December 26, 2025
Miami Heat guard
Pelle Larsson (ankle) will play on Friday against Atlanta after missing the last five games. The 24-year-old has averaged 8.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds this season. Of course, he's played a little better in his 16 appearances as a starter. There's a chance he could find himself back in the starting lineup on Friday, considering
Bam Adebayo (back) and
Tyler Herro (toe) are out. With that said, he's not the safest fantasy option by any means, although the upside is there for those willing to take a risk in a contest versus one of the worst defensive clubs in the NBA. That applies regardless of Larsson's role.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Ira Winderman
December 26, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Gary Trent Jr. (calf) has been ruled out for Friday night's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. This will mark the first game that Trent has missed this season. His production has been fairly marginal for Milwaukee, only averaged 9.6 PPG this season amidst a demotion to the bench. In his absence, expect
Ryan Rollins to carry a heavier load for Milwaukee's bench.
Cole Anthony is also likely to see more minutes, though Rollins is going to be the better option of the two to get into your starting lineups.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Miami Heat forward/center
Bam Adebayo (back) won't play on Friday against Atlanta. He hasn't missed a game in over a month. However, Adebayo is dealing with lower back soreness, so fantasy managers are hoping to see him back out there on Saturday versus the Indiana Pacers. While Bam is sidelined,
Kel'el Ware should get all of the work he can handle at the five spot. There's a good chance
Jaime Jaquez Jr. finds his way into the starting lineup. With that said, any player on the Heat roster could exceed their usual fantasy projections in a meeting with a Hawks team that has struggled defensively throughout the 2025 campaign.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Ira Winderman
December 26, 2025
Washington Wizards guard
Justin Champagnie (illness) has been downgraded to questionable for Friday night's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. Champagnie is dealing with an illness and has been a steady presence in Washington's rotation since mid-November. If available he would be in a great spot for fantasy managers looking for rebounding production as he's grabbed nine or more boards in four of his last five games. If he's out, expect
Marvin Bagley III to be leaned on more with
Corey Kispert already ruled out. Bagley has put up 13 or more points in each of the last five games and could be a sneaky addition for DFS players.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Toronto Raptors forward
Scottie Barnes (illness) has been downgraded to questionable for Friday night's matchup against the Washington Wizards. Barnes has yet to miss a game this season and, with Toronto's current injury issues, the Raptors are hopeful he'll be able to overcome the illness tonight. If Barnes is unable to go then expect
Immanuel Quickley and
Brandon Ingram's production to increase in the starting lineup. On the bench,
Jamal Shead may be someone who gets a spot start and would be a great addition for any fantasy managers looking for additional assist production.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (hip) won't play on Friday against Charlotte. He was listed as doubtful heading into this one after missing the last four contests because of a left hip contusion. Unfortunately, his extended absence will continue on Friday night. With Suggs still sidelined,
Tyus Jones is in line to remain in the starting lineup. Jones recently had 16 points, seven assists, and one steal in Tuesday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers. He could easily stay as productive in a matchup versus one of the worst defensive teams in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Orlando Magic forward
Tristan da Silva (shoulder) will return to the lineup on Friday night and is officially active against the Charlotte Hornets. da Silva has missed the last four games dealing with a right shoulder contusion. The 26-year-old was recently moved to the bench with
Paolo Banchero's return and his production was spotty in those games (3.5 PPG and 4.5 RPG). With a return from injury he will be a risky play for both fantasy managers and DFS players alike.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Charlotte Hornets center
Mason Plumlee (groin) won't play on Friday against Orlando. With
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) sidelined, Plumlee got the start in Monday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Unfortunately, he suffered a groin strain during the contest and will now miss another game. With Plumlee and Kalkbrenner off the court,
Moussa Diabate is expected to remain in the starting lineup. Diabate is coming off a huge showing, amassing 12 points and 18 rebounds in the win over the Washington Wizards on Thursday, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers in all formats.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Orlando Magic center
Goga Bitadze (knee) has been downgraded to out for Friday night's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. Bitadze will miss his second straight game as he deals with a left knee sprain. In his absence, expect
Jonathan Isaac and
Noah Penda to get extended minutes off the bench. Of the two, Penda may be the more appealing option for fantasy managers and DFS players alike as the 20-year-old has averaged 6.8 RPG over the last five games. His value isn't high, but he could provide sneaky value on the interior with the Hornets having their own injury issues at center.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Boston Celtics forward
Jordan Walsh (illness) will be available for Friday night's game against the Pacers. Walsh missed Monday's game against Indiana with the same illness but will be available to play in the rematch. The 21-year-old hasn't provided much fantasy value since being inserted into the starting lineup in early November but could help those in need of rebounds as he's averaged 5.7 RPG as a starter. Category league managers may find the best value out of Walsh compared to traditional fantasy managers or DFS players.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back
Bhayshul Tuten (finger) is listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional title against the Indianapolis Colts. The 23-year-old rookie was unable to suit up in Week 16 due to this finger injury, but appears to be nearing a return. This week, the Virginia Tech product logged three-straight limited practice sessions, which leaves the door open for a return on Sunday. Managers should keep a close eye on his status leading up to Sunday's contest. Throughout his debut season, Tuten has remained in a change-of-pace role behind workhorse
Travis Etienne Jr., as he has only logged double-digit carries in one contest. Even if Tuten can play, he remains a low-end RB4 given his minimal projected role. Etienne is expected to remain the primary running back in this offense and carry high-end RB2 upside facing the Colts.
--Andy SmithSource: Mia O'Brien
December 26, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
David Njoku (knee) has been ruled out for the third straight game due to a knee injury. The veteran tight end has been on the shelf since week 15 due to this injury. This week, the 29-year-old was unable to make much progress as he logged three straight non-participations during their practices. Njoku will look to return in their regular-season finale next weekend, when they travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals. Before his injury, Njoku was losing his footing in this offense, averaging just 4.3 PPR points per game over his last five contests (Weeks 10 through 14). As a result, managers should expect rookie tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) to continue to remain the team's clear top tight end, if cleared to suit up on Sunday.
--Andy SmithSource: Mary Kay Cabot
December 26, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Cleveland Browns. Austin suffered this injury during their thrilling victory over the Lions last weekend. This week, Austin was unable to participate in any practice sessions and will set his sights on returning in Week 18, when the Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens. Austin will join top wideout
DK Metcalf on the sidelines as he will be unable to play in each of the final two regular-season games due to a suspension. As a result, fantasy managers should expect the Steelers to deploy
Marquez Valdes-Scantling,
Adam Thielen,
Scotty Miller, and
Roman Wilson as the starting wideouts. However, managers should expect both running backs,
Jaylen Warren and
Kenneth Gainwell, and tight ends
Pat Freiermuth,
Darnell Washington, and
Jonnu Smith to operate as the top pass catchers.
--Andy SmithSource: Mary Kay Cabot
December 26, 2025
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Cleveland Browns tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is expected to play on Sunday despite being listed as questionable. Fannin suffered a groin injury during Friday's practice session but told reporters that he expects to be cleared to face the Steelers. Fantasy managers should continue to closely monitor his status, but it appears the 21-year-old has avoided a major injury. Over the last four weeks, Fannin has taken a significant step forward in his development and has emerged as a weekly TE1 for fantasy. During this four-game stretch, the Bowling Green product has averaged an impressive 17.5 PPR points per game with 9.0 targets per game. With
David Njoku (knee) already ruled out, Fannin should see another hefty target share if cleared to suit up.
--Andy SmithSource: Mary Kay Cabot
December 26, 2025
Buffalo Bills tight end
Dalton Kincaid (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team's top tight end opened the week as a non-participant on Wednesday and Thursday before being upgraded to limited participation on Friday afternoon. Managers should continue to monitor his progress during the weekend. Kincaid is coming off a disappointing showing in Week 16, where he was unable to bring in his lone target and finish his day with 0.0 PPR points. However, in Weeks 14 and 15, Kincaid averaged a solid 10.3 PPR points per game and saw 4.5 targets per game. With No. 2 tight end
Dawson Knox (knee )also carrying a questionable tag, managers could see wideouts
Khalil Shakir,
Joshua Palmer, and
Tyrell Shavers take on an increased role on Sunday.
--Andy SmithSource: Buffalo Bills
December 26, 2025
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Chris Olave (back) was not spotted during the open portion of Friday's practice, but according to Saints beat reporter Nick Underhill, his absence was merely precautionary, and he is expected to be a full go for Week 17. Olave has been the fantasy WR6 on the season, with his best and most consistent performances coming since rookie
Tyler Shough took over as New Orleans' starting quarterback in Week 9. The Saints face a vulnerable Titans defense in Week 17, and with 35-year-old jack-of-all trades
Taysom Hill likely in line to lead the team's rushing attack, Shough, Olave, and the passing offense could see another big day. In a Week 16 win over the Jets, Shough set career highs in dropbacks, pass attempts, completions, and yards, leading to a season-best WR2 fantasy finish for Olave, who is RotoBaller's WR6 for championship weekend.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Nick Underhill
December 26, 2025
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Green Bay Packers quarterback
Jordan Love (concussion) has been ruled out for Saturday's contest against the Baltimore Ravens due to a concussion. Love sustained this concussion during their loss to the Bears last week and will need additional time ot pass through the league's protocol. While the second-stringer
Malik Willis (shoulder/illness) has a questionable tag, Schefter noted that Willis is expected to get the starting nod. Before exiting last weekend early, Love went 8-for-13 with 77 yards. However, during Weeks 13 through 15, Love was a viable QB1 in standard formats, averaging 24.1 PPR points per game with an 8:3 TD:INT. Managers should view Willis as a high-end QB2 facing a weak Baltimore defense that has allowed the 12th-most PPR points to opposing QBs.
--Andy SmithSource: Adam Schefter
December 26, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) will miss his fifth consecutive game after another week of DNPs at practice. With rookie
Devin Neal (hamstring), who had handled New Orleans' bellcow duties in Kamara's stead, hitting Injured Reserve prior to the team's Week 16 matchup with the Jets, fantasy managers were left to debate whether
Audric Estime or
Evan Hull would step in and benefit from the favorable matchup. Turns out it was tight end
Taysom Hill, who saw season highs in snaps, carries, targets, receptions, and both rushing and receiving yards, while adding a 38-yard touchdown pass for good measure. The Saints face another plus matchup in the Titans in Week 17, and with Hill likely in line to again be worked heavily into New Orleans' game plan, he's a near must-start wherever he is tight end eligible.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Luke Johnson
December 26, 2025
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver
Luther Burden III (ankle) was a full practice participant on Friday and carries no injury designation into the team's Sunday Night matchup with the 49ers. Burden injured his ankle in a Week 15 blowout of the Browns, in which he had seen his highest target share of the season, and was forced to miss Chicago's Week 16 divisional win over the Packers. In his last two games played without
Rome Odunze (foot), who was ruled out on Friday for what will be his fourth consecutive game, Burden has caught 10 of 13 targets for 151 yards and a touchdown. He projects as RotoBaller's WR37 for the week and should be viewed as a high-upside flex play against a 49ers defense that has allowed nearly 230 passing yards per game and 27 touchdowns through the air.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Sean Hammond
December 26, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end
Cade Otton has made a minimal impact in the passing attack during the second half of the season. When the Bucs were banged up, Otton was getting double-digit targets some weeks, but that's not the case anymore. The return of receivers
Mike Evans and
Jalen McMillan has basically put an end to Otton's streaming value. The fourth-year tight end has been held to under 25 receiving yards in four straight games. It's tough to imagine anything changing during the upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. There should be better streaming options at the tight end position available for fantasy championship games this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 26, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Jalen McMillan hasn't made much of an impact since making his season debut in Week 15. McMillan has hauled in four of his five targets for 53 yards and has yet to find the end zone. The 24-year-old has good long-term upside, but he doesn't appear to be a viable fantasy option right now. He figures to fight for playing time as the No. 3 wideout with rookie
Emeka Egbuka. McMillan has a decent matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17, but he can't be trusted as a third or fourth passing option. The second-year wideout is worth stashing in dynasty formats, but he should be on the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 26, 2025
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) has been ruled out of the team's Sunday Night matchup with the 49ers, his fourth consecutive missed game since popping up on the injury report following a Week 13 win over the Eagles. In his absence, the Bears have seen spike games from
DJ Moore and
Luther Burden III (ankle), who returned to a full practice on Friday and carries no injury designation into Sunday after missing a game of his own with an ankle injury. Both Moore and Burden, along with rookie tight end
Colston Loveland, remain in play against a middle-of-the-pack 49ers defense that has been most vulnerable through the air.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Sean Hammond
December 26, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin Jr. has carved out a consistent role for himself in this offense. The 29-year-old has seen five or more targets in four straight games. The problem has been his yardage, with a combined 50 receiving yards over the last two games. Godwin will get a decent matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. The veteran wideout appears to have good chemistry with quarterback
Baker Mayfield. The Bucs have a lot of mouths to feed, but Godwin has earned some trust with a steady target share. Fantasy managers should be able to plug in Godwin as a reliable WR3 for Week 17, albeit with a low floor and ceiling.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 26, 2025
Denver Broncos kicker
Wil Lutz put up another reliable performance in the 20-13 win against the Kansas City Chiefs. Lutz went two for two on his field goal attempts and also converted both of his PAT attempts, scoring six points in total on the day. After seeing Lutz miss one short field goal attempt in Week 16 and having zero field goal attempts in Week 15, it was relieving to see him convert his opportunities for a perfect day. The Broncos will be looking to secure the number one seed in the AFC with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18, and Lutz will likely be a key part in earning that.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Denver Broncos rookie running back
RJ Harvey stole the show again in the Week 17 20-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Harvey had 14 carries for 43 yards and added a team-leading five catches on six targets for 33 yards with a receiving touchdown in the final minutes that won them the game. This touchdown marks Harvey's 12th of his rookie season and came on a play that displayed elite chemistry with quarterback
Bo Nix. Harvey and the Broncos will host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18 as they look to clinch the top seed in the AFC with another win.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie first-round wide receiver
Emeka Egbuka has seen a significant drop-off since his fantastic beginning to the season. Over the last six games, Egbuka has been held to under 45 receiving yards in every game but one. The return of
Mike Evans and
Jalen McMillan isn't going to do Egbuka any favors in terms of target share. The Bucs have a lot of mouths to feed, and unfortunately, Egbuka is getting lost in the shuffle. He hauled in one of his two targets for 40 yards during last week's loss to the Carolina Panthers. Egbuka should be viewed as a WR3 for the Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The upside is great, but Egbuka isn't getting the ball enough to be trustworthy in most formats right now.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 26, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Troy Franklin saw another dropoff in snap share during the 20-13 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. After posting an uptrend in snaps with 50% in Week 15 and 64% in Week 16, Franklin was only on the field for 38% of snaps in Week 17 despite not having to compete with rookie wide receiver
Pat Bryant (concussion) for snaps. Franklin still caught all four of his targets for a modest 17 yards and no touchdowns. The Broncos will host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18, and Franklin will seemingly remain a volatile option until otherwise noted.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Courtland Sutton struggled in the 20-13 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. Coming off two back-to-back WR1 consensus outings, Sutton was held to four catches on 10 targets for 40 yards and zero touchdowns as the Chiefs' defense keyed on restricting the passing game. Sutton did lead the team in receiving yards and targets, but the lone passing touchdown from quarterback
Bo Nix went to rookie running back
RJ Harvey to win them the game in the final minutes. While this outing was a disappointment for fantasy managers who started Sutton in Week 17, his performance still allowed him to surpass 1,000 yards receiving for the second straight season. The Broncos will face the Los Angeles Chargers at home in Week 18.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Denver Broncos quarterback
Bo Nix had another clutch showing in their 20-13 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. Nix had a mediocre day through the air, completing 26 of 38 pass attempts for 182 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but elevated his overall fantasy day with a new season high in rushes, taking nine carries for 42 yards and a touchdown. Before the second half, Nix had no touchdowns and one interception. The Broncos have now won 12 of their last 13 games, and only three of those games were decided by more than one score. In Week 18, the Broncos will host the Los Angeles Chargers to end the regular season.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Buffalo Bills quarterback
Josh Allen (foot), who has been trending in the right direction with a foot injury, was a full participant during Friday's practice and carries no injury designation into a Week 17 matchup with the defending champion Eagles. Allen was seen receiving attention during the Bills' Week 16 win over the Browns, but never missed a snap, and had been viewed as a long shot to miss any time with the injury. With his status now official, Allen is RotoBaller's QB3 for fantasy championship weekend, and he should be viewed as a trusted start, even against an Eagles defense that has held opposing quarterbacks almost four points below their season-long average.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Ian Rapoport
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