December 23, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (illness) will play versus the San Antonio Spurs. Holmgren is set to suit up Tuesday after missing the first half of a back-to-back set on Monday due to an illness. The 23-year-old big man is a must-start across all fantasy formats whenever he is available to suit up. Holmgren is averaging 18.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.5 three-pointers in 28.7 minutes per contest across 24 outings so far this season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Rashee Rice (concussion) was not seen at Tuesday's practice as he continues to work through the league's concussion protocol. Rice missed the team's Week 16 loss to the Titans after suffering a violent hit from the Chargers' Tony Jefferson in Week 15. With the Chiefs slated to face the Broncos on Christmas night, Rice's absence during the shortened week of preparation does not bode well for his availability come Thursday. Already down two quarterbacks, with
Chris Oladokun set to make his first career start, Rice would likely be best kept on the bench even if healthy. Facing an implied point total of just 11.5 points, no Kansas City starters project to factor into many fantasy championships this season.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Pete Sweeney
December 23, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Austin Reaves (calf) missed the last three games with a left-calf strain, but he will be able to return to action on Tuesday against the Suns. His return is well-timed since
Luka Doncic (leg) has been ruled out for the contest, giving Reaves a massive role if he's ready to pick it up. Reaves is averaging 27.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game in his 21 games this season, and he has been able to pick up even more work when Luka has been out. Now that we know that he'll play, stay tuned for any updates on whether he has any limitations.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Mike Trudell
December 23, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Lonzo Ball (rest) won't play against the New Orleans Pelicans. Ball will have the evening off for rest purposes and sit out the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday. The 28-year-old finished with six points, two rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 24 minutes during Monday's 139-132 win over the Hornets. Ball's ongoing rest/injury management limits his impact across all fantasy formats. With Ball out and
Darius Garland (quadriceps) potentially sidelined, Craig Porter and
Sam Merrill will likely see expanded roles this evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Jaylen Warren (undisclosed) suffered an unspecified injury in the team's Week 16 win over the Lions, and head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday that he will be limited to begin the week in practice. Tomlin did note that he is optimistic about Warren's availability for Pittsburgh's Week 17 matchup with the Browns. Warren is coming off a career-high 143 rushing yards and an RB4 finish in Half-PPR formats, but fantasy managers will need to monitor the team's Wednesday injury report for additional information. Assuming a return to health, Warren should be viewed as a high-upside RB2/flex against a Cleveland defense that he collected 63 total yards against in a Week 6 victory.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Nick Farabaugh
December 23, 2025
Sacramento Kings guard
Malik Monk has been made available ahead of the trade deadline, according to the latest reports from Chris B Haynes of NBA on Prime. Monk has fallen out of the rotation for the Kings as they try to go younger in the backcourt, but he still would be an interesting addition to a team's bench. The 27-year-old was runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year in 2023-24 and averaged 17.2 points, 5.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 31.6 minutes per game last year in 65 games (45 starts) for the Kings. This year, he has played 24 games and averaged 12.5 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 rebounds. Monk will likely continue to be a non-factor for fantasy until he is traded, but once he is moved, he could end up in a great spot with plenty to offer, depending on his landing spot.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chris B. Haynes
December 23, 2025
Minnesota Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (hand) has been ruled out for the team's Week 17 Christmas Day matchup with the Lions. McCarthy underwent an MRI after being knocked out of the team's Week 16 win over the Giants, revealing a hairline fracture in his throwing hand. Undrafted rookie
Max Brosmer, who came on in relief on Sunday, is expected to make his second career start on Thursday. His previous start came in a disastrous Week 13 loss to the Seahawks, in which he threw four interceptions and zero touchdowns. Fantasy managers who have survived a rough season from All-Pro wide receiver
Justin Jefferson and managed to reach their fantasy championship face another tough decision, with Jefferson best left on the bench despite coming off his first top-24 finish at the position since Week 11.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Ian Rapoport
December 23, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Jauan Jennings took yet another trip to the end zone in Week 16, extending his streak to a fourth game. He has at least one touchdown in six out of the 49ers' last seven games. In Monday night's 48-27 win over the Colts, Jennings caught five of his six targets for 71 yards and a touchdown. The yardage was the most Jennings turned in since the 71-yard game he recorded in Week 10. Jennings' fantasy value has been largely touchdown-dependent, as he has averaged just 3.8 receptions and 43.5 receiving yards per game in 2025. Jennings has been one of
Brock Purdy's preferred targets, though, and the receiver has a promising matchup in Week 17. In the fantasy football championship round, San Francisco will host the Chicago Bears, who have allowed the second-most touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in 2025.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
December 23, 2025
NBA reporter Matthew Tynan reports that San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (calf) participated in morning shootaround ahead of Tuesday's matchup with the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The French superstar is still listed as questionable on the team's official injury report, but his availability during shootaround will likely lead to him suiting up this evening. Wembanyama continues to manage a calf injury that recently kept him out of action for nearly a month. Since returning, he has received limited playing time but has still produced at a high level, averaging 19.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per contest. If the 21-year-old has a setback and is unable to take the floor,
Luke Kornet and
Kelly Olynyk will take on the available center minutes.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Matthew Tynan
December 23, 2025
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) has now missed three consecutive games with a foot injury, but head coach Ben Johnson told reporters on Tuesday that his second-year wideout is right on track in his injury recovery and is expected to help the team again this season. The Bears face the 49ers in a Week 17 Sunday night tilt that could reshuffle the NFC playoff picture, so fantasy managers will need to monitor Odunze's status throughout the week and have a pivot ready in the event he becomes a game-time decision. The game features one of the highest projected point totals of the week, and with Bears quarterback
Caleb Williams having thrown multiple touchdown passes in three straight games, Odunze is very much in play for fantasy championship weekend if he is able to suit up.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Josh Alper
December 23, 2025
San Francisco 49ers running back
Christian McCaffrey had another explosive performance in Week 16. McCaffrey ran for 117 yards on 21 carries and caught six of his eight targets for 29 yards and two touchdowns in the 49ers' 48-27 win over the Colts on Monday night. It was one of McCaffrey's better running performances of the season, having averaged 3.6 yards per carry coming into the game. McCaffrey's recent downward trend in receiving yards continued, though he was back to being one of the team's leaders in targets, due in part to
Ricky Pearsall's (knee, ankle) absence. McCaffrey is now 151 yards away from achieving 1,000 yards in the rushing and receiving categories for the second time in his career. His next opportunity to add to his total will be against the Bears, who have allowed their opponents 348.1 offensive yards per game.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
December 23, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Zion Williamson will play against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Zion rarely suits up for a complete back-to-back set. However, he is set to suit up Tuesday after posting 24 points, nine rebounds, and three assists across 25 minutes in a 119-113 loss to the Mavericks on Monday. Ahead of this evening's contest, the 25-year-old star forward has seen action in four consecutive contests after missing six games due to an adductor injury. He will likely continue to come off the bench and have his minutes restricted despite
Herbert Jones (ankle) sidelined for tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 23, 2025
Atlanta Falcons tight end
Kyle Pitts Sr. continued his recent stretch of success in Sunday's 26-19 win over the Cardinals, hauling in seven of nine targets for 57 yards and a touchdown. It was the fourth straight game with at least eight targets and at least six catches, and the 25-year-old has quickly vaulted himself into the position of second-ranked tight end for fantasy this year after recording four touchdowns in the last two weeks alone (five on the season). The 6-foot-6 pass catcher was able to perform in Week 16 despite the return of
Drake London (knee), who played just 69 percent of the team's offensive snaps. Pitts draws a home matchup against the Rams in what is most likely the championship round of the fantasy playoffs for most managers, a defense that is middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends, although the Seahawks'
AJ Barner just registered a 4-49-1 line in Week 16 against Los Angeles. With a solid role in the Atlanta offense, Pitts will surely be a TE1 in Week 17.
--Jarod RuppSource: ESPN
December 23, 2025
San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Brock Purdy came through in a big way for those relying on him for a Monday night miracle to advance to the fantasy football championship round. Purdy went 25-for-34 for 295 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception in the 49ers' 48-27 win over the Colts. Two of his touchdown throws went to running back
Christian McCaffrey, with tight end
George Kittle and wide receivers
Jauan Jennings and
Demarcus Robinson each getting one. Once again, Purdy concentrated the majority of his attempts on McCaffrey, Kittle, and Jennings, though
Kendrick Bourne worked in for five targets with
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) out. Purdy and the 49ers host the Chicago Bears in Week 17. It will be a welcome matchup for Purdy, as the Bears have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
December 23, 2025
According to head coach Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Rachaad White could be given a larger role during their contest against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon. When asked about White's usage during their loss to the Panthers in Week 16, Bowles noted that he "completely agrees" that White should have been given more rushing attempts, given the success he enjoyed in his limited opportunities. In this contest, White took five carries for 45 yards and two receptions of 15 yards. Over the previous two games, White showed similar upside, tallying 73 yards on 12 rushing attempts. White's eight rushing attempts on Sunday placed him second on the depth chart, above
Sean Tucker's four carries and behind
Bucky Irving's 19 carries. Given that White seems poised for a larger role in Week 17, managers in deeper 12-team formats could consider him as a viable FLEX play facing a Miami defense that is allowing the eighth-most PPR points to opposing RBs.
--Andy SmithSource: Pewter Report
December 23, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tony Pollard could be trending towards a timeshare during their week 17 contest against the Saints. According to OC Nick Holtz, the split workload between
Tyjae Spears and Pollard was "how he envisioned" their usage given their respective skill sets. In their victory over the Chiefs, Pollard took the bulk of the carries on the ground, logging 21 compared to Spears' 13. However, in the passing game, Spears took the load as he was targeted five times and brought in all five for 53 yards, while Pollard was not targeted once. While Pollard's upside as a pass catcher may continue to be limited, he is finding his footing on the ground, averaging a strong 122.3 rushing yards per game over his last three contests. During these three games, Pollard has only drawn two total targets in the receiving game. Pollard should still be viewed as a high-floor RB2 in all formats heading into a Week 17 tilt against the Saints. Spears has entered FLEX territory for those in deeper PPR formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Jim Wyatt
December 23, 2025
Tennessee Titans tight end
Chig Okonkwo had one of his better games of the 2025 season in Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs, recording six catches for 44 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. Across 15 games this season, the 26-year-old has hauled in 51 receptions for 503 yards and a score on 67 targets. Okonkwo is averaging exactly five targets per game over his last five contests and has scored at least seven PPR fantasy points in four out of his last six games. However, his ceiling is limited by the presence of Titans tight end
Gunnar Helm, as Tennessee has split playing time between its two tight ends throughout the second half of the season. Still, Okonkwo has proven that he can provide a relatively stable production floor. In fantasy leagues with 14 or more teams, he could be a viable streaming option in his Week 17 matchup against the New Orleans Saints for managers in need of help at the tight end position.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 23, 2025
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury told Commanders beat writer Ben Standig, "We'll see how that plays out," when asked by Standig about his possible head-coaching opportunities. Kingsbury has been the play-caller in Washington for each of the last two seasons after previously serving as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 through 2022. Kingsbury went 28-37-1 at the helm in Arizona, leading the Cardinals to one playoff birth. He led Washington to the number five scoring offense and number seven offense in total yardage in 2024 while working with then-rookie quarterback
Jayden Daniels (elbow). With Daniels injured for much of 2025, the Commanders have regressed to 24th in scoring offense and 20th in yardage heading into Week 17. Kingsbury also has extensive experience in the college ranks, serving as head coach at Texas Tech for six seasons from 2013 through 2018. While nothing is guaranteed, it appears he could be looking to move on from Washington at the end of the 2025 season.
--Will BradySource: Ben Standig
December 23, 2025
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said on Tuesday that wide receiver
Kayshon Boutte (concussion) is in the NFL's concussion protocol, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. Boutte will need to clear the league's testing to be available for New England's Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets. Across 13 games this season, the 23-year-old has hauled in 31 receptions for 527 yards and six touchdowns on 42 targets. Boutte's production has tailed off a bit of late, as he has not recorded more than 35 receiving yards in a game since Week 8. If he's unable to play in Week 17, Patriots wide receivers
Mack Hollins and
Stefon Diggs would likely both see a slight increase in target share. Additionally, rookie wideout
Kyle Williams could step into Boutte's role as the team's top deep-ball threat.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Mike Reiss
December 23, 2025
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said on Tuesday that rookie running back
TreVeyon Henderson (concussion) is in the NFL's concussion protocol, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. Henderson was forced to exit early from New England's Week 16 win over the Baltimore Ravens after suffering a head injury. He will now need to clear the league's testing to be available for the Patriots' Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets. Across 15 games this season, the 23-year-old has racked up 997 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 183 touches. Coming into Week 16, Henderson had recorded at least 75 scrimmage yards in seven straight games, scoring seven touchdowns in that stretch. If he's unavailable in Week 17,
Rhamondre Stevenson would likely be in line to dominate New England's backfield snaps against the Jets.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Mike Reiss
December 23, 2025
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) "felt confident he didn't suffer a dreaded high-ankle sprain" during the team's Week 16 win, but "didn't sound as certain" about his availability for the team's Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Across 10 games this season, Kittle has recorded 52 catches for 599 yards and seven touchdowns on 62 targets. The 32-year-old has been particularly effective in recent weeks, hauling in 15 receptions for 203 yards and two scores on 17 targets over his last two games. If Kittle is unable to play,
Luke Farrell and
Jake Tonges would likely split tight end snaps for San Francisco against Chicago. Across the five games Kittle missed earlier this season with a hamstring injury, Tonges recorded 22 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns on 31 targets.
--Will BradySource: San Francisco Chronicle - Eric Branch
December 23, 2025
According to On3's Pete Nakos, Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm and Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz are names of interest in the Michigan head-coaching search. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was rumored to be a top target for the Wolverines, but if that was a real possibility, it was likely put to an end after the Crimson Tide defeated Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Brohm has been with the Cardinals for the last three seasons, posting a 27-12 record. The program finished as the ACC runner-up in 2023. Drinkwitz, who just agreed to a contract extension with Missouri, has a 58-29 career record in one season at Appalachian State and six campaigns in Columbia. Both coaches specialize on the offensive side of the ball, which could be attractive for rising sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood. Whoever takes the Michigan job could have their hands full trying to keep the roster together, and there is uncertainty surrounding the future of athletic director Warde Manuel after the program has seen two major scandals over the last three years.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
December 23, 2025
After recording more than seven touches in just one game before Week 16, New Orleans Saints tight end
Taysom Hill saw a significant workload increase in his team's Week 16 win over the New York Jets. Hill recorded 12 carries for 48 yards and four receptions for 36 yards on six targets. The Saints will be without running backs
Kendre Miller (knee) and
Devin Neal (hamstring) for the remainder of the 2025 season, and veteran back
Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) has missed four straight games. If Kamara remains sidelined for the Saints' Week 17 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Hill could see another week with a sizable role in the offense. Hill has proven to be a red zone threat throughout the course of his career, as he's scored 34 rushing touchdowns on 486 career carries. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Hill is a player to target on the waiver wire heading into Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 23, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers has put together three solid games in a row and helped secure another winning season for head coach Mike Tomlin in Week 16's win over the Detroit Lions. Rodgers completed 71.6% of his passes for 774 yards, four touchdowns, and no turnovers while also adding four carries for nine yards and another touchdown on the ground over the last three weeks. However, the 42-year-old will be without his No. 1 receiver,
D.K. Metcalf, for the remaining two weeks in the season after his altercation with a fan during Pittsburgh's win in Detroit, which will limit his ceiling. The future Hall of Famer has relied more on Metcalf over the last three weeks, targeting him 24 times, and will certainly miss his presence in an offense that lacks playmakers. Rodgers will likely lean more into running backs
Kenneth Gainwell and
Jaylen Warren in the passing game, along with Pittsburgh's trio of tight ends, in a tough Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. In leagues where he is available, Rodgers could be an option to target as a QB2 in superflex and is a viable mid-end QB2 for those in 14+ team one-QB leagues.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 23, 2025
Houston Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud is coming off one of his worst starts of the season in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He completed 23 of 36 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown, with his 5.3 yards-per-attempt mark being his second-lowest output of the season and lowest since the Week 7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The 24-year-old was excellent just one week prior against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15, completing 22 of 29 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns, his second game this season with three or more scores through the air. Stroud profiles more as a reliable QB2 in superflex leagues for most weeks, but he has a tough matchup in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers, who have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Stroud still profiles as a viable QB2 option, ranking as RotoBaller's QB19 in Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 23, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) is dealing with multiple injuries and is considered day-to-day ahead of Thursday's matchup against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. He left early during the Week 16 loss to the Eagles and didn't return. Mariota has been a quality backup for the Commanders this season, completing 61.2% of his passes for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while adding 50 carries for 297 yards and a score on the ground in 11 games (eight starts). The 32-year-old would be set up with a prime matchup on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys' 32nd-ranked pass defense if he can play. As of now, it appears the most likely option to start for Washington is journeyman
Josh Johnson, who completed five of nine passes for 43 yards and an interception in relief of Mariota against the Eagles. Mariota is worth adding and profiles as a solid streamer in deeper leagues for Thursday if he can play, but fantasy managers should keep a close eye on this week's injury report. If he is unable to play, Johnson wouldn't be a streaming option to consider despite the great matchup.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 23, 2025
New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback
Tyler Shough has had a terrific rookie season so far, completing 66.4% of his passes for 1,792 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 38 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in nine games (seven starts). Shough is coming off his first 300-yard passing performance in Week 16 versus the Jets, and he also completed 32 passes, tied for the 10th-most in a game by a quarterback this season. The 26-year-old ranks as the QB8 in fantasy points over the last four weeks and looks to be establishing himself as a weekly option to consider in single-QB leagues. Shough draws another favorable matchup next week against the Tennessee Titans and is worth adding off the waiver wire in leagues where he is still available.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 23, 2025
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold led his team to a big win last Thursday against the Rams, throwing for 270 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He's had a few down games lately, but has also thrown for at least 249 yards in three straight games. When the touchdowns are there, he's typically a solid, QB2 or low-end option in single-QB deep leagues. Darnold and the Seahawks have a tough matchup on the road against the Panthers in Week 17, in a battle of teams pushing towards the playoffs. He's not in an elite spot, but he still brings enough upside to be a decent pickup if you need help at the position in two-QB formats or deep leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 23, 2025
Minnesota Vikings QB
J.J. McCarthy (hand) missed practice on Monday after having to leave last week's game at halftime with a hand injury. The Vikings have a favorable matchup this week and a chance to play spoiler against the Lions, but McCarthy will need to overcome his injury to be a viable option. He was excellent in his last two full games before the injury, producing three total touchdowns in wins over the Commanders and the Cowboys. McCarthy has the potential to be a streamer in two-QB or deep leagues if healthy, so keep a close eye on his practice participation if you're in the market for some help. If he's out,
Max Brosmer would likely start, but he has not yet proven he can be a fantasy option.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
December 23, 2025
Atlanta Hawks guard/forward
Dyson Daniels (hip) will miss his first game of the season on Tuesday night against the Chicago Bulls. He has been ruled out due to inflammation in his right hip. Daniels has developed into a big two-way force, averaging 11.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.0 steals during his fourth NBA campaign.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who was recently bumped to the bench by
Trae Young's return, may be back in the first unit on Tuesday. Meanwhile,
Vit Krejci is another player who could see increased minutes in a fantastic fantasy matchup. The two teams met only a few days ago, combining for 302 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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