December 29, 2025
Across nine games in 2025, Miami Dolphins running back
Jaylen Wright has recorded just 292 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 60 touches. However, the 22-year-old has played some of his best football in the month of December. Over his last four games, Wright has racked up 200 rushing yards and two scores on 39 carries. Wright's production upside is limited by the presence of star Dolphins running back
De'Von Achane, who remains the clear lead back in Miami. However, Wright could be overtaking
Ollie Gordon II for the team's RB2 role, as Wright has out-snapped Gordon II 26 to 11 over the past two weeks. In fantasy leagues with 14 or more teams, Wright could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into his Week 18 matchup against the New England Patriots.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Sean Tucker has seen a drastic decrease in usage since fellow Buccaneers back
Bucky Irving returned from injury in Week 13. Over his last five contests, Tucker is averaging under four rush attempts per game. However, Tucker has maintained a role at the goal line, recording three rushing touchdowns in that five-game span. The 24-year-old has had a nose for the end zone in 2025, scoring eight touchdowns on just 90 touches across 16 games. Additionally, Tampa Bay's rushing offense as a whole was miserable in Week 17, as they totaled 53 rushing yards as a team in a loss to the Miami Dolphins. Between his role at the goal line and the possibility he earns more work as Tampa Bay searches for backfield solutions, Tucker maintains fantasy upside. In leagues with 12 or more teams, Tucker could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into his Week 18 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Cleveland Browns running back
Dylan Sampson returned in Week 17 after a two-game absence due to calf and hand injuries, recording 27 scrimmage yards on 14 touches against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite his inefficient day against the Steelers, Sampson could be in line for a more productive Week 18 in an easier matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. With Browns running back
Quinshon Judkins (ankle, leg) suffering a season-ending injury in Week 16, Cleveland split backfield touches in Week 17 between Sampson,
Raheim Sanders, and Trayevon Williams. Sanders led Browns running backs in snap share, but Sampson earned more touches (14) than Sanders and Williams combined (11). If Sampson remains the leader of the Cleveland backfield committee in Week 18, he should post better results. Fantasy managers in leagues with 12 or more teams should consider targeting Sampson on the waiver wire heading into the final week of the regular season.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Across 13 games this season, Kansas City Chiefs running back
Isiah Pacheco has recorded 563 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 137 touches. The 26-year-old has not recorded more than 34 rushing yards in a game or scored a rushing touchdown since Week 8. However, Pacheco maintains a consistent role in the Kansas City offense, averaging over 11 touches per game over the last three weeks. Pacheco appears to have wrestled the RB1 role for the Chiefs away from fellow back
Kareem Hunt, as he's earned double the touches of Hunt over that same three-game period. Kansas City has been consistently chasing points during its ongoing five-game losing streak, which limits opportunities to run the football. However, the Chiefs could have a chance to play with a lead in their Week 18 matchup against the lowly Las Vegas Raiders. In fantasy leagues with 10 or more teams, Pacheco could be a running back worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Xavier Legette caught one pass for three yards in the team's 27-10 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. The Carolina WR finished the game with 1.3 PPR points. It was his fifth consecutive game with fewer than 6.0 PPR points scored. In Week 18, the Panthers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a winner-take-all game for the NFC South title. The Buccaneers ranked sixth in fantasy points per game allowed to the WR position in the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against Tampa Bay, Legette had one reception for 12 yards and 2.2 PPR points scored. Legette has seen five-plus targets in only three games since Week 5, and he has averaged 4.3 targets per game this season. Legette is not a consideration for those still playing in Week 18 or DFS bargain hunters. He doesn't have much dynasty appeal, either.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Carolina Panthers running back
Chuba Hubbard had four carries for 12 yards in the team's 27-10 defeat in Week 17 to the Seattle Seahawks. He added six yards on three receptions and finished the game with 2.8 PPR points. It was his lowest fantasy total since Week 10, and it was his third consecutive week with less than 5.0 PPR points. Carolina faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18 in an important game to determine the NFC South title. Tampa Bay ranked 15th in fantasy points per game allowed to the RB position in the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against the Buccaneers, Hubbard had six carries for 27 yards and 4.4 PPR points. Hubbard's volume is too inconsistent to warrant a roster spot if you are still playing in Week 18, and he does not deserve any DFS consideration. Since Week 9, Hubbard had double-digit carries in only one game and eight or fewer carries in each of his last three. Hubbard remains off the fantasy radar for those playing in Week 18 despite the importance of this game against Tampa Bay. There is no need to handcuff him anymore if you roster
Rico Dowdle. Cut Hubbard if you still have him on the roster and want to block your opponent from picking up certain players.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Across four games since signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, veteran wide receiver
Adam Thielen has recorded eight receptions for 74 yards on 11 targets. While the 35-year-old's overall numbers are modest, he has seen an uptick in usage lately. With Steelers wideouts
DK Metcalf (suspension) and
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) sidelined in Week 17, Thielen earned five targets in the team's 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Thielen also played 86% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps, most among Pittsburgh wide receivers. Austin III has a chance to return for the team's Week 18 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, but Metcalf will remain on the shelf. In PPR fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Thielen could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Rams running back
Blake Corum (ankle) is considered questionable to return for Monday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Corum limped to the sideline after a two-yard carry in the second quarter and was taken to the locker room. He is uncertain to return with a right-ankle injury. Before exiting, Corum rushed the ball six times for 18 yards on the ground. His absence should mean a larger role for
Kyren Williams in the backfield.
Ronnie Rivers figures to see more chances as the backup, too, with Corum out of the mix for now. With the Rams down big to begin the second half, it's probably unlikely that we'll see Corum again on Monday night, and the Rams could choose to keep him sidelined for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals as well.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Grosbard
December 29, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Emari Demercado had five carries for 11 yards in Sunday's 37-14 blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. Demercado also had two catches for nine yards on three targets. The 26-year-old had another quiet performance despite playing in a favorable matchup on Sunday. Heading into Week 17, the Bengals' defense had surrendered the most fantasy points to running backs this season. Demercado has not been the same fantasy running back since returning from his ankle injury and has played a supporting role in the Cardinals' backfield to
Michael Carter. Going into Week 18, Demercado and the Cardinals offense will look to end the season on a high note against the Los Angeles Rams.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter had seven carries for 29 yards in Sunday's 37-14 blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. Carter also had two catches for 14 yards on four targets. The 26-year-old has been the lead running back in the Cardinals' backfield after the team has seen season-ending injuries to
James Conner (foot),
Trey Benson (knee), and
Bam Knight (ankle). However, Carter had under 50 total scrimmage yards in the perfect fantasy matchup. Heading into Sunday, the Bengals' defense had allowed the most fantasy points to running backs this season. Carter and the Cardinals' offense will look to bounce back in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams to close the regular season.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Greg Dulcich had his best performance of the season during Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dulcich hauled in five of his six targets for 58 yards and a touchdown in the win. The 25-year-old has now finished with 40 receiving yards or more in four straight games, even though fellow TE
Darren Waller remains healthy. Rookie quarterback
Quinn Ewers is set to make his third straight start in the Week 18 regular-season finale. The rookie signal-caller has connected with Dulcich eight times in two games. The expectation is that this trend will continue against the division-rival New England Patriots this Sunday. Dulcich isn't a great streaming option, but he is worthy of a look in deeper leagues this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 29, 2025
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Jacoby Brissett went 21-for-37 for 212 yards with two touchdowns in his team's 37-14 Week 17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Arizona's pass-happy offense stalled despite going against a bottom-tier pass defense. Brissett threw for under 215 yards and finished outside of QB1 territory for a second straight week, marking the first time since taking over the offense. From Week 6 to Week 15, Brissett was the QB3 overall in all fantasy football and averaged 21.2 fantasy points per game. The 33-year-old veteran has averaged 14.05 fantasy points over his last two games. Brissett seems to have found himself in a valley with his play during the fantasy football playoffs, but he will look to climb out of it in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
December 29, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Pat Freiermuth finished with his second-highest total in yardage during Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns. Freiermuth hauled in three of his five targets for 63 yards in the loss. He saw 70 percent of the offensive snaps, which is the most for him since Week 3. The increased playing time was because
Darnell Washington (forearm) was forced to leave the game. Washington suffered a broken forearm during that game, so he won't play in the regular-season finale. Freiermuth figures to play a bigger role alongside
Jonnu Smith during the Week 18 matchup against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Freiermuth has seen four or more targets in three straight games coming into this one. He's worthy of looking at as a TE2 streamer for the regular-season finale.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 29, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers tight end
Oronde Gadsden found the end zone for the first time since Week 8 during Saturday's loss to the Houston Texans. The rookie tight end was able to salvage his fantasy value with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the game with three receptions on six targets for 32 yards and the one score. His value has been inconsistent this season, and it's not going to get any better in Week 18 in the regular-season finale on the road against a tough Denver Broncos defense. The Chargers are expected to rest most of their starters in Week 18, which includes quarterback
Justin Herbert. Backup
Trey Lance will take over under center, which will be a downgrade for the entire offense. It's unclear how much Gadsden is going to play, and having a backup QB throwing the rock around isn't going to do him any favors. Fantasy managers are better off looking elsewhere for TE help in Week 18.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 29, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver
Elic Ayomanor tied for the team lead in receptions and targets during Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints. The rookie wideout hauled in four of his seven targets for 37 yards and snagged a touchdown in the defeat. Ayomanor has seen his role in the offense increase with the Titans down a few wideouts due to injuries to close out the season. Over the last two games, Ayomanor has secured seven receptions for 95 yards and one score. He figures to continue getting the ball thrown his way in the Week 18 regular-season finale. There's not great upside here, but Ayomanor should at least offer deep-league value for the final game against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
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