 4, 2025
Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Dak Prescott is playing at an MVP level this season and has been one of the top quarterbacks in fantasy football. During the Cowboys' current three-game win streak, Prescott leads the league with eight passing touchdowns and is second with 942 passing yards. He ranks as the QB1 with 24.7 fantasy points per game during that time as well, and
Josh Allen is the only other QB above 22 points per game. The 32-year-old signal-caller has arguably the best wide receiver duo in football in
George Pickens and
CeeDee Lamb, which has helped fuel his big season. Prescott profiles as a top-three option in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions in a game with the highest projected point total of the week. The Lions have played man coverage at a league-high 42.8% clip this season, which Prescott has feasted against with the third-most passing yards (916) in the league, per Fantasy Points Data. He ranks as RotoBaller's QB2 for Week 14.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 3, 2025
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports that former Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres general manager Josh Byrnes will be the new Colorado Rockies GM under president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta, according to sources. Byrnes had been the Los Angeles Dodgers' senior vice president of baseball operations since 2014. The 55-year-old served as the Rockies' assistant GM under Dan O'Dowd from October 1999 through the 2002 season. Byrnes worked with DePodesta in the late 1990s in Cleveland when they were both starting their careers. He was also the assistant GM with the Boston Red Sox from 2003-05 and was part of their World Series championship in '04. Byrnes served as Arizona's GM from 2005-10 and as the Padres' GM from 2011-14. His work with the Dodgers, while helping them win three World Series titles, was key to his return to Colorado.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
December 3, 2025
Free-agent left-hander
Anthony Kay and the Chicago White Sox agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract on Wednesday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Kay, a former first-round pick by the New York Mets in 2016 out of the University of Connecticut, will make a return to the U.S. after a two-year stint in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Yokohama Bay Stars. The 30-year-old veteran southpaw posted a 2.53 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 249 strikeouts and 94 walks in 291 2/3 frames over the last two years in Japan. He was exceptional this past season, with a 1.74 ERA and a 57.8% ground-ball rate. Kay should have a decent chance to open the 2026 season in Chicago's starting rotation, and he'll be looking to show that he's a different pitcher after recording a 5.59 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, and 22.4% strikeout rate in his first five MLB seasons. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues will have better starting options to choose from.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
December 3, 2025
The Miami Marlins have a glaring need at first base going into next season, but MLB.com's Christina De Nicola writes that as of now, the team doesn't plan to give catcher
Agustin Ramirez reps there. However, that could change if he doesn't show progress as a defender behind the plate. The 24-year-old Dominican backstop hit only .231 (124-for-537) in his first major-league season in 2025, but he impressed with 21 long balls, 67 RBI, 72 runs scored, and even 16 stolen bases in 136 games played. Another thing that could change the Marlins' mind with Ramirez playing some first base is if catching prospect
Joe Mack, the team's No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline, forces their hand and wins the starting catching job on Opening Day. With the glove, Ramirez was one of the worst defensive catchers in baseball last year, so he's going to need to continue to hit to keep a spot in the starting lineup regularly.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
December 3, 2025
According to Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com, Chicago Bulls guard/forward
Kevin Huerter (hamstring) will miss at least one week due to a hamstring injury before he is re-evaluated. The 27-year-old could return to action on Dec 12, versus the Hornets. While Huerter is absent,
Ayo Dosunmu will likely take on extra minutes and could make a significant impact in fantasy with an expanded role. Through 18 appearances this season, Dosunmu is averaging 15.8 points and 3.2 assists across 27.4 minutes per contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Will Gottlieb
December 3, 2025
The Athletic's Chandler Rome writes that Houston Astros right fielder
Jesus Sanchez is drawing considerable trade interest this offseason. However, Sanchez's dismal performance following his trade from the Marlins to the Astros might impact his value. Multiple sources believe the Astros' best avenue to acquire an established starting pitcher is via a trade, which could be Sanchez or center fielder
Jake Meyers. Sanchez, 28, hit .256/.320/.420 with 10 homers, 36 RBI, 40 runs, and nine steals in 86 games with the Fish before being traded to Houston. With the Astros, he hit .199 (29-for-146) with four homers, 12 RBI, and 40 strikeouts in 48 games. Despite dropping his strikeout rate to 22.1% in 2025 while sporting a 43.4% hard-hit rate, 11.1% barrel rate, and 91.3 mph average exit velocity, Sanchez's OPS sat at just .699. His metrics point to more potential, but a breakout is unlikely to happen if he's not allowed to face left-handed pitching.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
December 3, 2025
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III (glute) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as they prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons. Walker has been on the injury report for the past few weeks with a "glute" injury, but it hasn't affected his game status or role in the Seahawks' offense. Walker has totaled 180 touches for 908 yards in 12 games, but has only added four touchdowns this season, which has generated the majority of the headlines in this backfield. Walker and third-year back
Zach Charbonnet have been an RB by committee this season, and while Walker has been far more efficient this season, Charbonnet has scored eight touches. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will be key, but Walker will continue to fight through injury and be the lead back for this Seahawks run game.
--Nathan HarveySource: John Boyle
December 3, 2025
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) didn't return to Wednesday's meeting with the Miami Heat. He's been battling a right ankle injury for months. Although the 27-year-old was listed on the injury report heading into this contest, he still managed to suit up. Unfortunately, he logged only 14 minutes before re-aggravating the issue, finishing the night with two points, five boards, and one steal. With a matchup against OKC on tap for Friday evening, fantasy managers should start making plans in the event Gafford can't get on the floor.
Dereck Lively II (foot) is still without a firm return date, and
P.J. Washington (ankle) also isn't healthy, meaning
Anthony Davis may need to spend all of his time at the five spot.
Moussa Cisse could also be more involved than usual, even though he has a way to go in order to earn a place in most fantasy lineups.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Mavs PR
December 3, 2025
The Buffalo Bills have officially claimed veteran cornerback Darius Slay off of waivers. Slay began his season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but after being listed as a healthy scratch in Week 13, he asked for his release, and it was granted. The Bills were among multiple teams to place acclaim for the veteran corner, including Slay's former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Slay will look to chase a championship with the Bills and will likely add a veteran presence to an already solid room. Christian Benford, Taron Johnson, and rookie Maxwell Hairston will continue to start, with Slay offering some upside as a depth piece.
--Nathan HarveySource: Adam Schefter - ESPN
December 3, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard
Collin Sexton (thigh) exited Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks. He did not return. With
LaMelo Ball (wrist) available, Sexton came off the bench. Unfortunately, he ended up logging only nine minutes before suffering a thigh injury, finishing with four points. The 26-year-old has shuffled between the starting lineup and reserve roles throughout the 2025 campaign. However, no matter his role, he's still played well enough to be considered an every day fantasy option in all formats despite not doing much outside of his contributions on the scoring end. Charlotte won't play again until Friday in Toronto. If Sexton doesn't suit up, there are several directions head coach Charles Lee may go with the rotation, with
Liam McNeeley and
Tidjane Salaun the favorites to see more work. There's also a chance
KJ Simpson gets the bump up from the G League.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Charlotte Hornets PR
December 3, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night. St. Brown suffered a low ankle sprain in Detroit's Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers and was a non-participant in practice this week as a result. However, with the Lions' season basically hanging in the balance, it's possible St. Brown may try to give it a go against Dallas. It's unlikely that the 26-year-old would be at full strength, but St. Brown would be hard for fantasy managers to move away from if he's active. Across 12 games this season, he's recorded 75 catches for 884 yards and nine touchdowns on 108 targets. Heading into Week 13, St. Brown had earned double-digit targets in five out of his last six outings. If active, St. Brown remains a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 14.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 3, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver
Chimere Dike (quad) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday as the Titans prepare to face the Cleveland Browns. Dike played his normal snap share in Week 13, so his being limited in practice indicates it's due to rest and not actual injury. While the fourth-round pick has been a contributing factor in the receiving game, he has really been special as a return man in 2025. Dike currently leads the NFL in kick return yards (1282), punt return yards (361), and touchdowns (2). With the season-ending injury to receiver
Calvin Ridley, Dike has played 79% and 76% of the snaps in the past two weeks. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will be key in determining Dike's status, but he's looking likely to play against the Browns.
--Nathan HarveySource: Jim Wyatt
December 3, 2025
Across 12 games this season, Detroit Lions kicker
Jake Bates has connected on 16 of 20 field goal attempts and converted a league-leading 40 extra-point tries. The 26-year-old has also done some of his best work in recent weeks, knocking in all seven of his field goal attempts over his last four games. In Week 14, Bates and the Lions will host the Dallas Cowboys in a game that appears to have shootout potential. Through 13 weeks, both Detroit and Dallas rank in the top five in points per game among all NFL teams. If both offenses hold to form, there could be plenty of opportunities for Bates to put points on the board. The game will also be played indoors at Detroit's Ford Field, which removes any potential weather concerns. Bates profiles as a must-start fantasy kicker in Week 14.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 3, 2025
Seattle Seahawks tight end
A.J. Barner (knee/shoulder) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Barner was a full-go in Week 13's dominant victory over the Minnesota Vikings, so his reason for being a limited participant on Wednesday indicates it was likely due to rest. The second-year tight end has been a major part of the Seahawks' passing attack, totaling 372 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. After the selection of
Elijah Arroyo, fantasy managers speculated that he would take over as the team's TE1. However, Barner has been too good to overtake in the rotation, playing 79% of the snaps this season. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will determine whether or not he plays in Week 14, when the Seahawks face the Atlanta Falcons.
--Nathan HarveySource: John Boyle
December 3, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) won't return to Wednesday's meeting with the Detroit Pistons. He was listed on the injury report but was able to suit up. However, on a day when it was reported that the multi-time MVP was contemplating his future with the franchise, he exited after only three minutes due to a right calf strain. The Bucks don't play again until Friday versus the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. Considering Antetokounmpo recently missed four games because of a groin strain, it's certainly possible he might be looking at more time off the floor. If that happens,
Bobby Portis, averaging 18.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in two starts this season, could work his way back into the starting lineup, with
Ryan Rollins and
Kevin Porter Jr. anticipated to do most of the heavy lifting offensively.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Milwaukee Bucks
December 3, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Tom Kennedy has spent most of the 2025 season buried on the Lions' practice squad. However, he was pressed into action in Week 13 due to injuries to Lions wideouts
Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) and
Kalif Raymond (ankle) and recorded four catches for 36 yards on four targets against the Green Bay Packers. With Raymond ruled out and St. Brown officially questionable for Detroit's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, Kennedy could spend another week as the team's primary slot receiver. Dallas represents a favorable matchup for opposing passing games on paper, as they currently rank last in the NFL in both passing yards (3,234) and passing touchdowns (28) allowed. Kennedy's production upside is limited, and it's also likely entirely dependent on St. Brown's status. If St. Brown is active, Kennedy should fall off the radar of fantasy managers. However, if St. Brown is ruled out, Kennedy could be a desperation deep-league flex option in Week 14.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 3, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh stated that running back
Kimani Vidal has played like a No. 1 back this season. Harbaugh stated that "the proof is in the pudding" and "it warms the cockles of the heart. "After the injury to
Omarion Hampton (ankle) that knocked him out for the past eight weeks, Vidal has stepped up and anchored the Chargers' rushing attack. Since Week 6, Vidal ranks 11th in the NFL in rushing yards and rushing attempts, and has averaged 13.5 PPR points per game. He was a huge part of why they were able to defeat the Raiders in Week 13, totaling 137 yards and a touchdown on 26 total attempts. With Hampton set to return in Week 14 when the Chargers host the Philadelphia Eagles, Vidal will still be a part of the rotation, but will lose the majority of his fantasy value with the rookie back.
--Nathan HarveySource: Alex Insdorf
December 3, 2025
Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver
Isaac TeSlaa recorded two catches for 35 yards and his third touchdown grab of the season in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers. TeSlaa has struggled to earn a consistent role in the Lions' offense for most of the year, but his playing time spiked against Green Bay after injuries to Lions wideouts
Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) and
Kalif Raymond (ankle). Raymond will remain sidelined for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, while St. Brown is officially listed as questionable. Particularly if St. Brown is out, TeSlaa should see another game with a heavy snap share against Dallas. Additionally, the Cowboys profile as a favorable matchup on paper. Through 13 weeks, Dallas currently ranks last in the NFL in both passing yards (3,234) and passing touchdowns (28) allowed. Pending St. Brown's final injury status, TeSlaa could be a deep-league flex option for fantasy managers in Week 14 against the Cowboys.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 3, 2025
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver
Matthew Golden (wrist) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. Golden has only been able to play in one of the last four games due to shoulder and wrist injuries. The rookie wideout hasn't been able to practice in full over the last two weeks. Fantasy managers will need to monitor his availability in practice over the next two days. When healthy, Golden has been disappointing with 24 receptions for 286 receiving yards in his first nine NFL games. There should be better streaming options available in most 12-team fantasy football formats ahead of Week 14. At best, Golden is a low-end flex option in deep leagues for the upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bears. The likelihood of Golden making a fantasy impact down the stretch is only going to get tougher once
Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) returns from Injured Reserve, possibly this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: Rob Demovsky
December 3, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) was a limited participant in practice during Wednesday's session. Wicks appears to have suffered a minor ankle injury during his epic Thanksgiving Day performance. He hauled in six of his seven targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Detroit Lions. Wicks has been basically a non-factor all season long outside his big performance last week. Especially with
Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) getting close to returning from Injured Reserve, Wicks' Week 13 performance could very well end up being an outlier in 2025. Rookie
Matthew Golden (wrist) returning will also negatively impact Wicks' target share down the stretch. Despite last week's standout performance, Wicks should be considered a boom/bust WR4/flex for fantasy managers.
--Andy WebbSource: Rob Demovsky
December 3, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Jameson Williams had one of the most productive games of his career in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers, recording seven catches for 144 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. After Lions wideout
Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) went down early in the game with an ankle injury, Williams stepped up as the team's WR1. St. Brown is officially listed as questionable for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, but he was a non-participant in practice all week. Even if St. Brown can play, he'll likely be somewhat limited, and the Lions will still be without star tight end
Sam LaPorta (back) and depth wideout
Kalif Raymond (ankle). All things considered, there's a solid chance that Williams will be the go-to target once again for Lions quarterback
Jared Goff against the Cowboys. On paper, Dallas is a favorable matchup, as they currently rank last in the NFL in both passing yards (3,234) and passing touchdowns (28) allowed. Williams profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 14.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 3, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Reed has been listed as a limited participant in every practice since having his practice window opened on Nov. 21. The 25-year-old still needs to receive medical clearance in order to be activated from Injured Reserve. He has been sidelined since breaking his collarbone back in Week 2. Reed is also recovering from surgery to fix a broken bone in his foot. If he's activated from IR and active this weekend, Reed would most likely see limited snaps against the Chicago Bears. He's worth a stash for fantasy managers willing to hold him on the bench until he's back to full health.
--Andy WebbSource: Rob Demovsky
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