December 17, 2025
Across seven games before his team's Week 8 bye, Detroit Lions wide receiver
Jameson Williams had recorded just 17 receptions and looked like he was headed towards a disappointing year. However, the 24-year-old has had a breakout second half of the 2025 season and is now up to 52 receptions for 936 yards and seven touchdowns on 81 targets across 14 games. Over his last three games in particular, Williams has been dominant, hauling in 21 catches for 374 yards and two touchdowns on 28 targets. With Lions tight end
Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve, Williams has emerged as the clear number two option in the Detroit passing game. With their defense struggling, the Lions have also been forced into more pass-heavy game scripts, leading quarterback
Jared Goff to average 36 pass attempts per game over the last five contests. Between LaPorta's injury and Detroit's tendency to find itself in shootouts, Williams should see plenty more opportunities for production heading into matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings over the next two weeks.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 17, 2025
Detroit Lions running back
David Montgomery has seen a reduced workload in 2025 as fellow Lions back
Jahmyr Gibbs has emerged as the team's clear lead rusher. However, Montgomery remains a red zone and goal-line threat, as he's scored a touchdown in three straight weeks and has eight scores on the season. The 28-year-old is still an effective rusher when given the opportunity, as he's averaging a career-best 4.7 yards per carry and has totaled 635 rushing yards across 14 games this season. Montgomery's ceiling is capped as long as Gibbs is healthy, as he's recorded double-digit touches just once over the last five weeks. Still, as a touchdown-dependent flex option, Montgomery has some fantasy value heading into his Week 16 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 17, 2025
Making his first start since January 2021, Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Philip Rivers managed to hold his own in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. The 44-year-old completed 18 of 27 pass attempts for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and nearly led his team to an upset victory on the road. The Colts announced that Rivers will make another start in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers, who are expected to be a more manageable matchup than Seattle. Fantasy expectations should remain limited for Rivers, as he provides zero value as a rusher and averaged just 4.4 yards per pass attempt against the Seahawks. However, Rivers may be more productive as he gains more time to work with the Colts' pass catchers and becomes more familiar with the team's offense. In deep, two-quarterback fantasy leagues, Rivers could be a streaming option off the waiver wire in Week 16.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 17, 2025
In a clip from HBO's "Hard Knocks: In Season with the NFC East," Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is seen emphasizing the importance of hitting New York Giants quarterback
Jaxson Dart when Dart takes off as a runner. Based on the clip, Giants beat writer Dan Duggan of The Athletic speculates that Dart "clearly has a target on his back as a runner." The rookie quarterback has been highly effective with his legs so far this season, recording 400 rushing yards and seven touchdowns across 11 games (nine starts). However, he also missed two games due to a concussion and has drawn criticism for his tendency to absorb unnecessary contact. If the 2-12 Giants pull back the reins on Dart as a rusher, his fantasy production would clearly be impacted. While Dart has shown little indication of being hesitant to run so far this season, it's a storyline worth monitoring as the team prepares to take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
December 17, 2025
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love announced his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft on Tuesday night. The 2025 Doak Walker Award winner had an electric career with the Irish, rushing 433 times for 2,882 yards (6.7 YPC) and 36 touchdowns in 41 games. He also hauled in 63 passes for 594 yards and six touchdowns. Love tallied 1,652 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns in 2025 despite sharing a backfield with Jadarian Price, and he finished in third place in this year's Heisman voting. Love is likely to be a first-round pick in next April's draft, and his do-it-all skill set will give him the ability to be an every-down back at the next level.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Adam Rittenberg
December 17, 2025
Cleveland Browns running back
Dylan Sampson (hand) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Sampson missed his team's Week 15 loss to the Chicago Bears due to both calf and hand injuries, but it appears it's the hand that's now giving him more problems. Across 13 games this season, the 21-year-old has recorded 375 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 72 touches. He's emerged as the primary receiving back in Cleveland, with fellow rookie running back
Quinshon Judkins handling the lion's share of early-down work. With Sampson sidelined in Week 15,
Trayveon Williams was utilized as Cleveland's RB2, recording seven yards from scrimmage on three touches. If Sampson remains sidelined for the Browns' Week 16 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Judkins could see a significant workload as both a rusher and receiver.
--Will BradySource: Cleveland.com - Mary Kay Cabot
December 17, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
David Njoku (knee) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Njoku is battling a knee injury that forced him to miss Cleveland's Week 15 loss to the Chicago Bears. Across 12 games this season, the 29-year-old has hauled in 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns on 48 targets. If Njoku is sidelined for a second straight game in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills, Browns rookie tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. could continue his recent surge. Over the past two weeks, Fannin Jr. has recorded 15 receptions on 25 targets and appears to be emerging as the favorite pass-catcher of Browns quarterback
Shedeur Sanders.
--Will BradySource: Cleveland.com - Mary Kay Cabot
December 17, 2025
After being eliminated from the playoffs in Week 15, the Miami Dolphins have released veteran pass-rusher Matthew Judon, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The Dolphins granted his wish as he looks to join a contending team for the remainder of the 2025 season. Judon has played in 13 games this season and has yet to record a sack despite playing 41% of the snaps. Judon will likely look to clear waivers first before signing with the team of his choice, but keep an eye out for one of his former teams to be in the market, such as the Baltimore Ravens or New England Patriots. The Dolphins will hope that second-year pass rusher Chop Robinson will step up to replace the veteran.
--Nathan HarveySource: Mike Garafolo - NFL Network
December 17, 2025
The Miami Dolphins announced they will be benching quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa and starting rookie quarterback
Quinn Ewers. While former first-round pick
Zach Wilson was an option as well, they will be rolling with the rookie with their playoff hopes completely eliminated. The 2025 seventh-round pick led the Texas Longhorns to the semifinals in 2024, totaling 3,472 yards and 32 touchdowns in 14 games. In the preseason, Ewers completed 23 of 43 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Ewers is hard to trust for fantasy managers, even against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have given up the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. While running back De'Von Achane will remain an elite RB1, pass catchers
Jaylen Waddle,
Malik Washington, and
Darren Waller all become more volatile options.
--Nathan HarveySource: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
December 17, 2025
The Miami Dolphins are benching quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa for rookie quarterback
Quinn Ewers in Week 16, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. After struggling in Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Mike McDaniel mentioned the idea of making a change at quarterback, stating, "all options are on the table." Tagovailoa is benched after having a career-worst season, leading the NFL in interceptions (15) and ranking near the bottom of the league in QBR (88.5). The former first-round pick received a massive contract extension that will make it difficult for him to be traded during the offseason. This is a situation to monitor closely as free agency approaches, while fantasy managers can safely drop Tagovailoa in all leagues.
--Nathan HarveySource: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
December 17, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed was the leading receiver in Week 15, hauling in five of six targets for 55 yards in the 34-26 loss to the Denver Broncos. In his first two games back, Reed has returned to his slot role in the offense and has played his traditional snap count at around 65%. With
Christian Watson's (chest) status unclear in Week 16, Reed could emerge as a fantasy asset against the Chicago Bears. Not only have the Bears allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, but they have also allowed the most to slot receivers. With Watson unsure for Week 16 and the Bears' struggles without slot corner Kyler Gordon, Reed is a player to consider starting in the fantasy playoffs.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
December 17, 2025
Los Angeles Rams running back
Blake Corum has been breaking out down the stretch of this season, and he did it again in Week 15. Over the past three weeks, Corum has totaled 280 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 30 carries. He totaled 71 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries against the Detroit Lions, who rank among the top run defenses in the NFL. Corum saw his largest workload of the season as well, playing 46% of the snaps, while starter
Kyren Williams (54%) saw his lowest snap count of the season. Both backs are playing well, and with
Davante Adams (hamstring) uncertain to play in Week 16, the Rams will use that run game a ton against the Seattle Seahawks. Corum is a low-end RB2 in Week 16 as he looks to continue his dominance on Thursday Night.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
December 17, 2025
Tennessee quarterback Jake Merklinger is entering the transfer portal, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett and Pete Nakos. Merklinger just completed his redshirt freshman season and has three years of eligibility remaining. The Georgia native appeared in six games over the last two seasons, completing just under 58% of his passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Merklinger was beaten out by transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar for the QB1 job in Knoxville following the departure of Nico Iamaleava, and if he stayed at Tennessee, he'd likely be behind big-time quarterback recruits George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon in 2026.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Nakos - On3Sports
December 17, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Bucky Irving took on the majority of the workload in Week 15, totaling just 71 scrimmage yards on 17 attempts. Since returning from shoulder and foot injuries in Week 13, Irving has totaled 233 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 53 attempts, averaging 13.4 PPR points per game. While he started the season as the primary workhorse in this Buccaneers' offense, Irving has been limited to just 54% of the snaps, while backups
Rachaad White (43% and
Sean Tucker (14%) have been factors. Irving faces the Carolina Panthers defense in Week 16, which has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. In his only two games against the Panthers in his career, he has had over 185 scrimmage yards in both outings. In a must-win game for the Buccaneers and with his favorable history against Carolina, look for Irving to unleash in Week 16.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
December 17, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kenneth Gainwell had a monster game in Week 15, as he totaled 126 all-purpose yards (80 on the ground, 46 through the air), played 52 percent of the snaps, and was much more efficient as a runner than backfield mate
Jaylen Warren. That being said, Warren was playing with an illness leading up to the game; however, this has been trending towards an actual backfield split for about six to seven weeks now. Additionally, in PPR formats, Gainwell is seeing all of the running back receiving work; he has 31 receptions over the past five weeks (6.2 receptions per game). At the same time, Warren is seeing two, maybe three targets per game during that same stretch. On the season, Warren is RB19 while Gainwell is RB23. Given the Steelers' Week 16 matchup with the Detroit Lions, who are stout against the run (allowing the third fewest points to the running back position), it appears likely the Steelers might be in a shootout or from behind, meaning it's setting up to be a game where Gainwell sees a ton of volume in the receiving game, giving him low-end RB2/flex value in Week 16.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 17, 2025
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday morning that the New York Jets have agreed to terms with young tight end
Jeremy Ruckert, locking him in for the future. He gets a 2-year, $10M extension with upside to $11M. Ruckert, the fourth-year player out of Ohio State, has underwhelmed in the receiving game since joining the Jets. This year, he has hit career highs in receptions (20) and receiving yards (163), but was drafted in the third round and is an asset to the team primarily because of his willingness and effectiveness to block in the run game. The Jets now have Ruckert and a rookie out of LSU,
Mason Taylor, as their top tight end options for years to come. From a fantasy football standpoint, Ruckert is well off the radar and shouldn't be rostered in any formats.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Ian Rapoport
December 17, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tony Pollard has caught fire of late, running wild for 265 rushing yards and three touchdowns over the past two weeks, which has earned him back-to-back top 10 running back performances. After landing on most analysts' "sit" list for most of the season due to his lack of effectiveness and how bad the Titans' offense has been, Pollard is showing some life in the fantasy playoffs and should be back on the fantasy radar in Week 16. Unfortunately for Pollard and the Titans, they have a tough matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, who allow the seventh fewest points to the running back position. That being said, Pollard should continue to see the volume he's seen over the past two weeks and project to see 10-15 carries, which keeps him in the RB3 conversations in Week 16. Backfield mate,
Tyjae Spears, has been involved, playing about 50 percent of the snaps, but is not nearly seeing the amount of running back carries as Pollard has been getting, as most of Spears' production has been as a pass-catcher.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 17, 2025
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko recorded his 10th career shutout on Tuesday night, pushing aside 23 pucks in a 3-0 road victory over the New York Rangers. It's his first shutout this season, making Demko the sixth goalie in history to have double-digit shutouts with the Canucks. Demko has sat out a lot of time again in 2025-26 due to injury, but he has made a strong return to action. The American netminder has gone 2-1-0 over his past three starts, allowing 1.35 goals with a .938 save percentage. This run has improved Demko's record for the season to 7-5-0. He has logged a goals-against average of 2.45 and a save percentage of .910. In his next start, Demko will attempt to win a third consecutive outing for the first time this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 17, 2025
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini became the third player this season to reach 50 points for the campaign, totaling four points in a 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. He had two goals and two assists, scoring a spectacular spin-o-rama goal as the game-winning marker. Celebrini became the third teenager in NHL history to reach 50 points during a season in 34 or fewer games and hit the plateau three games faster than any other player in franchise history. After an impressive start to the season, Celebrini has found a way to elevate his game further in December, going for 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in eight games. He has already recorded four games with three-plus points this month. San Jose's teenage sensation will have three more games before Christmas, entering the stretch with 51 points (18 goals, 33 assists) in the bag.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 17, 2025
Chicago Bears rookie tight end
Colston Loveland has been solid for fantasy managers of late and has been providing a safe floor in most of his matchups since Week 8. Over that stretch, he has seen at least four targets in every game and has scored four times over that stretch. While he doesn't provide much of a ceiling, his safe floor can reassure fantasy managers that it's very likely he will score five to seven points at least in PPR formats. Additionally, a lot of the pass catchers for the Bears, such as
Cole Kmet (ankle, knee),
Rome Odunze (foot), and
Luther Burden III (ankle), are all dealing with injuries. If any of the three miss time, it should move Loveland up the pecking order for additional targets, only increasing his chances at a higher floor and boom potential. The Bears (10-4) take on the Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) in a pivotal NFC North showdown at the top of the NFC North. In their last matchup in Week 14, Loveland saw five targets and turned that into four receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown (10.90 fantasy points). Loveland will be on the TE2 radar in Week 16.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 17, 2025
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl surpassed 1,000 career points during Tuesday's 6-4 road win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He needed only one point to become the first German player in NHL history to reach 1,000 career points in the regular season. Draisaitl finished the contest with four points, all coming through assists. The former MVP helped set up three power-play goals. This was Draisaitl's 824th career game, making him the fifth-fastest player born outside North America to reach the 1,000-point mark. Edmonton's No. 29 is a scoring machine and has showcased it in style this month, averaging two points per game across eight outings. For the season, Draisaitl has posted 17 goals and 47 points in 34 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 17, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (upper body) missed Tuesday's practice, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. Vegas' defensive star has sustained an upper-body injury and could be absent from the lineup for the first time this season when the team faces the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday. In 31 outings, Theodore has posted 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) with 48 blocks. He leads all Vegas skaters in ice time at 24:01 per game, working with Noah Hanifin on the first defensive pairing and anchoring the second power-play unit. Jeremy Lauzon (undisclosed) practiced fully on Tuesday and could be Theodore's replacement in the lineup against New Jersey.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
December 17, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (illness) didn't finish Tuesday's practice, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. Eichel's early departure from the session leaves his status uncertain for Wednesday's contest against the New Jersey Devils. The American star is battling an illness and could miss his first game of the season. It has been a sensational year for Eichel, who is attempting to post his first 100-point season. After 31 appearances, he is sitting on 12 goals and 41 points. Currently, Eichel is riding a five-game point streak, posting multiple points four times during that stretch. Brett Howden and Tomas Hertl will have a heavy workload in the middle if Eichel can't play against the Devils.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
December 17, 2025
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (upper body) was placed on Injured Reserve and will miss at least three games. L.A.'s No. 1 suffered an upper-body injury during Monday's loss to the Dallas Stars. The team has called up Pheonix Copley from the minors to fill in for Kuemper on the roster. Anton Forsberg will probably get the bulk of the starts until Kuemper returns, although Copley could be used during the Kings' upcoming back-to-back set. The 33-year-old has logged a 7-6-0 record in the AHL this season, allowing 3.13 goals with a .885 save percentage.
--Taavi PailkSource: Los Angeles Kings
December 17, 2025
Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour (undisclosed) didn't finish Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. He exited the game in the third period after appearing to be hurt during a scuffle between several players. The Kraken have two more games to come this week, and it would be a blow for the team if one of their defensive leaders isn't available. Montour averages the second-most ice time among Kraken skaters at 21:55 per game and helps out on both ends of the ice. He has logged 16 points (six goals, 10 assists), 35 blocks, and 34 hits in 27 appearances. If Montour misses time, the Kraken will bring either Cale Fleury or Josh Mahura into the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Seattle Kraken PR
December 17, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Sam Merrill (hand) will sit out his 13th consecutive game on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls. He hasn't played for a month due to a right hand sprain. The injury has halted a career year for Merrill, who has averaged 13.9 points per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the three-point line. The absence of Merrill and
Max Strus (foot) has allowed
Jaylon Tyson to blossom. The 23-year-old sophomore has recorded three double-doubles this month, averaging 17.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists for December. Tyson and the Cavaliers have an outstanding fantasy matchup on Wednesday against a team ranked second in pace this season, but with a bottom-ten defensive efficiency.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Max Strus (foot) will remain sidelined on Wednesday versus the Chicago Bulls. The veteran sniper underwent left foot surgery in August, and it still isn't clear when the Cavaliers can expect to have him in the lineup. Strus' ability to get hot from downtown would be a big asset for a Cleveland team that has connected on just 34.0 percent of its three-point attempts this season, ranking near the bottom of the league. Following surgery, Strus was given a 3-4-month recovery timeline, so his season debut may be approaching soon.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard/forward
Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has played in only one of the last four games and might miss another contest due to a right thumb sprain. Players like
Kevin Huerter,
Isaac Okoro,
Tre Jones, and
Patrick Williams could all lose some minutes if Dosunmu is cleared to return. Dosunmu has taken a significant offensive leap this season, averaging a career-high 15.2 points per game with very efficient shooting. He has netted 47.5 percent of his triples, while shooting 51.9 percent from the field overall.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Brandon Clarke (knee) continues to inch closer to his season debut and may be ready for action on Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team has upgraded his status from doubtful to questionable on the injury report. Clarke had right knee surgery during the offseason. Currently, he would make for a vital addition to the Grizzlies' frontcourt, as
Zach Edey (ankle) won't be available for several weeks. If Clarke can't make his return on Wednesday night, his next opportunity will come on Saturday against the Washington Wizards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 17, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Cam Spencer (personal) won't play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. He has been ruled out for personal reasons, missing his first game of the season. The 25-year-old has carved out a significant role in the Grizzlies' rotation and posted a career-high 27 points in Monday's win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Due to Spencer's absence, players like
Cedric Coward,
Vince Williams Jr., and
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could be more involved in Wednesday's game, especially if
Ja Morant (ankle) has to miss another contest.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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