December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that quarterback
Justin Herbert won't play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale on the road against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Harbaugh said that other starters with "the most bruises" and need "the most healing" won't play either. Herbert has been playing through a fractured left hand for weeks, but he's been practicing in full and hasn't missed any time. The Bolts are electing to give the 27-year-old signal-caller some extra rest before the start of the postseason. With Herbert sitting this Sunday, backup
Trey Lance will be thrust into a starting role, and it remains to be seen what other offensive skill players the Bolts might rest. With a win this weekend, the Broncos would clinch the top seed in the AFC and a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
December 29, 2025
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that linebacker Terrel Bernard (calf) will not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday versus the division-rival New York Jets due to the calf injury that he suffered in Sunday's 13-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, per Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. The 26-year-old linebacker will sit out the final game of the regular season, but the Bills will hope he can make enough progress to play in the wild-card round of the playoffs against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Even though Bernard being ruled out will be a downgrade for Buffalo's defense in Week 18, their defense/special teams unit will still be a strong play in lineups where titles are still on the line against the lowly Jets. With Bernard out, Joe Andreessen and Dorian Williams will both see more playing time.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
December 29, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Jose Alvarado (suspension) will serve the first game of his two-game suspension on Monday against the New York Knicks. The league handed down the suspension after Alvarado got into a fight with Phoenix Suns center
Mark Williams on Saturday night. Alvarado will also sit out the matchup with the Chicago Bulls on New Year's Eve. The reserve guard is averaging 8.3 points, 3.2 assists, and one steal per game.
Jordan Poole should see an uptick in minutes off the bench behind starting point guard
Jeremiah Fears.
--Andrew BallSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson is under contract through the 2027 season, but a prominent NFL agent said on Sunday that "the biggest story of the offseason is going to be Lamar. That is going to be crazy." Head coach John Harbaugh has downplayed stories suggesting that his relationship with Jackson has been strained amid a disappointing season for the two-time MVP QB. Jackson and Baltimore have been in this position before, but after a lengthy contract negotiation and a trade request from Jackson, the two sides agreed to a five-year, $260 million extension in April of 2023. "The fact that Lamar does not have an agent is really a big negative," an NFL team executive said. When he's been at his best (and healthy), Jackson has been elite at the QB position, but outside of two seasons, the dual-threat QB hasn't been consistently great. With a lengthy injury history, too, it makes sense as to why Baltimore might consider trading Jackson this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mike Sando
December 29, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) is slated to miss a sixth consecutive game with left Achilles tendonitis on Monday night against the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran remains without a timetable to return, putting his status for Wednesday's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder also in doubt. Forward
Kris Murray (quad), who has started during Grant's absence, is questionable. Murray hasn't taken advantage of his increased minutes (7.2 points per game in his last five starts), and
Sidy Cissoko likely won't either if he's forced into the lineup.
--Andrew BallSource: Grant Afseth
December 29, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said on Monday that the team is still trying to decide if they will play their starters in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders. "There's still things up in the air as far as seeding goes. We'll end up doing what we think is best for the team. And we're still thinking through that. That's not a decision I have to make today -- or tomorrow," Sirianni said. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 or 3 seed for the NFC playoff picture this year. Philly is currently in the No. 3 spot, but they can bump up to the No. 2 seed with a win over Washington on Sunday and a Chicago Bears loss to the Detroit Lions. In the No. 2 seed, they'd be matched up against the Packers in the wild-card round of the postseason. If the Eagles stay in the No. 3 spot, they'd host the third-place team in the NFC West on wild-card weekend. Fantasy managers will want to pay close attention to the Eagles' decision on playing their starters this weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
December 29, 2025
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) will miss his fourth-straight game with a back injury when his team hosts the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Poeltl missed two games earlier this month and aggravated the injury after about seven minutes of playing time on December 21st. He's expected to be out at least another week. Toronto will also be without forward
RJ Barrett (knee) on Monday, so
Sandro Mamukelashvili is likely to pick up his fifth start in the last seven games. He's averaged 17.2 and 7.2 rebounds in those starts and is squarely on the fantasy basketball radar.
--Andrew BallSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said the team is looking to get rookie first-round wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan more involved in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Saturday, according to Joseph Person of The Athletic. McMillan was under the weather last weekend and ended up catching just one pass for five yards in the Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, his worst performance of his rookie season. "Our focal point is T-Mac. We try to build formations and try to get him into spots to get him the ball," Canales said. "I didn't do a good enough job of that last week, and we'll make sure that that comes alive." McMillan saw a lot of man and press coverage, which was considered his weak spot coming out of college. In the first game against Tampa two weeks ago, McMillan had six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. Fantasy managers playing for a title in Week 18 will be hoping the Panthers grease the squeaky wheel in the rematch.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joseph Person
December 29, 2025
Toronto Raptors forward
RJ Barrett (knee) won't play in the second night of a back-to-back on Monday, following an extended absence with a knee sprain. The 25-year-old played just under 24 minutes on Sunday after missing the previous 15 games, scoring 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds. With fellow starter
Jakob Poeltl (back) also sidelined,
Ochai Agbaji and
Sandro Mamukelashvili should pick up starts again when the Raptors host the Orlando Magic.
--Andrew BallSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that it would be "a stretch" for quarterback
Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. The Commanders aren't closing the door on Mariota playing, but with Washington eliminated from the playoffs, it's unlikely. It means that veteran journeyman QB
Josh Johnson is lined up to make a second straight start to close out the 2025 season. The 39-year-old went 15-for-23 passing 198 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys last Thursday. Mariota is not moving at full speed yet after suffering multiple injuries in the Week 16 loss to the Eagles. He didn't practice at all last week and shouldn't be counted on for fantasy managers still playing for a title in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
December 29, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Tank Dell (knee) is "making outstanding progress, working extremely hard, and preparing for next season," league sources told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Dell tore his ACL, MCL, and LCL in Week 16 last year against the Kansas City Chiefs. There was never a realistic chance that he'd play for Houston in 2025, but if he continues to make progress and avoid setbacks in his rehab, the 26-year-old wideout could be back on the field next year. Dell required multiple surgeries for his knee injury, which initially looked like it might have been career-threatening. He still has a ways to go, though, and it's possible Dell won't ever be the same player he was before the injury. For fantasy purposes, we'll have a clearer picture of whether Dell might be a key contributor to the Texans' offense once training camp begins next summer.
--Keith HernandezSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
December 29, 2025
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Monday that the team is still having talks on their quarterback situation going into the Week 18 regular-season finale this weekend versus the division-rival Houston Texans, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. The Colts plan to figure it out on Tuesday and make an official announcement on Wednesday between veteran
Philip Rivers and rookie
Riley Leonard. The Colts brought Rivers out of retirement following
Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles tear. The 44-year-old has been serviceable under center for Indy, throwing for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, but he went 0-3 in his three starts, and the Colts have been eliminated from the playoffs. With the Colts now looking ahead to the future, it makes sense for them to give Leonard a chance to showcase himself in the final game of the 2025 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX 59 - Mike Chappell
December 29, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said on Monday that quarterback
Geno Smith (ankle) doesn't have a high-ankle sprain, but the injury is still significant, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Smith left in the second half of Sunday's loss to the New York Giants and never returned. It was initially reported that the 35-year-old signal-caller suffered a high-ankle sprain, although Carroll has refuted that. Still, with one week left in the 2025 season, it seems unlikely that Smith will play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Smith has been a massive failure in his first year with the Raiders, going 2-13 in his 15 starts with 3,025 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-high 17 interceptions. Backup
Kenny Pickett will most likely get the start this weekend in a meaningless game against KC.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
December 29, 2025
Phoenix Suns center
Mark Williams (suspension) will miss Monday's meeting with the Washington Wizards. He'll get a night off without pay for his role in a physical altercation with
Jose Alvarado during Saturday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Williams will likely be back on Wednesday in Cleveland. In the meantime,
Oso Ighodaro, averaging 6.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in six starts this season, is expected to replace Williams in the rotation.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is considered day-to-day with his knee injury for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday versus the division-rival Chicago Bears, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. St. Brown has been dealing with irritation in his knee, but he played through it in the Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Vikings that eliminated the team from postseason contention. The 26-year-old caught eight of his 13 targets for 68 yards on a day in which Detroit's offense could hardly move the ball at all. The Lions don't have anything left to play for but pride this weekend, which means they probably won't push St. Brown to play if he's not 100 percent. As of right now, it sounds like St. Brown will be ready to play, but fantasy managers who have something still on the line will want to keep a close eye on his practice status throughout the week. Rookie
Isaac TeSlaa had another touchdown last Thursday and would benefit even more if St. Brown sits out the season finale.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
December 29, 2025
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that quarterback
Dak Prescott will play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival New York Giants, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Neither the Cowboys nor the Giants has anything to play for in the final game of the 2025 season, but Dallas will run out their starters to close things out. The 32-year-old Prescott is having one of the finest seasons of his career, as he heads into Week 18 with 4,482 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on the year. He has added 178 rushing yards and two rushing TDs. Since the team's Week 10 bye, Prescott is averaging 300 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He is the QB4 in overall fantasy points and should be considered a must-start for anyone still playing for something in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris
December 29, 2025
New York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) won't play on Monday against New Orleans. The 2018 No. 36 overall pick was on the court for Saturday's win over the Atlanta Hawks, finishing with six points, nine boards, two steals, and one block. He'll sit this one out to rest before presumably returning on Wednesday night versus the San Antonio Spurs. With Robinson out of the mix,
Ariel Hukporti and
Guerschon Yabusele might see more work, although neither player can be trusted from a fantasy standpoint despite the favorable matchup.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that the team is still playing for the AFC South division, so they will play their starters this Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. The Texans had a big win over the hosting Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday in Week 17, but they'd need a win versus the Colts and a Jacksonville Jaguars loss to the Tennessee Titans this Sunday to win the division. If both the Texans and Jaguars win in Week 18, the Texans would be locked into the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff picture, which would mean they'd be on the road against either the Baltimore Ravens or Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round of the postseason. Fantasy managers should be safe to start the likes of quarterback
C.J. Stroud, receiver
Nico Collins, and rookie running back
Woody Marks against the Colts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander
December 29, 2025
Atlanta Hawks forward
Jalen Johnson (illness) won't play on Monday against OKC. With
Trae Young (quadriceps) and
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) ruled out, Johnson would have been in line for an expanded role. Unfortunately, he's not feeling well, so only time will tell if he'll be healthy enough to get back on the court on Wednesday versus the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves. While Johnson is on the shelf,
Onyeka Okongwu,
Dyson Daniels, and
Nickeil Alexander-Walker are the favorites to lead the way offensively. On the other hand, streaming consideration can be given to
Zaccharie Risacher,
Vit Krejci, and
Asa Newell. However, it might be a tough night for anyone on the Hawks' roster in a meeting with the top defensive team in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that quarterback
Lamar Jackson's (back) status for Sunday's game at the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 is "to be determined," according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. "I think we'll know a lot more on Wednesday," Harbaugh said. Jackson was sidelined in Week 17 in the win over the Green Bay Packers due to a back contusion that he suffered in the Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots. The Ravens obviously want the two-time MVP available in a winner-take-all showdown for the AFC North this Sunday night, but Jackson's status will be determined later this week. The 28-year-old was feeling better late last week, but he missed practice all week. If Jackson is unable to play against the Steelers,
Tyler Huntley would make another start after going 16-for-20 for 107 yards and a touchdown against the Packers, adding 60 rushing yards on eight carries.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
December 29, 2025
Washington Wizards forward
Khris Middleton (knee) won't suit up on Monday night against the Suns. The veteran logged 23 minutes in Sunday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, one steal, and one block. As usual, he'll sit out the second of back-to-back contests. With
Kyshawn George (hip) also ruled out,
Justin Champagnie might enter the starting lineup. The 24-year-old has averaged 8.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in eight starts throughout the 2025 campaign. With that in mind, Champagnie is worth streaming in most fantasy formats even if he comes off the bench behind
Bilal Coulibaly.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness) was a late inactive for the team's Week 17 Christmas loss to the Cowboys, clearing the path for rookie
Jacory Croskey-Merritt to put up 105 yards and two scores on the ground. With roster crunches ratcheting up during the fantasy playoffs, there's a real chance that Rodriguez may be available on some waiver wires this week, making him a must-add in any league with a Week 18 championship game. While Croskey-Merritt has looked brilliant at times this year, Washington has repeatedly shown that, when healthy, they prefer Rodriguez to handle the majority of their groundwork. Rodriguez has cracked double-digit points in Half-PPR formats in three of his last six games played, and should slot in as a low-end RB2/flex in a plus matchup with the Eagles in Week 18.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Washington Wizards guard
Kyshawn George (hip) won't play on Monday against Phoenix. He was active for Friday's win over the Toronto Raptors, finishing with 23 points, six rebounds, and three assists. However, the 22-year-old is now battling a left hip flexor strain, forcing him out for a second-straight contest. With
Khris Middleton (knee) resting,
Tre Johnson is the favorite to remain in the starting lineup. The 2025 No. 6 overall pick got the start in Sunday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies, ending the night with 14 points, four assists, one steal, and one block in 26 minutes of work. Johnson will likely see a little more action, giving him a favorable fantasy outlook despite a challenging game on tap.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver
Isaac TeSlaa has caught touchdowns in four of his last five games, and he needs to be rostered in any leagues with a Week 18 fantasy championship. With the Lions now mathematically eliminated from playoff contention and
Amon-Ra St. Brown seemingly banged up late in the team's Christmas Day loss to the Vikings, TeSlaa should see additional run against a Bears defense that just allowed almost 500 yards in a Monday Night loss to the 49ers. On the season, Chicago has been the fourth most favorable fantasy matchup for opposing wide receivers, and with TeSlaa currently rostered in less than a quarter of redraft leagues, he is one of the first names fantasy managers should be checking the waiver wire for ahead of any meaningful Week 18 games.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) won't play on Monday night when his team hosts the Atlanta Hawks due to a left soleus strain. Hartenstein has missed several games with lower-body injuries this season, but it remains to be seen how much time he'll miss this time around. The Thunder will also be without big
Jaylin Williams (heel), so it wouldn't be surprising if the coaching staff goes with a smaller lineup against the Hawks.
--Andrew BallSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Houston Rockets center
Alperen Sengun (calf) will miss his second consecutive game on Monday with a left calf injury. Sengun also sat out Houston's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. His minutes will be divided among
Steven Adams and
Clint Capela. Neither center is expected to contribute much on offense, although Adams should be a boost in the rebounding department.
Kevin Durant,
Amen Thompson, and
Reed Sheppard will pick up the playmaking slack.
--Andrew BallSource: NBA Injury Report
December 29, 2025
Houston Texans rookie wide receiver
Jayden Higgins got things started in Saturday's Week 17 win over the Chargers with a 75-yard touchdown strike from
C.J. Stroud less than two minutes into the game. Four minutes later, it was Higgins' college teammate and fellow rookie
Jaylin Noel on the receiving end of a 43-yard touchdown. While neither contributed much during a second half that saw the Texans struggle to maintain drives, Higgins, who finished the day with two catches for 88 yards and the aforementioned score, is still the player to roster heading into any Week 18 fantasy championships. While Saturday was easily his best performance of the season, he has strung together usable weeks in the past, including a stretch from Weeks 8-12 that saw him finish with double-digit points in Half-PPR formats in three of five games. Against a reeling Indianapolis defense in Week 18, Higgins has the potential for one more meaningful flex performance as a plug-and-play option available on most waiver wires.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Atlanta Hawks guard
Trae Young (quad) won't play Monday when his team visits the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a right quad contusion. The Hawks will be thin on playmakers, with
Jalen Johnson (illness) also ruled out. Forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will also be inactive. Guards
Dyson Daniels and
Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be given more ball-handling opportunities, with reserve guard
Keaton Wallace picking up more minutes.
--Andrew BallSource: Atlanta Hawks
December 29, 2025
Houston Texans rookie wide receiver
Jaylin Noel caught three of four targets for 54 yards in a Week 17 win over the Chargers, while hauling in his first touchdown since Week 5. The Texans' offense came out of the gates looking unstoppable, as
C.J. Stroud connected with both Noel and fellow Iowa State rookie
Jayden Higgins on long first-quarter touchdowns. Unfortunately, things stalled after that, and they managed only two field goals the rest of the way, casting into doubt how things will look in a Week 18 divisional matchup with the Colts. Noel's 14% target share on Saturday marked the first time he cracked double digits since Week 8, but against a Colts defense that has struggled to defend the pass, he could be in play as a desperation flex start that is readily available on most waiver wires.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Minnesota Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (hand) is progressing in his injury recovery, and the swelling has come down in his throwing hand, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. McCarthy has a hairline fracture in his right hand that kept him out of the team's Week 17 win over the Lions. Still, there remains a possibility that he could return for the final game of the season, a Week 18 divisional matchup with the Packers. McCarthy has had a rough showing in his first year as a starter, making
Justin Jefferson one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy this season. That said, in any leagues with a Week 18 championship, the return of McCarthy is the only way fantasy managers should consider starting Jefferson one last time. In the two games started by undrafted rookie
Max Brosmer, Minnesota has averaged 161.5 total offensive yards, with Jefferson finishing as the WR94 and WR48.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Kevin Seifert
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