January 1, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal (neck) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday. Vidal started the week with a limited showing in practice on Wednesday. A full session on Thursday suggests that he's ready to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday in Denver against the division-rival Broncos. Meanwhile, rookie
Omarion Hampton (ankle) has yet to practice this week, and
Hassan Haskins has been limited as he works his way through the NFL's concussion protocol. L.A.'s backfield is in flux entering the weekend, but if Hampton is held out, Vidal figures to be the team's lead back in Week 18. The 24-year-old would receive a volume boost, but expectations would need to be tempered in an offense led by backup quarterback
Trey Lance against a stout Denver defense. Fantasy managers need to check back on Friday for more clarity on this backfield.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Chargers
January 1, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Kyshawn George (hip) will miss Friday's game against Brooklyn with a left hip flexor strain, marking a fourth straight absence. His continued absence has kept Washington's wing rotation steady for fantasy streaming.
Bub Carrington has averaged 14.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.3 three-pointers over his last three while playing 25.8 minutes, making him a viable deep-league add. Rookie
Tre Johnson has supplied 17.3 points and 3.7 three-pointers in 26.3 minutes, while
Justin Champagnie continues to contribute rebounds and secondary scoring.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back
Omarion Hampton (ankle) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. Hampton spent time on Injured Reserve earlier this year after fracturing his ankle. The 22-year-old hasn't had a setback that we know of, so this could just be the Chargers being cautious as they look to get their players healthy going into the playoffs next week. The Chargers already announced that they will sit quarterback
Justin Herbert for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos, and Hampton could join him on the sidelines. Meanwhile,
Kimani Vidal (neck) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday. The Bolts' backfield is in flux, to say the least, with
Hassan Haskins working his way through the concussion protocol. Check back on Friday, but all signs are pointing to Hampton being held out in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Chargers
January 1, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (ankle/knee) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's game against Dallas, a welcome sign after a stretch of heavy management and spotty availability. When he does play, the production has followed. Embiid has appeared in just 14 games but is coming off a 38-minute overtime effort Tuesday with 34 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and two blocks. His return squeezes minutes for
Andre Drummond and
Adem Bona. Embiid remains a must-start when active, though rest risk lingers in weekly formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Austin Krell
January 1, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) will be re-evaluated in four weeks after a right calf strain, leaving Denver thin up front with
Nikola Jokic (knee) also sidelined.
DaRon Holmes II and
Zeke Nnaji are positioned for increased roles. Holmes has averaged just 8.6 minutes over four games, but an expanded workload would give him deep-league streaming appeal through rebounds and defensive stats. Nnaji could see situational run, while
Peyton Watson may log minutes at the five if Denver goes small.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
January 1, 2026
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the New York Yankees and New York Mets are concentrating on free-agent outfielder
Cody Bellinger at this time, with Bellinger being the Yankees' No. 1 priority. The Mets also love Bellinger for his all-around play and defense in both the outfield and at first base. Heyman also mentioned the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and potentially the Toronto Blue Jays as landing spots for Bellinger, depending on how things work out with free-agent outfielder
Kyle Tucker. Bellinger declined his $25 million player option for the 2026 season with the Yankees and decided to test free agency after a strong .272/.334/.480 slash line with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 152 regular-season games in the Bronx in 2025. Re-signing with the Yanks would likely be the best thing for Bellinger's fantasy value going into next year and beyond.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
January 1, 2026
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the New York Yankees are among the teams showing interest in free-agent shortstop
Bo Bichette this offseason. In addition to the Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs have checked in on Bichette. The Yankees could try to pry the superstar shortstop away from the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays. The 27-year-old is open to moving to second base long-term, which will expand what is a weak middle-infield market this winter. Bichette had a down year in 2024, but he rebounded nicely in 2025 with a .311/.357/.483 slash line with 18 home runs and 94 RBI in 139 regular-season games for Toronto. His 2026 fantasy value will depend on where he lands, but Bichette has proven that he's a strong candidate to hit around 20 home runs while delivering a high average for fantasy managers. Adding second base eligibility would make him even more attractive.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
January 1, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
D'Angelo Russell (illness) is out for Thursday's game, continuing a stretch of inconsistent availability. His role has also varied when active, keeping Dallas' point guard rotation unsettled.
Brandon Williams again benefited last game, logging 30 minutes with 22 points, three rebounds, four assists, and one steal, positioning him as a short-term streaming option. Rookie
Ryan Nembhard drew the start but played 17 minutes, while
Max Christie and
Naji Marshall should continue to see steady run.
--Brian DailisanSource: Noah Weber
January 1, 2026
San Francisco 49ers running back
Christian McCaffrey (back) was removed from the Week 18 injury report on Thursday and will play on Saturday night against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. McCaffrey has dealt with a bit of back stiffness in the final month of the regular season, but it hasn't been a serious issue, and he'll be fine this weekend as the Niners look to secure the No. 1 seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. The 29-year-old is coming off a second straight 100-yard rushing game in the Week 17 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, in which he had 23 carries for a season-high 140 yards and one touchdown on the ground. CMC added 41 receiving yards on four catches. He remains the do-it-all focal point of San Fran's offense and is a must-start, high-end RB1 in all fantasy leagues in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Bay Area - Jennifer Lee Chan
January 1, 2026
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) is listed as questionable on the final injury report for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday night against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan. Pearsall missed yet another game in Week 16 due to knee and ankle injuries, but he returned in the Week 17 win over the Chicago Bears and looked great, securing five of his eight targets for 85 yards. The 25-year-old also played 81% of the offensive snaps. Pearsall didn't look to aggravate either of his injuries on Sunday night, so he should be on the right side of questionable to play against the Seahawks this weekend in a game that will decide the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture. It's not an ideal matchup for fantasy, but if Pearsall is active, he'll be in play as a WR3/flex.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Bay Area - Jennifer Lee Chan
January 1, 2026
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday night's game against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in Week 18, according to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. Kittle missed the Week 17 win over the Chicago Bears with a mid-to-low ankle sprain, but he's feeling better and said this week that he "absolutely" plans to play on Saturday as the Niners seek the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Fantasy managers will want to check back on the 32-year-old's status on Saturday, but if he's active, as expected, he needs to be locked into all starting lineups. Kittle has found the end zone seven times in 10 games played in 20225, and in the first meeting against the Seahawks on Sept. 7, he had four catches for 25 yards and his first touchdown of the year.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Bay Area - Jennifer Lee Chan
January 1, 2026
Houston Rockets center
Alperen Sengun (soleus) is available for Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Sengun drops the questionable tag for tonight's tilt after missing the last two contests because of a left soleus strain. The Rockets are hurting heading into this one, with
Clint Capela (illness) and
Steven Adams (ankle) out, so having the 23-year-old active will bring a much-needed boost to a depleted frontcourt. Before missing two previous contests, Sengun registered 14 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and one steal across 31 minutes in a 119-96 win over the Lakers on Christmas Day.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
There is a possibility that the Chicago Bears will look to trade wide receiver
DJ Moore this offseason, potentially to the Las Vegas Raiders in a package that would include All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby. The Raiders are heading into a full rebuild in 2026 and could use a receiver for their expected No. 1 overall pick of a quarterback. Meanwhile, the Bears need an elite pass-rusher. The 28-year-old Moore has not been a great fit in Chicago's offense in 2025 in head coach Ben Johnson's first season. After a 1,000-yard season in 2023 in his first year in the Windy City, Moore has regressed over the last two years and currently sits at 49 catches for 671 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games played. The emergence of rookie receiver
Luther Burden III late this year certainly could make Moore expendable this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: Ben Devine
January 1, 2026
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee, ankle) appears to be trending towards playing in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival Chicago Bears, according to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit. St. Brown said that outside of every-game injury risk, "there's no concern of exacerbating his current injuries." The 26-year-old wideout didn't practice on Wednesday, but his return to the field on Thursday suggests he'll be active this weekend for fantasy managers still playing for a title. He played through knee irritation in the Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Vikings last Thursday and caught eight of 13 targets for 68 yards as one of the lone bright spots for the team's offense. As St. Brown looks to finish his 2025 season strong, fantasy managers should consider him a must-start WR1 against Chicago if he's active on Sunday.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pride of Detroit - Jeremy Reisman
January 1, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Blake Corum (ankle) was seen working off to the side during the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Corum sprained his ankle in the second quarter of Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons and never returned. The 25-year-old did not practice on Wednesday, putting his availability in question for the Week 18 regular-season finale this weekend against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Backfield mate
Kyren Williams is also dealing with an ankle injury, but he was limited in Wednesday's practice. The Rams are already locked into either the No. 5 or No. 6 playoff spot in the NFC, so they won't push Corum to play against Arizona if he's not ready. If he's active, he could see a smaller share of the backfield touches in Week 18, making him a shaky RB3/flex option in fantasy right now.
UPDATE: Corum officially was listed as a non-participant in practice for the second straight day on Thursday.--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
January 1, 2026
Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today reports that Houston Rockets centers
Steven Adams (ankle) and
Clint Capela (illness) are unavailable for Thursday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. Adams sprained his right ankle during Monday's 126-119 win over the Pacers, while Capela is feeling under the weather. With both veteran big men out of action,
Dorian Finney-Smith may see an expanded role, but he should not be viewed as a streaming option for fantasy managers.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Sharif Phillips-Keaton
January 1, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Miles Wood (lower body) was placed on Injured Reserve on Thursday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. Wood was injured during Wednesday's matchup against the New Jersey Devils. According to Portzline, the veteran forward may have suffered an ankle injury. Wood, who has recorded 12 points (eight goals, four assists) in 32 games this season, started Wednesday's contest on the second line. Recently acquired Danton Heinen was recalled from the minors to fill Wood's spot on the roster. Heinen is a former 40-point scorer but hasn't provided fantasy value in 2025-26, registering two points (one goal, one assist) in 13 NHL outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Aaron Portzline
January 1, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Dallas Goedert (knee) was listed as a non-participant in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Goedert still has another day to get back on the practice field, but things aren't looking good for his availability on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Washington Commanders. In addition to the 30-year-old's injury, the Eagles are leaning towards resting key starters this weekend, which means there is a good chance that Goedert won't be active. It was already announced that quarterback
Jalen Hurts will sit out in favor of
Tanner McKee. Fantasy managers need to prepare to go in another direction at the tight end position in Week 18. If Goedert is ruled out on Friday,
Grant Calcaterra and
Kylen Granson will battle for targets from backup QB Tanner McKee.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Eagles
January 1, 2026
Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Dak Prescott will start Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. However, Prescott is not sure if he will play the whole game, with the expectation being that
Joe Milton III will get some action to close out the year. The Cowboys plan to play their starters this weekend, but it looks like they might not play a full game, which obviously now makes Prescott a shaky QB1 option for anyone still playing for a fantasy championship in Week 18. Prescott is having one of the best seasons of his career, and he's been especially efficient of late. The 32-year-old veteran currently leads the league in completions (397), passing attempts (589), passing yards (4,482), and yards per game (280.1) in 16 starts. This news makes Prescott much more risky in the season finale.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
January 1, 2026
Vancouver Canucks right wing Conor Garland (undisclosed) will be out of the lineup for at least one week, head coach Adam Foote said on Thursday. The Canucks boss told reporters the injury to Garland was the result of a slew foot against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday. Garland has been among Vancouver's most productive players in 2025-26, recording seven goals and 22 points. On Thursday, Foote also announced that Marco Rossi (lower body) will miss at least one week, leaving the Canucks without two-thirds of their second line for the next three games. Aatu Raty and Nils Hoglander are expected to come into the lineup on Friday versus the Seattle Kraken. Meanwhile, Kiefer Sherwood could be Garland's replacement on the second line.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 1, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard
Egor Demin (back) won't play on Thursday against Houston. He had 23 points in Monday's loss to the Golden State Warriors. However, the rookie will sit this one out because of back soreness. With
Michael Porter Jr. (illness) also sidelined,
Noah Clowney,
Danny Wolf, and
Nicolas Claxton are all in line for more production.
Cam Thomas, who has been limited since returning from a hamstring injury, should be considered the favorite to lead the team in scoring.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
Vancouver Canucks center Marco Rossi (lower body) will be out for at least one week, head coach Adam Foote announced on Thursday. The Canucks return to action on Friday night against the Seattle Kraken. If he misses only a week, Rossi will be out for three games. The Austrian forward has made eight appearances for Vancouver since being acquired from the Minnesota Wild on Dec. 12. He has been sluggish offensively, posting one goal and one assist. Aatu Raty will probably take Rossi's spot in the lineup on Friday, while David Kampf might move up to the second line.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 1, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Ace Bailey (hip) remains out for Thursday's meeting with the Clippers, marking his third-straight absence. With
Keyonte George (illness),
Lauri Markkanen (knee), and
Jusuf Nurkic (toe) also ruled out, Bailey would have been in line for a significant bump on the offensive end. However, since he's sidelined as well,
Walter Clayton Jr. and
Isaiah Collier should see all the minutes they can handle, with
Svi Mykhailiuk also likely being more involved on both ends of the floor.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) resumed practicing on Thursday for the first time since Week 15, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Adams is still unlikely to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals this weekend, but this is a sign that the 33-year-old Pro Bowler is ready to make his return for the wild-card round of the playoffs next week. Adams aggravated an ongoing hamstring injury in Week 15 and has missed the last two games, resulting in more work behind
Puka Nacua for receivers
Xavier Smith (chest) and
Konata Mumpfield, as well as tight ends
Colby Parkinson and
Terrance Ferguson. Adams is on track to return to become a serious touchdown threat for quarterback
Matthew Stafford next weekend.
UPDATE: Adams was officially limited on Thursday.--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
January 1, 2026
According to Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today, Houston Rockets forward
Tari Eason (illness) is set to suit up against the Brooklyn Nets. Eason was listed as questionable due to an illness, but he has since been cleared to play. This evening's clash will be the sixth game in a row the 24-year-old has played after missing over a month due to an oblique injury. With
Steven Adams (ankle) and
Clint Capela (illness) out of action, fantasy managers could look to Eason as an option, as he will likely see extended minutes during tonight's contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Sharif Phillips-Keaton
January 1, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins winger Yegor Chinakhov is ready to make his team debut on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. The Penguins acquired Chinakhov on Dec. 29 from the Columbus Blue Jackets, and he skated on the third line during the morning skate. In Columbus, Chinakhov managed only six points (three goals, three assists) in 29 appearances this season. He is expected to have a larger role with the Penguins, who have the league's 11th-best scoring record. Additionally, Chinakhov may benefit from Pittsburgh's impressive 30.1 percent power play. On Thursday, he is projected to work with the second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michelle Crechiolo
January 1, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (knee) will not play on Thursday against the Clippers. He had 22 points, nine boards, two steals, and one block in Tuesday's loss to the Boston Celtics. However, the veteran won't suit up for this one because of knee soreness.
Keyonte George (illness),
Ace Bailey (hip), and
Jusuf Nurkic (toe) are also sidelined on Thursday evening, meaning players like
Brice Sensabaugh,
Kyle Filipowski,
Isaiah Collier, and
Walter Clayton Jr. should all surpass their usual statistical projections despite a challenging matchup on the horizon.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 1, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Tanner McKee will be his team's starter under center in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Eagles are locked into either the number two or number three seed in the NFC playoffs, so it appears the team is opting to rest starting quarterback
Jalen Hurts and potentially several other starters against Washington. A sixth-round pick out of Stanford in the 2023 NFL draft, McKee has appeared in three career NFL games, all with the Eagles. His last start came in Philadelphia's final game of the 2024 season against the New York Giants, and McKee completed 27 of 41 pass attempts for 269 yards and two touchdowns. However, he could struggle in Week 18 if he's mostly surrounded by other backups on offense for the Eagles.
--Will BradySource: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
January 1, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (groin) will remain sidelined for Thursday's tilt against the Montreal Canadiens, missing a third consecutive game. The in-form veteran, who has tallied 29 points (four goals, 25 assists) in 28 appearances this season, recently suffered a groin injury. Gostisbehere's injury has opened the door for Joel Nystrom to play regularly. While Nystrom hasn't scored with 36 shots this season, he collected his seventh assist in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The rest of the defensive group is taking on increased responsibilities as well, with Jaccob Slavin (upper body) also sidelined.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 1, 2026
New Orleans Saints running back
Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) remained sidelined from his team's practice on Thursday, per ESPN's Katherine Terrell. Kamara has missed five consecutive games after suffering a sprained MCL in Week 12 and appears unlikely to return for the team's Week 18 finale against the Atlanta Falcons. Across 11 games before getting injured, the 30-year-old recorded 657 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown on 164 touches. Fellow Saints running backs
Kendre Miller (knee) and
Devin Neal (hamstring) are both on Injured Reserve, so the team is currently quite shorthanded at the position. Second-year back
Audric Estime functioned as New Orleans' lead back in Week 17, with running back
Evan Hull and tight end
Taysom Hill mixing in as well. Assuming Kamara remains sidelined, Estime profiles as a high-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 18.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Katherine Terrell
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