January 4, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (illness) won't play in Sunday's Central Division showdown with the Detroit Pistons. The Cavs won't play again until Tuesday in Indiana, so the 27-year-old has a few days to rest. In the meantime, Evan Mobley will likely slide over to the five spot and could surge versus a Pistons team that is without Jalen Duren (ankle), who will be sidelined for at least a week. Jaylon Tyson, averaging 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 45.1% shooting from deep in 20 starts throughout the campaign, will once again be rolling with the first-five.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

The New York Yankees have signed free-agent infielder Paul DeJong to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. This isn't a blockbuster move, but the veteran infielder does give this team extra depth. Last season, DeJong slashed .228/.269/.373 with six home runs and 23 RBI across 57 games with the Washington Nationals. His best days are likely behind him, but DeJong does have three 20-plus-homer seasons under his belt. The 32-year-old is capable of playing three different infield positions and does have some postseason experience as well. This is a low-risk move to add another bench bat, but DeJong is unlikely to offer much fantasy value.--Andy Webb
Source: Jon Heyman

January 4, 2026

The Tennessee Titans designated starting rookie quarterback Cameron Ward (shoulder) as questionable to return to Sunday's game at Jacksonville with an injury to his throwing shoulder. The rookie scored a rushing touchdown that gave the Titans an early lead, during which he broke the plane through heavy contact. Ward was forced out of the game, missing his first snaps of the season. If Ward were to be unavailable for the remainder of the game, backup Brandon Allen will handle quarterback duties. It's been a decent rookie season for Ward, who surpassed 3,000 yards passing with 15 touchdowns and 7 interceptions after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: Tennessee Titans

January 4, 2026

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera has been one of the bigger names floated around in trade discussions this offseason. According to Chris Kirschner, the New York Yankees are reportedly expressing interest in acquiring Cabrera. It's unclear how close the two sides are to a deal, but Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has stated he wants to add another starting pitcher this offseason. The 27-year-old is going to cost more than some other potential trade options, but that's because Cabrera isn't a free agent until 2029. Last season, Cabrera posted a 3.53 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and a 150/48 K/BB ratio across 26 starts with the Marlins. It'll likely be a hefty return for Cabrera, but adding him to the Bronx rotation would certainly be a huge boost for this team.--Andy Webb
Source: Chris Kirschner

January 4, 2026

Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson (foot) will not play in Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Washington Commanders. He was ruled out after missing practice on Friday. The Eagles are resting many key starters for non-injury reasons this weekend, but Johnson's case is a little different because he's injured. The 35-year-old lineman is working his way back from an absence that has now lasted seven weeks. Philadelphia is hopeful that he can return to action for the Wild Card Round of the playoffs next weekend. In the meantime, Fred Johnson will start at right tackle against the Commanders on Sunday afternoon.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Philadelphia Eagles

January 4, 2026

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh returning to the team seems to be a situation that is "up in the air" right now. Both Harbaugh and the Ravens are expected to meet in the offseason to determine what direction they want to go in moving forward. Behind Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin, Harbaugh is the second-longest-tenured coach in the NFL. Until the offseason conversations occur, Schefter is leaning toward Harbaugh returning, especially if the Ravens win the AFC North on Sunday night by beating the division-rival Steelers. The Ravens apparently will also be having discussions on what to do with two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson this offseason. There have been rumors floating around that the Ravens could look to trade him. If they don't, a contract restructure could be coming.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

January 4, 2026

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (illness) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. Hyatt was listed as questionable. He missed two consecutive practices before upgrading to a limited participant on Friday. The 24-year-old had been a healthy scratch in each of the last two weeks, and he played just four snaps over the last five games. As a result, it's unclear if Hyatt's absence is related to his illness or if he's merely a healthy scratch. Regardless, his absence is notable in a game where the Giants will also be without Wan'Dale Robinson (rib), Ryan Miller (coach's decision), and Theo Johnson (illness). Darius Slayton will operate as the Giants' No. 1 receiver while Gunner Olszewski, Isaiah Hodgins, and Xavier Gipson also get more involved.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Dan Salomone

January 4, 2026

Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New York Giants. He had been listed as questionable but was widely expected to play after being activated from injured reserve on Saturday. The 23-year-old will make his NFL debut at the perfect time, as Dallas will be without running backs Javonte Williams (shoulder, neck) and Malik Davis (calf, eye). Jaydon Blue is projected to operate as the Cowboys' No. 1 running back on Sunday, but he has just 23 touches in his rookie season, so we wouldn't be surprised to see Mafah get involved, too. Mafah is also a rookie and should play a key role against a Giants defense that has allowed the second-most rushing yards and fifth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Dan Salomone

January 4, 2026

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that signs are pointing to another reset for the Las Vegas Raiders, with head coach Pete Carroll unlikely to return for the 2026 season. Owner Mark Davis has not communicated any decision yet, but Carroll's status is believed to be very much in doubt going into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Pelissero says it would be a "major surprise" if Carroll is afforded a second season in the desert after a disastrous 2025 campaign with the team. The Raiders have lost 14 of their last 15 games, have fired two of their coordinators, and have worn out the patience of star defensive end Maxx Crosby. Carroll has been fighting to get another year to turn things around, but this is trending towards him being fired on Black Monday. If Vegas loses to KC on Sunday, they will clinch the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft and go into a full rebuild.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

January 4, 2026

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (right finger) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after missing all three practices this past week. The 25-year-old has been operating as the backup quarterback behind Tyler Shough ever since Week 9. As a result, Shough remains the starter for Sunday's regular-season finale while Jake Haener steps into the backup role. Haener hasn't played an offensive snap this year, but he did complete 18 of 39 pass attempts for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in 2024. Haener and Taysom Hill would be candidates to earn quarterback snaps if Shough leaves the game for any reason.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Tina Howell

January 4, 2026

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable after logging back-to-back limited practices. The 28-year-old has failed to meet expectations while occupying the No. 2 wide receiver role for most of this season. He has played 81.8% of the offensive snaps when healthy but has a modest stat line of 29 catches, 423 yards, and one touchdown. Mooney finds himself buried in the pecking order behind Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr. As a result, we expect him to remain off the fantasy radar against the Saints on Sunday. He can be benched in most leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Atlanta Falcons

January 4, 2026

The New York Jets have had another miserable season, already fired their defensive coordinator, and are 3-13 heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills, but NFL Network's Judy Battista reports that owner Woody Johnson remains committed to head coach Aaron Glenn, and Glenn is not expected to be fired on Monday. The Jets made it clear that they were focusing their attention on 2026 when they traded both cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline. Battista adds that there is optimism that the Jets can execute a pretty big overhaul this offseason, as they are flush with salary cap space and will have two first-round picks in 2026 and three in 2027. The Jets must first and foremost figure out their QB situation after swinging and missing on Justin Fields in free agency last offseason.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Judy Battista

January 4, 2026

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity this week. Pitts has frequently appeared on the injury report this year, but he never ended up missing a game. He has officially been active for all 17 games for the third season in a row. Pitts has been playing at an elite level ever since Kirk Cousins took over at quarterback, and it has allowed him to rank as the overall TE2 in full-PPR leagues to this point. He'll look to cap off his strong second half of the season in a competitive game against the Saints on Sunday. As it stands, he ranks as a top-five fantasy tight end.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Atlanta Falcons

January 4, 2026

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity this past week. London is still working his way back after a knee injury sidelined him from Weeks 12 through 15. In two games since then, he has just four catches. Last week was particularly frustrating as he caught one pass for four yards despite handling a 98% snap share. The increased snap share indicates that London is capable of playing a full game, so now, he just needs the targets. Managers should look for him to bounce back as a fringe top-12 fantasy receiver in a competitive battle against the Saints on Sunday.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Atlanta Falcons

January 4, 2026

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb is a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Chubb played only five offensive snaps and handled one carry for one yard in rookie Woody Marks' return in the Week 17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers last Saturday. Even rookie Jawhar Jordan had more snaps than Chubb, and now the veteran back will be inactive in a game in which the Texans must win to have a chance at winning the AFC South division. In the previous three games, the 30-year-old Chubb has just eight rushing attempts and one catch for 46 scrimmage yards. He is falling out of favor in Houston's backfield as the playoffs approach next week. Chubb has lacked explosiveness in his first year with the Texans and is averaging 4.1 yards per carry with only three rushing TDs on 122 rush attempts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Houston Texans

January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs recently recovered from knee and ankle injuries. While he didn't carry an injury designation into this weekend's contest, the Packers will opt to rest him. Green Bay, which has already locked up the No. 7 seed in the NFC, aims to keep Jacobs healthy ahead of the playoffs. He should return to the lead-back role when Green Bay takes the field in the Wild Card Round. In the meantime, Emanuel Wilson should lead the Packers' backfield against the Vikings on Sunday. Chris Brooks will back up Wilson. Interesting, the Packers chose not to elevate Damien Martinez from the practice squad, so Wilson and Brooks will be their only active running backs in Week 18.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Green Bay Packers

January 4, 2026

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is officially a healthy scratch for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans. Rookie Riley Leonard will make the start to close out the year, with Seth Henigan set to work as the backup. The Colts brought the 44-year-old Rivers out of retirement after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. Rivers was unable to save Indy's season, losing all three of his starts against the Seahawks, 49ers, and Jaguars. He completed 63% of his 92 pass attempts for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in his three games played. Rivers predictably struggled with his arm strength, but he wasn't terrible. The eight-time Pro Bowler already announced that he'll be retiring for a second time following this weekend's game.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Indianapolis Colts

January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder, hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. In addition to Willis being inactive, Jordan Love will ride the bench as Green Bay rests key starters. The Packers have nothing left to play for, as they already locked up the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture. As a result, Clayton Tune will start at quarterback on Sunday afternoon. Willis will likely return to his backup quarterback role in the Wild Card Round, and he could earn a chance to compete for a starting job during free agency in March.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Green Bay Packers

January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as doubtful after missing all three practices this past week. The 24-year-old has occupied an inconsistent role this season, and his usage has been dwindling with just four catches over his last four games. Wicks is the only wide receiver inactive for Green Bay, but we wouldn't be surprised if Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs handle a reduced workload now that the Packers have locked up the No. 7 seed. Matthew Golden could earn more targets in the Packers' offense, led by quarterback Clayton Tune.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Green Bay Packers

January 4, 2026

Former Maryland and Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards has committed to North Carolina and head coach Bill Belichick, the senior confirmed to On3Sports. In three seasons with Maryland and one season with Wisconsin (28 games), Edwards has completed 318 of his 512 passing attempts for 3,435 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He's added 13 touchdowns as a runner. Edwards isn't one of the biggest names in the transfer QB market, but he'll presumably get a chance to compete for the starting role in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels offense will be led by Bobby Petrino in 2026 after Freddie Kitchens was fired as offensive coordinator after just one season under Belichick.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Pete Nakos - On3Sports

January 4, 2026

Former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is set to visit Texas Tech on Saturday, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Leavitt entered the transfer portal when it officially opened on January 2 with a "do not contact" tag. This means programs cannot contact Leavitt, but he has clearly already been in contact with several suitors. Leavitt played in 20 games with the Sun Devils, tallying 4,513 passing yards, 743 rushing yards, and 46 total touchdowns. He threw just nine interceptions. Texas Tech is doing homework on several veteran quarterbacks after its shutout loss to Oregon in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals ended its season. Behren Morton struggled mightily in his last game as a Red Raider, tossing for just 137 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Pete Nakos - On3Sports

January 4, 2026

Houston Texans rookie wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are expected to handle increased volume during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The Iowa State products will occupy larger roles with Nico Collins (coach's decision) not playing on Sunday. Collins is being sidelined to preserve his health ahead of the playoff stretch. Higgins and Noel have both seen their roles increase throughout this season, leading up to this big opportunity in Week 18. Both receivers scored a touchdown in last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. They also combined for nine catches, 97 yards, and a touchdown in the last game that Collins missed. Higgins and Noel both rank as solid WR3/flex options against a Colts defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Aaron Wilson

January 4, 2026

The Green Bay Packers will rest key players during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. It was previously reported that Green Bay would likely rest some of its starters, but Fowler's latest update now confirms this. While the X post doesn't say which players will be affected, Fowler reports that "a significant number" of key players will sit out. This decision comes after Green Bay clinched the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture. We already know that Jordan Love will not start despite clearing concussion protocol, and we could see key offensive players like Josh Jacobs and Christian Watson rest. Emanuel Wilson and Matthew Golden could see additional opportunities in the Clayton Tune-led offense. On defense, Fowler notes that recently-acquired cornerback Tre'Von Diggs will play.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jeremy Fowler

January 4, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance will make his first start of the season during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Denver Broncos. The former first-round pick is starting in place of Justin Herbert (coach's decision) as the Chargers look to keep their No. 1 quarterback healthy for the upcoming playoff stretch. Turning to Lance puts Los Angeles as a 14-point underdog, and they could still finish anywhere between the No. 5 and No. 7 seed in the AFC. The young quarterback has flashed upside in the past, and perhaps the Chargers still hope that he can live up to his first-round draft stock. However, the odds are stacked against him this week. For starters, the Broncos have an elite defense anchored by Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto. Denver has allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards and eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Furthermore, Lance is playing behind an offensive line that PFF ranked second-worst heading into Week 18. Every Chargers offensive lineman finished with a PFF grade below 70 last week. This is not the right time to start Lance in fantasy football. Managers should avoid him in all leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen remains a high-upside fantasy option for Week 18 against the New York Jets, but he also has a lower floor than usual. Because the Bills have clinched a playoff spot and want to stay healthy for the playoffs, we wouldn't be surprised to see Allen play only a portion of Sunday's divisional battle on the road. Buffalo could still jump from the No. 7 seed to either No. 6 or No. 5, so Allen will start and have a chance to get the Bills a substantial lead early in the game. However, if he achieves that, we could see the team shift from Allen to Mitch Trubisky in order to keep the superstar quarterback healthy. Allen's health has been a particularly notable topic lately, as he has dealt with a nagging foot injury for several weeks. Despite concerns about Allen getting some rest, he still has high-end QB1 upside. Even if he misses part of the game, he can still put together a top fantasy performance. Just last week, we saw Patriots quarterback Drake Maye rack up five passing touchdowns against the Jets, despite playing fewer than three quarters. Allen could be in line for a similarly dominant performance against a New York defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Additionally, the Jets are one game away from becoming the first team in NFL history to record zero interceptions in a season. Allen has tremendous upside, but managers should only start him with the understanding that he could play less than half of the game.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (coach's decision) will not play in Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Collins isn't injured, but Houston is resting him in order to ensure that he stays healthy for the playoff run. The 26-year-old finishes his fifth regular season with 71 catches, 1,117 yards, and six touchdowns. So far, he ranks as the overall WR7 in full-PPR leagues, which is the highest mark of his career. His absence on Sunday should create more opportunities for rookie receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. Holding Collins out is an interesting move for the Texans, who could finish in any of the three Wild Card seeds and also still have a chance to clinch the No. 3 seed as the AFC South champion. Even without Collins, though, Houston is projected to defeat Indianapolis. DraftKings currently has the Texans favored by 10.5 points on the road.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jonathan Alexander

January 4, 2026

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is expected to handle increased volume with Wan'Dale Robinson (ribs) and Theo Johnson (illness) both sidelined against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. Robinson is headed for his first absence of the season, and Johnson has only been inactive one other time. Therefore, we haven't yet seen what Slayton can do as Jaxson Dart's No. 1 target. However, we have seen glimpses of his upside. He caught a touchdown pass in Week 13, handled 10 targets in Week 15, and has played at least 87% of the snaps in two of his last three games. The bigger role comes at a perfect time for Slayton and his managers, as the Cowboys have surrendered the league's most yards, touchdowns, and fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Managers should feel comfortable deploying Slayton as a strong WR2 option in fantasy football as he handles a bigger workload and gets a very enticing matchup.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Free-agent pitcher Kona Takahashi has decided not to sign with an MLB organization and will head back to Japan. The right-hander has until the end of Sunday to sign with a team, but it doesn't sound like it's going to happen. There wasn't a huge market for Takahashi, who only reportedly received a few offers from MLB teams. Takahashi has decided to return to Japan and continue working on his craft, with the goal of a possible MLB return in the future. The 28-year-old lacks strikeout numbers with only 88 punchouts across 148 innings this past season in Japan. It doesn't seem like organizations felt his stuff would translate well to the MLB game, but maybe something will change in the future.--Andy Webb
Source: Will Sammon

January 4, 2026

Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. has emerged as a playmaking threat lately, and he could step into a significantly larger role during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New England Patriots. Wease has three catches, 95 yards, and one touchdown over his last two games, showcasing upside as a big-play option in Miami's offense. This week, he'll likely handle increased volume with Darren Waller (groin) on IR and Jaylen Waddle (ribs) sidelined. At worst, we expect Wease to operate as the Dolphins' No. 3 receiver, but he could ascend higher than Malik Washington or Cedrick Wilson Jr., too. The rookie has played at least 27% of the snaps in each of his last two games, so we know that the Miami coaching staff is looking to get him involved. His big-play upside makes him somewhat of a boom-or-bust option. He could easily get into WR3/flex territory, but he also has a low floor. Managers should only consider starting Wease in deep leagues with at least 14 teams. He has more appeal in DFS formats and prop bets.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Brooklyn despite a mild left ankle sprain. Murray logged 39 minutes Friday versus Cleveland and carried a depleted lineup with 34 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, reinforcing his high-usage role while Nikola Jokic (knee) and Cam Johnson (knee) remain out. With Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) now questionable, Murray's workload could stay elevated, especially on the front end of a back-to-back. He remains a must-start fantasy option, though managers should monitor for potential maintenance later in the set.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report