December 22, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Jawhar Jordan broke through with a huge NFL debut last week, and he built on that performance in Week 16 against the Raiders. Jordan was the primary back for Houston with
Woody Marks (ankle) out, getting 20 touches compared to just seven for veteran
Nick Chubb. Jordan racked up 53 rushing yards on 15 carries and 17 receiving yards by turning all five of his targets into receptions. After two solid performances, Jordan could remain involved in the backfield again next week as the Texans take on the Chargers, but his role will depend on Marks' recovery. If Marks does return, Jordan could still get work, but his role would likely be dramatically reduced. He's worth watching, though, since he has been more effective than Chubb and could remain the team's secondary running back after a pair of promising performances.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Nico Collins only had four catches for 59 yards on Sunday against the Raiders, but his team did just enough to still pull out a 23-21 win to extend their winning streak to seven games. Collins was targeted a team-high nine times by
C.J. Stroud and drew two key pass interference calls late while also catching a 24-yard pass at the two-minute warning that iced the game. He remains the Texans' go-to option and should be poised to bounce back with better totals next week when Houston's offense will have to be more aggressive against the Chargers.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Nick Chubb (ribs) was able to play through his questionable tag on Sunday, but his fellow running back
Woody Marks (ankle) was ruled out. Even without Marks, though, Chubb's workload was limited as
Jawhar Jordan led the way with 15 carries for 53 yards, while Chubb had six carries for 33 yards and one catch for nine more yards. He remains involved as an early-down option and could get work around the goal line, but he doesn't seem likely to be the featured running back at this point in his career. If Marks is ready to return next week against the Chargers, Chubb could get even less work with Jordan and Marks each looking more effective and explosive than the veteran.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz caught all five of his targets on Sunday against the Raiders, racking up 35 yards and a touchdown in his team's narrow, 23-21 victory. Schultz's touchdown came on a one-yard pass from
C.J. Stroud midway through the fourth quarter and was the only offensive score of the day from the Texans, who struggled to get much going on offense, settling for three long
Ka'imi Fairbairn kicks and a defensive score before Schultz got to paydirt. Schultz continues to be a PPR producer as one of the top targets in the Texans' passing game. He doesn't typically get a ton of yards, but his catches and targets are consistent enough to give him a high floor and decent ceiling.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Miami Dolphins running back
Jaylen Wright scored his second touchdown of the season in the last five minutes of the team's 42-21 loss to the Bengals. After breaking out with a monster game in Week 14 against the Jets, he only had one carry and one target last week against the Steelers, but he was more involved on Sunday against Cincy. He finished with nine carries for 35 yards and one catch for 18 yards to go with his touchdown, while fellow backup
Ollie Gordon II only had one carry for -1 yards. Wright seems to be the better option behind
De'Von Achane at this point, but Achane will likely handle most of the work next week against the Bucs, with Wright mixing in a few times as a change-of-pace option.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Darren Waller didn't find the end zone in Week 16 against the Bengals, but he did still haul in three catches for 40 yards and rank second on the team in targets with five passes thrown his way. Rookie QB
Quinn Ewers started and threw for 260 yards and no touchdowns in the team's loss, but he likely showed enough potential to earn another start next week against Tampa Bay. Waller will likely remain the second option in the passing game behind
Jaylen Waddle, and he has shown enough upside this season to be a fringe starting option in standard leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Malik Washington was only targeted once in the Dolphins' loss to the Bengals on Sunday, but he had a decent fantasy day since he caught that target for 23 yards and added a nine-yard touchdown play in the first half. The second-year receiver out of Virginia has only had a single target in back-to-back weeks and doesn't seem to have an especially strong connection with new starter
Quinn Ewers. He has play-making upside when he gets involved, as he showed with his touchdown run, but his involvement has been very limited, leaving him as a risky fantasy option the rest of the season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Miami Dolphins quarterback
Quinn Ewers finished with 260 passing yards, two interceptions, and no touchdowns in his first NFL start on Sunday against the Bengals. The seventh-round pick out of Texas started strong, completing 10 of 12 passes in the first half and leading two scoring drives in the first half. In the second half, though, the Dolphins fell apart and allowed 28 unanswered points, while Ewers threw a pair of interceptions. He is still in search of his first NFL touchdown, but he's expected to get another start in Week 17 when the Dolphins host the Buccaneers. The Dolphins seem ready to move on from
Tua Tagovailoa, so Ewers will likely get an extended audition the rest of the season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback
Trevor Lawrence posted another huge performance in his team's Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos, completing 23 of 36 pass attempts for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The 26-year-old also recorded 20 rushing yards and a touchdown on six attempts. Lawrence has arguably played the best football of his career in recent weeks. Over his last four games, he's thrown for 1,096 yards, 12 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Lawrence has also rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns on 18 attempts over that same four-game stretch. With the way he's currently playing, Lawrence looks like one of the NFL's best dual-threat quarterbacks. He profiles as a solid fantasy QB1 heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson (back) is questionable to return to his team's Week 16 matchup against the New England Patriots due to a back injury, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jackson completed seven of 10 pass attempts for 101 yards before exiting the game late in the first half. If Jackson is unable to return,
Tyler Huntley would likely finish Week 16 at quarterback for Baltimore. Across three games (one start) this season entering Week 16, Huntley has completed 27 of 37 pass attempts for 254 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He's also rushed for 89 yards on 14 attempts. The severity of Jackson's injury is currently unclear, but his absence is obviously a massive blow for the Ravens' offense.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
December 21, 2025
Atlanta Falcons running back
Bijan Robinson dominated the Arizona Cardinals in his team's 26-19 Week 16 win. The 23-year-old recorded 16 carries for 76 yards and hauled in seven receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets. Across 15 games this season, Robinson has now recorded 2,026 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns on 321 touches. Robinson has racked up at least 107 scrimmage yards in five out of his last six games and has logged at least 88 scrimmage yards in every game but one in 2025. He may be the NFL's premier all-around back and is currently on pace to finish the season with just a shade under 2,300 yards from scrimmage. Robinson profiles as a must-start fantasy back heading into the team's Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans hauled in five catches for 31 yards and a touchdown on nine targets in his team's Week 16 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Evans has now hauled in 11 receptions for 163 yards across two games since returning from a collarbone injury that sidelined him from Week 8 through Week 14. While injuries have held down the 32-year-old's season-long numbers in 2025, he remains an effective player when he's on the field. Across six games this season, Evans has recorded 25 catches for 303 yards and two touchdowns on 53 targets. He looks like the clear-cut number one option in the passing game for Tampa Bay down the stretch of the season, as Buccaneers quarterback
Baker Mayfield has targeted Evans on 35% of his pass attempts for the last two weeks. Tampa Bay will travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said quarterback
Malik Willis (shoulder) is "pretty sore" as a result of the shoulder injury he suffered during Green Bay's Week 16 loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday night. Willis replaced Packers QB1
Jordan Love (concussion) after Love suffered a concussion that knocked him out of the game in the second quarter. Willis was able to finish the game, but it appears he's battling an injury that may put his status for the team's Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in doubt. Across 10 games (two starts) with the Packers since the start of the 2024 season, Willis has completed 76.5% of his pass attempts for 684 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He's also rushed for 201 yards and a score on 33 attempts. If neither Willis nor Love can play in Week 17, the Packers would likely be forced to elevate quarterback
Clayton Tune from the practice squad to make the start against Baltimore.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Rob Demovsky
December 21, 2025
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said quarterback
Jordan Love (concussion) is still in the NFL's concussion protocol, which is a "process that takes multiple days to get through." Love was forced to exit early from Green Bay's Week 16 loss to the Chicago Bears after suffering a concussion, and his availability for the team's Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens will remain up in the air until he can clear the protocol. Across 15 games this season, the 27-year-old has completed 66.3% of his pass attempts for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Love was replaced in Week 16 by quarterback
Malik Willis (shoulder), who is dealing with a shoulder injury of his own. If neither Love nor Willis is available for Week 17, Green Bay would likely elevate quarterback
Clayton Tune from the practice squad to the active roster.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Rob Demovsky
December 21, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (illness) is probable heading into Monday's matchup with Charlotte. He didn't suit up for Friday's loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Tyrese Proctor ended up taking his place in the rotation, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal. If Mitchell suffers a setback, Proctor would presumably remain in the starting lineup, although that could change if
Sam Merrill (hand), who is also probable, can return after missing the last 14 games.
Darius Garland, coming off a 35-point effort, should also continue to see an uptick in scoring opportunities if Mitchell can't get back on the floor, even more so since the Hornets are one of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 21, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver
Tre Tucker tallied four receptions and 43 yards off his five targets during Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 16. Interestingly, Tucker also logged two rushing attempts for 11 yards, demonstrating intent to get the third-year receiver more involved in the offense. Tucker still has not seen the end zone since Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys, but getting five targets was his most involvement in the passing game since Week 7. The Las Vegas Raiders will face the New York Giants at home in Week 17, whose defense is a top-five matchup for wide receivers on the season. Also, veteran wide receiver
Tyler Lockett (wrist) left the Week 16 game early with an apparent wrist injury. If he misses Week 17, Tucker and rookie wide receiver
Jack Bech should be the primary beneficiaries of his absence. Despite Tucker's uptick in touches in Week 16, he is still an unreliable start outside deep leagues for the fantasy championships against the New York Giants.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
The Boston Red Sox are acquiring first baseman
Willson Contreras in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. In return, the Cardinals will receive right-hander
Hunter Dobbins along with right-handed pitching prospects Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita. According to Passan, the Red Sox will be responsible for $33.5 million of the $41.5 owed to Contreras. Boston had previously pursued
Pete Alonso and was rumored to be in on a few other sluggers, but the club now appears to have found its first baseman. Contreras is coming off a season in which he hit 20 home runs while slashing .257/.344/.447 across 563 plate appearances. With the Cardinals in the middle of a rebuild, the organization did not view Contreras as part of its long-term future. The 33-year-old former catcher is expected to take over for
Triston Casas at first base, who struggled to a .580 OPS in 112 plate appearances last season. Casas is often hurt and has missed significant time over the years. Overall, this move is a net positive for Contreras' fantasy value, as he joins a more potent offensive lineup in a substantially better hitting environment.
--Marty TallmanSource: Jeff Passan
December 21, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback
Geno Smith (shoulder, back) returned to the field in Week 16, completing 16 of his 23 pass attempts for 201 yards for two touchdowns and one interception in a 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans. However, his interception early in the first quarter was costly, as the stalwart Texans defense returned it for a touchdown of their own. The 35-year-old quarterback spread the ball around to his pass catchers and kept his team competitive against the heavily favored Houston squad. Smith did end up taking three sacks, but this was his fewest since Week 9. The Raiders take on the New York Giants at home in Week 17, which is a top-five matchup for quarterbacks. The veteran play caller remains viable in 2QB or Superflex leagues in need of a starter, given this favorable matchup.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan led the team in receiving in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, snagging six of 10 targets for 73 yards and a touchdown. The rookie first-rounder bounced back after three straight games with two catches or fewer. His 10 targets were his most in a game since his season-best performance in Week 11 against the Falcons, where he caught eight of 12 targets for 130 yards and two scores. The Panthers' WR1 continues to build his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has 65 receptions for 924 yards and seven touchdowns on 112 targets while playing all 15 games. McMillan will face a good test next week against the vaunted Seattle Seahawks defense.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (ankle) is active for the Sunday night contest against the New England Patriots. Hamilton was a late addition to the injury report after hurting his ankle in practice this week. He got in a limited practice session on Friday, and it appears he's feeling well enough to play on Sunday. This is excellent news for the Ravens' defense as Hamilton has been a star for them. He has 87 tackles, seven passes defended, and one sack heading into this Week 16 contest.
--Andy WebbSource: Ian Rapoport
December 21, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders tight end
Brock Bowers brought in all five of his targets for 33 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Houston Texans. The tight end started the afternoon off strong and had a touchdown early in the second quarter, but then mainly fell quiet for the rest of the game. Still, Bowers was able to bounce back from his disappointing Week 15 performance and post 14.3 PPR fantasy points, which is close to his season-long average. Bowers and the Raiders face the New York Giants at home in Week 17, which is a bottom-10 matchup for tight ends. Nonetheless, Bowers is a TE1, and fantasy managers should continue to have him in their lineups.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Tee Higgins hauled in all three of his targets for 53 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins. Higgins earned his fewest targets in a game since Week 8, but has now scored eight touchdowns in the past seven games. The 26-year-old wideout has put together a fantastic season, totalling 49 catches (84 targets) for 720 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games. His 10 touchdowns have matched a career high with two games remaining. He'll project favorably again for another potential shootout next week against the Arizona Cardinals.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
New York Jets running back
Isaiah Davis made the most out of his increased playing time on Sunday. Davis has seen more involvement down the stretch of the season and is taking full advantage of it. On Sunday, Davis rushed the ball three times for eight yards, while hauling in all four of his targets for 52 yards in the loss to the New Orleans Saints. These are promising numbers from Davis, who has been a non-factor throughout most of the season. The 23-year-old remains behind
Breece Hall in the pecking order, so his fantasy value outlook isn't great. Davis won't be a recommended starting option for the difficult matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 17.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Pat Bryant (undisclosed) was involved in a scary play during Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bryant took a massive hit over the middle during the final minute of the contest. He remained on the field and was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher. The nature of the injury is unclear at the moment, but fantasy managers should get more updates on his status soon. He hauled in five of his eight targets for 42 yards in the loss. As already mentioned, Bryant's injury is unknown, but his status is up in the air for the Christmas matchup versus the Kansas City Chiefs next week.
--Andy WebbSource: Zac Stevens
December 21, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback
Cameron Ward completed 21 of 28 passes for two touchdowns to go with four carries for nine yards as a runner in Sunday's 26-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Ward has now thrown two touchdowns in three consecutive games and has accounted for two total touchdowns in four of the past five outings. The No. 1 overall pick had zero such games over the first 10 weeks of the season. Sunday's performance was also his highest completion percentage (75%), yards per attempt (8.1), and passer rating (122.3) in a game this season. He'll draw a tougher matchup next week against the New Orleans Saints and will profile as a QB2 in superflex leagues.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back
Ashton Jeanty once again dominated the Raiders' backfield, turning his 24 rushing attempts into 128 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans. The electric rookie also had a 60-yard touchdown reception, putting up 31.8 PPR fantasy points for managers brave enough to start him against the stout Texans defense. This is Jeanty's second 100-yard rushing game this season, and he almost certainly will keep his bell cow role as the season comes to a close in two weeks. The Las Vegas Raiders will host the New York Giants in Week 17, whose defense is a top-three matchup for opposing running backs. Fantasy managers should feel confident in starting Jeanty in Week 17 in all formats.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tyjae Spears was heavily involved in the offensive game plan on Sunday’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Spears has been quiet lately, but made a splash against Kansas City on Sunday. Spears carried the ball a season-high 13 times for 52 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in all five of his targets for 53 additional yards through the air. This was by far Spears' best performance of the season to date. Sadly, his fantasy value is inconsistent with
Tony Pollard in the mix as well. Pollard carried the ball 21 times during Sunday's win. Spears figures to go back to being mainly the receiving back for next week's contest versus the New Orleans Saints.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tony Pollard handled 21 carries for 102 yards in Sunday's 26-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Pollard continues his strong stretch of production and has now rushed for at least 100 yards in three consecutive games for the first time in his career. It still resulted in a relatively empty fantasy line as the 28-year-old didn't find the end zone, and he didn't catch a pass for just the third time this season.
Tyjae Spears also saw more usage than usual, recording a season high 18 touches for 105 total yards and a rushing touchdown. Pollard has been one of the best runners in the league recently and will look to keep rolling in next week's matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 21, 2025
New Orleans Saints quarterback
Tyler Shough hit a milestone during Sunday's Week 16 matchup with the New York Jets. The second-round rookie has been impressive since taking over under center, and his success continued on Sunday. Shough completed 32-of-49 passing attempts for a career-high 308 yards and a touchdown in the win. He added eight rushing yards on two attempts. The Saints have a banged-up offense right now, but that hasn't stopped Shough from making plays. The rookie quarterback will take a three-game winning streak into a favorable matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 17.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals running back
Chase Brown delivered another great performance in Sunday's 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins, handling 12 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown while adding four catches (four targets) for 43 yards and two more scores as a receiver. It marked the 25-year-old's first career three-touchdown game and fifth career game with multiple scores. Brown has been on a tear in the second half of the season, ranking as the RB5 in PPR points per game (20.5) after ranking as the RB33 (10.1) in Weeks 1-7. Brown will maintain his high-end RB1 status for Week 17's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
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