December 18, 2025
Green Bay Packers running back
Josh Jacobs (knee) will not practice on Thursday, according to head coach Matt LaFleur. The Athletic's Matt Schneidman guesses that Jacobs will be listed as questionable on the final Week 16 injury report, but he will play on Saturday night against the division-rival Chicago Bears. Jacobs was also questionable with his nagging knee injury last week, but he managed to suit up in the Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos, where he handled 12 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown and added two receptions for 19 yards and another score as a receiver. Jacobs has not practiced all week, and it's clear that his knee is bothering him, but he plans to tough it out and play in a big divisional game this weekend in Chicago. Expecting 20-plus carries from Jacobs probably isn't wise, but as long as he's active, fantasy managers shouldn't be benching a RB who has 14 total touchdowns in 13 games in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
December 18, 2025
When asked about tight end
Harold Fannin Jr.'s involvement in the game plan during the team's 31-3 loss to the Bears, Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees gave the rookie a vote of confidence. "The
Harold Fannin well is a good one to go to," Rees replied when asked about the 21-year-old's spike in targets. In fact, Fannin accounted for a whopping 40% of quarterback
Shedeur Sanders' looks in their Week 15 defeat and has commanded at least 11 in consecutive contests. The third-round pick of April's draft has been on the field for at least 90% of Cleveland's offensive snaps across the past four weeks, and is on the rise with an elevated opportunity share since teammate
David Njoku (knee) went down with injury.
--Alex CiullaSource: Scott Petrak
December 18, 2025
Houston Texans second-year running back
Jawhar Jordan could have a significant workload for the second straight week this Sunday in an excellent matchup against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders with Houston's backfield beat up at the moment.
Nick Chubb (ribs) missed the Week 15 win over the Arizona Cardinals, and rookie
Woody Marks (ankle) was forced from Sunday's game and never returned. In his NFL debut against Arizona after Marks left, Jordan carried the ball 15 times for 101 yards and also caught two passes for 17 yards as the lead back over
Dare Ogunbowale. Chubb has returned to practice this week and Marks apparently could have gone back into Sunday's game if it wasn't a blowout, but it's unclear if either back will be available in Week 16. That puts the 26-year-old Jordan on standby for potential lead-back duties for the Texans if Chubb and Marks cannot go. Jordan is still only rostered in 7% of Yahoo leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
According to head coach Shane Steichen, the Indianapolis Colts are opening the 21-day practice window for third-year quarterback
Anthony Richardson Sr. (orbital). Richardson has been sidelined since fracturing his orbital bone before Indianapolis' Week 6 win against Arizona, reportedly due to an accident with a training band. While it's unclear if the team will have him practice ahead of Week 16's home matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, it's excellent news for his potential to return to the field, particularly if the Colts make a playoff run. With veteran
Philip Rivers in the picture, the 23-year-old is unlikely to garner another chance at starting under center for the team in 2025. That said, fantasy managers should still stash him in dynasty formats.
--Alex CiullaSource: Adam Schefter
December 18, 2025
Despite having to deal with a new quarterback in Week 16, Miami Dolphins tight end
Darren Waller (knee, rest) is expected to maintain a critical role in the team's passing game when they line up with the Cincinnati Bengals at home. The 33-year-old is fresh off his best outing of the campaign, hauling in a season-high seven passes and two more touchdowns, giving him six scores in seven appearances. Unfortunately for Waller, any rapport he'd built up with quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa won't translate when rookie signal-caller
Quinn Ewers takes the field for his first NFL start. With the current state of Miami's offense, there's little reason to believe the veteran's role would shrink, although it's fair to expect diminished production. Favorably, Cincinnati's defense has allowed the most fantasy points per game to TEs (22.66), leaving Waller as a back-end TE1 for the outing.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 18, 2025
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz has quietly had a solid season for the team, and figures to be productive again in Week 16's home matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Schultz is coming off one of his better games of the season last Sunday (8/76/1). Despite just two trips to pay dirt in 2025, the Stanford alum has not been short of opportunity. Since Week 3, Schultz has had at least six targets in all but three appearances, and eight or more in six of his last nine. Additionally, he leads Houston in receptions (70) and is well on his way to surpassing his personal best in that category (78). While the veteran doesn't offer much in the way of YAC, he's been a reliable target for quarterback
C.J. Stroud and should continue to work as the second option in the passing game behind wide receiver
Nico Collins. For what it's worth, Las Vegas has been tough against tight ends, but Schultz should be involved enough to matter for fantasy.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 18, 2025
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) is expected to miss this Saturday night's clash with the visiting Green Bay Packers. Odunze has been shelved for a few weeks now. Unfortunately, he was scheduled to suit up for the Week 15 win against the Browns, but he aggravated his stress fracture during pre-game warmups and seems to be trending toward being inactive again, considering he's yet to log even a limited practice session since. It's an unideal situation for the Bears' offense, particularly with rookie
Luther Burden III (ankle) also in danger of missing with an injury of his own. As it stands,
DJ Moore,
Olamide Zaccheaus,
Devin Duvernay, and
Jahdae Walker are the only wideouts heading into this weekend sans a designation.
--Alex CiullaSource: Ian Rapoport
December 18, 2025
Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula plans to enter the transfer portal, according to On3's Pete Nakos. The former Penn State transfer arrived in Columbia after Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar announced his return to State College for another season. Pribula played in 10 games for Eli Drinkwitz, posting 2,238 total yards, 17 total touchdowns, and nine interceptions. A lower-body injury caused him to miss two games. The Pennsylvania native started his Missouri career hot before tailing off in conference play, but his dual-threat skill set and experience should make him an attractive target for a program in need of a veteran signal-caller. Rising sophomore Matt Zollers, who threw for 402 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman, could be in line the be the Tigers' starting quarterback in 2026.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3 on X
December 18, 2025
Green Bay Packers running back
Josh Jacobs (knee) is expected to play in Week 16, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jacobs has been fighting through a knee injury since Week 11, when he slammed his knee onto the turf against the New York Giants. While he may be fighting through an injury, his production hasn't changed, putting up 92 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 14 attempts against the strong Denver Broncos defense. He faces the Chicago Bears in Week 16, who have been middle-of-the-pack against the run this season. While Jacobs will likely be limited in practice this week, he should be able to play and be an RB1 for fantasy managers this week.
--Nathan HarveySource: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
December 18, 2025
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Rashid Shaheed had the most productive game of his Seahawks career in Week 15, hauling in five of seven targets for 74 yards in the 18-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Shaheed was traded from the New Orleans Saints to the Seahawks at the trade deadline, but hasn't quite seen his former production until recent weeks. In Week 14, Shaheed had 67 yards and a huge kick return for a touchdown that changed the game against the Atlanta Falcons, and his best receiving output in Week 15. Shaheed faces the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16, which should be one of the biggest games of the regular season in 2025. The Rams have allowed he fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, so watch for Shaheed to make an impact on this game.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans exploded in his first game back from injury, hauling in six of 12 targets for 132 yards in the 29-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Against the defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to outside receivers this season, Evans took advantage, putting up his best stat line of the 2025 season. While his 1,000-yard streak is likely to come to an end this season, that doesn't mean he can't win fantasy managers' championships. Despite being limited to just 51% of the snaps in Week 15, Evans produced as the WR1 in this offense. He faces a Carolina Panthers defense in Week 16, which he has decimated in recent seasons. Evans has tallied over 90 receiving yards in eight of his last ten games against Carolina and has scored 10 touchdowns during that span. The Buccaneers are in must-win mode, so expect Evans to play a ton this week and beyond.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (hip) was a full participant in both Tuesday's and Wednesday's practice sessions and is expected to return in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Rodriguez missed Week 15's game against the New York Giants with a hip injury but was reportedly close to playing last week. Even if the third-year back is fully healthy entering Week 16, rookie
Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a big game on the ground in Week 15 and may have cut into Rodriguez's workload. Rodriguez has played only 30% of the snaps this season, and with Washington's offensive struggles with quarterback
Jayden Daniels, it's hard to trust any back on this team. Assuming he's good to go for their divisional showdown against the Eagles, Rodriguez offers low-end FLEX value in Week 16.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Evan Hull could see an expanded workload this week when the Saints host the New York Jets. In three games with the Saints this season, Hull has only had 10 carries for 31 yards, while adding one reception for six yards. However, with
Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) still not practicing and rookie
Devin Neal (hamstring) already ruled out for Week 16, Hull has a chance to play a significant role this week. After Neal left the game in Week 15, both Hull and second-year back
Audric Estime carried the backfield, with Estime playing 39% of the snaps while Hull played 31%. Even if it's a committee in New Orleans, they face a Jets defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season. Both backs carry fantasy value this week and are worth monitoring heading into Week 16.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
With the Los Angeles Rams unlikely to have receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) available on Thursday night against the Seattle Seahawks, tight end
Colby Parkinson is emerging as an increasingly important pass catcher for one of the NFL's top offenses. Under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams haven't exactly been renowned for their favoritism of tight ends. Lately, however, Parkinson's production has been unavoidable. In the six weeks since
Tyler Higbee (ankle) sustained an injury, the veteran tight end has finished among the top 15 among PPR tight ends five times, including two games in the top five. After a monster Week 15 in which he caught two touchdowns in a win against Detroit, Parkinson is a viable option in all formats in a massive game against Seattle.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho posted a game-high three points in Wednesday's 4-1 victory against the Nashville Predators. He did all of the scoring in the third period, helping Carolina turn a tight road game into a comfortable victory. Aho netted two goals and delivered one assist. With his 21st career multi-point period, Aho passed Ron Francis (20) for the second most in franchise history. Only Eric Staal (25) has managed more. The Finnish star badly needed this one, as Aho was stuck on a five-game point drought before Wednesday's contest. It was his worst run without any points since March 2023. Overall, Aho can be fairly happy with his campaign, tallying 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 33 contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 18, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Troy Franklin was one of the biggest surprises of Week 15, going for six catches, 85 yards, and a touchdown in a victory against Green Bay, though changes could be coming. Franklin's increase in targets was correlated to the absence of fellow wide receiver
Pat Bryant (hamstring), who was unavailable last week but practiced in full on Wednesday and looks likely to return for Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Franklin is a top-30 PPR receiver on the season, but he's been a boom-or-bust player throughout. He has three top-10 finishes among receivers, but five outside the top 50. Against a Jags' defense that ranks 20th against fantasy receivers, Franklin has a quality matchup, but remains a volatile option prone to big swings in production.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer recorded his third shutout of the season on Wednesday night, stopping the Winnipeg Jets from scoring with 24 saves in a 1-0 win. Hofer became the fifth goalie this season with as many as three shutouts. Minnesota's Jesper Wallstedt is the only one with four. While Hofer has impressed at times, he still holds a disappointing 6-7-2 record. The 25-year-old has allowed 2.97 goals with a .896 save percentage. St. Louis averages the second-fewest goals in the league, making it tough for the team's goalies to please fantasy managers. Jordan Binnington, who is 7-8-5 for the year, will take over the crease for Thursday's matchup against the New York Rangers.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 18, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jordan Martinook (lower body) played only 5:44 in Wednesday's 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, exiting the action during the second period due to a lower-body injury. Martinook leads all Hurricanes forwards with 56 hits in 33 games and has chipped in with four goals and seven assists on the offensive end. Jesperi Kotkaniemi is expected to come into the lineup if Martinook is unavailable for this weekend's back-to-back against Florida and Tampa Bay. Kotkaniemi's fantasy value is at an all-time low, as he has managed only five points (two goals, three assists) in 17 appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 18, 2025
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department charged
Samson Nacua, the brother of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Puka Nacua, with taking a vehicle belonging to L.A. Lakers forward Adou Thiero without the latter's consent, according to NBC4 in Los Angeles. Police allege that Samson Nacua and another man took Thiero's SUV, which police tracked to a hotel in West Hollywood, where surveillance footage showed the duo had valeted the vehicle and entered the premises. Authorities arrested both men, who remain jailed and face charges relating to the theft. According to the station, police are unsure where the SUV was originally stolen.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: NBC4 Los Angeles
December 18, 2025
Nashville Predators right wing Jonathan Marchessault (lower body) logged only 5:27 of ice time in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. He was forced to leave the game early due to a lower-body injury. Marchessault's season in Music City has been a nightmare, and a significant injury would only add to his frustrations. The three-time 30-goal scorer has lit the lamp only seven times in 28 outings, adding three assists. His minus-18 rating is tied for the third-worst mark in the league. Rookie Reid Schaefer could get an opportunity to impress in a larger role if Marchessault misses time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 18, 2025
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon gave running back
Michael Carter a vote of confidence on Wednesday, saying that the team was "very comfortable" with Carter serving as the team's top option out of the backfield as the team prepares for a Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Gannon's comments have merit, as the fifth-year back played a commanding 80% of the team's offensive snaps a week ago. Injuries have absolutely ravaged the Arizona backfield in 2025, as
James Conner (ankle),
Trey Benson (knee), and now
Bam Knight (ankle) are all out for the remainder of the season. While Arizona is out of the playoff picture, Carter will be a hot commodity who could be a valuable lineup option with favorable matchups against Atlanta in Week 16 and Cincinnati in Week 17.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Arizona Cardinals
December 18, 2025
Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues (lower body) had a limited role in Wednesday's win over the Los Angeles Kings after he was hurt early in the game. He exited the action in the first period after taking a hit along the boards on a clearing attempt. Rodrigues returned to the contest for the second period, but he missed the final 5:16 of the third frame, finishing with barely 12 minutes of ice time. He doesn't appear to be dealing with anything serious. "We don't think it's too significant," Panthers head coach Maurice said postgame. On Wednesday, Rodrigues finished scoreless for the sixth time in nine December outings. He has totaled eight goals and 16 points in 33 games for the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 18, 2025
Though this has been an undoubtedly frustrating season for
Brian Thomas Jr., the Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver is coming off back-to-back solid performances as his team has ascended to the top of the AFC South. The second-year player, ranked as the No. 44 overall PPR receiver, is certainly in the conversation for the biggest fantasy disappointment of the season relative to draft position. However, managers who weathered modest outputs and an injury may have a light at the end of the tunnel, as Thomas has looked more like his rookie self with 13 targets, 7 catches, 153 yards, and a touchdown during the past two weeks. The Jags have a tough Week 16 matchup against a Denver Broncos defense that ranks ninth against PPR receivers, but Jacksonville and quarterback
Trevor Lawrence are on such a hot streak that Thomas should carry WR3/flex consideration for managers deep in the playoffs.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
Ottawa Senators center Lars Eller (foot) will be sidelined for at least three more weeks, head coach Travis Green said on Wednesday. Green revealed that Eller broke his foot against the Columbus Blue Jackets a week ago. Eller recently saw time on the second line, but even that didn't get him going for this season. The Danish veteran has managed just two goals and four assists across 28 games. In his absence, Stephen Halliday has filled in for the past two outings, but he doesn't carry any fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 18, 2025
Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (upper body) has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He remains on Injured Reserve with an upper-body problem. Chabot last played on Nov. 22, and he could soon be available to re-enter the lineup, as the 28-year-old returned to practice on Wednesday. The injury has disrupted a superb campaign for Chabot, who amassed 10 points (two goals, eight assists), 22 shots, and 36 blocks in 18 outings with a plus-five rating when he was healthy. Nikolas Matinpalo has played regularly during Chabot's absence, but his production hasn't been anywhere near the same level.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 18, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers guard
Jrue Holiday (calf) won't be in the lineup on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings. He has been out of action since mid-November due to a right calf strain, and his return doesn't appear to be near. With
Scoot Henderson (hamstring),
Matisse Thybulle (thumb), and
Blake Wesley (foot) also out of commission,
Sidy Cissoko,
Rayan Rupert, and
Caleb Love have held roles in the rotation. However, the trio has been underwhelming.
Deni Avdija has taken on more playmaking duties without Holiday and will look to continue his superb campaign on Thursday night. There could be many standout fantasy lines in this matchup, as both teams are ranked inside the top 10 in pace.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 18, 2025
Washington Wizards forward
Khris Middleton (knee) will miss a fourth consecutive game on Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs. The veteran is nursing a right knee contusion, giving up his spot in the starting unit to
Justin Champagnie. Middleton's absence has coincided with
Bilal Coulibaly's (oblique) injury layoff. The latter will return to action on Thursday, potentially pushing Champagnie out of the starting lineup. However, even as a starter, Champagnie hasn't provided much fantasy production, averaging 8.7 points and 6.4 rebounds. Middleton is likely to miss at least one more game this week, as Washington starts a back-to-back set on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 18, 2025
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (oblique) is not on the injury report for Thursday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, indicating that he is ready to return from a four-game absence. An oblique strain has limited Coulibaly to only two appearances this month. He has also faced other health issues, making only 12 appearances in 2025-26. The 21-year-old Frenchman is averaging 6.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 27.2 minutes per game. Coulibaly has struggled to make an impact on the offensive end due to his low shooting efficiency of 37.4 percent. With Coulibaly back in the mix,
Bub Carrington or
Justin Champagnie will likely be bumped to the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 18, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard
Collin Sexton (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks, missing a fifth consecutive game. Sexton strained his left quadriceps earlier this month. He has been mainly used as a spark plug off the bench this season, averaging 15.5 points and 4.2 assists in 25.2 minutes.
Tre Mann (knee) is also out on Thursday, while
LaMelo Ball (ankle) is considered questionable. In this situation, players like
Sion James and
KJ Simpson could be fantasy options in a good matchup against a fast-paced team with a mediocre defense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 18, 2025
Houston Rockets forward
Tari Eason (oblique) is listed as questionable for Thursday's meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans. He has carried the questionable tag for a while, but Eason has struggled to shake off a right oblique strain, missing more than a month of action. If Eason remains out on Thursday,
Jabari Smith Jr. could be in for another night of 40-plus minutes of work. He has played at least 40 minutes twice in the past three games.
Josh Okogie also gets extra shifts in the rotation due to Eason's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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