December 21, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (illness) is probable heading into Monday's matchup with Charlotte. He didn't suit up for Friday's loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Tyrese Proctor ended up taking his place in the rotation, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal. If Mitchell suffers a setback, Proctor would presumably remain in the starting lineup, although that could change if
Sam Merrill (hand), who is also probable, can return after missing the last 14 games.
Darius Garland, coming off a 35-point effort, should also continue to see an uptick in scoring opportunities if Mitchell can't get back on the floor, even more so since the Hornets are one of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 21, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver
Tre Tucker tallied four receptions and 43 yards off his five targets during Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 16. Interestingly, Tucker also logged two rushing attempts for 11 yards, demonstrating intent to get the third-year receiver more involved in the offense. Tucker still has not seen the end zone since Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys, but getting five targets was his most involvement in the passing game since Week 7. The Las Vegas Raiders will face the New York Giants at home in Week 17, whose defense is a top-five matchup for wide receivers on the season. Also, veteran wide receiver
Tyler Lockett (wrist) left the Week 16 game early with an apparent wrist injury. If he misses Week 17, Tucker and rookie wide receiver
Jack Bech should be the primary beneficiaries of his absence. Despite Tucker's uptick in touches in Week 16, he is still an unreliable start outside deep leagues for the fantasy championships against the New York Giants.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
The Boston Red Sox are acquiring first baseman
Willson Contreras in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. In return, the Cardinals will receive right-hander
Hunter Dobbins along with right-handed pitching prospects Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita. According to Passan, the Red Sox will be responsible for $33.5 million of the $41.5 owed to Contreras. Boston had previously pursued
Pete Alonso and was rumored to be in on a few other sluggers, but the club now appears to have found its first baseman. Contreras is coming off a season in which he hit 20 home runs while slashing .257/.344/.447 across 563 plate appearances. With the Cardinals in the middle of a rebuild, the organization did not view Contreras as part of its long-term future. The 33-year-old former catcher is expected to take over for
Triston Casas at first base, who struggled to a .580 OPS in 112 plate appearances last season. Casas is often hurt and has missed significant time over the years. Overall, this move is a net positive for Contreras' fantasy value, as he joins a more potent offensive lineup in a substantially better hitting environment.
--Marty TallmanSource: Jeff Passan
December 21, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback
Geno Smith (shoulder, back) returned to the field in Week 16, completing 16 of his 23 pass attempts for 201 yards for two touchdowns and one interception in a 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans. However, his interception early in the first quarter was costly, as the stalwart Texans defense returned it for a touchdown of their own. The 35-year-old quarterback spread the ball around to his pass catchers and kept his team competitive against the heavily favored Houston squad. Smith did end up taking three sacks, but this was his fewest since Week 9. The Raiders take on the New York Giants at home in Week 17, which is a top-five matchup for quarterbacks. The veteran play caller remains viable in 2QB or Superflex leagues in need of a starter, given this favorable matchup.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan led the team in receiving in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, snagging six of 10 targets for 73 yards and a touchdown. The rookie first-rounder bounced back after three straight games with two catches or fewer. His 10 targets were his most in a game since his season-best performance in Week 11 against the Falcons, where he caught eight of 12 targets for 130 yards and two scores. The Panthers' WR1 continues to build his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has 65 receptions for 924 yards and seven touchdowns on 112 targets while playing all 15 games. McMillan will face a good test next week against the vaunted Seattle Seahawks defense.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (ankle) is active for the Sunday night contest against the New England Patriots. Hamilton was a late addition to the injury report after hurting his ankle in practice this week. He got in a limited practice session on Friday, and it appears he's feeling well enough to play on Sunday. This is excellent news for the Ravens' defense as Hamilton has been a star for them. He has 87 tackles, seven passes defended, and one sack heading into this Week 16 contest.
--Andy WebbSource: Ian Rapoport
December 21, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders tight end
Brock Bowers brought in all five of his targets for 33 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Houston Texans. The tight end started the afternoon off strong and had a touchdown early in the second quarter, but then mainly fell quiet for the rest of the game. Still, Bowers was able to bounce back from his disappointing Week 15 performance and post 14.3 PPR fantasy points, which is close to his season-long average. Bowers and the Raiders face the New York Giants at home in Week 17, which is a bottom-10 matchup for tight ends. Nonetheless, Bowers is a TE1, and fantasy managers should continue to have him in their lineups.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Tee Higgins hauled in all three of his targets for 53 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins. Higgins earned his fewest targets in a game since Week 8, but has now scored eight touchdowns in the past seven games. The 26-year-old wideout has put together a fantastic season, totalling 49 catches (84 targets) for 720 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games. His 10 touchdowns have matched a career high with two games remaining. He'll project favorably again for another potential shootout next week against the Arizona Cardinals.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
New York Jets running back
Isaiah Davis made the most out of his increased playing time on Sunday. Davis has seen more involvement down the stretch of the season and is taking full advantage of it. On Sunday, Davis rushed the ball three times for eight yards, while hauling in all four of his targets for 52 yards in the loss to the New Orleans Saints. These are promising numbers from Davis, who has been a non-factor throughout most of the season. The 23-year-old remains behind
Breece Hall in the pecking order, so his fantasy value outlook isn't great. Davis won't be a recommended starting option for the difficult matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 17.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Pat Bryant (undisclosed) was involved in a scary play during Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bryant took a massive hit over the middle during the final minute of the contest. He remained on the field and was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher. The nature of the injury is unclear at the moment, but fantasy managers should get more updates on his status soon. He hauled in five of his eight targets for 42 yards in the loss. As already mentioned, Bryant's injury is unknown, but his status is up in the air for the Christmas matchup versus the Kansas City Chiefs next week.
--Andy WebbSource: Zac Stevens
December 21, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback
Cameron Ward completed 21 of 28 passes for two touchdowns to go with four carries for nine yards as a runner in Sunday's 26-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Ward has now thrown two touchdowns in three consecutive games and has accounted for two total touchdowns in four of the past five outings. The No. 1 overall pick had zero such games over the first 10 weeks of the season. Sunday's performance was also his highest completion percentage (75%), yards per attempt (8.1), and passer rating (122.3) in a game this season. He'll draw a tougher matchup next week against the New Orleans Saints and will profile as a QB2 in superflex leagues.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back
Ashton Jeanty once again dominated the Raiders' backfield, turning his 24 rushing attempts into 128 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans. The electric rookie also had a 60-yard touchdown reception, putting up 31.8 PPR fantasy points for managers brave enough to start him against the stout Texans defense. This is Jeanty's second 100-yard rushing game this season, and he almost certainly will keep his bell cow role as the season comes to a close in two weeks. The Las Vegas Raiders will host the New York Giants in Week 17, whose defense is a top-three matchup for opposing running backs. Fantasy managers should feel confident in starting Jeanty in Week 17 in all formats.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tyjae Spears was heavily involved in the offensive game plan on Sunday’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Spears has been quiet lately, but made a splash against Kansas City on Sunday. Spears carried the ball a season-high 13 times for 52 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in all five of his targets for 53 additional yards through the air. This was by far Spears' best performance of the season to date. Sadly, his fantasy value is inconsistent with
Tony Pollard in the mix as well. Pollard carried the ball 21 times during Sunday's win. Spears figures to go back to being mainly the receiving back for next week's contest versus the New Orleans Saints.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tony Pollard handled 21 carries for 102 yards in Sunday's 26-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Pollard continues his strong stretch of production and has now rushed for at least 100 yards in three consecutive games for the first time in his career. It still resulted in a relatively empty fantasy line as the 28-year-old didn't find the end zone, and he didn't catch a pass for just the third time this season.
Tyjae Spears also saw more usage than usual, recording a season high 18 touches for 105 total yards and a rushing touchdown. Pollard has been one of the best runners in the league recently and will look to keep rolling in next week's matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
New Orleans Saints quarterback
Tyler Shough hit a milestone during Sunday's Week 16 matchup with the New York Jets. The second-round rookie has been impressive since taking over under center, and his success continued on Sunday. Shough completed 32-of-49 passing attempts for a career-high 308 yards and a touchdown in the win. He added eight rushing yards on two attempts. The Saints have a banged-up offense right now, but that hasn't stopped Shough from making plays. The rookie quarterback will take a three-game winning streak into a favorable matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 17.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals running back
Chase Brown delivered another great performance in Sunday's 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins, handling 12 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown while adding four catches (four targets) for 43 yards and two more scores as a receiver. It marked the 25-year-old's first career three-touchdown game and fifth career game with multiple scores. Brown has been on a tear in the second half of the season, ranking as the RB5 in PPR points per game (20.5) after ranking as the RB33 (10.1) in Weeks 1-7. Brown will maintain his high-end RB1 status for Week 17's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) is listed as questionable to return for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. Austin was forced to exit in the fourth quarter due to a hamstring injury. Given it's already late in the game, it wouldn't be shocking to see Austin remain out for the rest of the contest. Before leaving, Austin hauled in his lone target for eight yards. If he remains out,
Marquez Valdes-Scantling and
Scotty Miller could see increased playing time for the final quarter of the game. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on his status following the game.
--Andy WebbSource: Burt Lauten
December 21, 2025
The Seattle Mariners remain interested in re-signing free-agent third baseman
Eugenio Suarez, according to Mariners general manager Justin Hollander, who spoke on MLB Network Radio. Last season, Suárez tied his career high with 49 home runs, 13 of which came as a Mariner. Seattle's top offseason priorities were re-signing first baseman
Josh Naylor and infielder
Jorge Polanco, but with both now off the market, attention has shifted back to Suárez. Despite maintaining a 14.3% barrel rate, Suárez has become a below-average defender and continues to strike out nearly 30% of the time. The 34-year-old slugger is projected to earn a two-year, $45 million contract. With an ADP of 112, it appears the market believes he has another productive season in him. Although that is very possible, the strikeouts are a concern, and hitting at T-Mobile Park isn't helping him if he ends up back in Seattle. Unless he slips significantly on draft day, he may be someone to pass on, especially with the Giants'
Matt Chapman going about 60 picks later.
--Marty TallmanSource: Justin Hollander
December 21, 2025
New Orleans Saints tight end
Juwan Johnson was involved in a big way during Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Johnson has been a consistent option all season, but posted one of his best performances of the season on Sunday. The 29-year-old hauled in eight of his nine targets for 89 yards in the victory. Both the receptions and yardage were season-highs for Johnson, while quarterback
Tyler Shough threw for a season-high 308 yards. Clearly, Johnson and Shough have built some strong chemistry together over the last few weeks. Johnson should remain in the mix as a TE1 for next week's matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
George Pickens bounced back with a massive performance during Sunday's contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Before this game, Pickens was held to under 40 receiving yards in each of his last two contests. Pickens rebounded with a massive performance against the Chargers' defense in Week 16. He hauled in seven of his nine targets for 103 yards and a touchdown in the loss. This marked the fifth time this season that Pickens has surpassed 100 yards in a single game. The 24-year-old has been elite with 88 receptions, 1,342 yards, and nine touchdowns heading into the Week 17 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Minnesota Vikings quarterback
Max Brosmer entered the game due to injury on Sunday and helped his team secure a 16-13 victory against the New York Giants by completing seven of nine passes for 52 yards. The undrafted rookie was called upon after starter
J.J. McCarthy (hand) sustained his third injury of the year and did not return. For Brosmer, Sunday was markedly better than a four-interception disaster at Seattle in Week 13, as he and the Minnesota running game were able to move the ball just enough to kick what became the game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter. McCarthy's availability for a Christmas Day game against the Lions is unknown, but even if he doesn't play, it would be beyond risky to depend on Brosmer in any fantasy format, especially this deep into the season.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston returned to action in a big way during Sunday's 34-17 win against the Dallas Cowboys. Johnston sat out last week's win over the Kansas City Chiefs due to a groin issue. He returned from his one-game absence here and posted a massive performance. Johnston hauled in four of his five targets for 104 yards and a touchdown in the victory. The 24-year-old has been inconsistent over the last few months. This time, Johnston excelled as he posted his first 100-yard performance of the season. He'll draw a tough matchup against the Houston Texans' defense next week. His deep threat ability will certainly keep him on the fantasy radar in Week 17.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Despite yet another injury and yet another quarterback change, Minnesota Vikings running back
Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle) put together an admirable performance with 93 total yards and the game-clinching first down in a 16-13 victory at the New York Giants. Despite departing the game on the first drive due to the injury, different from the shoulder ailment that has plagued him this season, the veteran running back returned to post 85 total rushing yards on 21 carries and two catches for eight yards. It was a necessary effort from Jones, who carried the offense after quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (hand) and fellow running back
Jordan Mason (ankle) left the game and didn't return. Jones figures to have full command of the backfield if Mason misses Thursday's game against Detroit, but everyone on the Minnesota offense would have a lower ceiling if McCarthy also misses time and undrafted rookie
Max Brosmer has to start.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Jordan Addison caught just two of three targets for 26 yards on Sunday in a 16-13 win at the New York Giants, and the lone missed connection was a costly one. Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy found the third-year receiver in single coverage in the end zone for what appeared to be a touchdown, but Addison lost control of the ball as he attempted to complete the catch, forcing a field goal attempt instead. Even worse for the Vikings, McCarthy (hand) departed the game shortly before halftime and did not return. Backup
Carson Wentz (shoulder) is already out for the year, so Minnesota once again had to turn to undrafted rookie
Max Brosmer, dimming the offense's outlook. If McCarthy misses a Christmas Day showdown with the Detroit Lions, trusting anyone on the Minnesota offense would be awfully difficult.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Ja'Marr Chase was once again a tough player to stop during Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Chase has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a disappointing season for the Bengals. On Sunday, Chase hauled in nine of his 11 targets for 109 yards in Sunday's 45-21 victory over the Dolphins. This marked the third time in the last four games that Chase has surpassed the 100-yard mark in a game. The return of quarterback
Joe Burrow has certainly helped boost his play in the previous four contests. Chase is one of the best wideouts in the league and will continue to be an elite fantasy option for next week's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback
Joe Burrow needed a bounce-back game after throwing two interceptions during last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Burrow delivered a massive performance for fantasy managers during Sunday's 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins. The 29-year-old completed 25-of-32 passing attempts for 309 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for six yards on two attempts during Sunday's victory. He connected with
Tee Higgins for a nine-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He would later find running back
Chase Brown for two short-yardage scores in the third quarter. Burrow would finish off his day with a 17-yard touchdown to
Mike Gesicki in the fourth quarter. Burrow is back to his elite ways and will get a promising matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Justin Jefferson looked more like his old self on Sunday by catching six passes on eight targets for 85 yards despite losing his starting quarterback for the second half in a 16-13 victory against the New York Giants. The superstar receiver had multiple impressive catch-and-runs, made an excellent sideline catch, and was on pace for a big day, but settled for merely a good one after
J.J. McCarthy (hand) was lost for the day right before halftime. Still, it was a welcome slump-buster for Jefferson, who caught more than five passes for the first time since Week 9 and surpassed 80 yards for the first time since Week 5. It was a welcome sight for managers who survived the worst three-game stretch of Jefferson's career, but the immediate future looks uncertain. If McCarthy cannot return in time for a Christmas Day showdown against Detroit, undrafted rookie
Max Brosmer would be in line for another start.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Chris Olave caught 10 of his 16 targets for 148 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 win over the New York Jets. Olave is having quite the redemption campaign in New Orleans this season, as he now has over 1,000 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns. He ranks among the top eight fantasy receivers in scoring (full-PPR) this season, which is also the highest mark of his career. One of the biggest factors toward Olave's success has been his health. Knock on wood, the 25-year-old has not yet missed a game this season. He missed three games over his first two pro seasons, and he was sidelined for a whopping nine contests last year. As long as Olave stays healthy for the final two weeks of the year, he'll continue to be a strong WR1 option rest-of-season. That includes Week 17, when the Saints face off against the Titans and could deliver another double-digit margin of victory.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 21, 2025
Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (upper body) won't be available until after the Christmas break, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports. The Red Wings have one more game before the break, facing the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. This will mark Kane's fifth consecutive absence. Kane has been sharp when in the lineup this season, posting 23 points (six goals, 17 assists) in 24 appearances. John Leonard has been doing a great job as his replacement on the second line, scoring in back-to-back games and amassing three points (two goals, one assist) in four outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Helene St. James
December 21, 2025
Buffalo Bills running back
James Cook had 16 carries, 117 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 win over the Cleveland Browns. He also converted two targets into one catch for 17 receiving yards. Cook's quest for the NFL rushing title continued against a Browns defense that has been absolutely ripped apart by opposing running backs over the last three weeks. Buffalo's primary ball-carrier now has 14 touchdowns and over 1,800 scrimmage yards on the year, including five trips to the end zone in his last two games. Preseason concerns that Cook was due for regression have been completely unfounded, as he remains one of the top fantasy running backs while continuing to play a massive role around the goal line. He's a very strong RB1 option with a high ceiling heading into Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
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