December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has this unit playing inspired football of late, having just held the high-powered Dallas Cowboys to 17 points to secure a fourth straight win. While the Chargers D/ST lacks the flashy defensive touchdowns that drive elite fantasy scores, they are a dominant real-life unit playing at home in SoFi Stadium on Saturday. They face a Houston Texans offense that, while efficient, ranks only 19th in passing and 23rd in rushing yards per game. This game is shaping up to be a low-scoring battle of field position. Although safety R.J. Mickens (shoulder) is out, the expected return of Elijah Molden and Bud Dupree bolsters the rotation. If you prioritize a high floor and low points allowed, this unit is a solid streaming D/ST with top-10 potential this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
According to ESPN's Dan Wetzel and Pete Thamel, Michigan is focusing on former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham to be its next head coach. Whittingham recently stepped down from Utah after 21 seasons with the program. He replaced Urban Meyer after Meyer left for Florida in 2005, and he was the second-longest-tenured head coach at one school. Overall, Whittingham tallied a 177-88 record, and he found success in the Mountain West, Pac-12, and Big 12. He has eight seasons of at least 10 wins on his resume and would be a strong hire for Michigan, which is late in the process after suddenly firing Sherrone Moore with cause due to off-the-field misconduct. The 66-year-old plans to coach Utah one last time in the Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska on New Year's Eve. After that game concludes, he could be announced as Michigan's new head coach, though nothing is final at this point.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers kicker
Cameron Dicker has been the definition of reliable, remaining perfect last week with two field goals and four extra points. However, his Week 17 outlook is tempered by a projected low-scoring affair against the Houston Texans. Both the Chargers and the Texans have ridden elite defenses to recent success, with Houston limiting opponents to just 18 points per game during their seven-game win streak. This matchup has the hallmarks of a defensive slog, which could severely limit the Chargers' ability to move the ball into scoring range. While Dicker's accuracy is never in question, the lack of projected offensive volume caps his ceiling in a week where every point matters. He is a mid-range K1 and ranks K13 in the weekly rankings.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Outfielder/first baseman
Tyler Soderstrom and the Athletics have agreed to a seven-year, $86 million contract extension, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. The deal includes a club option for 2033 and can escalate to $131 million if all incentives are reached. This is the largest guaranteed deal in A's history. The 2025 season marked Soderstrom's first full year in the majors and his first extended run in the outfield, and he impressed on both sides of the ball. He slashed .276/.346/.474 with 25 home runs, 93 RBI, and 75 runs scored across 624 plate appearances, good for a 125 wRC+, while also finishing as a Gold Glove finalist. While the 24-year-old ran at a relatively high.327 BABIP, his 49.8% hard-hit rate suggests the production was driven more by skill than luck. The former first-round pick consistently barreled the ball while keeping his strikeout rate to a manageable 22.6%. Looking ahead to 2026, Soderstrom is expected to hit in the middle of the A's lineup in one of the most hitter-friendly parks in baseball. With a current 95.6 ADP, he offers legitimate 30-homer, 100-RBI upside while providing positional flexibility, making him a solid target for fantasy managers in all leagues.
--Marty TallmanSource: Jeff Passan
December 26, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Tyler Huntley looks to be in line to start against the Green Bay Packers after
Lamar Jackson (back) received a doubtful status on the injury report. The former Pro-Bowler took over for Jackson after he suffered a back contusion in their Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots. Huntley posted 65 yards while completing nine out of his 10 throws, and rushed for two yards on two carries. The Packers have a similarly stout defense, but have started to show some holes ever since Micah Parsons (knee) was injured. While they allow 25.04 fantasy points per game over the last two weeks to quarterbacks, Huntley and the Ravens are likely to lean a little more on the run game. That leaves him as the QB22 in RotoBaller's projections, right behind
Philip Rivers.
--Alex FischbeinSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end
Oronde Gadsden saw his involvement crater last week, recording just one catch for seven yards on a season-low 3.5% target share. This drop in usage stems from the Chargers prioritizing extra pass protection for their battered offensive line, leaving non-blocking Gadsden on the sidelines for significant stretches. The Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans offers little hope for a rebound. While Houston is occasionally susceptible to tight end touchdowns, they rank top-10 in yards allowed to the position and lead the league in EPA/Pass. With Gadsden's routes and targets trending sharply downward, he cannot be trusted during the most important week of the fantasy season. He should remain on your bench as a low-end TE2.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Jaylen Warren exploded in Week 16 with 143 rushing yards (10.21 YPC) and two touchdowns, both of which came in the second half from 45 yards out. Backfield mate
Kenneth Gainwell also had a monster game, with 21.30 fantasy points. This Steelers backfield has become an actual running back by committee backfield, with both Gainwell and Warren playing around 50 percent of the snaps; however, not only have they both produced at a high clip, but Warren has scored 10 or more fantasy points now in six of his last eight games, and scored one or more touchdowns in five of those eight. The Steelers have made these running backs the focal point of their offense, and both are seeing enough usage to be valued as an RB2. Week 17 presents a challenge going up against a stiff Cleveland Browns defense, but they have been reeling of late, opening up a window for Warren to have another successful game.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris saw his opportunities dwindle in Week 16, as his snap share fell from 85% to 46% following
Quentin Johnston's return. While Harris remained efficient with four catches for 54 yards, he is now the third or fourth option in a low-volume passing attack. This Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans is the worst possible environment for a rotational wideout; the Texans allow the fewest passing yards per game and rank second in completion percentage allowed. With Herbert expected to be under heavy pressure, targets will likely be concentrated among the primary starters or dumped off to running backs. Harris lacks the volume and matchup appeal to be a viable fantasy starter. He is a low-end WR5 and should stay on benches.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings' defense/special teams turned in one of the most impressive defensive games of the year by swarming the Detroit Lions for six turnovers and five sacks in a 23-10 Christmas Day victory. A Minnesota offense ravaged by injuries offered little help for most of the day, but the Lions had absolutely no answer for a Vikings defense that barraged them with pressure and won the line of scrimmage from the outset. Minnesota held Lions running back
Jahmyr Gibbs to 41 yards rushing and limited quarterback
Jared Goff to 197 yards passing and one touchdown. The Vikings picked off Goff twice, recovered four fumbles, three of which were credited to Goff, and saw seven different players record a tackle for loss. Managers who boldly started the Vikings against a strong Detroit offense were handsomely rewarded with a huge performance in a key week. Minnesota will conclude its season next week against Green Bay.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston reminded fantasy managers of his "boom" potential last week, erupting for 104 yards and a touchdown against the league's worst pass defense. However, his historical consistency remains an issue, and the pendulum swings back toward "bust" territory against the Houston Texans. The Texans are a defensive juggernaut, ranking first in EPA/Pass and second in pressure rate. While Johnston has overcome his groin injury, he now faces a secondary that excels at erasing deep threats and minimizing yards after the catch. In a game where
Justin Herbert will likely be under constant duress, Johnston's high-variance profile makes him an extremely dangerous start in championship week. Unless you are chasing a miracle, the risk outweighs the reward. He is a touchdown-reliant, low-end WR4.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Keenan Allen remains a steady veteran presence, but his fantasy upside is evaporating at the worst possible time. Last week, Allen caught all five of his targets, yet his 47% snap share underscores a concerning trend as he continues to split routes with rookie Tre' Harris. This week's matchup against the Houston Texans is the toughest possible test, as the Texans rank second in completion percentage allowed and third in interception rate. With Houston allowing the fewest passing yards per game and consistently pressuring the quarterback, the aging veteran may struggle to find open windows in a game script expected to be a defensive slog. Fantasy managers in championship matchups should look for higher-upside alternatives. He is merely a low-end WR4/FLEX option this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Ladd McConkey returned to the end zone last week, leading the team with six targets, but a repeat performance will be difficult on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Houston's secondary is arguably the best in the NFL, ranking first in EPA/Pass and allowing the fewest passing yards per game. While McConkey remains
Justin Herbert's primary target, the Texans' elite pass rush, which is tied for sixth in sacks, will likely force Herbert into quick, low-ADOT throws. This defensive pressure mirrors the conditions that led to McConkey's recent dud games rather than his productive outing against a porous Dallas secondary. While his target floor remains decent, the matchup significantly limits his big-play potential. He is a touchdown-dependent WR3 for the fantasy finals.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tony Pollard has been on a heater the last three games, scoring three touchdowns, rushing for 367 yards (6.12 YPC), and averaging 18.6 fantasy points per game during this stretch. It's by far the best stretch of the season for him, as in the previous 13 weeks, he had only rushed for 582 yards (3.88 YPC) and two touchdowns. Because of the recent surge in production, Pollard has worked his way up the running back ranks to become more of a lower-end RB2 compared to the RB3 rankings, where he has been a majority of the season, considering he is playing about 50 percent of the team's snaps, and splitting work with
Tyjae Spears. The young Titans offense as a whole has looked much better the last few weeks, so it should not come as a surprise that Pollard's production has been better of late as well. Week 17 presents a mediocre matchup, as the Saints rank 17th overall in fantasy points allowed to the running back position, keeping Pollard in the low-end RB2 ranks. RotoBaller ranks him as the RB22 for the week.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back
Omarion Hampton continues to separate himself as the most dynamic option in the backfield, recording an 85-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Averaging 5.3 yards per carry, Hampton was far more explosive than teammate
Kimani Vidal, who is now dealing with a neck injury. Even if Vidal is active, the Chargers are likely to lean on Hampton against a Houston Texans defense that is more vulnerable on the ground than through the air. Houston ranks fifth in fewest rushing yards allowed, but has shown cracks against physical, efficient runners recently. With the Chargers needing to protect
Justin Herbert from Houston's fierce pass rush, a heavy dose of Hampton is expected. He is a high-end RB2/FLEX option for championship week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Texas running back Quintrevion Wisner is entering the transfer portal, according to On3Sports. This is a surprising development, as Wisner has led the Longhorns in rushing in each of the last two seasons. In 24 games since the start of the 2024 campaign, the Texas native tallied 357 rushing attempts for 1,661 yards and eight touchdowns. He added 66 receptions for 457 yards and two more scores as a receiver. CJ Baxter, the team's second-leading rusher at the position, announced his intention to transfer on December 9. Texas signed the No. 1 running back recruit in the country, Derek Cooper, so the incoming freshman could have a significant role right away, given the recent departures in the RB room. Wisner should draw tons of interest on the open market as he enters his final season of collegiate eligibility.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3 on X
December 26, 2025
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Jacoby Brissett enters Week 17 as a QB1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, who allow the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks on the season. Week 16 was underwhelming for Brissett, as he threw for only 203 yards and one touchdown with an interception. Before Week 16, Brissett had finished as a QB12 or better on the week in nine consecutive contests since he took over as the starter in Week 6, and he deserves a pass for his poor showing in Week 16, where he only scored 11.62 points. Looking forward to Week 17, he should be fired up with confidence as
Marvin Harrison Jr. is back from injury and should help the offense even more, combined with his rapport with
Trey McBride and
Michael Wilson, which has allowed Brissett to elevate his play and make both of those players tremendous fantasy assets during the second half of the fantasy season. On the season as a whole, Brissett has thrown for 2,911 yards and 19 touchdowns with seven interceptions in 12 games played. RotoBaller ranks Brissett as the QB9 this week.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback
Justin Herbert enters Week 17 fresh off a massive 300-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys, but fantasy managers should prepare for a steeper climb this Saturday. While Herbert thrived behind a clean pocket last week, he now faces a Houston Texans unit that ranks first in EPA/Pass and second in both completion percentage allowed and pressure rate. The Texans' pass rush, led by Will Anderson Jr., poses a significant threat to a Chargers offensive line that remains in shambles with Jamaree Salyer (hamstring) ruled out. Given that Houston has allowed the fewest passing yards per game, Herbert may need to replicate his recent rushing success to salvage his fantasy floor. Despite his elite talent, the lack of protection and the opponent's lockdown secondary cap his ceiling in the championship round. He is a mid-range QB2 this week.
--Don FanelliSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
San Francisco starting quarterback
Brock Purdy tore up the Indianapolis Colts' defense on Monday Night Football to put a bow on Week 16, and now enters Week 17 ranking as a mid-tier QB1 in the final weekend for some fantasy managers in the fantasy playoffs. Week 16 was his best game of the season; he dominated in primetime, finishing with five touchdown passes and 295 yards, finishing as the QB1 in fantasy for the week. His rapport with all pass catchers,
Christian McCaffrey,
George Kittle (ankle), and
Jauan Jennings, was all on display. He even hit
Demarcus Robinson on a touchdown pass as well. Since his return from the toe injury in Week 11, Purdy has scored 17 or more fantasy points in four of his last five starts and has finished as the QB10 or better in three of those five. With another decent matchup on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, Purdy should be fired up into starting lineups confidently as we look forward to Week 17.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans kicker
Ka'imi Fairbairn continues to regularly deliver for the Texans and his fantasy owners, so he's a strong starting option kicking indoors on Saturday afternoon against the Chargers. The 31-year-old from Hawaii made all three of his field goals last week from 55, 50, and 49 yards and also knocked through all three of his extra points. He's 36-for-40 on field goal attempts this season and a perfect 24-for-24 on extra points. The Texans rely on their defense and usually take points whenever possible, leading to plenty of attempts for Fairbairn. He is the No. 6 K in RotoBaller's Week 17 rankings, so even though the game against the Chargers is expected to be lower-scoring, he remains a strong starter in standard-sized leagues this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
The Houston Texans D/ST has fueled the team's seven-game winning streak, and they'll go on the road this week in a critical matchup against the Chargers on Saturday afternoon. The Texans can clinch a playoff spot with a victory, and they had four sacks and four interceptions against
Justin Herbert when they faced him in last year's playoffs. Pass-rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter will look to continue their impressive seasons and continue to force turnovers. Last week, the DST had a touchdown, an interception, and three sacks against the Raiders. The Chargers have been a top-10 matchup for DSTs this season, and since they have a playoff spot wrapped up, they may be slightly less aggressive this week. Even on the road against a playoff team, the Texans DST still ranks as the No. 6 DST in RotoBaller's rankings, so start them with confidence on Saturday afternoon as they look to lock up a return to the postseason.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
According to the Jaguars' injury report,
Bhayshul Tuten (finger) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. Tuten did not play in the Jaguars' Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos due to this finger injury, and it was initially reported that he could miss multiple games, so it's encouraging to see him log consecutive limited practices, which should bode well for him suiting up Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Fantasy managers who are relying on Tuten's availability on Sunday will want to keep tabs on his Friday practice to see whether he will be available come Sunday. Once he returns, Tuten will likely resume his clear backup role to
Travis Etienne and won't be on the fantasy radar as anything better than a handcuff or a touchdown-dependent RB3. On the season, Tuten has 284 rushing yards (3.64 YPC) and four touchdowns. He's also contributed through the air with 79 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: https://www.jaguars.com/team/injury-report/
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz has been a consistent PPR producer for most of the season and has played his way up the rankings coming into his team's Saturday afternoon matchup with the Chargers. Schultz has 75 catches for 685 yards and three touchdowns this season and has found the end zone in each of the last two weeks against the Cardinals and Raiders. Schultz has at least five catches in three of his last four games and in 10 of his last 13. While his yardage totals are typically underwhelming, he gets plenty of looks in the Texans' current conservative play-calling. The Chargers are a below-average matchup for Schultz, but he still ranks as the No. 6 TE in RotoBaller's rankings, indicating he can be started with confidence in Week 17 in standard-sized leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (toe) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks, marking his sixth consecutive absence. Herro has yet to return to game action while recovering from the toe injury, with his next opportunity coming Saturday. With Herro sidelined, Miami's guard usage remains spread across the rotation, while frontcourt minutes have stayed elevated.
Kel'el Ware has averaged 17.0 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 26.6 minutes over his last five games and would remain in a larger role if
Bam Adebayo (back) is also unavailable.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Christian Kirk is coming off one of his best games of the season last week against the Raiders, as the veteran played his most snaps (39) since Week 9 and had his most targets (5) since Week 12. He'll have a tougher matchup this week against the Chargers on Saturday and is a high-risk play for fantasy purposes since his role is still extremely shaky. He finishes second on the team in receiving yards and tied for second in targets last week, though, so it's possible he'll continue to trend up as the Texans continue their playoff push. Since he only has 25 catches for 241 yards and a touchdown this season, Kirk is a high-risk option in this tough matchup in Los Angeles, and he's just the No. 67 WR in RotoBaller's rankings. He can be left on the bench or waiver wire in most leagues, but it is worth monitoring his involvement to see if last week's performance was a matchup-based outlier or the start of a trend.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Jayden Higgins has made good progress throughout his rookie season, climbing the depth chart and locking in as the team's top option across the field from
Nico Collins. However, he only has one catch in each of his last two games, so he'll be a long-shot play this week, when his team takes on the Chargers in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader. Higgins has scored four touchdowns this season and hauled in 37 catches for 414 yards. He is only the WR 56 in RotoBaller's rankings for this week, though, so his recent quiet games have dropped him out of consideration as a flex play in standard-sized leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Nico Collins has remained his team's clear go-to option at receiver this season, but he's only a fringe WR1 this week in a tough Saturday afternoon matchup against the Chargers. Collins has hauled in 68 of his 116 targets this season for 1,060 receiving yards and six touchdowns, and he has at least three catches in every game he has played this season. Last week against the Raiders, he had four catches for 59 scoreless yards, but he found the end zone twice in the previous week against the Cardinals. He's still
C.J. Stroud's favorite target both in the open field and near the goal line, so he always brings upside, even in tough, low-scoring games like is expected this week. The Chargers have only allowed eight WR touchdowns all season, but did give up two last week to the Cowboys. Collins is the No. 9 WR in RotoBaller's Week 17 rankings, so he should be started as a top option in most formats, even with slightly tempered expectations.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Miami Heat center
Bam Adebayo (back) is questionable for Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks as Miami opens a back-to-back set. His availability across both games remains unclear. If Adebayo is held out,
Kel'el Ware would likely absorb the majority of center minutes after averaging 17.0 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 26.6 minutes over his last five games.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has logged 32.9 minutes per game during that span, while
Simone Fontecchio's role would remain situational.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Nick Chubb has been a regular part of the team's running back rotation this season, but his role in Week 17 against the Chargers is a little murky.
Woody Marks is ready to return from an ankle injury after missing Week 16, and
Jawhar Jordan had a nice breakout while Marks was injured. With both Marks and Jordan in the mix this week, carries could be hard to come by for Chubb. He could still be utilized as a short-yardage specialist since he is an effective between-the-tackles option, but he doesn't have the explosiveness he showcased earlier in his career. He'll be a touchdown-dependent flex long shot this week in a tough matchup, and he's only the No. 53 RB in RotoBaller's rankings, making him best left on the bench or waiver wire if possible this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers guard
VJ Edgecombe (illness) is questionable for Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls after missing the team's most recent contest. Edgecombe has yet to return since being sidelined and remains a fluid pregame decision, with Philadelphia also monitoring
Quentin Grimes (illness), who is questionable, while
Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) remains out. If Edgecombe is held out again, guard and wing minutes would likely continue to consolidate around
Jared McCain, who logged 39 minutes and posted 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals last game.
Eric Gordon added 12 points in 17 minutes off the bench, while
Justin Edwards logged 20 minutes in a secondary wing role.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Jawhar Jordan has impressed the last two weeks, but he's high-risk this week since his role is uncertain as his team visits the Chargers on Saturday afternoon. The 26-year-old broke out in his NFL debut in Week 15, taking 15 carries for 101 yards against the Cardinals. He followed that up last week with 15 more carries but only for 53 yards, but he saved his fantasy day with five catches for 17 more yards. Both of those big games came after
Woody Marks (ankle) left with an injury, but Marks is ready to return this week. Jordan and
Nick Chubb will likely continue to mix in for the Texans, but Marks was the primary running back before his injury and will likely resume that role moving forward. The Chargers have been good against the run this season, and Jordan is only the No. 52 RB in RotoBaller's Week 17 rankings. He's a desperation play who should still be involved, but he's best left on your bench this week if possible.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
RADIO
