December 26, 2025
Atlanta Falcons tight end
Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) was added to the injury report after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. He'll have one opportunity to return to full capacity on Saturday before the Falcons announce Pitts' game status for Week 17. The Falcons play against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. This timing presents a difficult situation for fantasy managers. On one hand, Pitts has been a top tight end in fantasy football, scoring at least 15 full-PPR fantasy points in each of his last four games. On the other hand, if he is ruled out on Monday night, managers will have very few replacement options. Managers shouldn't panic yet, as Pitts could get back on track and avoid any sort of injury designation on Saturday. However, if he enters the weekend as questionable, managers should consider pivoting to a different tight end or at least adding one who plays on Monday night, like
Colby Parkinson or
Charlie Woerner. Managers in leagues with the auto-sub option could also consider taking advantage of that feature ahead of the weekend games. Pitts will rank as a mid-to-high TE1 if active.
--Andersen PickardSource: Josh Kendall
December 26, 2025
The Seattle Seahawks D/ST continues to be a dominant unit in 2025. They draw a matchup with the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. Carolina's offense has been highly inconsistent this season. They will go from scoring 30 points in one week to half as many in the next. The success of the Seahawks D/ST will depend heavily on which version of the Panthers' offense shows up this week. If anything, the Seahawks D/ST should be able to limit the Panthers' yardage and scoring output, giving the unit a solid floor in fantasy. Carolina has thrown for less than 200 passing yards in 12 games this season. Panthers quarterback
Bryce Young has done well to protect the ball this season, but Seattle has a chance to force him into a couple of turnovers. Additionally, Seattle should be able to record a handful of sacks with their talented defensive front. The Panthers are not the D/ST matchup that we have come to love in fantasy in recent years, but given the talent of Seattle's defense, this should be a good matchup for the team.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: Brady Henderson
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is in a position to dominate once again in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has a solid passing defense, but JSN has proven to be matchup-proof time and again this season. Smith-Njigba's target share is simply too large for him to bust in most games. Additionally, the Seahawks move him all over the field and scheme plenty of looks for the third-year pro. Although Carolina has a talented secondary, it will be difficult for them to keep track of JSN at all times. This is a must-win game for both teams. There is a path for Carolina to clinch its division this week, and the Seahawks need this win to vie for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. As such, this could be a higher-scoring game than many may expect. If Carolina's offense can put some pressure on Seattle's defense, it will only serve to boost Smith-Njigba's targets if Seattle needs to continually air the ball out. Start JSN as your anchor during championship week and do not look back.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks kicker
Jason Myers should get back to his borderline double-digit ways in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Myers scored just two fantasy points in Week 16 with the Seahawks relying heavily on two-point conversions as they clawed their way back into their game against the Rams. However, prior to Week 16, Myers had scored at least 13 fantasy points in six straight games. He has been automatic on PATs and long field goals, which have anchored his fantasy production. Carolina boasts a solid defense, but it is nothing the Seahawks' offense cannot handle. Seattle should find itself in scoring position for most of the day. Additionally, with Carolina's defense playing solidly, it could force Seattle into more field goals than touchdowns, further boosting Myers' value. Look for Myers to potentially deliver double-digit fantasy points in Week 17. He is a great addition to your championship lineup.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III is in a great position to exploit a weak Carolina Panthers' rushing defense in Week 17. Carolina's defense has improved overall this year, but the rushing defense remains a problem. The Panthers are 25th against opposing running backs in fantasy. Additionally, Carolina is allowing 4.76 yards per carry to opposing running backs. This matchup is the remedy needed for a struggling Seahawks' rushing game. It could allow Walker to build on his best performance of the season in Week 16 when he scored 25.40 fantasy points against a tough Rams defense. Walker's volume is going to remain in the 12 to 15-touch range, but his potential for a big play will be high in Week 17. He is still a flex consideration considering his low floor, but Walker has RB1 upside this week. If you are a heavy underdog in your matchup, Walker could provide the upside you need to balance the playing field.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet draws a great matchup with the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. The Panthers are No. 25 against opposing running backs in fantasy, and Charbonnet's role as the goal line running back should allow him to have a crack at the end zone against this vulnerable defense. Charbonnet's nine touchdowns this season have propelled him to a flex-worthy season. When he scores, he generally has a solid day for fantasy. His efficiency has been low all season, but in good matchups, he is generally able to rack up a respectable amount of yards. Look for the Seahawks' offense to have success against this defense all day. Charbonnet would be a risky play, as you are betting on a touchdown. However, if Charbonnet is going to score in any week, it would be in this matchup with the Panthers.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Rashid Shaheed is a risky play against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. Shaheed has come alive over the last three weeks, posting no less than 67 receiving yards or a touchdown in any given week. However, he only earned one target in Week 16, and most of his points came from a punt return for a touchdown. Shaheed should earn more than one target in Week 17, but the Panthers have a solid secondary that has given opposing passing games fits this season. Shaheed's role in the offense is evolving into more of the downfield role he held in New Orleans. As such, he is always a threat for a bomb touchdown reception. On the other hand, the Seahawks have shown that in unfavorable matchups, their only reliable wide receiver is generally
Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If you need upside for a big play, Shaheed is your guy, but proceed with caution for championship week because he is always a threat to sink your week.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks tight end
AJ Barner (elbow) is a starting option in Week 17 against a middle-of-the-pack Carolina Panthers defense. The Panthers are No. 17 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. The defense is much improved from last season and is not being gouged at every level of the field as they have in years past. Barner has been relatively fantasy-relevant this season with a nose for the end zone and a proven after-catch ability. In Week 16, Barner caught four of six targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. He has also recorded at least six targets in two straight games. The recent volume supplies Barner with a solid fantasy floor. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball against the Panthers, which will provide Barner with red zone opportunities. If you need a potential replacement for an injured San Francisco 49ers tight end,
George Kittle (ankle), or underperformers such as Indianapolis Colts tight end
Tyler Warren, Barner is a solid option for championship week. It is worth noting that Barner has been dealing with an elbow injury this week, but he has been a full participant in practice all week, and does not appear to be in danger of missing the game.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver
Jack Bech (back) was added to the injury report on Friday after practicing in a limited capacity. He is officially listed as questionable to play in Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New York Giants. Vegas' receiving corps is short-staffed with
Brock Bowers (knee) on injured reserve, so Bech could be in line for more targets if he suits up. With that being said, he's still a risky fantasy option given his underwhelming performance as a rookie this year. The TCU product has played at least 81% of the snaps in two of his last three games, but he has a modest 10 catches during that span, and just 20 catches through 15 games this season. He still hasn't scored his first career touchdown, either. As it currently stands, Bech is the overall WR67 in RotoBaller's fantasy rankings for Week 17.
--Andersen PickardSource: Paul Gutierrez
December 26, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) logged another limited practice on Friday. He is officially questionable to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 17. Pearsall is working his way back after missing last week's victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Given his practice participation and game status, it sounds like he could be a true game-time decision this week. His six-catch, 96-yard performance from Week 15 makes him a tempting starter, but the timing of kickoff is risky. 28 of 32 teams will have played by Sunday night, leaving managers with fewer replacement options if he's ruled out. Managers who do feel compelled to start Pearsall as a flex could pivot to someone like
Kyle Monangai,
Blake Corum, or
Luther Burden III if he doesn't play.
--Andersen PickardSource: San Francisco 49ers
December 26, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) did not practice on Friday, and he's officially listed as questionable to play against the Chicago Bears in Week 17. The team expects Kittle to be a game-time decision, but the fact that he missed all three practices this week is very discouraging. Nevertheless, the door remains open for him to play. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the 49ers play on Sunday Night Football, which means we won't get confirmation on his status until 28 of the 32 teams have played. If he's ruled out, fantasy managers will have trouble finding a last-minute replacement. With that said, his high upside may be worth the risk in some formats. Managers planning to roll the dice with Kittle should also add his backup,
Jake Tonges, in case he's ruled out. Kittle, who is averaging the second-most fantasy points per game in PPR leagues, would rank as a high-end TE1 if active.
--Andersen PickardSource: San Francisco 49ers
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown (teeth) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Brown missed the first two days of practice this week due to a dental procedure. He was able to practice in full on Friday, which was enough to clear him for Week 17. Brown has been cruising lately, with 95 receiving yards or more in four of his last five games. He'll draw a tough matchup against the Bills' defense this weekend, a unit that has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried, though, and need to keep Brown locked into all starting lineups in a game with shootout potential.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
December 26, 2025
Green Bay Packers quarterback
Malik Willis (shoulder, illness) is in line to start under center for the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Starting quarterback
Jordan Love (concussion, shoulder) has been ruled out after getting concussed during last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. Willis came in as relief and completed nine of 11 passing attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 10 times for an additional 44 yards on the ground. Willis suffered a shoulder injury in the process. He's currently questionable for this game, but he'll make the start for the Packers if he's cleared to play. Otherwise,
Clayton Tune might come off the practice squad and start if Willis is also ruled out. Willis is enough of a dual threat to be viewed as an option in superflex formats. Fantasy managers in standard 12-team formats should be able to find a more trustworthy streaming option at QB.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 26, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee) is being shut down for the rest of the regular season, according to Jay Glazer. Crosby suffered a knee injury early in the season and has been playing through it for months. The Raiders aren't playing for anything at this point in the season, so they'll elect to let Crosby rest and get healthy. Crosby reportedly didn't like the decision and stormed out of the building. The superstar pass-rusher is notorious for wanting to play in every game, no matter the team's record or injury to his body. The 2-13 Raiders are certainly rebuilding and might trade the 28-year-old pass-rusher for draft picks or younger players in the offseason. For now, Crosby is done for the year, and the Raiders' defense gets worse heading into a Week 17 matchup versus the New York Giants.
--Andy WebbSource: Jay Glazer
December 26, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals tight end
Noah Fant (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 17 matchup versus the Arizona Cardinals. Fant suffered an ankle injury in Week 15, and as a result, he sat out during last week's game against the Miami Dolphins. He was limited during the first two practice sessions of the week before getting in a full practice on Friday. Fant appears to be trending in the right direction, but fantasy managers will need to check back on Sunday. If active, Fant remains a shaky streaming option for this weekend. The 28-year-old hasn't finished with more than one reception since Week 11. Fantasy managers should be able to find a more reliable streaming option for this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: Paul Dehner Jr.
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