December 27, 2025
New Orleans Saints tight end
Taysom Hill put together one of the more impressive stat lines of the season in the Week 16 win over the Jets, rushing 12 times for 42 yards, catching four of six targets for 36 yards, and throwing a 38-yard touchdown on his lone pass attempt. The performance cemented Hill's place in history, as he became the first player in the Super Bowl era to reach 1,000 career yards passing, rushing, and receiving. With
Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) and
Devin Neal (hamstring) sidelined, Hill operated as the Saints' primary rushing threat, while
Audric Estime and
Evan Hull each received only five carries. With Kamara set to miss another week and Neal on IR, Hill should once again be heavily involved against the Titans in Week 17. His do-it-all role makes him a TE1 for the contest.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
December 27, 2025
New Orleans Saints quarterback
Tyler Shough completed 32 of 49 passes for 308 yards and a touchdown in Week 16's victory over the Jets. The performance marked career highs in both pass attempts and passing yards, while extending New Orleans' winning streak to three games. With a depleted backfield, the Saints leaned heavily on the passing game, throwing the ball at a 2:1 rate compared to rushing attempts (50 passes to 25 rushes). With no positive developments in the running back room ahead of a Week 17 matchup against the Titans, New Orleans could once again funnel the offense through the air. Shough shapes up as a strong streaming option against a Tennessee defense that allows the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
December 27, 2025
New York Giants tight end
Theo Johnson (illness) has ruled out for his team's Week 17 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders due to an illness. Johnson was a late addition to the injury report on Friday, and he will not travel with the team to Las Vegas. The 24-year-old has functioned as the Giants' TE1 all season long, recording 45 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets across 15 games. He's played at least 70% of New York's offensive snaps in every game in 2025. In his absence,
Daniel Bellinger will likely step in as the lead receiving tight end for the Giants. Bellinger has hauled in 15 catches for 237 yards and a touchdown on 21 targets across 14 games so far this season. Despite the improved playing time outlook, he profiles as a risky start for fantasy managers in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
December 27, 2025
Indianapolis Colts running back
Jonathan Taylor has been excellent overall this season, recording 1,840 scrimmage yards and 19 touchdowns on 329 touches across 15 games. However, the 26-year-old's rushing efficiency has nose-dived in the second half of the season. Across his last seven games played, Taylor has averaged more than four yards per carry just once. In the two games since
Philip Rivers took over as the starting quarterback in Indianapolis, Taylor is averaging 3.2 yards per rush attempt. In Week 17, Taylor faces a tough matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who enter the week ranked sixth in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1). However, Jacksonville has allowed 19 rushing touchdowns on the season, which ranks tied for fourth-worst in the league. Additionally, Taylor remains a safe bet for a heavy workload, as he's seen at least 19 touches in six straight weeks. Despite the efficiency concerns, Taylor remains a must-start fantasy running back in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Parker Washington is an interesting option to consider in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars offense has been great the past few weeks, and Washington at times has been the forefront of it. Last week he managed a whopping 145 yards on just six catches against the top Broncos defense. However, he only had a 56% snap share, which makes him a boom-or-bust option. He also has plenty of target competition, and against a weaker defense, his competition won't be covered as well as against Denver. There's still a chance Washington performs well, but it's certainly not guaranteed. Washington is a decent FLEX play in Week 17, but is a bit risky for teams in the fantasy championship.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: Parker Washington RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Philip Rivers is set to make his third start of the 2025 season in Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since being called out of retirement in early December, the 44-year-old has held his own. Across two games, Rivers has completed 66.1% of his pass attempts for 397 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. While Rivers offers zero production upside with his legs, he proved he could still be efficient as a passer by averaging 7.9 yards per attempt in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 17, Rivers will face a Jaguars defense that ranks 18th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,492) and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (26). Jacksonville ranks 6th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1), so Indianapolis may be forced to turn to the air more often than they would like. With the potential for a pass-heavy game script, Rivers profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 option in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Entering Week 17, the New York Giants defense ranks 29th among NFL defenses in total yardage allowed and 28th in points allowed. New York has given up at least 27 points in seven out of its last nine contests. However, the Giants have a very favorable matchup on paper in Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Las Vegas enters the week ranked last in the NFL in both total yards and total points scored. The Raiders have scored more than 17 points just once over their last seven games and have been held to 10 points or fewer six times so far this season. Additionally, Las Vegas placed star tight end
Brock Bowers (knee) on Injured Reserve earlier this week, removing their best offensive weapon from the equation. The Giants' defensive line should have a chance to wreak some havoc against the struggling Raiders' offensive line, which has allowed 57 sacks through 16 games in 2025. All in all, the Giants D/ST profiles as a low-end starting unit for fantasy managers in Week 17 against Las Vegas.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
The New England Patriots D/ST enters Week 17 against the New York Jets as one of the most appealing options in fantasy football. The Patriots are coming off a strong two-turnover performance against the Baltimore Ravens, and their upside is significantly higher this week against the Jets. New York has been eliminated from the playoffs, will be without
Garrett Wilson (knee), and plans to start undrafted rookie
Brady Cook at quarterback. New England has a high probability of forcing at least one turnover this week, as Cook has a whopping seven turnovers over three games (two starts). Furthermore, the Jets have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses in 2025. As it stands, the Patriots rank #2 among D/ST units in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 17.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
New England Patriots kicker
Andy Borregales has been one of the most impressive rookie special teamers in the NFL this season, and he's likely headed for another high-scoring performance against the New York Jets in Week 17. Borregales has made 13 field goals and 14 extra points over his last five games, and he hasn't missed a kick in two games since the bye week. He has been the 10th-highest-scoring kicker in fantasy football this year, and he's surging just in time for the culmination of the fantasy playoffs. He should also benefit from an extremely enticing matchup against the Jets, who have allowed the most fantasy points to kickers in 2025. The stars are aligning for Borregales to be a top-five fantasy kicker this week. He should be started in all leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Across seven games since New York Giants running back
Cam Skattebo (ankle) suffered a season-ending ankle injury, Giants back
Devin Singletary has seen an average of 12.1 touches per game. However, the 28-year-old's role has begun to fade again in recent weeks, as he's averaging just nine touches per game over his last two contests. In that two-game span, Singletary has been out-snapped by Giants running back
Tyrone Tracy Jr. 87 to 37. While Singletary is still a safe bet to log a few carries and could see some work around the goal-line, Tracy Jr.'s recent emergence as the clear RB1 in New York limits Singletary's production upside. Making matters worse, Singletary faces a quietly difficult matchup in Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Entering the weekend, Las Vegas ranks fourth among NFL defenses in yards per carry allowed (3.8). At best, Singletary profiles as a deep-league flex option for fantasy managers in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
DeMario Douglas (hamstring) could sneak onto the fantasy radar in deeper leagues, but first, he'll need to shake his injury concerns. The third-year receiver is listed as questionable to play in Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New York Jets. If Douglas suits up, he should earn additional targets with
Mack Hollins (abdomen) and
Kayshon Boutte (concussion) both sidelined. In that scenario, Douglas would presumably operate as the No. 3 wide receiver behind
Stefon Diggs and
Kyle Williams. Of that group, Diggs has the highest upside, but Douglas is still a solid fantasy play given his usage in short-yardage and medium-yardage situations. He has a catch in 13 of 15 games this season and should rank as a top-50 fantasy receiver for Week 17. He'll likely benefit from this matchup against the Jets, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to slot receivers in 2025. Douglas has played in the slot on 71.1% of his snaps.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end
Brenton Strange has been inconsistent, but he has a chance to be serviceable against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. Strange hasn't been the most targeted, but since returning from injury in Week 12, he has had decent involvement in the Jaguars thriving offense. He did manage 93 yards in Week 12 and a touchdown each in Weeks 13 and 16, but his overall season numbers don't stand out in any way. However, in a plus matchup and a week with plenty of injured tight ends, Strange is certainly startable. Fantasy managers can do better, but can also do much worse than Strange, who might be an injury replacement for injured studs
Brock Bowers (knee) and
George Kittle (ankle) for numerous fantasy managers in their Week 17 fantasy championships.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: Brenton Strange RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
New York Giants tight end
Theo Johnson has been a steady, low-end producer for most of the 2025 season, recording 45 catches for 528 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets across 15 games. However, he was held without a catch on two targets by the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. Johnson's Week 17 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is more favorable, which should give fantasy managers more confidence re-inserting him in the lineup. Before Week 16, Johnson has recorded at least 10 PPR fantasy points in five out of his last eight games and at least three receptions in all eight contests. Still, his upside is limited in a Giants' offense that is averaging just 16.3 points per game over its last three matchups. Johnson profiles as a low-end fantasy TE2 in Week 17 against Las Vegas.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Jakobi Meyers is among the safer options at wide receiver this week against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars' offense is clicking, and Meyers has been the most consistently targeted option for
Trevor Lawrence. He has had at least six targets in every game since Week 11 and has usually been able to muster at least a good chunk of yards or a touchdown. Against the Colts in Week 14, he earned his most targets of the season with the Jaguars, with 10, but only managed four catches for 39 yards, but salvaged his fantasy day with a touchdown. Given his consistent involvement with the offense, Meyers is a safe play in Week 17 for managers looking for someone reliable to start in their fantasy championship.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: Jakobi Meyers RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Across 13 games this season, New York Giants wide receiver
Darius Slayton has recorded 31 receptions for 468 yards and a touchdown on 51 targets. Slayton is coming off one of his worst games of 2025 in Week 16, hauling in just one catch for eight yards on two targets against the Minnesota Vikings. However, the 28-year-old is now facing a far easier matchup in Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Entering the week, Las Vegas ranks 18th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.1). The Raiders have also ruled out star edge rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) with a knee injury, which should make life significantly easier on Giants quarterback
Jaxson Dart. Before his Week 16 dud, Slayton had recorded at least 9.3 PPR fantasy points in four out of his last five games. He profiles as a low-end deep-league flex option for fantasy managers in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. is an interesting player in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars' offense has been impressive over the last few weeks, but that hasn't meant guaranteed production for the second-year pro. With that said, the Colts are a great matchup, which Thomas Jr. somewhat took advantage of in Week 14, putting up 87 yards on just three catches. If BTJ can combine that big-play ability with an endzone trip or two, he could be in for a big day. However, after just 18 yards last week, he is difficult to trust. Thomas Jr. is a boom-or-bust play that is certainly worth consideration in Week 17, especially with the numerous injuries to close out the season.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: Brian Thomas Jr. RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
New York Giants wide receiver
Wan'Dale Robinson is coming off his lowest fantasy finish since Week 4, as the Giants look to put their disastrous Week 16 performance behind them. In a 16-13 loss to the Vikings, New York finished with as many passing yards as points allowed. Nobody should be excited to start Robinson coming off a three-catch, 19-yard performance, but when considering that he accounted for nearly 40% of the team's targets and over half the receiving yardage, a bounce back could be in store against a Las Vegas team that has already shut down
Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby, and Jeremy Chinn. Robinson is 99 yards away from his first career 1,000-yard season, and he projects as RotoBaller's WR26 against a shorthanded Raiders defense.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars running back
Travis Etienne Jr. has thrived over the past three weeks and should continue to succeed in a rematch from Week 14 with the Indianapolis Colts. The whole Jaguars offense is clicking to end the season, and Etienne Jr. has been a primary benefactor of the improved performance. He has been a fiend for the end zone lately, especially in the receiving game, making him a high-upside dual threat out of the backfield. With backup rookie
Bhayshul Tuten (finger) potentially out again, Etienne Jr. should dominate touches out of the backfield. In the biggest week of the fantasy season, managers should feel good about starting Etienne Jr. in Week 17 against the Colts.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: Travis Etienne Jr. RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals kicker
Evan McPherson made a career-high six field goals in the Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, he's been relatively quiet in the last three weeks by draining his only attempt during that span. All things considered, the 26-year-old is viewed as a top fantasy option at the position in Week 17, considering the Bengals offense is projected to put up plenty of points against a weak Cardinals defense. As a result, McPherson is a must-start, especially since he has an excellent chance to finish as the week's highest-scoring fantasy kicker.
--Dennis ClausenSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback
Trevor Lawrence has been on a tear towards the end of the season, and will look to continue his great play in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts. He has combined for over almost 700 total yards and 10 total touchdowns the last two weeks, with the previous week's performance coming against a great Broncos defense. Clearly, the Jaguars' offense is clicking, so expectations should be that it continues. The Colts' defense is banged up, so Lawrence has a chance to be even better than his Week 14 performance against their division rival. Fantasy managers should continue to ride Lawrence to a potential fantasy championship in Week 17.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: Trevor Lawrence RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
New York Giants running back
Tyrone Tracy Jr. has seen quality usage down the stretch and projects as a high-floor RB2 against a Raiders team that looks to have turned their attention to 2026. With the number one pick of the upcoming NFL draft potentially at stake on Sunday, Las Vegas has already shut down
Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby, and Jeremy Chinn, and the Giants are slight favorites on the road. Averaging 18.5 opportunities per game, since Week 10, Tracy has finished as a top-15 fantasy running back three times over that span, including an RB5 finish against the Commanders in Week 15. And while he's scored only three total touchdowns on the season, 12 of his 16 red zone looks have come in the past four games. Against a Raiders defense that struggled against the run even when they were trying, Tracy looks to be a safe Week 17 start.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals tight end
Mike Gesicki has seen an uptick in production of late by scoring a touchdown in two of his previous three appearances. While the veteran had only four catches in the last two weeks, he's still playing better than most anticipated. With a favorable matchup on the horizon against an injury-plagued Cardinals defense, the Bengals offense is projected to be the highest-scoring unit of the week. Granted, Gesicki isn't a safe fantasy option, although there is streaming potential, considering some of the league's top tight ends have already been ruled out. There could be more names added to the list heading toward lock time on Sunday.
--Dennis ClausenSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a contract with free-agent outfielder
JJ Bleday, according to MLB insider Robert Murray. Bleday is just one year removed from a strong 2024 season in which he slashed .243/.324/.437 with 20 home runs, 60 RBI, 74 runs scored, a 19.5% strikeout rate, and a 10.4% walk rate across 642 plate appearances. The 28-year-old struggled to replicate that success in 2025, posting a 26.5% strikeout rate and a 90 wRC+ over 98 games, and was optioned twice to Triple-A Las Vegas by the Athletics. While the Reds were rumored to have interest in trading for outfielder
Luis Robert Jr., it appears they've pivoted to Bleday instead. The left-handed-hitting Bleday can play all three outfield spots for Cincinnati, but he'll likely see most of his time in left field, pushing
Will Benson to the bench. From a fantasy perspective, unless you're in a 15-team league or deeper, he can be ignored on draft day. That said, his power and patience could play very well at Great American Ball Park, so keep an eye on his early-season performance to see if he's worth a waiver-wire pickup.
--Marty TallmanSource: Robert Murray
December 27, 2025
New York Giants quarterback
Jaxson Dart has the precise skillset needed to put up monstrous fantasy performances even if the games aren't always pretty, as evidenced by his seven-week stretch as the QB3 while going 2-5. Unfortunately, since returning from a concussion in Week 13, his usage has no longer showcased those skills, making him difficult to trust in a Week 17 matchup with the Raiders. Since his return from injury, his designed rushing yards per game have dropped from 22.6 to two. Heading into a game that could ultimately determine the number one pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders have already shut down
Brock Bowers, Jeremy Chinn, and Maxx Crosby, so depending on the Giants' approach, there is a path for Dart to hit a ceiling that few players in the league are capable of. That ceiling potential must be weighed against his floor, as he is coming off his worst game of the season against Minnesota. As RotoBaller's QB13 for the week, he is best viewed as a desperation play by heavy underdogs in single quarterback leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals running back
Samaje Perine scored a touchdown in the 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins. While
Chase Brown remains the No. 1 option out of the backfield, as expected, Perine has stayed involved by logging double-digit carries in two of his previous four appearances. With a favorable matchup against a weak, injury-plagued Cardinals defense on the horizon, everyone on the offensive side of the ball could benefit from a statistical standpoint. However, despite a higher ceiling than usual, Perine shouldn't be viewed as anything more than a deep-league desperation option in Week 17.
--Dennis ClausenSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
Buffalo kicker
Michael Badgley was elevated from the Bills' practice squad before Sunday's Week 16 matchup with the Browns, and in filling in for
Matt Prater (quadriceps), he made two of three extra points and was good on a 41-yard field goal, his only attempt of the game. He finished as the 26th-best kicker on the week, and in a Week 17 matchup against the Eagles that projects to see fewer scoring opportunities, he lacks the ceiling that fantasy managers should be seeking for their Week 17 title games. In his seven games with Indianapolis this season, Badgley connected on 10 of 11 field goals while converting 18 of 21 extra points. Badgley is RotoBaller's K15 for the Week, indicating that better options are likely available.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Tee Higgins only has 49 catches for 720 yards in 13 games this season. On the other hand, he's certainly made up for it by amassing 10 touchdowns, tying him with
Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the third-highest mark at the position. Granted, fantasy managers would love to see more volume for the former Clemson Tiger. Still, not many (if any) can say that they have scored at least once in six of their last seven appearances. With a favorable matchup with the injury-plagued Cardinals defense on tap for Week 17, Higgins' ceiling is as high as ever. Keep him starting in all fantasy formats.
--Dennis ClausenSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
Buffalo Bills running back
Ray Davis (knee) has logged a week of full practice participation and was viewed as a valuable handcuff coming into Week 17. Fortunately for most fantasy managers, that handcuff is no longer required, as starting running back
James Cook is at full health heading into a Week 17 matchup with the Eagles. Davis has put up 120 rushing yards on the year, an additional 51 receiving yards, and one touchdown through the air. With Cook currently leading the race for this year's rushing crown, it seems unlikely that Davis will see much run against an uncharacteristically beatable Eagles front, and he can be dropped wherever roster flexibility is needed for Championship weekend.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Cleveland Browns wide receiver
Cedric Tillman looks to be fighting for the team's WR2 position going into an AFC North battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. The third-year wide out appears to be in a timeshare with rookie wide receiver
Isaiah Bond, with Tillman playing 48% of the snaps, barely edging out Bond, and running 55% of routes compared to Bond's 58%. Whereas the team is getting Bond involved in trick plays and schemes, Tillman does not have much to show aside from his combined three receptions off eight targets for 36 yards since Week 12. If rookie tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is inactive on Sunday, rookie quarterback
Shedeur Sanders may look to his wide-outs to pick up the slack, which would benefit Tillman. The Steelers' pass defense has tightened up over the past four weeks, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, making Tillman an even less appealing pivot option for deep league managers. If Fannin Jr. were to miss Week 17, Tillman would get a slight bump to fringe WR4/Flex territory in 14+ person leagues. However, he is the third option on an offense averaging just 169 passing yards per game, which is the fourth-fewest in the NFL.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee) was able to log a limited practice on Friday after missing two previous sessions ahead of the team's Week 17 matchup at home against the New York Giants. The veteran running back has been playing behind rookie
Ashton Jeanty all season and has yet to score double-digit fantasy points or reach the end zone this year. In Weeks 14 and 15, Mostert did see a spike in his third-down usage, much to the chagrin of Jeanty managers, but he only saw two opportunities from his six snaps in Week 16 against the Houston Texans. If he suits up on Sunday, he will be lining up against a Giants' run defense that is a top-three matchup for opposing running backs. There is an unlikely scenario that head coach Pete Carroll could bring in Mostert or running back
Dylan Laube to ice the game and protect Jeanty from injury if the Raiders were to gain a decisive, early lead. However, the Raiders are currently home underdogs, and the Las Vegas offense is likely to rely heavily on Jeanty throughout its Week 17 matchup. Fantasy managers interested in starting Mostert in Week 17 are hoping the veteran back can make a big play when subbing in for Jeanty, since volume and goal-line opportunities have been going to the workhorse rookie.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
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