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

January 3, 2026

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) is officially inactive ahead of Saturday's Week 18 matchup versus the Seattle Seahawks. Pearsall was questionable coming into this game, but will sit out due to an ankle sprain and a PCL injury. The absence of Pearsall should mean increased looks for Jauan Jennings and George Kittle. There's a chance that Demarcus Robinson and Kendrick Bourne see a larger target share, but they remain inconsistent options. Jennings and Kittle are the best DFS options with Pearsall sidelined for the regular season finale.--Andy Webb
Source: Jonathan Jones

January 3, 2026

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye put together his best performance of the season during last week's win over the New York Jets. Maye threw for 256 yards with five touchdowns and was pulled from the game in the middle of the third quarter. The 23-year-old likely won many fantasy managers championships with that performance, but he's not done yet. Maye heads into a favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. The Patriots are expected to play their starters as they still need to win for seeding purposes. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Patriots pull Maye again if it's a blowout, but he's too valuable to avoid for Week 18.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 3, 2026

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will play in the regular-season finale against the New York Giants on Sunday. It's unclear whether Prescott will play the entire game, given that neither team is playing for anything beyond draft position. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Cowboys let Joe Milton III play some to finish out the season. The Cowboys have little incentive for Prescott to play an entire game and risk injury. Given the uncertainty, fantasy managers might want to look elsewhere for quarterback help this weekend. If he plays the whole game, Prescott is an elite option, but the unknown makes him a risky choice.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 3, 2026

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner has picked up his play over the last few weeks. Barner has taken over as the primary tight end in this offense with Elijah Arroyo (knee) being sidelined since Week 15. Since then, Barner has hauled in 10 receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns. The 23-year-old has been making the most of his increased playing time. He should be able to offer at least high-end TE2 value for the upcoming Week 18 matchup versus the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks need to win to secure the No. 1 seed, so Barner should see a full workload.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 3, 2026

Colorado Avalanche left wing Joel Kiviranta (lower body) is not traveling with the team during a three-game road trip, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports. The Finnish veteran will miss a second consecutive game on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes. In 21 appearances this season, Kiviranta has recorded four points (one goal, three assists), 13 shots, and 30 hits. While he is an effective fourth-line grinder, Kiviranta doesn't provide any fantasy value. In his absence, Zakhar Bardakov will make a second straight appearance on Saturday. Bardakov is unlikely to contribute much, having tallied five points (one goal, four assists) in 26 games this season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Corey Masisak

January 3, 2026

Colorado Avalanche forward Gavin Brindley (lower body) won't be in the lineup on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports. The 21-year-old rookie sustained a lower-body injury on Wednesday versus the St. Louis Blues. Brindley has been quiet for most of the year, posting nine points (five goals, four assists) in 27 appearances. Taylor Makar will come into the lineup on Saturday, with Brindley joining Joel Kiviranta (lower body) on the sidelines. After three career NHL appearances, Makar is still looking for his first point.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Corey Masisak

January 3, 2026

Dallas Stars goaltender Casey DeSmith (personal) has taken a leave of absence and been placed on non-roster status. In a corresponding move, the Stars recalled Remi Poirier from the minors. DeSmith, who has posted a 9-2-4 record this season, left the team to address a family matter. While DeSmith has allowed four goals in back-to-back appearances, he has been a solid backup option for Dallas behind Jake Oettinger. The 34-year-old veteran boasts a 2.44 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage, and one shutout. Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan expects DeSmith to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 3, 2026

Boston Bruins winger Tanner Jeannot (undisclosed) will remain sidelined on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks, Jack Studley of Boston Hockey Now reports. The power forward is dealing with an undisclosed health issue and is considered day-to-day. Despite missing time, Jeannot continues to lead Boston with 113 hits. He has produced four goals and 11 assists in 38 games on the offensive end. Jeannot's next chance to return will be a meeting with the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday. In the meantime, Michael Eyssimont will continue to log minutes on the fourth line. Due to his limited role on the team, Eyssimont has not had fantasy value.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Jack Studley