December 17, 2025
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet will continue his high-risk, mid-reward season in Week 16 against the Los Angeles Rams. Charbonnet has been up and down all season, with most of his fantasy production coming from touchdowns. He is not receiving enough rushing volume, nor is he efficient enough to hold value outside of the end zone. The Rams boast one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL. They are likely to shut down the Seahawks' running game with relative ease on Thursday night. As such, Charbonnet's main path to fantasy relevance is to find the end zone. If Seattle finds itself inside the five-yard line, Charbonnet will get a crack at the end zone. However, he has very little upside, and he carries a lot of risk. If you are hurting badly at running back, you can throw Charbonnet in your flex and hope for a touchdown. Beware that if he does not score, he could ruin your fantasy week.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 17, 2025
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold is not a great streaming option in Week 16 against the Los Angeles Rams. Darnold has been in a bit of a slump over the last few weeks. He is turning the ball over far too much, and he is not throwing touchdowns. The last time these two teams met, Darnold threw four interceptions in one of the worst games of his career. While you should not expect a repeat of that performance, Darnold's touchdown upside will be capped with him, and the Seahawks' offense as a whole has been struggling to find the end zone over the past few weeks. The Rams have been one of the best defenses in the league this season. With the Seahawks boasting a stellar defense of their own, this could be a low-scoring affair on a short week. With everything on the line in the fantasy football playoffs, Darnold is not someone you want to hitch your wagon to in Week 16.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 17, 2025
Overall, it's been a disappointing 2025 season for Washington Commanders wide receiver
Terry McLaurin and his fantasy managers. A quadriceps injury has limited him to only seven games, and it hasn't helped that starting quarterback
Jayden Daniels (elbow) has already been ruled out for the final three games of the season. On the bright side, the 30-year-old has 13 catches on 24 targets for 206 yards and two touchdowns in three games since his return from a lengthy absence due to his quad injury. All three of his touchdown passes on the year have come from veteran backup quarterback
Marcus Mariota as well. Scary Terry played 75% of the offensive snaps in last week's win over the New York Giants, his second-highest snap share of 2025. Although McLaurin has a bad Week 16 matchup against the Eagles, he will continue to be Mariota's top aerial option, giving him weekly WR2 upside in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
December 17, 2025
Tennessee Titans tight end
Gunnar Helm (toe) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice ahead of Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 23-year-old rookie has been trending up in the Titans' offense, outscoring fellow tight end
Chig Okonkwo since the bye week. Over the last five weeks, Helm is averaging 5.0 targets, 4.2 catches, and 32.0 yards per game. He also scored his second career touchdown last Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Moving forward, Helm should be viewed as a low-end TE2 for the rest of 2025, and he has the potential to be a low-end TE1 in future seasons if Tennessee's passing attack takes a step forward. Looking in the short term, Helm has a trickier matchup this week against the Chiefs, who have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this year. Nevertheless, Helm is a potential streamer in deep leagues given that Sunday's game script will likely force the Titans to throw the ball early and often.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jim Wyatt
December 17, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Jakobi Meyers was an excellent acquisition by the Jags at this year's trade deadline, as he's become their No. 1 wideout. In the last five weeks, Meyers is the WR12 in half-PPR scoring with 24 catches on 35 targets for 314 yards and three touchdowns. The 29-year-old broke a three-game touchdown streak in Sunday's blowout victory over the New York Jets, but he still had a healthy five catches on seven targets for 71 yards. The week prior in the big win over the Indianapolis Colts, Meyers had double-digit targets for the third time all year and the first time since being traded from the Raiders to the Jaguars. Meyers has helped unlock Jacksonville's offense in the second half of the season. He went from averaging 50.3 yards per game and 7.2 yards per target in seven contests with the Raiders to 59.2 yards per game and 9.3 yards per target in six games with the Jags. Meyers will have a big test in Week 16 against the Broncos defense, but he'll still have WR2 upside in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
December 17, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end
Cade Otton (knee) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday ahead of Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers. Otton missed last Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, but he's looking to make sure his absence doesn't span more than one week. Wednesday's limited practice session gives him a decent opportunity to upgrade to a full participant over the next two days. Even if he remains limited, though, he should have a strong chance to suit up against the Panthers in Sunday's battle for the top spot in the NFC South. Otton ranks as the overall TE26 in PPR leagues this year with 46 catches, 430 yards, and zero touchdowns. He typically struggles when
Mike Evans and
Chris Godwin Jr. are healthy, which should be the case on Sunday. As a result, managers can expect Otton to rank outside the top 24 fantasy tight ends in Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: Brianna Dix
December 17, 2025
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Michael Wilson has made fantasy managers who scooped him up off the waiver wire look really good in the last five weeks. Wilson's strong run has coincided with appendix and heel injuries to
Marvin Harrison Jr. that have kept him sidelined in four of the last five contests. In the first two games that Harrison missed following an appendectomy, Wilson went off for 25 catches and 303 yards on 33 targets. The last two weeks with Harrison out with a heel issue, the 25-year-old has caught 16 of 27 targets for 196 yards and three touchdowns. He has seen double-digit targets in all four games that Harrison has missed. When Harrison returned in the Week 13 loss to the Bucs, Wilson caught just three passes for 36 yards. Wilson's ceiling will come down if Harrison returns this Sunday against the Falcons, but if Harrison misses a third straight game, Wilson will be a no-brainer, must-start WR1 in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
December 17, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver
Tyler Lockett (knee) was limited during Wednesday's practice ahead of Week 16 against the Houston Texans. Although managers are concerned to see Lockett on the injury report, they should feel encouraged that he was able to get on the field in some capacity on Wednesday. He has a decent chance to log a full session later this week, but even if he remains limited the whole time, he'll have a solid opportunity to suit up against the Texans. Lockett handled a season-high 76% snap share last week, catching two of his four targets for 10 yards in the Raiders'
Kenny Pickett-led offense.
Geno Smith should return to the starting quarterback role in Week 16, offering a minor bump to Lockett's fantasy value. Still, he ranks as a low-end WR3/flex only in very deep fantasy leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Anthony Galaviz
December 17, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Audric Estime looks set to have a significant role in New Orleans' backfield for the Week 16 matchup at home this Sunday against the visiting New York Jets. Rookie
Devin Neal (hamstring) has been ruled out, and veteran
Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) has yet to practice since spraining his MCL back in Week 12. After Neal was injured in Sunday's upset win over the Carolina Panthers, Estime and
Evan Hull split the backfield work, with Estime carrying the ball three times for 11 yards and catching all three of his targets for 39 yards. Hull had four totes for 12 yards but wasn't involved in the passing game. While Estime is worthy of a waiver-wire pickup going into Week 16's favorable matchup against the Jets, keep in mind that he had just three carries all year going into last week. Additionally, rookie quarterback
Tyler Shough will continue to be a factor in the Saints' ground game, as he's had at least six carries in each of his last four starts. At best, Estime will be a low-upside, touchdown-dependent RB3/flex for desperate fantasy managers this weekend if Kamara doesn't return.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
December 17, 2025
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Jalen Nailor (back) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Nailor gave fantasy managers a strong performance last weekend with a two-touchdown game against the Dallas Cowboys. The 26-year-old must have picked up a minor back issue during that victory, however. Nailor has seen a bigger role over the last two weeks with quarterback
J.J. McCarthy back under center. It seems that the two of them are building some decent chemistry together. Nailor makes for a possible deep-league flex option, assuming he's able to suit up for the upcoming matchup against the New York Giants. If not, rookie
Tai Felton could see more action on the field, but he wouldn't be a recommended streaming option. The absence of Nailor would likely just mean more targets for
Justin Jefferson and
Jordan Addison.
--Andy WebbSource: Minnesota Vikings
December 17, 2025
Denver Broncos running back
Jaleel McLaughlin has been buried on Denver's RB depth chart for most of the year. He's been active in only five games in 2025, handling 19 carries for 69 yards (career-low 3.6 yards per carry) while catching three of his four targets for 10 yards. The 25-year-old played only nine offensive snaps (13% snap share) in Sunday's victory over the Green Bay Packers, carrying the ball two times for four yards. McLaughlin has been on the fantasy watch list going into Week 16, though, with rookie
RJ Harvey leaving the Week 15 contest late due to a rib injury. Harvey returned to a full practice on Wednesday and is expected to be fine for Week 16 this Sunday against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, but his injury is a reminder that McLaughlin would be the likely next man up as Denver's lead back if anything were to happen to Harvey. McLaughlin is handcuff-worthy in deeper fantasy formats, and he's rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
December 17, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals tight end
Noah Fant (ankle) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. Fant was forced to leave during the first half of Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Fant is now trending in the wrong direction for this weekend's game against the Miami Dolphins due to a right-ankle issue. Fant hasn't been much help to fantasy managers recently anyway. He has been held to one reception or fewer in each of his last four games. The absence of Fant would mean a larger workload for
Mike Gesicki, while
Tanner Hudson would serve as the No. 2. Gesicki will be an intriguing streaming option with an expanded role against the Dolphins in Week 16.
--Andy WebbSource: Paul Dehner Jr.
December 17, 2025
Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Van Jefferson (back) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice. This comes after Jefferson was forced to exit early during Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Jefferson will get two more chances to practice ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 29-year-old has been a non-factor mostly all year, but he's had two or fewer receptions in three of his last four games. The absence of Jefferson would likely mean slightly larger roles for rookies
Elic Ayomanor and
Chimere Dike. Also,
James Proche II could see more time on the field, but he's not someone worth targeting in fantasy football at this time of year.
--Andy WebbSource: Jim Wyatt
December 17, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (elbow) is listed as questionable for Thursday's favorable fantasy matchup against the Utah Jazz. Will Hardy's team allows the seventh-most fantasy points to centers this season, but Ayton might miss the opportunity to feast due to a sore left elbow.
Jaxson Hayes would be his natural replacement in the starting lineup. Across two previous starts in 2025-26, Hayes has averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 31.1 minutes, making 10 of 11 field-goal attempts.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back
Bhayshul Tuten (finger) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice session. Tuten suffered a right-finger injury during Sunday's win over the New York Jets. The rookie running back is likely going to require surgery to repair his right-finger injury. If that happens, Tuten is expected to miss multiple weeks of action and possibly the final three weeks of the regular season. His absence would likely mean a larger role for
Travis Etienne Jr. in the backfield. Rookie
LeQuint Allen Jr. will also be asked to step up as the backup to Etienne. Allen has been quiet with 81 yards on 18 attempts this season as the third-string back. There's a chance he offers deep-league fantasy value if Tuten is unable to play against the Denver Broncos in Week 16.
--Andy WebbSource: Jacksonville Jaguars
December 17, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Cole Anthony (neck) is on the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. The 25-year-old could play a significant part in the rotation against Toronto if he shakes off a neck strain, as
AJ Green (shoulder) and
Kyle Kuzma (illness) are also iffy for the contest. If both miss the game, Anthony would be in line for extra work. At the same time, Anthony's absence from the lineup would allow
Gary Harris to see more action off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks guard
AJ Green (shoulder) is considered questionable for Thursday's action against the Toronto Raptors. He landed on the shelf a couple of weeks ago with a sprained left AC joint, missing three consecutive games.
Kyle Kuzma (illness) has been starting in Green's place, but is now also on the injury report with a questionable tag. The two are joined on the injury report by
Cole Anthony (neck), meaning players such as
Gary Trent Jr.,
Gary Harris, and
Andre Jackson Jr. could be involved more than usual in the rotation on Thursday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown has made his voice heard about his frustration in Philly. Brown has been visibly frustrated with the team's inability to get him the ball this season. The organization could decide to move on from the disgruntled wideout this offseason. The 28-year-old is in his prime and could get the Eagles a haul in return. The Eagles have had success, even when Brown isn't heavily involved. Brown saw only two targets during last week's blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but he caught them both for 41 yards and a touchdown, his fourth score in the last four games. The Eagles could move Brown and upgrade other areas of their roster with the freed-up salary cap space. It's certainly something the organization needs to at least consider this offseason.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN.com
December 17, 2025
Denver Nuggets power forward
Peyton Watson (upper body) is questionable to suit up for Thursday's contest against the Orlando Magic. Watson exited Monday's contest early with a "right trunk injury," and his status is unclear for Thursday. With
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and
Christian Braun (ankle) already ruled out, and veteran
Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness) questionable, Watson could be an important piece against the Magic. In 25 games, Watson is averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while playing over 26 minutes per game. If he's inactive, look for
Bruce Brown,
Spencer Jones, and
Zeke Nnaji to see their workloads expanded.
--Nathan HarveySource: Denver Nuggets
December 17, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Kyle Kuzma (illness) has been tagged as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. The 2020 NBA champion is trying to fight off an illness to avoid missing his second game of the season. Due to some lineup issues, including the absence of
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf), Kuzma has enjoyed a larger role in the rotation recently. He has averaged 18.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 29.0 minutes per game over the last four contests. Kuzma has been starting in place of
AJ Green (shoulder), who is also on the injury report with a questionable designation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Denver Nuggets shooting guard
Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness) is questionable to play on Thursday against the Orlando Magic. Hardaway has yet to miss a game in the 2025-26 season, but this illness warrants enough to listed on the injury report. The Nuggets have been affected by injuries this season, who are already without
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and
Christian Braun (ankle), and could be without Hardaway and
Peyton Watson (upper-body) on Thursday. Hardaway has been a key contributor off the bench in Denver, averaging 12.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. If Hardaway is active, he could see a major workload on Thursday, especially if Watson is inactive. If he's out, look for veteran
Bruce Brown to see his minutes expanded.
--Nathan HarveySource: Denver Nuggets
December 17, 2025
Chicago Bears wide receiver
DJ Moore is coming off a 69-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Browns that was good enough to make him a top-five fantasy wide receiver for the third time in the last seven weeks. The Bears now head into a Week 16 divisional matchup with the Packers, and with the rest of their receiving corps at less than full health, Moore could be in line for another impactful fantasy outing. Neither
Rome Odunze (foot) nor
Luther Burden III (ankle) has been able to participate in the first two practices of the week, while
Cole Kmet (ankle, knee) was limited both Monday and Tuesday. Moore had his worst outing of the season in Week 14 against this same Packers defense, finishing the game with negative receiving yardage, but he heads into the Saturday rematch as RotoBaller's WR 39 for the week and should rise higher if Odunze and Burden are unable to suit up.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 17, 2025
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (groin) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. He is managing a groin issue and could be held out of action for the second time in four games. Markkanen is Utah's leading scorer, and his departure from the lineup would open up a lot of additional offensive touches for the rest of the team. Meanwhile,
Kyle Filipowski could get an opportunity to remain in the starting lineup. In Monday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Filipowski started in place of
Jusuf Nurkic (rest), who has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback
Joe Burrow has made headlines with some of his recent press conferences, and Wednesday's session with the media was no exception. When asked if there was any world he could imagine where he was not the starting quarterback of the Bengals in 2026, he answered clearly and definitively, "I couldn't see that. No." However, when asked if he's ever thought about it throughout his career, his answer rang more ominous, stating, "You think about a lot of things," and wrapping up the exchange with, "Crazy things can happen." As the team's franchise quarterback, all of Burrow's words are going to be carefully dissected, and the recent line of questioning he's faced has certainly induced noteworthy soundbites. Still, for fantasy managers who managed to escape a lackluster Week 15 performance against the Ravens, Burrow faces a favorable Dolphins defense in Week 16 and should be able to bounce back for the fantasy semifinals, especially if
Tee Higgins (concussion), who was limited on Wednesday, is able to return after a one-game absence.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Charlie Clifford
December 17, 2025
Orlando Magic small forward
Tristan da Silva (shoulder) is questionable to play on Thursday when the Magic travel to take on the Denver Nuggets. da Silva suffered a right shoulder contusion in the NBA Cup Semi-Finals loss to the New York Knicks, and his status is in doubt for Thursday. The Magic have been decimated by injuries as of late, losing
Franz Wagner (ankle),
Moritz Wagner (knee), and point guard
Jalen Suggs (hip) for the foreseeable future. The second-year forward from Germany has started in 10 games this season, averaging 9.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season. Fantasy managers should stay in tune with the news surrounding the Magic and da Silva. If he's inactive,
Jett Howard and
Jonathan Isaac should see more minutes.
--Nathan HarveySource: Jason Beede
December 17, 2025
Miami Heat guard/forward
Pelle Larsson (ankle) will be sidelined for a second straight game on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets. He is recovering from a left ankle sprain. Larsson didn't practice on Wednesday, making it unlikely that he can return on Friday when Miami finishes a back-to-back against the Boston Celtics.
Dru Smith,
Simone Fontecchio, and
Jaime Jaquez Jr. can make a bigger mark with Larsson,
Tyler Herro (toe), and
Nikola Jovic (elbow) out against Brooklyn. The team may also miss
Norman Powell (calf), who is listed as questionable.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Miami Heat forward
Nikola Jovic (elbow) will miss Thursday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets. He took a nasty fall on Monday against the Toronto Raptors, injuring his right elbow. Luckily, Jovic escaped serious injury. But he is considered week-to-week and will miss some time, beginning with Thursday's game. Jovic has had a disappointing campaign, and Miami should have no trouble coping with his absence.
Simone Fontecchio and
Kel'el Ware could get a small bump in playing time with Jovic on the shelf.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Golden State Warriors guard
Pat Spencer (personal) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Phoenix Suns. Spencer is set to miss his first game since mid-November as he deals with a personal issue. In his third season, Spencer has started three games while future Hall-of-Fame point guard
Stephen Curry has dealt with a quad injury. In those games, Spencer averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Curry made his return last Sunday, which sent Spencer back to his bench role in the Warriors' lineup. With Spencer out, Curry could be forced to take a larger workload, and rookie
Will Richard could see more minutes as well.
--Nathan HarveySource: Anthony Slater - ESPN
December 17, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Darren Waller (rest, knee) was limited on Wednesday after taking a scary-looking hit to the knee during Monday night's loss to the Steelers. Waller has played in each of the last three games since missing five weeks with a pectoral injury, and began each of those weeks with a limited/rest practice. The additional designation of the knee injury is new for Week 16 and will need to be monitored, though he seemed to finish the game without limitation, catching two late touchdown passes. Waller will be one of the most difficult start/sit decisions for fantasy semifinals. The Dolphins face a historically bad Bengals defense, but the Wednesday news that quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa will be benched in favor of 7th-round rookie
Quinn Ewers casts a considerable shadow over Miami's offensive outlook. Waller is RotoBaller's TE8 for Week 16, but the new injury designation may be the deciding factor for many fantasy managers to pivot to another streamer.
--Patrick McGrathSource: David Furones
December 17, 2025
The Cleveland Guardians announced on Wednesday that they designated outfielder
Jhonkensy Noel for assignment to make room on the roster for left-hander
Justin Bruihl, who was acquired for cash via the Toronto Blue Jays. Noel, 24, gets booted off Cleveland's 40-man roster this offseason after struggling to a .162/.183/.297 slash line in 153 plate appearances over 69 games played in his second year in the majors. He had six home runs, 13 RBI, and 19 runs scored after hitting .218 (39-for-179) with 13 homers, 28 RBI, and 25 runs scored in 67 games in his rookie campaign. Big Christmas is big and powerful at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds, but he has posted an ugly 32.8% strikeout rate and a low 4.8% walk rate in his two seasons in the Show. The high-end power should make it easy for him to latch on with another club going into the 2026 season, but he'll merely be battling for a roster spot in spring training.
--Keith HernandezSource: Cleveland Guardians
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