December 26, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Jordan Poole (ankle) could miss another game Friday night when his team hosts the Phoenix Suns. Poole also missed Tuesday's blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers with the ankle issue. Following an extended absence in November and early December, Poole is now a bench player in the Pelicans' rotation. He's still getting plenty of shots up (double digits in every game this season) with mixed efficiency. He averaged 16.6 points and 3.2 assists in about 27 minutes in his last five games off the bench.
--Andrew BallSource: Rod Walker
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown (teeth) was spotted at Friday's practice, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Brown has been unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a dental procedure, but seeing him back at practice on Friday puts him back on track to suit up on Sunday. Managers should monitor his status on Friday's final injury report later this afternoon, in case he faces a setback. After averaging just 11.2 PPR points per game over his first eight games of the campaign, the 28-year-old wideout has taken a massive step forward, totaling 19.8 PPR points per game with four touchdowns over his last six contests. If healthy, Brown remains a must-start WR1 in all formats despite facing a tougher Buffalo Bills secondary that has allowed the 10th-fewest PPR points to opposing WRs.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff McLane
December 26, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Vince Williams Jr. (knee) will miss his fourth consecutive game when his team hosts the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. The 25-year-old is dealing with left patellar tendinitis, and a timeline for his return remains unclear. Williams recently moved back to a bench role before his injury. He'll have plenty of company on the sidelines, as he is one of six Grizzlies ruled out Friday.
Cam Spencer,
Jaylen Wells, and
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will see more playing time, especially if
Ja Morant (questionable, ankle) and
Cedric Coward (questionable, ankle) are inactive.
--Andrew BallSource: Marc Stein
December 26, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) remains absent during Friday's practice, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. The team's veteran wideout has been unable to practice all week after suffering this abdominal injury during their victory over the Ravens last weekend. Given that he has yet to step on the practice field, Hollins will likely face a difficult challenge to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Jets. Managers should keep a close eye on his status on Friday's final injury report, but given his current trajectory, he will likely sit out. Over the last two games, Hollins has seen his target share climb sharply, seeing 8.5 targets per game and tallying an average of 55.0 yards per game. If Hollins were to sit out, managers should expect
Stefon Diggs to operate as the clear WR1 while tight end
Hunter Henry earns an uptick in opportunities.
--Andy SmithSource: Mike Reiss
December 26, 2025
New England Patriots rookie running back
TreVeyon Henderson (concussion) was spotted at Friday's practice without a red non-contact jersey. This is an excellent sign for the second-round rookie as he appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's contest against the New York Jets. Henderson exited their Week 16 contest with a concussion and opened the week as a limited participant in each of the first two sessions. However, given that he is now taking contact, suggests he could be in a good position to clear the league's protocol before Sunday. Managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status, as he would carry high-end RB2 upside facing a Jets defense that allows the fifth-most PPR points to opposing RBs. If he is unable to play,
Rhamondre Stevenson would carry must-start RB2 value.
--Andy SmithSource: Mike Reiss
December 26, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Gary Trent Jr. (calf) is questionable to play Friday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, according to the team's official injury report. The 26-year-old quickly left Tuesday's win over the Indiana Pacers with a left calf contusion. Trent has fallen out of Milwaukee's starting lineup recently, with
Kevin Porter Jr.,
AJ Green, and
Ryan Rollins handling the majority of the backcourt minutes. Trent only played 17 minutes in the game before his calf injury. If he's inactive tonight,
Gary Harris could see an increase in playing time.
--Andrew BallSource: Milwaukee Bucks
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers guard
Quentin Grimes (illness) is questionable for Friday night's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Grimes, alongside
Dominick Barlow and
VJ Edgecombe, were all sick and missed Tuesday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Grimes could return soon, though, as he was present for the team's shootaround Friday morning. Grimes has shifted in and out of the starting lineup recently, and his playing time is largely predicated on the health of Philadelphia's other guards. Grimes, however, has not shot the ball well recently (27.9% over his last five games), despite increased opportunities.
--Andrew BallSource: Kevin Lu
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Dominick Barlow (illness) is questionable for Friday's game against the Bulls. The 76ers have a bug circulating the locker room. Barlow,
VJ Edgecombe, and
Quentin Grimes are all questionable with illnesses after missing Tuesday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets. However, the trio was present at Friday's shootaround, indicating that their returns could be imminent. Barlow has been a surprise starter in Philadelphia's rotation this season, averaging career highs in points (9.1), rebounds (5.6), and assists (1.8) in 26 minutes per game.
--Andrew BallSource: Kevin Lu
December 26, 2025
Washington Wizards forward
Corey Kispert (hamstring) has landed back on the injury report and is listed as out for Friday night's game against the Toronto Raptors. Kispert had missed 10 games with a thumb injury but was pulled on Tuesday after just 13 minutes of action on the floor with hamstring tightness. The 26-year-old should be considered day-to-day until we have further clarity on his hamstring. In his absence, expect
Justin Champagnie to get more minutes off the bench at forward. Champagnie has grabbed nine or more rebounds in four of his last five games, providing value for those needing rebound production.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Toronto Raptors guard
RJ Barrett (knee) will miss a 15th straight game on Friday night against the Washington Wizards. Barrett has been dealing with a right knee sprain that has coincided with a major decline in the Raptors' early season success. With Barrett out, expect
Ochai Agbaji to continue to get minutes in the starting lineup. Agbaji has not provided much fantasy value in Barrett's absence and fantasy managers should look at other options regardless of the appealing matchup against the Wizards.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Head coach Jonathan Gannon notes that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) is steadily progressing while dealing with a lingering heel issue. The Ohio State alum has battled a heel injury for the better part of a month now. After a few weeks of no practice, Harrison returned to the field in Week 16 to log three limited sessions before also having his reps capped in the Cards' 26-19 loss to the Falcons last Sunday, in which the second-year pro recorded his lowest snap total of the campaign. Per Gannon, Harrison "had a good day of work" on Thursday, and appears to be trending toward playing again in Week 17. However, it's unclear if he'll still be on a snap count. As it stands, fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 23-year-old ahead of his outing with Cincinnati this Sunday.
--Alex CiullaSource: Tyler Drake
December 26, 2025
Miami Heat guard
Pelle Larsson (ankle) is listed as probable for Friday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Larsson has missed the last five games recovering from a left ankle sprain but returns to a decent matchup against a struggling Hawks defense. Larsson's value on Friday night will depend on whether or not Miami has him in the starting lineup and, if he's not, if he has a minutes restriction. Fantasy managers and DFS managers should keep an eye on this before plugging him into their lineups as his impact will be much greater if he's starting.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
According to head coach Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills quarterback
Josh Allen (foot) will play in Sunday's home matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Allen suffered a foot injury in Week 16's 23-20 win over the Browns. Despite not missing any time on the field during the game because of it, the fantasy stalwart has been a limited participant for the first two days of practice this week. Regardless, it sounds like Allen won't be in danger of missing any time and should again slot in as a high-end QB1 play, even in an outing against a staunch Eagles' defense. On the off-chance he isn't ready to rock in Week 17,
Mitchell Trubisky would lead the Bills against the visiting Eagles.
--Alex CiullaSource: Lance Lysowski
December 26, 2025
Miami Heat forward
Nikola Jovic (elbow) is listed as probable for Friday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Jovic has battled multiple injuries since mid-November and has missed four straight games with this most recent elbow injury. If he doesn't experience any other setbacks prior to tipoff, Jovic should have a good matchup against a struggling Hawks defense. Fantasy managers should temper their expectations, though, given his recent health issues. Jovic's impact may best be found with DFS managers looking for a longshot player with low ownership.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Orlando Magic center
Goga Bitadze (knee) is listed as questionable for Friday night's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. Bitadze is dealing with a knee strain that caused him to miss Tuesday's 110-106 win over Portland. The 26-year-old hasn't been a great fantasy option for many as a bench option for Orlando, but could provide value to those in category leagues if they're in need of rebounds if he's able to go. If Bitadze can't suit up, expect
Jonathan Isaac and
Noah Penda to get extended minutes off the bench.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, New York Jets tight end
Mason Taylor (neck) will be unavailable for Sunday's divisional clash with the visiting New England Patriots. The rookie is set to miss his third straight game after suffering a neck injury in Week 14's 48-20 loss to the Jaguars. Unfortunately for Taylor, he's yet to log even a limited practice since picking up the issue. With the 21-year-old missing again, teammate
Jeremy Ruckert will play a majority of snaps at the position for Gang Green, while
Jelani Woods and
Stone Smartt mix in behind him. None of them projects to be particularly involved enough to matter for fantasy.
--Alex CiullaSource: Ian Rapoport
December 26, 2025
Baltimore Ravens tight end
Isaiah Likely had some big hopes and expectations entering this season after breaking out in a handful of games last year. He had a bunch of "almost big plays" this season, but ultimately, he's cracked the TE1 level twice and TE2 once. Now, the Ravens are probably operating without
Lamar Jackson (doubtful - back), and even
Mark Andrews has struggled to produce much over the last few weeks. Likely is riding two straight goose egg weeks into a Week 17 matchup with the Green Bay Packers who are eighth against tight ends in the last four weeks. The fourth-year pro projects as the TE27 on RotoBaller's rankings, which means there are better options on the waiver wire for fantasy managers looking for a streamer in their playoff matchup.
--Alex FischbeinSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Christian Watson (shoulder, illness) will be a slightly more volatile fantasy option than usual for Saturday's home matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Watson, like quite a few of his teammates, is dealing with multiple injury designations for their Week 17 tilt with Baltimore. In unfortunate news for the 26-year-old, a late-week illness may keep him from suiting up, as he's been deemed questionable after recording a DNP for Thursday's practice. Even if Watson does eventually play, the uncertainty surrounding who will be the team's starting quarterback hurts his fantasy value. Currently, both
Jordan Love (shoulder, concussion) and
Malik Willis (shoulder, illness) are questionable, too, meaning
Clayton Tune could end up being the one calling signals in a worst-case scenario. Fantasy managers relying on the fourth-year pro should closely monitor his status up until game time. Watson ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR35 for his outing with Baltimore.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed free-agent first baseman
Luken Baker to a minor-league deal, per Just Baseball Media's Aram Leighton. Baker became a minor‑league free agent at the end of last season and decided to test the open market instead of staying within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Since 2023, Baker has played in just 73 major-league games, posting a .655 OPS with four home runs, 22 RBI, 15 runs scored, and one stolen base across 189 plate appearances. The Diamondbacks currently have
Pavin Smith set as their primary first baseman with
Tim Tawa backing him up. In 2025, Smith slashed .258/.362/.434 with eight home runs and a 31.9% strikeout rate across 288 plate appearances, while Tawa posted a 72 wRC+ in 225 plate appearances. With Arizona shopping All-Star second baseman
Ketel Marte, it looks like the team is trying to shed payroll while rebuilding. Although it's unlikely, if Baker makes the roster, he'd serve as first-base depth for 2026. For now, you can safely leave him off your fantasy radar.
--Marty TallmanSource: Aram Leighton
December 26, 2025
Baltimore Ravens running back
Keaton Mitchell has seen more and more snaps as each week goes on, but it hasn't exactly turned into enough production for fantasy managers. The past two games, he's seen a season-high 39% and 35% snap share, but has only produced finishes of RB35 and RB64.
Derrick Henry should get plenty of work against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 with
Tyler Huntley likely taking over for
Lamar Jackson (doubtful - back). Mitchell could still see plenty of work mixed in, but the Packers are ranked eighth against opposing backfields, even without Micah Parsons (knee). RotoBaller's rankings project Mitchell as an RB49, which would make him more viable in very deep leagues, but harder to trust in most other leagues.
--Alex FischbeinSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Green Bay Packers quarterback
Jordan Love (shoulder, concussion) carries a bit of extra risk for this Saturday's outing with the visiting Baltimore Ravens if he's active. Love could only log limited practices this week, leading up to his game with Baltimore after dealing with a few injuries suffered in last Saturday's loss to the Bears. Unfortunately for Green Bay, the team is in danger of being without Love's backup,
Malik Willis (shoulder, illness), as he also deals with injury. As it stands, even if the 27-year-old is available to play, he could have a difficult time with a Ravens' defense that's been much improved over the back half of the season. He'll rank as RotoBallers QB20 if he suits up for Week 17's contest.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Rashod Bateman has finished as a WR3 or higher in just two games all year in half-PPR formats. Once in Week 3 as the WR15 and again in Week 9 as the WR36. His average finish this season is the WR78, which firmly puts him outside of the start-worthy options in most fantasy leagues. The Green Bay Packers have been quite generous to opposing receivers (ranked 30th over the last four weeks), but Bateman will most likely have
Tyler Huntley behind center in this matchup. In Huntley's other two starts this year, Bateman received one and four targets respectively, with a combined three catches for 59 yards. For fantasy managers in their championship game, Bateman projects as the WR84, which would be very hard to trust in a must-win situation.
--Alex FischbeinSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Baltimore Ravens tight end
Mark Andrews hasn't been kind to any fantasy managers that have decided to play him through the fantasy playoffs thus far. The veteran hasn't posted a finish in TE1 territory since Week 11 in half-PPR formats. His Week 17 matchup doesn't make it any easier either, since the Green Bay Packers are ranked eighth against the position over the last four weeks. They only allow 8.65 fantasy points per game to tight ends, and Andrews will more than likely have
Tyler Huntley under center, who has targeted
Zay Flowers more often. In RotoBaller's projections for Week 17, Andrews is the TE21, which would be a tough start for fantasy managers who are in their championship game.
--Alex FischbeinSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Free-agent left-hander
Helcris Olivarez and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training, according to Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston. Olivarez has spent his entire professional career in the minor leagues, posting a 4.18 ERA with 387 strikeouts, 238 walks, and a 1.46 WHIP across 325 innings. The 25-year-old isn't a lock to make the team, and even if he does, he's unlikely to have any fantasy relevance in 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Ari Alexander
December 26, 2025
Outfielder/infielder
Alec Burleson is set to be the St. Louis Cardinals' everyday first baseman in 2026, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The move comes after St. Louis dealt
Willson Contreras to the Red Sox earlier this week for right-handers
Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo, and Blake Aita. With Contreras gone, Burleson will move over to first base after spending most of 2025 in the outfield. He put together a strong offensive season last year, posting a .802 OPS and .275 xBA with 18 home runs, 69 RBI, 54 runs scored, and five stolen bases, good for a 124 wRC+. He also showed excellent plate discipline, striking out just 14.5% of the time. Defensively, Burleson graded out as a below-average outfielder, but he did make 38 starts at first base in 2025, so the transition shouldn't be much of an issue. From a fantasy perspective, Burleson offers dual eligibility and is expected to play every day, including against left-handed pitching after showing real improvement against them last season. Looking ahead to 2026, Burleson projects for up to 25 home runs with a .270 batting average while hitting in the middle of the Cardinals' lineup, making him a player who should be rostered in both 12- and 15-team leagues.
--Marty TallmanSource: Derrick Goold
December 26, 2025
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Justin Jefferson finished Thursday's 23-10 victory against the Detroit Lions with four catches on five targets for 30 yards, a modest output despite the Vikings' inability to do much of anything in the passing game. Playing without starter
J.J. McCarthy (hand) and already missing backup
Carson Wentz (shoulder) for the season, the Vikings turned over the keys to undrafted rookie
Max Brosmer, which went as expected. Brosmer threw for 51 yards and lost 48 yards to sacks, leading to just three net passing yards. A heroic performance from the Minnesota defense, which forced a whopping six turnovers, gave the offense a chance, and two rushing touchdowns were just enough. For managers rostering Jefferson, however, it was yet another frustrating outing limited by the offense around him. Of note, the superstar is 53 receiving yards from 1,000 with one game to go. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has made reaching the milestone a stated goal, so the gameplan may heavily feature Jefferson in a Week 18 game against Green Bay.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
The Miami Marlins right-handed reliever
Ronny Henriquez (elbow) will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing a hybrid UCL reconstruction surgery with an internal brace on his right elbow, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. Henriquez was expected to compete for the closer's role after a strong 2025 campaign, where he posted a career-best 32.3% strikeout rate along with a 2.22 ERA (2.98 xERA) across 73 innings. With Henriquez sidelined until at least 2027, Miami signed free-agent reliever
Pete Fairbanks to a one-year, $13 million contract. Fairbanks has had trouble staying healthy in the past, but he delivered his best workload last season, throwing a career-high 60 1/3 innings with 59 strikeouts, a 1.04 WHIP, and 27 saves for the Tampa Bay Rays. From a fantasy perspective, Fairbanks' value has jumped in a hurry. Since the news broke, he's been drafted as early as pick 96, after carrying an ADP of 132 beforehand. As long as Fairbanks stays healthy, he will be the Marlins' primary closer for 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Christina De Nicola
December 26, 2025
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Zay Flowers has now followed up one of his worst games in his three-year career with three weeks of 14 or more fantasy points in half-PPR formats. His lowest finish over the last few weeks has been WR15, and he came in as the WR8 last week against the New England Patriots, despite a fumble at the end of the game. The Ravens are still fighting for their playoff lives in Week 17 when they go up against the Green Bay Packers, and they'll likely have
Tyler Huntley under center. The good news is that Huntley seems to target Flowers the most in his starts (10 in Week 6, nine in Week 8). In terms of the matchup, the Packers rank 18th on the season against receivers, but are 30th over the last four weeks. He's projected as the WR24 on RotoBaller's rankings, but has quite a high ceiling depending on game script.
--Alex FischbeinSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings' hampered offense looked helpless for much of Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions, but running back
Aaron Jones Sr. was still able to scratch out a solid fantasy day with 53 yards rushing, three catches for 10 yards, and a touchdown in a Vikings win. Playing on a short week, Minnesota was missing its top two quarterbacks, three starting offensive linemen, its starting tight end, and Jones' fellow running back,
Jordan Mason (ankle). The Vikings naturally leaned on Jones, who needed 18 carries to gain 53 yards as the Lions loaded the box and put pressure on Brosmer. The Vikings gained a miserable three net passing yards, but the combination of defense and a pair of rushing touchdowns was just enough. Jones has been a reliable fantasy back this year, but he'll need some good news on the injury front as the Vikings prepare for a Week 18 game against Green Bay.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Infielder
Cole Young is expected to be the Seattle Mariners' primary second baseman in 2026, according to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic. The report also effectively shuts down any possibility of a
Ketel Marte trade. If Seattle does acquire infielder/outfielder
Brendan Donovan, he would likely slot into the outfield or at third base rather than second. Young spent most of last season in Triple-A, where he hit .277/.392/.461 with five homers and four steals over 245 plate appearances. After getting the call to the big leagues, the 22-year-old didn't exactly light it up, posting an 80 wRC+ across 257 plate appearances. Even so, the M's still appear ready to commit to their former first-round pick out of Pennsylvania. From a fantasy standpoint, Young is basically free right now with an ADP around 700.8, though that figure will almost certainly rise as draft season moves along. For now, the left-handed hitter is mainly a 15-team middle infield option, but he's a name to keep on your radar heading into 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
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