January 4, 2026

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (personal) will miss a second straight game Sunday against Denver, with his next chance to return Wednesday versus Orlando. Claxton's absence once again elevates Day'Ron Sharpe into a high-utility fantasy role. Sharpe started Friday's loss to Washington and delivered 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks in 30 minutes, continuing his trend as a strong per-minute producer whenever Claxton sits. Sharpe profiles as an automatic short-term stream and viable standard-league option, while Noah Clowney and Danny Wolf see modest frontcourt minutes without consistent fantasy floors.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) will not play Sunday against Orlando due to a right thumb sprain, leaving Indiana short-handed on the wing. With Mathurin sidelined, Aaron Nesmith profiles as the most reliable fantasy beneficiary after drawing a start last game and logging 29 minutes. Over his last four since returning from injury, Nesmith has averaged 10.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 three-pointers, and 1.3 blocks in 25.9 minutes, offering low-end standard-league value. Johnny Furphy and Ben Sheppard should see extra run, but their fantasy appeal remains limited to deeper formats.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews became the team's all-time top goal scorer with two markers in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders. He reached 421 career goals, moving past Mats Sundin, who was the record holder since 2007. While the 2025-26 season has been a struggle at times for Matthews, he has become only the fifth active player with 20-plus goals in their first 10 seasons. Six of his markers have come across the past four games as Matthews approaches a point-per-game scoring pace for the season. He is up to 33 points (20 goals, 13 assists) in 35 games, with nearly a third of his points (10) coming since last Saturday.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 4, 2026

Washington Wizards guard/forward Kyshawn George (hip) will miss a fifth straight game Sunday against Minnesota and remains without a timetable to return, keeping Washington's wing rotation thin. George's absence has opened steady fantasy lanes for Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, and Justin Champagnie. Over the last four games, Johnson has averaged 16.0 points and 3.3 three-pointers in 26.8 minutes, while Carrington has produced 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 25.9 minutes with elevated turnover risk. Champagnie has delivered 13.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers, and 1.3 steals in 27.3 minutes, making him the most stable roster play in standard formats.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 4, 2026

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer should continue to operate in a high-volume role during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders recently placed Brock Bowers (knee) on injured reserve, ending his season and putting Mayer into the starting role for the final two games of the year. Last weekend, he exploded as the top target in Geno Smith's offense, catching nine of 10 targets for 89 yards. In total, throughout the three games that Bowers has missed and Mayer has played this year, the latter tight end has 15 catches, 149 yards, and one touchdown. A quarterback change is expected in Week 18, though, as Kenny Pickett steps in for the injured Smith (ankle). Pickett struggled to the tune of 64 yards and one turnover in his lone start this year, but he should still be able to support a fantasy-relevant role for Mayer on Sunday. At worst, Mayer will operate as a security blanket in case Pickett struggles to throw the ball deep or needs to get the ball out quickly. As it stands, he ranks as the overall TE8 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 18.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe (undisclosed) left Saturday's 4-3 overtime defeat to the New York Islanders with 8:58 remaining in regulation. He was unable to continue after blocking a shot. McCabe leads Toronto with 104 blocks in 41 games and has contributed three goals and 13 assists offensively. He is also the team leader with a fantastic plus-26 rating. Losing McCabe from the backline for an extended period would be a bad blow for the Maple Leafs, especially with fellow blue-liners Chris Tanev (groin) and Brandon Carlo (foot) already out of commission.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 4, 2026

Retired quarterback Philip Rivers is expected to field interest as a head coaching candidate during the upcoming NFL hiring cycle, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. While Rivers retired from playing in the NFL for a second time last week, it appears he could return to the league very soon in a coaching capacity. Rapoport writes that "the current belief is Rivers gets at least one opportunity to interview, possibly more." As it stands, only the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants have head coaching vacancies. However, teams like the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons could all have openings after the regular season wraps up. Rivers, who went 58-for-92 passing with 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions from Week 15 through Week 17, already has experience in coaching. He spent time coaching at the high school level between his two NFL stints. Of course, there's a big difference between taking interviews and actually being offered a head coaching job, so it's far from guaranteed that we see Rivers back on NFL sidelines next season. Nevertheless, it sounds like there's real interest from pro teams.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Ian Rapoport

January 4, 2026

Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (lower body) appears to have escaped a serious injury on Saturday versus the Chicago Blackhawks. The power forward left the contest in the first period due to a lower-body injury. He took an awkward fall following a hit from Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy. After the game, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery noted Wilson's injury "doesn't look too bad." Wilson, who was named to Team Canada for the 2026 Olympics this week, is in the midst of a career year. He has averaged more than a point per game, posting 22 goals and 20 assists in 41 outings.--Taavi Pailk
Source: TSN

January 4, 2026

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a stinger on the team's final offensive play during Saturday's Week 18 loss against the Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan (via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com). Purdy took a hit while throwing an incomplete pass late in the fourth quarter. He remained down on the field and received medical attention for a brief period of time, but he was able to stand up and walk off the field under his own power. After the loss, Shanahan said that Purdy was okay and could have gone back into the game if San Francisco got the ball back. This bodes well for Purdy's status heading into Wild Card Weekend. Barring a setback, we expect him to suit up. The 49ers' first-round opponent will be decided when games go final on Sunday in Week 18. San Francisco will be either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Ian Rapoport

January 4, 2026

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ribs) is not expected to play in Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New England Patriots, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Waddle had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. His absence will worsen the chances of the Dolphins, who are incredibly short-staffed, pulling off an upset against the AFC East-leading Patriots. Not only is Waddle sidelined, but Miami also remains without De'Von Achane (shoulder), Tua Tagovailoa (coach's decision), Darren Waller (groin, IR), and Tyreek Hill (knee, IR). This offense might limp to the finish line during the final week of the season. Look for Malik Washington to step up as Quinn Ewers' top target against a Patriots defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest yards to opposing wide receivers in 2025.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Adam Schefter

January 4, 2026

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (shoulder) is not expected to play in Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New England Patriots, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. This is hardly a surprise, given that Achane had been listed as doubtful entering this weekend. Assuming he is confirmed as inactive on Sunday afternoon, Achane finishes his third NFL season with a career-high 1,350 rushing yards. He also logged 67 catches, 488 receiving yards, and 12 total touchdowns while ranking as the overall RB5 in full-PPR scoring to this point. His absence this weekend should create more opportunities for Jaylen Wright, the second-year back who has flashed real upside this season. On a 52% snap share in Week 14 against the Jets, Wright had 24 carries, 107 rushing yards, and one touchdown. Additionally, over his last two games, he has 14 carries, 91 yards, and a trip to the end zone. Wright ranks as a solid RB2 despite playing against New England's top-tier run defense.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Adam Schefter

January 4, 2026

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers turned his season around following a mid-year trade from the Las Vegas Raiders. He posted double-digit fantasy points (full-PPR) in five of his first six games with the Jaguars, and he has at least eight points in each of his last seven contests. Since joining the Jaguars, he ranks as the overall WR16 in fantasy football. Meyers has clearly benefited from a high-volume role in Jacksonville's strong offense. This is a unit that is capable of moving the ball down the field, and Trevor Lawrence has distributed the ball well enough to support many different fantasy-relevant performances. For example, while Meyers has been the Jaguars' most consistent receiver since his trade, Parker Washington has been explosive in the last two weeks, and Brian Thomas Jr. and Brenton Strange have both played well. Meyers should feast in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans, whose pass defense has been very disappointing this season. Tennessee has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2025. In his last game against the Titans, Meyers caught six passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. We wouldn't be surprised to see the 29-year-old enjoy similar success on Sunday, and we expect him to handle a heavy workload because Jacksonville is still fighting for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. As it stands, Meyers ranks as the overall WR21 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 18.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill delivered an impressive fantasy performance just two weeks ago, but he's unlikely to replicate that success during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. Hill had 18.32 full-PPR points in that Week 16 victory, taking on an increased role passing, running, and catching the football. In the aftermath of his big game, it was reported that New Orleans made a concerted effort to get him more involved because the 35-year-old could retire, so that was potentially his final home game in New Orleans. Indeed, his productivity took a massive step back just one week later, when he was held without a touch and played just 13% of the snaps. We expect a similar story in Week 18, with both Audric Estime and Evan Hull getting more involved out of the backfield than Hill. The veteran playmaker should be avoided in all fantasy leagues ahead of what could be the final game of his career.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will look to finish out the season on a high note in a Week 18 matchup against a middle-of-the-road Las Vegas Raiders' defense. While Kelce hasn't been the fantasy superstar we've grown accustomed to for quite some time now, even at 36 years old, he's enjoying a productive season. Chris Oladokun's inexperience undoubtedly caps some of Kelce's ceiling, although the former didn't look totally overmatched in Week 17's loss to Denver. Moreover, Kelce led the team in yards (36), targets (six), and receptions (five) in that contest. This Sunday, he'll face a Raiders' defense that's been roughly league average. They'll also be without star defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee). With the veteran still a focal point, fantasy managers can rely on Kelce as a back-end TE1 for the matchup. He'll officially land as RotoBaller's PPR TE12 for his meeting with Las Vegas.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

January 4, 2026

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren presents as a low-upside option for Week 18's road clash with their division-rival Houston Texans. For all intents and purposes, Warren has had an excellent rookie campaign, hauling in 71 passes for 791 yards and four touchdowns on 104 targets -- all second-best on the team. That said, the Penn State alum's production has slowed following the team's Week 11 bye, as he's surpassed 30 receiving yards just twice on six occasions. It's a stark contrast to the first ten weeks of the year, when he failed to do so just once. Favorably, Warren has remained a featured part of the offense with veteran signal-caller Philip Rivers at the helm. Still, he'll carry a less-enticing ceiling than usual when they face off with the best defense in the league on a yards-per-game basis (274.4). Warren ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE14 ahead of this weekend's games.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

January 4, 2026

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown will be difficult to recommend for fantasy in his final outing of the regular season against the visiting Washington Commanders. Brown has had a weird year. After an ice-cold start, he's rebounded nicely over the back half of 2025. Across his last seven games, the 28-year-old has notched double-digit targets in five of them, compiling 595 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, head coach Nick Sirianni is on record stating he'd be resting many of the team's key starters for Sunday's matchup with the Commanders. While Sirianni did not specify who would be sitting, it's worth noting that Brown didn't suit up for Week 18 of 2024. If the veteran does wind up playing, he'd be an excellent bet for fantasy. However, with uncertainty surrounding his playing time, it's best that owners look elsewhere for help in the season's final week.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

January 4, 2026

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) carries excellent upside in Week 18 despite facing off with a solid New Orleans Saints defense at home. The fifth-year pro had been on a tear over the last month until his dud last weekend. In the four games prior, Pitts seemed unstoppable, averaging 23.6 PPR fantasy points per game. He was the TE1 across Weeks 13-16, and it wasn't really close. However, the former fourth-overall pick saw his production dip in Week 17 (2/16). While that may be due to a knee injury he picked up earlier in the week at practice, indeed, he doesn't carry the same upside with wide receiver Drake London (knee) back in the fold. If Pitts plays this weekend, fantasy managers will find it difficult to bench him, particularly with teammate Darnell Mooney (knee) also questionable for the contest. Whether Mooney is active or not, the 25-year-old's status should be monitored leading up to kickoff, considering his ranking as RotoBaller's PPR TE5.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

January 4, 2026

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is a strong fantasy asset for this Sunday's home matchup with the Miami Dolphins. The 32-year-old veteran is coming off a second straight 100-yard outing and is having a nice season overall, despite eclipsing 60% of the team's snaps just twice in 16 appearances. In Week 18, he's positioned for another useful performance as the Pats vie for first place in the AFC. While Miami has, on paper, been one of the tougher units against fantasy wideouts, quarterback Drake Maye has been excellent in 2025 and carved up the Fins back in a 33-27 Week 2 win. Diggs' 4/32 line in that outing may not be encouraging, but his recent involvement is, notching at least six catches and 101 yards in three of his last six games. He'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR WR15 for the season's final week.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

January 3, 2026

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins is coming off arguably his best performance of the season. Higgins hauled in two passes for 88 yards and a touchdown during last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He'll look to top that performance versus the Indianapolis Colts in the Week 18 regular-season finale. The Texans will play their starters with a chance to win the AFC South with a victory and a Jaguars' loss to the Titans. Higgins hasn't been a consistent fantasy option during his rookie season, which makes him difficult to trust in Week 18. He has big-play ability, but he can also give fantasy managers close to nothing. He hauled in five receptions for 65 yards during his last meeting with the Colts. Fantasy managers should consider Higgins a boom-or-bust WR4/flex option for Week 18.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 3, 2026

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (knee) is available for Saturday's game at Golden State. He didn't suit up for the recent 118-101 loss to the Clippers. Svi Mykhailiuk entered the starting lineup, finishing with five points, two boards, and one assist in 24 minutes. With Keyonte George (illness) also back in action, Mykhailiuk will likely return to the bench. As far as Markkanen is concerned, fantasy managers can get him back in their lineups, although he might be less productive than usual versus a Warriors team that has been sound defensively throughout the campaign.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 3, 2026

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is looking to finish his rookie campaign on a high note. Interim head coach Mike Kafka said that he'll play the starters despite this being a meaningless game for both teams. This is good news for Dart, who will have a plus matchup against the Dallas Cowboys defense. Last week, Dart only threw for 207 passing yards, but he salvaged his fantasy value with nine carries for 48 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. As long as the Giants don't limit Dart, he should offer QB1 upside as a dual-threat option against a below-average defense in Week 18.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 3, 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren saw his second-lowest snap count of the season during last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns. Warren rushed the ball 12 times for 64 yards, but he was only on the field for 32 percent of the offensive snaps. Fellow back Kenneth Gainwell saw a season-high 68 percent of the offensive snaps last week. Gainwell has played well for the Steelers during the second half of the season and has earned himself a larger role in this offense. He figures to split up the workload with Warren again during the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. The loss of playing time is concerning and makes Warren a more volatile RB2 fantasy option for Week 18.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 3, 2026

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty needs 112 yards in Week 18 to surpass the 1,000-yard mark for his rookie campaign. Jeanty has been finding more success on the ground lately, with 188 rushing yards over his last two games. He figures to continue being the workhorse back during the regular-season finale versus the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. He could have trouble finding room to run with the Chiefs having a top-10 run defense this season. Jeanty has big-play upside, though, which keeps him in RB2 territory despite a tough matchup. The Raiders figure to go run-heavy with quarterbacks Kenny Pickett or Aidan O'Connell under center.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 3, 2026

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett has surprised many with his solid play under center this season. The 33-year-old has thrown for 3,123 passing yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions through 13 games this season. He'll look to continue his success during the regular-season finale versus the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. During their last meeting, Brissett threw for 271 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in Week 14. Brissett has thrown for multiple touchdowns in four of his last five games. The Cardinals aren't having much success in the win category with him under center, but Brissett is putting up strong numbers. Fantasy managers should continue to trust Brissett as a high-end QB2.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 3, 2026

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is looking to bounce back after throwing three interceptions during last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Fantasy managers should give Stafford a break, considering he has been one of the best QBs in the league this season. He'll look to end the regular season on a strong note versus the Arizona Cardinals, a defense that he threw for 281 yards against with three touchdowns during their first meeting in Week 14. Head coach Sean McVay said that the starters are going to play in this game. That thinking could change if the 49ers beat the Seahawks on Saturday night, which would lock the Rams into the sixth seed for the NFC playoffs. For now, fantasy managers should view Stafford as a top-tier option, assuming he plays his normal workload.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 3, 2026

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (illness) will suit up for Saturday's game at Golden State after missing his first contest of the 2025 campaign on Thursday in the loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The 22-year-old is having a fantastic season, averaging 24.6 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 37.4% shooting from behind the arc, all career-highs. His return should mean less work for Walter Clayton Jr., who logged 30 minutes versus the Clippers. However, the rookie may still stay involved, considering Ace Bailey (hip) remains out. Unfortunately, Clayton's fantasy outlook isn't favorable in a meeting with one of the NBA's top defensive squads.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 3, 2026

Charlotte Hornets center PJ Hall will start in Saturday's meeting with the Bulls. With Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) and Moussa Diabate (wrist) both sidelined, the Hornets are thin at the five spot. The 23-year-old got the first start of his career in Friday's one-point loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, finishing with four points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. While Hall is a risky option for fantasy managers, his ceiling is higher on Saturday in a contest that should feature plenty of scoring between two of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association.--Dennis Clausen
Source: Charlotte Hornets

January 3, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Saturday against the Knicks. As usual, the multi-time All-Star carried an injury designation. However, he'll be on the floor on Saturday night. Embiid is starting to return to form after struggling to begin the 2025 campaign. He combined for 65 points in recent meetings with the Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies before amassing 22 points on Thursday in the 123-108 win over the Dallas Mavericks.--Dennis Clausen
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 3, 2026

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (illness) will play on Saturday against Philadelphia. He didn't suit up for Friday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks, his third absence of the 2025 campaign. Fortunately, that trend won't continue. As usual, KAT is a must-start in all fantasy setups. Ariel Hukporti, who had eight points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks on Friday, will head back to the bench behind Mitchell Robinson (ankle), who is also available. As a result, Hukporti shouldn't be anywhere near a fantasy lineup.--Dennis Clausen
Source: Ian Begley

January 3, 2026

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ankle) is active ahead of Saturday's Week 18 matchup versus the Seattle Seahawks. Kittle is back in action this week after sitting out in Week 17 due to an ankle sprain. The expectation is that Kittle will have a full workload despite being limited in practice this week. Kittle is expected to see a larger target share with wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (ankle, knee) ruled out for Saturday's game. The 32-year-old is a must-start and is ranked second among all tight ends behind only Trey McBride in the latest RotoBaller rankings for Week 18.--Andy Webb
Source: Jonathan Jones