January 3, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward
Devin Vassell (adductor) was injured in Monday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. An MRI confirmed an adductor strain, already costing him meetings with the Knicks and most recently, Friday's win over the Indiana Pacers. Unfortunately, Vassell is projected to miss additional contests moving ahead, with head coach Mitch Johnson stating that the 25-year-old will be sidelined for "more than a few games." Vassell's production is down this season compared to previous campaigns, although he's still averaging 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. It's unknown how long he'll be on the shelf. In the meantime,
Justin Champagnie is expected to replace him in the rotation. However,
Dylan Harper, coming off a 22-point effort, should benefit more, especially if
Victor Wembanyama (knee) remains out.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Jeff McDonald
January 3, 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Parker Washington has enjoyed a breakout season in his third year in the league, catching 53 of 87 targets for 760 yards and four touchdowns. The 23-year-old wideout has produced his two best performances of the season in the last two weeks, posting a 6-145-1 line on 10 targets in Week 16 against the vaunted Broncos defense before following it up with eight catches for 115 yards on 10 targets last week in Indianapolis. His 260 yards during that span are third in the league, only trailing
Chris Olave (267) and
Puka Nacua (272). While the Jaguars have multiple pass-catchers capable of producing big games, Washington has established a solid floor and should be in line for another productive game in the regular-season finale against a Titans defense that has allowed the seventh-most PPR points per game to wide receivers.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
January 3, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) is considered unlikely to play in the regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports. Adams has been out since tweaking his hamstring in Week 15's win over the Lions and was able to return to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday. However, the Rams are expected to hold the 33-year-old out one more week to ensure he is good to go for the playoffs. The six-time Pro Bowler has had a terrific first season in Los Angeles, recording 60 receptions (114 targets) for 789 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns.
Konata Mumpfield and
Xavier Smith should continue to see increased opportunities behind
Puka Nacua in Week 18 with Adams sidelined.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Jeremy Fowler
January 3, 2026
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) is up in the air to play in Saturday's divisional matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports. Williams missed every day in practice this week, and they will see how he feels in pre-game warmups. The star tackle should be good to go for the playoffs, but he is on the outside looking in to suit up for the regular-season finale. The 12-time Pro Bowler tweaked his hamstring during last week's win over the Chicago Bears, and it will be tough for him to play with no practice on a short week. Backup tackle Austin Pleasants is in line to make his first career start on Saturday, with the top seed in the NFC on the line.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Jeremy Fowler
January 3, 2026
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Drake London (knee) is officially listed as questionable for Week 18's matchup against the New Orleans Saints, but head coach Raheem Morris is optimistic about his chances to suit up. London has delivered his two worst games of the season over the past two weeks, catching just one of two targets for four yards last week against the Rams and three of eight targets for 27 yards in Week 16 versus the Cardinals after returning from a PCL sprain. The star wideout will look to get back on track and close out the season on a high note against the Saints, though that could be tougher as New Orleans has allowed the eighth-fewest PPR points per game to wide receivers this season. London missed Atlanta's Week 12 meeting with New Orleans, but he totalled 14 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown on 25 targets in two games against them last year. He is ranked as RotoBaller's WR13 for the season finale.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
January 3, 2026
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back
Jaydon Blue could play his most snaps in a game this season in Week 18's regular-season finale against the New York Giants, with both
Javonte Williams (shoulder, neck) and
Malik Davis (calf, eye) ruled out. The fifth-round rookie has only been active for four games this season, with his most recent appearance coming back in Week 8 in the loss to the Denver Broncos. He has recorded 22 carries for 65 yards to go with one catch (one target) for five yards. Blue eventually lost his backup role to Davis after Week 8, but he could be set up for a big day on the ground on Sunday against the 30th-ranked Giants run defense. The Cowboys will likely use fullback
Hunter Luepke more with Williams and Davis out, but Blue has big upside as a flex option for the final game of the regular season.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
January 3, 2026
Despite losing 13 of their last 14 games, the general sense is that Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon will return in 2026, according to NFL Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. Gannon spoke this past week and said that he felt "good" about his job status. The 42-year-old head coach will likely receive another year and the opportunity to select a new quarterback to lead the team, with the general expectation being that Arizona will move on from
Kyler Murray in the offseason. Gannon hasn't achieved a winning record in his three seasons as head coach in Arizona, owning a 15-35 record. He was hired after the Eagles' 2023 Super Bowl run, where he spent two seasons as their defensive coordinator. However, Gannon's defenses in Arizona have been at the bottom of the league since being hired, ranking 32nd in success rate over the past three seasons combined. If Gannon stays, there may be changes coming to the staff after another disappointing year.
--Kyle McCarthySource: NFL.com
January 3, 2026
Minnesota Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy will return to the Vikings next season as expected, but he won't be guaranteed to be the starter, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports. McCarthy had a disappointing sophomore season after missing his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus. He was dropped into a highly favorable situation with an excellent play-calling head coach in Kevin O'Connell and an elite wide receiver duo in
Justin Jefferson and
Jordan Addison. However, the 2024 first-round pick was one of the least efficient quarterbacks in the league, ranking last out of 36 quarterbacks (minimum 275 plays) in EPA/play (-0.134), with the highest interception rate (5.5%) and the third-highest sack percentage (10.93%). It doesn't help McCarthy's case that he was also unavailable for seven games this season because of ankle, head, and hand injuries. Minnesota was hoping for proof this season that their first-round investment is the long-term answer, but they now plan to explore established QB options via trade or free agency to compete with McCarthy.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Dianna Russini
January 3, 2026
The Cleveland Browns are leaning towards moving on from two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski at the end of the season, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports. The Browns are expected to retain general manager Andrew Berry and have done some background work on potential head-coaching candidates. Stefanski has coached the Browns to a 4-12 record after finishing 3-14 last season, and all signs point to the team choosing a new direction heading into 2026. Cleveland's offense has ranked in the bottom five in both points and yards per game in each of the last two seasons, though the quarterback play is a significant reason for that. The Browns reportedly had internal discussions about Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, but he ultimately announced that he's staying at Notre Dame. Stefanski holds a 41-46 record (including playoffs) since being hired in 2020 and looks likely to be the eighth Cleveland head coach to be fired since 2010.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Dianna Russini
January 3, 2026
Carolina Panthers running back
Rico Dowdle (toe) does not have an injury designation heading into the team's Week 18 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dowdle appears to be in a 60-40 timeshare with fellow running back
Chuba Hubbard, with the latter seeing the vast majority of third downs over the past three games. The Panthers hosted the Buccaneers in Week 16, and Dowdle was held to just 29 yards from nine rushing attempts, but did earn 14 receiving yards from his four receptions off six targets. Even though Dowdle has been absent on nearly every third down over the last two games, he still managed to earn more targets and run six more routes each game than Hubbard. Dowdle profiles as a low-end RB2 against a middle-of-the-road Buccaneers run defense in the 2025 regular season finale.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
January 3, 2026
New England Patriots rookie running back
TreVeyon Henderson (concussion) was unable to find the end zone in Week 17, which led to a disappointing fantasy day. Still, the young rookie should continue to see steady volume against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. Henderson was able to clear the league's concussion protocol and suit up in Week 17 against the New York Jets, logging 82 yards from his 19 rushing attempts, but failed to see any targets in the passing game. Against the Jets, fellow running back
Rhamondre Stevenson was the headliner, even though the veteran back saw fewer opportunities, as he was able to score two touchdowns. There is a possibility that the Patriots rest some starters in the second half of this game, with an eye on the postseason. However, New England is still playing for seeding, and head coach Mike Vrabel will probably want to get the rookie additional reps before the playoffs. Henderson profiles as a low-end RB1 with a high ceiling and big-play potential in Week 18 against a Miami Dolphins defense that has been a bottom-10 matchup against opposing running backs since Week 10.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
January 3, 2026
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Michael Wilson should reassume his WR1 production against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, with fellow wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) placed on IR after Week 17. In the four games without Harrison Jr. in the latter half of the 2025 season, Wilson hauled in 41 of his 60 targets for 499 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 27.2 fantasy points per game. When the Cardinals faced the Rams in Week 14, Wilson had his best fantasy game of the season, racking up 37 PPR points from his 11 receptions off 16 targets for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Since that Week 14 tilt, the Rams' pass defense is a top-five matchup for opposing wide receivers. Wilson is a top-10 wide receiver with high upside for fantasy managers playing in Week 18, especially in PPR formats, or those looking for a reliable DFS option to close out the regular season.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
January 3, 2026
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic (toe) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors after sitting out Thursday versus the Clippers with a left toe sprain. If Nurkic remains sidelined,
Kyle Filipowski would likely draw another start, but his fantasy profile remains unstable. Over his last five games, Filipowski has averaged 9.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 22.0 minutes, mixing a 25-point outing in 35 minutes with a two-point performance in 11 minutes. He profiles as a risky streaming option with highly volatile game-to-game production.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 3, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors and could miss a second straight contest with a left knee contusion. If Markkanen remains sidelined, minutes would be redistributed across the frontcourt, but no clear fantasy replacement has emerged.
Brice Sensabaugh,
Kyle Filipowski, and
Taylor Hendricks would all see expanded run, though each remains highly inconsistent and matchup-dependent. Sensabaugh provides the most scoring upside, with Filipowski and Hendricks needing steady minutes to return fantasy value.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 3, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Keyonte George (illness) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Golden State Warriors after missing Thursday versus the Clippers, with a decision expected closer to tipoff. George has been on a major run, delivering first-round nine-category value by averaging 28.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 4.0 three-pointers in 35.3 minutes. If he sits,
Isaiah Collier becomes the primary beneficiary after posting 16 points and 10 assists in 37 minutes last game, while
Walter Clayton Jr. logged nine points and three assists in 30 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 3, 2026
Miami Heat forward/center
Bam Adebayo (back) is listed as probable for Saturday's matchup against Minnesota and is expected to play through mild lower back soreness. Adebayo has continued to anchor the frontcourt, averaging 13.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 31.6 minutes over his last five games. His availability keeps
Kel'el Ware in a secondary but viable role, with occasional double-double upside when minutes hold, while
Andrew Wiggins maintains steady wing usage. Adebayo remains a firm hold with reliable multi-category production.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 3, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as probable for Saturday's matchup against the New York Knicks as he continues right knee injury management. Embiid is trending toward his third straight appearance and has delivered strong fantasy returns lately, averaging 29.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 three-pointers, and 1.3 blocks in 33.2 minutes over his last six games. If he plays,
Andre Drummond and
Adem Bona are pushed into reduced roles with limited fantasy appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 3, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Draymond Green (rest) will play Saturday against the Jazz after sitting out Friday's loss to Oklahoma City in the first leg of a back-to-back. Green steps back into his usual frontcourt role after averaging 9.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 23.8 minutes over December. His availability squeezes minutes for
Trayce Jackson-Davis and
Quinten Post, while
Gui Santos becomes harder to trust outside deep formats. Green remains a low-usage glue piece best suited for category balance.
--Brian DailisanSource: Kenzo Fukuda
January 3, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Cason Wallace (knee) will not return to Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors after suffering a right knee contusion and is next scheduled to be evaluated for Sunday versus Phoenix. Wallace logged two points, three rebounds, two steals, and one assist in 14 minutes. If he misses time, wing minutes open in a crowded rotation, with
Ajay Mitchell the most reliable fantasy option. Mitchell is averaging 14.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 three-pointers in 25.7 minutes, while
Aaron Wiggins,
Isaiah Joe, and
Alex Caruso rotate situationally.
--Brian DailisanSource: Nick Gallo
January 3, 2026
Sacramento Kings center
Maxime Raynaud (knee) exited Friday's loss to the Phoenix Suns late in the fourth quarter and did not return after being helped off the court. Raynaud's status now looms large for fantasy managers, especially with
Domantas Sabonis (knee) also nursing an injury. If Raynaud misses time, minutes would open for
Precious Achiuwa and
Drew Eubanks, though both carry volatility. Deep leagues should monitor a potential call-up for
Dylan Cardwell, whose rebounding and defensive stats could translate quickly if given rotation minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Kings on NBCS
January 3, 2026
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (ankle) has been cleared for light court work but will be re-evaluated in one week after missing time since Dec. 25 with a sprained right ankle. Hart is set to remain sidelined, keeping the Knicks' wing rotation thin.
Miles McBride stands to benefit most after starting against Atlanta and logging 11 points with three three-pointers in 31 minutes, offering short-term value in deeper formats.
Jordan Clarkson could also see incremental run, while fringe minutes for
Mohamed Diawara and
Kevin McCullar Jr. remain low-impact for fantasy purposes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Ian Begley
January 3, 2026
Utah Jazz guard/forward
Ace Bailey (hip) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Warriors and is targeting a return Monday versus the Trail Blazers. Bailey's absence does not create a clear waiver pickup, but it loosens minutes and secondary usage across the Jazz rotation, especially with
Keyonte George (illness),
Lauri Markkanen (knee), and
Jusuf Nurkic (toe) all questionable.
Isaiah Collier stands out as the most reliable short-term fantasy option due to his assist upside, while
Brice Sensabaugh,
Walter Clayton Jr., and
Svi Mykhailiuk remain deep-league fliers tied to lineup clarity.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 3, 2026
Atlanta Falcons kicker
Zane Gonzalez converted two of three field goal attempts and made all three of his extra point tries in Monday's win over the Los Angeles Rams. It was the fourth time this season that Gonzalez had scored nine or more points. Gonzlaez will look to keep things rolling in Sunday's divisional matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Since signing with the Falcons in Week 10, the 30-year-old has been a solid option for fantasy managers, making 15 of 18 (83.3%) of his field goal attempts over eight games. The Saints are a neutral matchup and rank in the middle of the pack in points allowed to kickers this season. Gonzalez is ranked 16th among all kickers in the latest RotoBaller Week 18 rankings and can be used as a streamer for managers in deep leagues with some fantasy championships still on the line for Week 18.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
January 3, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers center
Ivica Zubac (ankle) will be available for Saturday's home game against the Celtics after missing five consecutive contests with a Grade 2 sprain. His return solidifies the Clippers' interior rotation and restores a dependable double-double presence, as Zubac is averaging 15.6 points and 11.1 rebounds in 32.0 minutes this season. With Zubac back, the streaming appeal of
Brook Lopez and
Yanic Konan Niederhauser takes a hit, while
John Collins faces less small-ball strain. Zubac remains a clear hold with top-50 center production when healthy.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
January 3, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker
Chase McLaughlin has been a solid fantasy option for managers this season, but he will look to rebound in Saturday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He was limited to five points last Sunday, as he made one of two field-goal attempts and both of his extra-point tries in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Dolphins. Before last Sunday's game against Miami, McLaughlin hadn't missed a field goal attempt since Week 6. The 29-year-old has been a consistent option and has recorded at least eight points per game in six out of the last eight weeks. Overall, he's converted 29-for-34 on field goals and 31-for-32 on PATs through 16 contests. McLaughlin can be used as a streamer for the regular season finale and comes in as the ninth-ranked kicker in the latest RotoBaller rankings for Week 18.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
January 3, 2026
Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk had his first multi-point outing of the campaign on Friday, finishing a 4-3 shootout loss to the Seattle Kraken with three points. During the season period, he had a goal and an assist on the power play, and DeBrusk added an even-strength assist to his tally in the third. This was DeBrusk's second outing after he was scratched for a matchup against Seattle on Monday. Vancouver got a positive reaction from DeBrusk to the benching, but he still has plenty of room for improvement. The 29-year-old has totaled 10 goals and 20 points in 38 appearances this season, scoring only one even-strength goal.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 3, 2026
Minnesota Wild forward Danila Yurov lit the lamp two times in Friday's 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. He put Minnesota 2-0 up in the second period and potted the team's fourth goal early in the third. On Friday, the Russian rookie had more goals than in his previous 16 appearances combined. After returning to the top six, he could find more success at the start of 2026. Yurov's overall tally for his first NHL year reads six goals and nine points in 35 games. He is tied for sixth among rookies with 14 even-strength points.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 3, 2026
New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere tied the NHL Winter Classic record with three assists in Friday's 5-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Het set up hat-trick hero Mika Zibanejad for a pair of goals and also helped Artemi Panarin to score. Lafreniere recorded more points than he had managed over his previous eight appearances. The 24-year-old has been plagued by inconsistency throughout the season, scoring points in only 15 of his 43 outings. Overall, he has collected eight goals and 15 assists through 43 contests. On paper, Lafreniere finds himself in a great spot to make a mark, as he is part of New York's top-six group and skates on the first power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 3, 2026
New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad rocked the Florida Panthers on Friday night with a five-point performance in a 5-1 win, setting the new Winter Classic scoring record and becoming the first player to post a hat trick in the special matchup. It marks the third-ever hat trick in an NHL outdoor game. Zibanejad scored in each period, while setting up Artemi Panarin for a couple of goals. Two of his points came on the power play. Although Zibanejad hasn't been at his best this season, his outstanding performance in his first outing of 2026 could be a sign of better things to come. In 42 games, he has recorded 15 goals and 20 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 3, 2026
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (lower body) was placed on Injured Reserve, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports. Blackwood will be re-evaluated after the team's upcoming three-game road trip, which begins on Saturday with a clash against the Carolina Hurricanes. Colorado has recalled Trent Miner from the AHL to fill Blackwood's spot on the roster. Blackwood has been extraordinary for the Avalanche this season, posting a 13-1-1 record with a league-best 2.07 goals-against average. He is ranked second in the NHL with a save percentage of .924 and has notched two shutouts. While Miner could see action during this weekend's back-to-back, Scott Wedgewood is expected to get the bulk of the work until Blackwood returns.
--Taavi PailkSource: Corey Masisak
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