December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end
Oronde Gadsden saw his involvement crater last week, recording just one catch for seven yards on a season-low 3.5% target share. This drop in usage stems from the Chargers prioritizing extra pass protection for their battered offensive line, leaving non-blocking Gadsden on the sidelines for significant stretches. The Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans offers little hope for a rebound. While Houston is occasionally susceptible to tight end touchdowns, they rank top-10 in yards allowed to the position and lead the league in EPA/Pass. With Gadsden's routes and targets trending sharply downward, he cannot be trusted during the most important week of the fantasy season. He should remain on your bench as a low-end TE2.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Jaylen Warren exploded in Week 16 with 143 rushing yards (10.21 YPC) and two touchdowns, both of which came in the second half from 45 yards out. Backfield mate
Kenneth Gainwell also had a monster game, with 21.30 fantasy points. This Steelers backfield has become an actual running back by committee backfield, with both Gainwell and Warren playing around 50 percent of the snaps; however, not only have they both produced at a high clip, but Warren has scored 10 or more fantasy points now in six of his last eight games, and scored one or more touchdowns in five of those eight. The Steelers have made these running backs the focal point of their offense, and both are seeing enough usage to be valued as an RB2. Week 17 presents a challenge going up against a stiff Cleveland Browns defense, but they have been reeling of late, opening up a window for Warren to have another successful game.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris saw his opportunities dwindle in Week 16, as his snap share fell from 85% to 46% following
Quentin Johnston's return. While Harris remained efficient with four catches for 54 yards, he is now the third or fourth option in a low-volume passing attack. This Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans is the worst possible environment for a rotational wideout; the Texans allow the fewest passing yards per game and rank second in completion percentage allowed. With Herbert expected to be under heavy pressure, targets will likely be concentrated among the primary starters or dumped off to running backs. Harris lacks the volume and matchup appeal to be a viable fantasy starter. He is a low-end WR5 and should stay on benches.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings' defense/special teams turned in one of the most impressive defensive games of the year by swarming the Detroit Lions for six turnovers and five sacks in a 23-10 Christmas Day victory. A Minnesota offense ravaged by injuries offered little help for most of the day, but the Lions had absolutely no answer for a Vikings defense that barraged them with pressure and won the line of scrimmage from the outset. Minnesota held Lions running back
Jahmyr Gibbs to 41 yards rushing and limited quarterback
Jared Goff to 197 yards passing and one touchdown. The Vikings picked off Goff twice, recovered four fumbles, three of which were credited to Goff, and saw seven different players record a tackle for loss. Managers who boldly started the Vikings against a strong Detroit offense were handsomely rewarded with a huge performance in a key week. Minnesota will conclude its season next week against Green Bay.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston reminded fantasy managers of his "boom" potential last week, erupting for 104 yards and a touchdown against the league's worst pass defense. However, his historical consistency remains an issue, and the pendulum swings back toward "bust" territory against the Houston Texans. The Texans are a defensive juggernaut, ranking first in EPA/Pass and second in pressure rate. While Johnston has overcome his groin injury, he now faces a secondary that excels at erasing deep threats and minimizing yards after the catch. In a game where
Justin Herbert will likely be under constant duress, Johnston's high-variance profile makes him an extremely dangerous start in championship week. Unless you are chasing a miracle, the risk outweighs the reward. He is a touchdown-reliant, low-end WR4.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Keenan Allen remains a steady veteran presence, but his fantasy upside is evaporating at the worst possible time. Last week, Allen caught all five of his targets, yet his 47% snap share underscores a concerning trend as he continues to split routes with rookie Tre' Harris. This week's matchup against the Houston Texans is the toughest possible test, as the Texans rank second in completion percentage allowed and third in interception rate. With Houston allowing the fewest passing yards per game and consistently pressuring the quarterback, the aging veteran may struggle to find open windows in a game script expected to be a defensive slog. Fantasy managers in championship matchups should look for higher-upside alternatives. He is merely a low-end WR4/FLEX option this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Ladd McConkey returned to the end zone last week, leading the team with six targets, but a repeat performance will be difficult on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Houston's secondary is arguably the best in the NFL, ranking first in EPA/Pass and allowing the fewest passing yards per game. While McConkey remains
Justin Herbert's primary target, the Texans' elite pass rush, which is tied for sixth in sacks, will likely force Herbert into quick, low-ADOT throws. This defensive pressure mirrors the conditions that led to McConkey's recent dud games rather than his productive outing against a porous Dallas secondary. While his target floor remains decent, the matchup significantly limits his big-play potential. He is a touchdown-dependent WR3 for the fantasy finals.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tony Pollard has been on a heater the last three games, scoring three touchdowns, rushing for 367 yards (6.12 YPC), and averaging 18.6 fantasy points per game during this stretch. It's by far the best stretch of the season for him, as in the previous 13 weeks, he had only rushed for 582 yards (3.88 YPC) and two touchdowns. Because of the recent surge in production, Pollard has worked his way up the running back ranks to become more of a lower-end RB2 compared to the RB3 rankings, where he has been a majority of the season, considering he is playing about 50 percent of the team's snaps, and splitting work with
Tyjae Spears. The young Titans offense as a whole has looked much better the last few weeks, so it should not come as a surprise that Pollard's production has been better of late as well. Week 17 presents a mediocre matchup, as the Saints rank 17th overall in fantasy points allowed to the running back position, keeping Pollard in the low-end RB2 ranks. RotoBaller ranks him as the RB22 for the week.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back
Omarion Hampton continues to separate himself as the most dynamic option in the backfield, recording an 85-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Averaging 5.3 yards per carry, Hampton was far more explosive than teammate
Kimani Vidal, who is now dealing with a neck injury. Even if Vidal is active, the Chargers are likely to lean on Hampton against a Houston Texans defense that is more vulnerable on the ground than through the air. Houston ranks fifth in fewest rushing yards allowed, but has shown cracks against physical, efficient runners recently. With the Chargers needing to protect
Justin Herbert from Houston's fierce pass rush, a heavy dose of Hampton is expected. He is a high-end RB2/FLEX option for championship week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Jacoby Brissett enters Week 17 as a QB1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, who allow the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks on the season. Week 16 was underwhelming for Brissett, as he threw for only 203 yards and one touchdown with an interception. Before Week 16, Brissett had finished as a QB12 or better on the week in nine consecutive contests since he took over as the starter in Week 6, and he deserves a pass for his poor showing in Week 16, where he only scored 11.62 points. Looking forward to Week 17, he should be fired up with confidence as
Marvin Harrison Jr. is back from injury and should help the offense even more, combined with his rapport with
Trey McBride and
Michael Wilson, which has allowed Brissett to elevate his play and make both of those players tremendous fantasy assets during the second half of the fantasy season. On the season as a whole, Brissett has thrown for 2,911 yards and 19 touchdowns with seven interceptions in 12 games played. RotoBaller ranks Brissett as the QB9 this week.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback
Justin Herbert enters Week 17 fresh off a massive 300-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys, but fantasy managers should prepare for a steeper climb this Saturday. While Herbert thrived behind a clean pocket last week, he now faces a Houston Texans unit that ranks first in EPA/Pass and second in both completion percentage allowed and pressure rate. The Texans' pass rush, led by Will Anderson Jr., poses a significant threat to a Chargers offensive line that remains in shambles with Jamaree Salyer (hamstring) ruled out. Given that Houston has allowed the fewest passing yards per game, Herbert may need to replicate his recent rushing success to salvage his fantasy floor. Despite his elite talent, the lack of protection and the opponent's lockdown secondary cap his ceiling in the championship round. He is a mid-range QB2 this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
San Francisco starting quarterback
Brock Purdy tore up the Indianapolis Colts' defense on Monday Night Football to put a bow on Week 16, and now enters Week 17 ranking as a mid-tier QB1 in the final weekend for some fantasy managers in the fantasy playoffs. Week 16 was his best game of the season; he dominated in primetime, finishing with five touchdown passes and 295 yards, finishing as the QB1 in fantasy for the week. His rapport with all pass catchers,
Christian McCaffrey,
George Kittle (ankle), and
Jauan Jennings, was all on display. He even hit
Demarcus Robinson on a touchdown pass as well. Since his return from the toe injury in Week 11, Purdy has scored 17 or more fantasy points in four of his last five starts and has finished as the QB10 or better in three of those five. With another decent matchup on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, Purdy should be fired up into starting lineups confidently as we look forward to Week 17.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans kicker
Ka'imi Fairbairn continues to regularly deliver for the Texans and his fantasy owners, so he's a strong starting option kicking indoors on Saturday afternoon against the Chargers. The 31-year-old from Hawaii made all three of his field goals last week from 55, 50, and 49 yards and also knocked through all three of his extra points. He's 36-for-40 on field goal attempts this season and a perfect 24-for-24 on extra points. The Texans rely on their defense and usually take points whenever possible, leading to plenty of attempts for Fairbairn. He is the No. 6 K in RotoBaller's Week 17 rankings, so even though the game against the Chargers is expected to be lower-scoring, he remains a strong starter in standard-sized leagues this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
The Houston Texans D/ST has fueled the team's seven-game winning streak, and they'll go on the road this week in a critical matchup against the Chargers on Saturday afternoon. The Texans can clinch a playoff spot with a victory, and they had four sacks and four interceptions against
Justin Herbert when they faced him in last year's playoffs. Pass-rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter will look to continue their impressive seasons and continue to force turnovers. Last week, the DST had a touchdown, an interception, and three sacks against the Raiders. The Chargers have been a top-10 matchup for DSTs this season, and since they have a playoff spot wrapped up, they may be slightly less aggressive this week. Even on the road against a playoff team, the Texans DST still ranks as the No. 6 DST in RotoBaller's rankings, so start them with confidence on Saturday afternoon as they look to lock up a return to the postseason.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
According to the Jaguars' injury report,
Bhayshul Tuten (finger) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. Tuten did not play in the Jaguars' Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos due to this finger injury, and it was initially reported that he could miss multiple games, so it's encouraging to see him log consecutive limited practices, which should bode well for him suiting up Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Fantasy managers who are relying on Tuten's availability on Sunday will want to keep tabs on his Friday practice to see whether he will be available come Sunday. Once he returns, Tuten will likely resume his clear backup role to
Travis Etienne and won't be on the fantasy radar as anything better than a handcuff or a touchdown-dependent RB3. On the season, Tuten has 284 rushing yards (3.64 YPC) and four touchdowns. He's also contributed through the air with 79 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: https://www.jaguars.com/team/injury-report/
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