December 21, 2025
Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Tyreek Hill might've played this last snap with the organization. The Dolphins need to find ways to save money, and letting go of Hill is one potential path. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, releasing Hill before June 1 would save the Dolphins $23.65 million against their cap space. If the Dolphins were to release him post-June 1 date, they would save $36 million for the 2026 season. Hill is currently recovering from a season-ending knee injury that he suffered in Week 4. Before his injury, Hill averaged a solid 13.6 PPR points over the first three games of the campaign. He found the back of the end zone once and totaled over 100 yards back in Week 2. He enjoyed a dominant stretch with the Dolphins in 2022 and 2023, when he eclipsed 1,700 yards and caught 119 passes in each season. It's unclear how Hill will play following his serious injury, so cutting him might be the best route for this organization.
Jaylen Waddle figures to remain the long-term WR1 in Miami, given that the team extended him to a three-year contract in May 2024.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
December 21, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter is expected to be the lead back heading into the Week 16 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Cardinals' backfield has been strung by the injury bug this season. The latest player to fall was
Bam Knight (knee), who was placed on the injured reserve after exiting last week's game with a knee injury. Now, Carter figures to take over as the lead back for the final few games of the regular season while
Emari Demercado is set to operate as the No. 2 option. Last week, Carter rushed the ball 14 times for 56 yards, while hauling in four receptions for 38 additional yards through the air in the loss to the Houston Texans in relief of Knight. Carter has a decent matchup in Week 16 against an Atlanta Falcons defense that ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of points allowed to RBs. The assumption is that Carter will see a large enough workload to offer RB2 value in all formats for this Week 16 contest.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 21, 2025
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler had a memorable outing on Saturday, recording his first career shutout in a 4-0 win over Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 21-year-old stopped 31 shots, becoming the sixth-youngest American netminder to post his first NHL shutout. Fowler made his fourth appearance of the season and improved to 2-1-1. He has recorded a 2.49 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. With Samuel Montembeault currently in the AHL on a conditioning assignment, Fowler has recently split goaltending duties with Jakub Dobes. The latter is expected to be between the sticks on Sunday for a rematch against Pittsburgh.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
St. Louis Blues right wing Jonatan Berggren tallied three points in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Florida Panthers, scoring a power-play goal and adding two assists. This was Berggren's third appearance for the Blues after he was claimed off waivers last week. Berggren struggled to get playing time in Detroit this season but has been a good fit in St. Louis. He saw first-line usage on Saturday and has scored in back-to-back games, boasting four points (two goals, two assists) through his first three outings with his new team. Overall, Berggren has registered 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 18 appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans (lower body) won't play on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday's home game against the Penguins and won't travel to Pittsburgh for a rematch. Evans has managed 10 points (five goals, five assists) and 44 hits across 34 games this season. On the negative side, he carries a team-worst minus-13 rating. Newly reacquired Phillip Danault (illness) could be Evans' replacement in the lineup next week. However, he won't be available for Sunday's action, and defenseman Jayden Struble might fill the gap in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 21, 2025
Indianapolis Colts running back
Ameer Abdullah saw his highest usage of the season during last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Abdullah was basically a non-factor all season until getting nine touches in last week's defeat. Adbullah rushed the ball four times for 15 yards, while hauling in five receptions for 32 additional yards through the air. It appears Abdullah is going to benefit by having
Philip Rivers under center in Indy, as the veteran QB looked his way quite often in the short passing game. Given his success last week, the Colts are likely going to continue using Adbullah in short-yardage situations as a check-down option for Rivers. There could be some flex appeal in deep PPR leagues for Abdullah ahead of this Monday Night matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, given that they allowed
Tony Pollard to total 18.2 PPR points last week.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 21, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (lower body) had another outstanding performance in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, but he was also injured in the contest. Werenski exited the action in the third period after blocking a shot with his ankle. The star blue-liner notched a goal and a power-play assist against Anaheim, posting his third consecutive multi-point game. He has had at least one point in each of his last five appearances. The recent scoring surge has helped Werenski catch up to Colorado's Cale Makar on the defenseman scoring list. Both players are now tied atop the list with 40 points, with Werenski amassing 14 goals and 26 assists in 35 outings. Unfortunately, it looks like it may take some time before Werenski can add to his tally.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 21, 2025
Indianapolis Colts tight end
Tyler Warren has been in a slump over the last few weeks, falling under the 5.0 PPR point mark in each contest. Over the last three games, Warren has finished with 22 yards or fewer in every contest, but did manage to find the back of the end zone in Week 13, which salvaged his fantasy day.
The change to 44-year-old Philip Rivers at quarterback doesn't seem to be doing this passing attack any favors, as he only caught three passes for 19 yards in Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. Warren has seen six targets in two straight games, so the target share remains high, but his production has remained low. He'll head into a plus-matchup against the San Francisco 49ers defense in Week 16, facing a defense that has allowed nine touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season. Warren has enough upside to be plugged in as a low-end TE1 for this Monday Night matchup in 12-team formats.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 21, 2025
Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (face) is expected to miss approximately four weeks after being hurt during Saturday's 6-4 loss to the Ottawa Senators. He took a puck to the face just minutes into the game. Nazar has recently filled top-line center duties due to the absence of Connor Bedard (shoulder). The 21-year-old has managed 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 33 games during his sophomore campaign. With Bedard and Nazar both out, Ryan Greene may get back into the top six. He led all Blackhawks forwards in ice time on Saturday and collected two assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Woody Marks (ankle) plans to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The rookie, who had been listed as questionable after upgrading to a limited participant in practice on Friday, will undergo a series of pregame workouts to confirm his availability. Suiting up on Sunday would be an impressive development for Marks, who didn't practice at all on Wednesday or Thursday. If active, though, he'll immediately slot into the RB2 tier for fantasy football. He has 314 rushing yards over his last five healthy games and is facing off against a Vegas defense that has surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025.
--Andersen PickardSource: Aaron Wilson
December 21, 2025
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (ankle) is trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday Night Football against the New England Patriots in Week 16. According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Hamilton "is more likely to play than not." The 24-year-old had been listed as questionable and will work out pregame to gain more clarity on whether he'll be able to suit up. He has been productive in his fourth NFL season, amassing 87 tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles over the course of 13 games. The Ravens' list of inactive players will be published around 6:50 p.m. EST on Sunday evening.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
December 21, 2025
New York Jets quarterback
Tyrod Taylor (groin, knee) is expected to be active for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the New Orleans Saints, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice. With
Justin Fields (knee) not expected to suit up, Taylor will slot into the backup role behind
Brady Cook. By playing Cook over Taylor, the eliminated Jets are exploring their future at quarterback. It's unlikely Cook is the long-term answer, but he could offer depth or perhaps even a bridge to another quarterback in 2026. In the short-term, he ranks as RotoBaller's QB29 for fantasy football in Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
December 21, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Detroit Lions, and he could miss additional time beyond this week, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Watt is headed for his second consecutive absence after a scary situation in which he was hospitalized with a partially collapsed lung. The defensive superstar is prioritizing his health and acknowledges that returning to play is far less important than getting healthy. Watt is due for more medical evaluation next week, and while a Week 17 return remains possible, it's far from certain. Pittsburgh will welcome him back with open arms whenever possible, as he terrorized opposing offenses with 53 tackles, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception through 13 games.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 21, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Christian Kirk (illness) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders despite being listed as questionable, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Kirk has appeared in 10 games this season, catching an underwhelming 22 passes for 204 yards and one touchdown. He has just one catch over his last three contests, and he remains buried on the depth chart behind
Nico Collins and
Jayden Higgins. Kirk can be benched or left on waivers in most redraft formats.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 21, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Nick Chubb (ribs) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging back-to-back full practice sessions. The veteran ball-carrier should remain in the backup running back role this week, but he could see a slight increase in snaps if
Woody Marks (ankle, questionable) is less than 100 percent. Of course, the Texans also have solid depth outside of Marks and Chubb.
Dare Ogunbowale is a longtime depth piece who has flashed upside, and second-year back
Jawhar Jordan broke out with 118 scrimmage yards on 17 touches last week. As a result, Chubb ranks outside the top 36 fantasy running backs for Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 21, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Tee Higgins (concussion) is "likely to play" in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Miami Dolphins, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Higgins had been listed as questionable and is working his way back from a one-game absence. The 26-year-old has impressed with 46 catches, 667 yards, and nine touchdowns over his last 12 healthy games. He hauled in six of 11 targets and scored twice while catching passes from
Joe Burrow in their only game together since the quarterback returned from a toe injury. Higgins, who has turned into quite the scoring threat with 19 touchdowns over his last 22 games, ranks as a high-end WR2 this week in Miami.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
December 21, 2025
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Drake London (knee) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. London had been listed as questionable and is working his way back from a four-game absence. He was quite impressive when healthy, catching 60 passes for 810 yards and six touchdowns over the course of nine games. Even though the Falcons are eliminated from playoff contention, London should be an impactful contributor for his team and his fantasy managers over the final few weeks of the regular season. He immediately returns to the WR1 tier in this week's matchup against the Cardinals, who rank near the middle of the league with the 15th-most fantasy points allowed to receivers in 2025.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 21, 2025
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. However, he could be at less than 100% as "the team plans to ease him back in," writes Schefter. Harrison is set to return to action after missing four of the Cardinals' last five games. During that time, teammate
Michael Wilson has emerged as one of the top-scoring receivers in fantasy football. While Wilson's ceiling and floor will come down a little with Harrison back, it's not a stretch to say that Wilson is a more appealing fantasy option than Harrison this week. With that said, the 23-year-old can still be a strong WR3/flex against a Falcons defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 21, 2025
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Alec Pierce was a disappointment for fantasy managers in Week 15's loss to the Seahawks, and he won't be any easier to trust for this Monday's bout with the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Pierce corralled his lone target (16 yards) in last Sunday's loss to Seattle and was the only Colts' pass-catcher to command fewer than four looks. The former Cincinnati Bearcat made his money all season on downfield throws, while also evolving his game in the intermediate area of the field. However, his value will take a considerable hit with quarterback
Philip Rivers manning the offense. At 44 years of age, the veteran's arm strength is limited, and that showed in spades during last week's contest. Considering Pierce's archetype doesn't precisely line up with Rivers' capabilities, he's perhaps the riskiest fantasy play of all Colts' wideouts, ranking as RotoBaller's PPR WR66 for his Monday Night Football matchup.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Josh Downs presents as a low-floor fantasy dart throw for his home outing with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Downs hauled in 3-of-5 passes for 13 yards in last weekend's 18-16 loss to the Seahawks, accounting for
Philip Rivers' first touchdown pass since Week 17 of the 2020 season. With Rivers under center, Indy went with a short, quick pass attack to cater to the veteran's current capabilities. While it was effective on the field, an equal administering of pass attempts will hurt all involved on the Indianapolis side of the ball. As it stands, Downs is a downright chore to cover in that area of the field, potentially giving him a leg up on teammates
Michael Pittman Jr. and
Alec Pierce in the Colts' attack. Even if that's the case, though, the third-year pro's standing as the third option regarding snap share at the position significantly limits his ceiling. Downs may still hold some modest value in DFS formats, but is tough to trust as RotoBaller's PPR WR62 for Week 16.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Michael Pittman Jr.'s fantasy value takes a modest slide ahead of his clash with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. For the most part, the USC product has been a stellar fantasy asset in 2025, working his way to a current WR13 standing in PPR formats. However, Pittman's viability becomes murkier with 44-year-old
Philip Rivers calling signals for the Colts. In Rivers' first action in nearly half a decade in Week 15, Indianapolis fell 18-16 to Seattle. While the QB was efficient, he failed to push the ball downfield and evenly distributed his pass attempts, targeting four pass-catchers at least five times. Unfortunately, a wideout like Pittman, who thrives on volume, may find it challenging to produce at the level that fantasy managers had become accustomed to over the majority of the season. The offense may adapt and evolve as Rivers continues to shake off the rust, but all Colts' skill players take a fantasy hit in the meantime. As for Pittman, he'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR WR37 for Monday's contest.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Indianapolis Colts running back
Jonathan Taylor is a superb fantasy start for his Monday night home matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Taylor remained the Colts' workhorse in Week 15's loss to the Seahawks, notching his eighth game of the campaign with at least 80 rushing yards, handling his second-highest carry total of the season (25). It's worth noting that veteran backfield mate
Ameer Abdullah has seen an increased snap share across the previous two weeks, though it shouldn't affect Taylor's position as a locked-in RB1, even against a sound 49ers' rush defense. San Fran has been stingy to opposing ground games, yielding the twelfth-fewest rushing yards per contest (106.1). That said, they've allowed RBs to rack up the second-most receptions of any squad (78). Veteran signal-caller
Philip Rivers adds an extra variable to the equation, but that should mean that Indy will continue to rely on the rushing attack as they try to remain in playoff contention. Fantasy managers can fire up the 26-year-old as RotoBaller's PPR RB6 for Week 16's slate of action.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 21, 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Philip Rivers will be a risky fantasy asset when he lines up with the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 16. The 44-year-old made an improbable return to the field a week ago, leading the team under center in his first action since the 2020 campaign. Rivers and the Colts ultimately lost 18-16 to the Seahawks, although he actually looked pretty decent considering the long layoff. While the box score may have left owners wanting, and the veteran has lost significant zip on his balls, he was accurate and decisive, operating efficiently in the short and intermediate areas. With all that in mind, Rivers' current play style hinders his fantasy upside, relegating him to a low-end desperation play in superflex and 2QB formats. The 22-year NFL vet comes in as RotoBaller's QB30 for his outing with San Francisco.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Romeo Doubs (wrist) exited during the fourth quarter of Saturday's Week 16 contest against the Chicago Bears. He is officially listed as questionable to return. Doubs suffered the injury while attempting to field Chicago's onside kick attempt. The ball bounced off the 25-year-old receiver and was recovered by the Bears, setting up a game-tying drive to force overtime. As Saturday's pivotal divisional battle enters overtime, the Packers are without Doubs, who was having a great game aside from the special teams miscue. On offense, he had caught five of his six targets for 84 yards and a touchdown. With Doubs sidelined,
Dontayvion Wicks and
Matthew Golden should earn more snaps behind
Christian Watson and
Jayden Reed.
--Andersen PickardSource: Brad Biggs
December 20, 2025
Green Bay Packers quarterback
Jordan Love (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Saturday's Week 16 contest against the Chicago Bears. He exited in the second quarter after taking a head-to-head from Bears defensive end Austin Booker, who was penalized. Love finishes the game having completed eight of his 13 pass attempts for 77 yards through the air, no touchdowns, and no turnovers. He also had seven rushing yards.
Malik Willis has entered at quarterback and will lead the Packers the rest of the way. Willis, a former third-round pick, is capable of keeping the Packers in the playoff hunt while offering mid-range QB2 appeal in fantasy football. He has a chance to start in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens if Love doesn't clear concussion protocol in time. As far as the rest of the quarterback depth chart goes, head coach Matt LaFleur told the FOX broadcast that running back
Josh Jacobs, who was on crutches five days ago and didn't practice this past week, would be the emergency quarterback if Willis gets injured.
--Andersen PickardSource: Green Bay Packers
December 20, 2025
Baltimore Ravens kicker
Tyler Loop remains on the fantasy radar as a fringe top-12 option heading into Sunday Night Football against the New England Patriots in Week 16. Loop is the 12th-highest-scoring fantasy kicker this season and is coming off a decent game in which he made all four of his kicks, including one field goal. Overall, the rookie has gone 33-for-35 on extra points and 26-for-28 on field goals (including one from 50+ yards) through 14 games. On paper, this week's matchup is far from ideal, as the Patriots have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers in 2025. That could be a product of New England's softer schedule, though, and Loop should continue to get extra-point and field-goal opportunities behind Baltimore's strong offense. Furthermore, he'll be kicking in calm conditions, as Baltimore's forecast calls for 5-10 mph winds and no precipitation. Loop ranks as the overall K11 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings for Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Chicago Bulls center
Jalen Smith (quadriceps) carries a probable tag on the injury report ahead of a clash against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday. He is dealing with a left quadriceps contusion. However, Smith has played in each of the last four games, and the probable tag suggests he will remain in the lineup against Atlanta. Over his last four outings, Smith has posted 4.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in 15.0 minutes per game. He lacks fantasy appeal as long as Chicago's starting center,
Nikola Vucevic, stays healthy. On Sunday, Vucevic and Smith could dominate the glass against the Hawks, who have the NBA's fourth-lowest rebounding rate.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 20, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard/forward
Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is listed as probable for Sunday's tilt against the Atlanta Hawks. On Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dosunmu returned to the lineup after missing three games due to thumb injuries. He was eased back into action, logging 14 minutes off the bench. He had eight points, three assists, and one steal. Before the game, it was announced that Dosunmu was under a 24-minute restriction. His workload could increase on Sunday, which would naturally boost his numbers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 20, 2025
Green Bay Packers quarterback
Jordan Love (head) exited during the second quarter of Saturday's Week 16 contest against the Chicago Bears. He is being evaluated for a concussion and is officially questionable to return. He exited after taking a head-to-head from Bears defensive end Austin Booker, who was penalized. At the time of his departure, Love was 8-for-13 passing with 77 yards through the air. He also had seven rushing yards.
Malik Willis, who is one of the stronger backups in the NFL, has taken over as the Packers' quarterback in Love's absence. In the event that Love misses extended time, Willis is capable of keeping the Packers in the playoff hunt while offering mid-range QB2 appeal in fantasy football.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
December 20, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (ankle) has been tagged as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. White has overcome calf issues but is now nursing an ankle problem. He has played in six consecutive contests, averaging 18.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 28.2 minutes per game.
Tre Jones and
Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) may have a larger workload if White misses Sunday's game. The latter has joined White on the injury report but is expected to play. White's absence would also increase the offensive usage of
Josh Giddey.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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