December 27, 2025
San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Brock Purdy has turned in four top-12 finishes in five games since returning from a six-week absence due to turf toe. Purdy stepped things up since the 49ers' Week 14 bye, putting up 295 passing yards in consecutive games and a total of eight touchdowns. Purdy has a great chance of keeping his hot streak alive in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears. The Bears have given up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks and are tied with two other teams for the third-most passing touchdowns allowed. Tight end
George Kittle (ankle) will be a game-time decision, but deep threat
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) is trending towards playing. Purdy projects as a QB1 given his recent track record and favorable matchup, making him a worthy starter in the fantasy championship round.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
December 27, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals running back
Chase Brown is coming off his best performance of the 2025 campaign. In the Week 16 win over the Miami Dolphins, he would finish with 66 yards off 12 attempts (5.5 YPC), adding four grabs for 43 yards. Even better, Brown found the end zone three times on the afternoon. With that in mind, the 25-year-old will look to keep things going in Week 17 against Arizona. The Bengals were already projected to be one of the highest-scoring teams on the slate. However, if more players get ruled out for the Cardinals defense, the Bengals offense might be even more potent. While Brown has been ceding carries to
Samaje Perine in the last few weeks or so, the 2023 No. 163 overall pick is certainly still a must-start in any fantasy setup, obviously.
--Dennis ClausenSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback
Joe Burrow looked awesome in the 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins. The signal-caller would finish that one by throwing for 309 yards and four touchdowns off 25-for-32 passing. After the stellar showing, he was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week. Without question, it's been another frustrating year for the organization. That is especially true for Burrow, who spent most of the season on the shelf because of a toe injury. While the Bengals aren't going to the postseason, the team will look to close out the 2025 campaign with wins, starting in Week 17 against Arizona. The Cardinals also aren't heading to the playoffs. Although there are plenty of things wrong in Arizona at the moment, improving the defense moving ahead should be a priority. With that in mind, Burrow has arguably the highest ceiling at the position in Week 17 versus a hobbled Cardinals defense.
--Dennis ClausenSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
New York Jets running back
Isaiah Davis cannot be trusted for fantasy in this weekend's home matchup with the New England Patriots, despite being more involved in the offense recently. Davis has seen his snap share rise modestly over the previous two games as the Jets transitioned to
Brady Cook under center. Correlatively, the 23-year-old has put together two of his better performances of the campaign, racking up 60-plus yards in each while seeing 17 total touches - his most in a two-game stretch since back before New York's Week 9 bye. It's an encouraging development for Davis, although he'll remain off owners' radars this weekend, particularly with a tough Patriots' rush defense on tap. New England has been an unfavorable spot for RBs, as they've allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to the position (19.24). With not much upside in a struggling Jets' attack, Davis ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB61 ahead of Week 17's outing.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
New York Jets wide receiver
Isaiah Williams has carved out a spot in 11 personnel in recent weeks, although he can't be relied upon for fantasy in Sunday's divisional clash with the New England Patriots. The Jets' WR room has been all over the place in 2025. Between the additions of
Adonai Mitchell and
John Metchie III, and the loss of
Garrett Wilson (knee), the corps has been in flux for most of the campaign. That said, Williams has recently settled into the WR3 role. Beginning in Week 14, the second-year pro saw his snap share tick up, and it's steadily done so each game since as he plays behind Mitchell and Metchie. In spite of a decent role, quarterback
Brady Cook's play hasn't been enough to inspire confidence in the Jets' skill players, lowering the offense's overall floor. Outside of a cheap DFS play or back-end dynasty bench stash, fantasy managers can avoid Williams for the time being, considering his ranking as RotoBaller's PPR WR85 for Week 17's contest.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
New York Jets wide receiver
John Metchie III is a dodgy fantasy option for Week 17's home outing with their division-rival New England Patriots. The Alabama product began his Jets' tenure, seemingly carving out a role as, at worst, a No. 2 option in the offense's pass attack. However, with the shift to quarterback
Brady Cook, Metchie has taken a backseat to teammate
Isaiah Williams in recent games. In Cook's two starts, Williams has picked up one more target (11), five more receptions (10), and has handily out-gained Metchie (78-29), all while playing fewer snaps (107-92). With the latter's production on the decline, fantasy managers can look elsewhere for PPR help, particularly against a stout New England pass defense. Metchie ranks as RotoBaller's WR59 in such formats for the season's penultimate week.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
New York Jets wide receiver
Adonai Mitchell will retain decent flex value for Sunday's meeting with a formidable New England Patriots' defense at MetLife Stadium. The Texas native has primarily operated as the team's WR1 since coming over via trade with the Indianapolis Colts. In six appearances, Mitchell has racked up at least six looks in each, although his output has been anything but consistent. Still, even with rookie signal-caller
Brady Cook under center, the wideout is worthy of a high-upside flex, despite a challenging outing against the Pats at home. Cook's inexperience undoubtedly caps Mitchell's ceiling. However, the latter has been the most likely Jets' skill player to hit pay dirt, picking up six red zone opportunities during his tenure - the most of any New York WR. While Mitchell's floor is low, his athleticism and big-play ability make him an enticing low-end asset in the fantasy playoffs. He'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR WR46 for Week 17's clash.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
New York Jets running back
Breece Hall lines up for another difficult outing in Week 17 when he takes on the division-rival New England Patriots at home. The fourth-year pro has boasted solid volume this season, albeit in an underwhelming Jets' attack. Despite appearing in each of New York's 15 games thus far, and absorbing a personal best 229 carries, Hall has accrued just four scrimmage touchdowns. If that figure holds, it'd be a career low and one fewer than he scored in seven games during his rookie campaign. As it stands, the 24-year-old's talent has not been enough to outweigh the inefficiencies of the offense consistently, and a stout New England defense slated for Sunday spells another potential subpar effort. Hall should still see a significant touch load this Sunday. That said, he's a riskier play than usual, with the added threat of backfield mate
Isaiah Davis now siphoning a greater share of the work in a challenging matchup. The Iowa State alum is RotoBaller's PPR RB27 for his meeting with New England.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
New York Jets quarterback
Brady Cook won't be on the fantasy radar in Week 17 when his team squares off with the New England Patriots at home. Cook has roughly three full games under his belt now and hasn't yet made a case to be considered for fantasy. Across the three appearances, the 24-year-old has completed a dismal 59.2% of his passes for 527 yards and a 1:6 TD:INT ratio. Unideally, he'll square off with a staunch Patriots' defense this Sunday that's been a top 12 unit against the pass (eleventh-fewest YPG) and against the rush (sixth-fewest YPG), further lowering his fantasy floor. Even in deep superflex/2QB formats, Cook won't be a recommended option, landing as RotoBaller's QB32 for this weekend's slate of action.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Emeka Egbuka has seemingly been phased out of the team's aerial attack in recent games, coinciding with their corps of pass-catchers getting back to health. The Ohio State product began the campaign red-hot, notching five touchdowns and two 100-plus-yard performances through the first five games of his pro career. Since then, he's scored just once while his catch percentage has waned significantly. Moreover, Egbuka's snap share has dipped considerably since Week 15, lining up with the return of teammates
Mike Evans and
Jalen McMillan. Despite the 23-year-old's talent, a Bucs' offense with all of its playmakers spells a shrinking role for the rookie, making him less sure of a thing for fantasy than he once appeared to be.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Audric Estime did not take over as the team's lead back in Sunday's 29-6 home win over the Jets, instead ceding significant work to tight end
Taysom Hill. With backfield mate
Devin Neal (hamstring) on IR, and veteran
Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) still dealing with injuries of his own, it was presumed that Estime would split touches on the ground with third-year pro
Evan Hull. That wasn't the case, though, as Hill's 12 carries were more than the above-mentioned duo's combined (10), while he also drew the third-most targets on the team (six). As long as the 35-year-old is in the picture, it would seem that Estime's path to fantasy relevance is blocked, leaving him best-suited as waiver-wire fodder for the time being.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
New York Giants running back
Devin Singletary's workload has fallen off following the team's Week 14 bye, as backfield mate
Tyrone Tracy Jr. has become the preferred rusher. Singletary had a nice run of fantasy production following the injury to teammate
Cam Skattebo (ankle), posting double-digit efforts thrice ahead of New York's week off. During that time, Singletary and Tracy roughly split snaps, with one leading the other on a given week. However, over the previous two contests, the latter has handily out-touched (36-18) and out-snapped (87-37) the veteran, while the former's role in the passing game has all but vanished. With Singletary falling out of favor, fantasy managers can turn elsewhere for help over the season's remaining weeks.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
Chicago Bears tight end
Colston Loveland has enjoyed a solid rookie season and responded admirably to increased responsibility despite his inexperience. Loveland was an afterthought in the Bears' offense during the early part of the campaign. However, following an injury to
Cole Kmet that forced the veteran to miss Week 8, the 21-year-old has yet to fall under a 59% snap share. Moreover, he's posted at least five targets in five straight appearances, while wide receivers
Rome Odunze (foot) and
Luther Burden III have dealt with their own respective issues. Considering Odunze has already been ruled out for Sunday's meeting with the 49ers, Loveland should again have a strong role in Chicago's passing game. With Burden back in the fold, Loveland's upside will be capped, but he's remained involved in the red area, boasting twice as many targets as Kmet (10) inside the 20-yard line.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
Arizona Cardinals kicker
Chad Ryland is coming off his best fantasy performance of the year. The 26-year-old went four for six with a made extra point attempt during Week 16's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. When the Cardinals' offense struggled to score touchdowns, Ryland stepped up to put points on the board. Ryland was able to show off his leg, making two 50-plus-yard field goals. Entering Week 17, Ryland and the Cardinals will face the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals' defense has struggled at times this year to stop offenses from moving the ball downfield. If the Cardinals' offense gets into a rhythm early, Ryland could find himself in field goal range quite consistently. Fantasy managers can insert Ryland into lineups as a viable streaming option in Week 17.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: RotoBaller
December 27, 2025
Arizona Cardinals tight end
Trey McBride is coming off his lowest fantasy performance of the season. McBride was unable to extend his NFL record for most consecutive games with at least five receptions, and it will end at 16 straight games. However, the 26-year-old remains the TE1 overall by a large amount and has outscored the TE2 by 83.4 PPR points this season. Entering Week 17, McBride is RotoBaller's No. 1 tight end across all formats in a positive matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals' defense has allowed the third-most receiving touchdowns and the sixth-most receiving yards this year. McBride could bounce back big on Sunday, and he remains a set-it-and-forget-it TE1 heading into Week 17.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: NFL.com
December 27, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals tight end
Mike Gesicki could be a sneaky stream for the remainder of the season, considering his decent involvement since quarterback
Joe Burrow's return to the lineup. The Penn State alum has enjoyed a few productive fantasy outings over the previous few weeks, notching a touchdown in two of three games. Furthermore, Gesicki has commanded at least four targets in all but one appearance since Week 12, while notching the most red zone opportunities of any Bengals' pass-catcher during that time frame (four). Favorably, the veteran will face an exploitable Cardinals' defense in Week 17 that's allowed fantasy tight ends to score the eighth-most points on a per-game basis (15.64). Additionally, Gesicki could be due for a slight uptick in snaps with teammate
Noah Fant (ankle) questionable for the outing.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 27, 2025
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) was listed as questionable on the final injury report for the Cardinals' Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Since Week 10, Harrison has been in and out of the lineup due to an appendectomy, a concussion, and a heel issue that has lingered. In his absence,
Trey McBride and
Michael Wilson have produced big numbers with
Jacoby Brissett under center. The numbers fantasy managers had hoped to see out of Harrison in his sophomore season. Entering Week 17, Harrison will face a struggling Bengals secondary that has given up the third-most receiving touchdowns and the sixth-most receiving yards. If Harrison can play on Sunday, he could finally produce fantasy numbers that managers have been waiting for in a positive matchup. Harrison should be viewed as a WR3 with upside that can be placed in flex spots as needed during fantasy championships.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: Josh Weinfuss
December 27, 2025
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Michael Wilson has begun to level out over the last two weeks after putting up video game numbers on the stat sheet earlier this season. Despite a dip in production, Wilson has still managed to put up reliable WR2 numbers in the fantasy football playoffs. The 25-year-old is RotoBaller's 14th-ranked wide receiver in Half-PPR formats ahead of a favorable Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals' secondary has allowed the third-most receiving touchdowns and the sixth-most receiving yards this season. In a dream matchup, Wilson has the opportunity to put up arcade numbers in fantasy football championships. Even with
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) questionable to play Sunday, Wilson can still be plugged into fantasy lineups as a WR2 with confidence.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: Josh Weinfuss
December 27, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Emari Demercado has been gradually reacclimated to the Cardinals' rushing attack after recovering from an ankle injury. In his two games back, Demercado has had six carries for 31 rushing yards and two catches for zero receiving yards. The 26-year-old has been heavily outsnapped and out-touched by fellow running back
Michael Carter since returning to action. Demercado and the Cardinals' offense will face a positive matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. The Bengals' defense has struggled to stop running backs on the ground and in the air this year. They have allowed the most fantasy points to running backs and have given up 25.9 fantasy points per game this season, according to Pro-Football-Reference. However, Demercado should be viewed as a deep league desperation option in Week 17 because he hasn't been a reliable fantasy option since his ankle injury.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: Pro-Football-Reference
December 26, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter has seen double-digit carries in back-to-back games for the first time this season. The 26-year-old finds himself as the Cardinals' RB1 after the team has lost fellow backs
James Conner (foot),
Trey Benson (knee), and
Bam Knight (ankle) to season-ending injuries. Carter enters Week 17 as RotoBaller's 23rd-ranked running back in Half-PRR formats with a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals' defense has struggled to stop running backs on the ground and in the air this year. They have allowed the most fantasy points to running backs and have given up 25.9 fantasy points per game this season, according to Pro-Football-Reference. Carter is an RB2 with upside that can be fired up as a flex option in fantasy championships in Week 17.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: Pro-Football-Reference
December 26, 2025
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Jacoby Brissett has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers in the 2025 season. Not only has he become a consistent streaming option, but he has managed to take the Cardinals' passing attack to the next level. The 33-year-old had his first misstep in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons, and finished outside of the Top-12 quarterbacks for the first time since becoming the Cardinals' starting quarterback in Week 6. Heading into Week 17, Brissett is RotoBaller's ninth-ranked quarterback in a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals' defense has allowed the third-most passing touchdowns and the sixth-most passing yards this season. In an expected high-scoring game on Sunday, there should be plenty of points to go around on the field and fantasy scoreboards for fantasy football championships. Brissett can comfortably be interested in lineups as a QB1 in Week 17.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: NFL.com
December 26, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles defense/special teams unit forced a turnover for the sixth straight game last week, and added on two sacks in a 29-18 victory. However, they will have one of their tallest tasks up against them on Sunday as they visit Buffalo. The Bills average 29.8 points per game, which is tied for the third-most in the league. They have also scored 35 or more points in four of their last nine contests. While Philly has shown out several times this year by stopping powerful offenses, this is an intimidating matchup while deep into the fantasy playoffs. The Eagles have a high floor, but there are more promising options this week at this position.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles kicker
Jake Elliott made all three of his extra points but missed both of his field goal attempts in his most recent performance against the Commanders. This week, Elliott is up against the Bills, who tote an average defense allowing 22.9 points per game to their opponents this season-15th-fewest in the league. This game is chock-full of offensive talent, but even if it does turn into a shootout, Elliott has lost a lot of trust. In the last five weeks he has missed six of his 23 attempts between field goals and extra points. For managers streaming kickers, there are safer options for Week 17.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold is a risky streaming option against a talented Carolina Panthers pass defense in Week 17. The Seahawks' passing game has been inconsistent in recent weeks, further adding to the risk factor for Darnold. Carolina is No. 8 against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. They have also forced 13 interceptions, which is good for No. 9 in the league. Darnold himself has thrown 13 interceptions this season. Seattle should be able to move the ball on the ground, and they may lean less heavily on Darnold and the passing game this week than in normal weeks. Darnold, of course, should continue his smooth connection with wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but a high enough passing output to merit a fantasy start may not be in the cards. Proceed with caution with Darnold in Week 17 if you have struggled with injuries at quarterback this year.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Dallas Goedert has now caught a touchdown in consecutive games for the first time since Weeks 5 and 6 after scoring against the Commanders. However, Goedert's usage fell back down to earth, finishing with just three catches for 32 yards on three targets. And this week, Goedert will have a steep uphill battle as he travels to Buffalo to take on the defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends this year. Hope was restored after back-to-back 70+-yard games for Goedert, but his most recent performance once again showed his inconsistency with catches and yardage. Unless managers believe in a late-season end zone resurgence continuing, it's probably best to set expectations low for Goedert. He's a mid-tier TE2 option this week.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver
Darius Cooper did not record any statistics in his most recent game against the Commanders after having receptions in his previous two contests. Cooper also saw his offensive snap count percentage drop to below 20% for the first time since Week 11. The first-year undrafted wideout has failed to explode onto the scene, but given the talent surrounding him it was always going to be an unrealistic expectation for him to have much of a contribution. He has not carved out a real role on this offensive unit yet, and is not suited for fantasy lineups for his Week 17 game against the Bills.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
DeVonta Smith (illness) does not carry an injury designation heading into the weekend. Smith snapped a five game scoreless streak last week against the Commanders, with his six receptions also being his most in an outing since Week 12. While the touchdown helped out his final stat line, the Philly wideout has still finished a game with more than 50 receiving yards just once in his last six performances. This Sunday, he'll line up against a tough Buffalo defense that has given up just 17 passing touchdowns this season-tied for fourth-fewest in the league. Smith does get a decent amount of looks though, averaging 7.4 targets per game in the last five weeks. Scoring in back-to-back weeks seems unlikely, so managers have to bank on Smith returning to mid-season form and upping his overall production. Consider him a low-end WR3/FLEX with an unfavorable matchup in Week 17.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown (teeth) does not carry an injury designation heading into the weekend. Brown's low-usage Week 15 looks more and more like a fluke, as he caught his stride once again with nine catches for 95 yards on 12 targets against the Commanders last week. His last six weeks have been his best stretch of the season, and fantasy managers that held out through his struggles must be rejoicing. However, as fantasy playoffs come to a close, Brown has the Bills to deal with. Buffalo allows the eighth-fewest fantasy points to WRs this season and has not let an opposing receiver record 100+ yards since
Drake London in Week 6. But, with the momentum Brown has had it feels foolish to doubt him now. Temper expectations in terms of yardage, but he should still have high upside in PPR leagues. He's a mid-tier WR2 in Week 17.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles running back
Tank Bigsby recorded 37 rushing yards and his first touchdown of the season on four carries against the Commanders last week. Bigsby broke free for a 22-yard score in the fourth quarter, and now averages an impressive 6.1 yards per attempt this year. However, with
Saquon Barkley healthy and ready to play, it seems as though any chance of Bigsby stepping into a notable role before season's end has faded away. With his low volume, it would be a massive gamble to start him in fantasy lineups as playoffs come to a close, even against a poor Buffalo run defense. It's best to leave Bigsby benched for Week 17.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles running back
Saquon Barkley last week recorded his second-most rushing yards in a game this season, torching the Commanders for 132 and a touchdown. Barkley has gotten hot lately, with 332 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 63 carries over the last three weeks. On Sunday, he may feast again versus a Buffalo defense that gives up 144.3 yards per game on the ground, which is the fourth-most in the NFL. The Bills have also allowed a league-leading 24 rushing touchdowns through 15 games. Given the sheer amount of volume Barkley has had recently and his 5.3 yards per carry since Week 14, he's primed for a huge day. While he's been relatively uninvolved in the passing game recently, having just two receptions over his last four outings, it shouldn't matter much this weekend. Barkley looks like himself again, and he's a mid-tier RB1 as fantasy playoffs near their end.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
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