January 4, 2026

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable after logging back-to-back limited practices. The 28-year-old has failed to meet expectations while occupying the No. 2 wide receiver role for most of this season. He has played 81.8% of the offensive snaps when healthy but has a modest stat line of 29 catches, 423 yards, and one touchdown. Mooney finds himself buried in the pecking order behind Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr. As a result, we expect him to remain off the fantasy radar against the Saints on Sunday. He can be benched in most leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Atlanta Falcons

January 4, 2026

The New York Jets have had another miserable season, already fired their defensive coordinator, and are 3-13 heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills, but NFL Network's Judy Battista reports that owner Woody Johnson remains committed to head coach Aaron Glenn, and Glenn is not expected to be fired on Monday. The Jets made it clear that they were focusing their attention on 2026 when they traded both cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline. Battista adds that there is optimism that the Jets can execute a pretty big overhaul this offseason, as they are flush with salary cap space and will have two first-round picks in 2026 and three in 2027. The Jets must first and foremost figure out their QB situation after swinging and missing on Justin Fields in free agency last offseason.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Judy Battista

January 4, 2026

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity this week. Pitts has frequently appeared on the injury report this year, but he never ended up missing a game. He has officially been active for all 17 games for the third season in a row. Pitts has been playing at an elite level ever since Kirk Cousins took over at quarterback, and it has allowed him to rank as the overall TE2 in full-PPR leagues to this point. He'll look to cap off his strong second half of the season in a competitive game against the Saints on Sunday. As it stands, he ranks as a top-five fantasy tight end.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Atlanta Falcons

January 4, 2026

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity this past week. London is still working his way back after a knee injury sidelined him from Weeks 12 through 15. In two games since then, he has just four catches. Last week was particularly frustrating as he caught one pass for four yards despite handling a 98% snap share. The increased snap share indicates that London is capable of playing a full game, so now, he just needs the targets. Managers should look for him to bounce back as a fringe top-12 fantasy receiver in a competitive battle against the Saints on Sunday.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Atlanta Falcons

January 4, 2026

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb is a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Chubb played only five offensive snaps and handled one carry for one yard in rookie Woody Marks' return in the Week 17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers last Saturday. Even rookie Jawhar Jordan had more snaps than Chubb, and now the veteran back will be inactive in a game in which the Texans must win to have a chance at winning the AFC South division. In the previous three games, the 30-year-old Chubb has just eight rushing attempts and one catch for 46 scrimmage yards. He is falling out of favor in Houston's backfield as the playoffs approach next week. Chubb has lacked explosiveness in his first year with the Texans and is averaging 4.1 yards per carry with only three rushing TDs on 122 rush attempts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Houston Texans

January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs recently recovered from knee and ankle injuries. While he didn't carry an injury designation into this weekend's contest, the Packers will opt to rest him. Green Bay, which has already locked up the No. 7 seed in the NFC, aims to keep Jacobs healthy ahead of the playoffs. He should return to the lead-back role when Green Bay takes the field in the Wild Card Round. In the meantime, Emanuel Wilson should lead the Packers' backfield against the Vikings on Sunday. Chris Brooks will back up Wilson. Interesting, the Packers chose not to elevate Damien Martinez from the practice squad, so Wilson and Brooks will be their only active running backs in Week 18.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Green Bay Packers

January 4, 2026

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is officially a healthy scratch for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans. Rookie Riley Leonard will make the start to close out the year, with Seth Henigan set to work as the backup. The Colts brought the 44-year-old Rivers out of retirement after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. Rivers was unable to save Indy's season, losing all three of his starts against the Seahawks, 49ers, and Jaguars. He completed 63% of his 92 pass attempts for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in his three games played. Rivers predictably struggled with his arm strength, but he wasn't terrible. The eight-time Pro Bowler already announced that he'll be retiring for a second time following this weekend's game.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Indianapolis Colts

January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder, hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. In addition to Willis being inactive, Jordan Love will ride the bench as Green Bay rests key starters. The Packers have nothing left to play for, as they already locked up the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture. As a result, Clayton Tune will start at quarterback on Sunday afternoon. Willis will likely return to his backup quarterback role in the Wild Card Round, and he could earn a chance to compete for a starting job during free agency in March.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Green Bay Packers

January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as doubtful after missing all three practices this past week. The 24-year-old has occupied an inconsistent role this season, and his usage has been dwindling with just four catches over his last four games. Wicks is the only wide receiver inactive for Green Bay, but we wouldn't be surprised if Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs handle a reduced workload now that the Packers have locked up the No. 7 seed. Matthew Golden could earn more targets in the Packers' offense, led by quarterback Clayton Tune.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Green Bay Packers

January 4, 2026

Houston Texans rookie wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are expected to handle increased volume during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The Iowa State products will occupy larger roles with Nico Collins (coach's decision) not playing on Sunday. Collins is being sidelined to preserve his health ahead of the playoff stretch. Higgins and Noel have both seen their roles increase throughout this season, leading up to this big opportunity in Week 18. Both receivers scored a touchdown in last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. They also combined for nine catches, 97 yards, and a touchdown in the last game that Collins missed. Higgins and Noel both rank as solid WR3/flex options against a Colts defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Aaron Wilson

January 4, 2026

The Green Bay Packers will rest key players during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. It was previously reported that Green Bay would likely rest some of its starters, but Fowler's latest update now confirms this. While the X post doesn't say which players will be affected, Fowler reports that "a significant number" of key players will sit out. This decision comes after Green Bay clinched the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture. We already know that Jordan Love will not start despite clearing concussion protocol, and we could see key offensive players like Josh Jacobs and Christian Watson rest. Emanuel Wilson and Matthew Golden could see additional opportunities in the Clayton Tune-led offense. On defense, Fowler notes that recently-acquired cornerback Tre'Von Diggs will play.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jeremy Fowler

January 4, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance will make his first start of the season during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Denver Broncos. The former first-round pick is starting in place of Justin Herbert (coach's decision) as the Chargers look to keep their No. 1 quarterback healthy for the upcoming playoff stretch. Turning to Lance puts Los Angeles as a 14-point underdog, and they could still finish anywhere between the No. 5 and No. 7 seed in the AFC. The young quarterback has flashed upside in the past, and perhaps the Chargers still hope that he can live up to his first-round draft stock. However, the odds are stacked against him this week. For starters, the Broncos have an elite defense anchored by Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto. Denver has allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards and eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Furthermore, Lance is playing behind an offensive line that PFF ranked second-worst heading into Week 18. Every Chargers offensive lineman finished with a PFF grade below 70 last week. This is not the right time to start Lance in fantasy football. Managers should avoid him in all leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen remains a high-upside fantasy option for Week 18 against the New York Jets, but he also has a lower floor than usual. Because the Bills have clinched a playoff spot and want to stay healthy for the playoffs, we wouldn't be surprised to see Allen play only a portion of Sunday's divisional battle on the road. Buffalo could still jump from the No. 7 seed to either No. 6 or No. 5, so Allen will start and have a chance to get the Bills a substantial lead early in the game. However, if he achieves that, we could see the team shift from Allen to Mitch Trubisky in order to keep the superstar quarterback healthy. Allen's health has been a particularly notable topic lately, as he has dealt with a nagging foot injury for several weeks. Despite concerns about Allen getting some rest, he still has high-end QB1 upside. Even if he misses part of the game, he can still put together a top fantasy performance. Just last week, we saw Patriots quarterback Drake Maye rack up five passing touchdowns against the Jets, despite playing fewer than three quarters. Allen could be in line for a similarly dominant performance against a New York defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Additionally, the Jets are one game away from becoming the first team in NFL history to record zero interceptions in a season. Allen has tremendous upside, but managers should only start him with the understanding that he could play less than half of the game.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (coach's decision) will not play in Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Collins isn't injured, but Houston is resting him in order to ensure that he stays healthy for the playoff run. The 26-year-old finishes his fifth regular season with 71 catches, 1,117 yards, and six touchdowns. So far, he ranks as the overall WR7 in full-PPR leagues, which is the highest mark of his career. His absence on Sunday should create more opportunities for rookie receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. Holding Collins out is an interesting move for the Texans, who could finish in any of the three Wild Card seeds and also still have a chance to clinch the No. 3 seed as the AFC South champion. Even without Collins, though, Houston is projected to defeat Indianapolis. DraftKings currently has the Texans favored by 10.5 points on the road.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jonathan Alexander

January 4, 2026

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is expected to handle increased volume with Wan'Dale Robinson (ribs) and Theo Johnson (illness) both sidelined against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. Robinson is headed for his first absence of the season, and Johnson has only been inactive one other time. Therefore, we haven't yet seen what Slayton can do as Jaxson Dart's No. 1 target. However, we have seen glimpses of his upside. He caught a touchdown pass in Week 13, handled 10 targets in Week 15, and has played at least 87% of the snaps in two of his last three games. The bigger role comes at a perfect time for Slayton and his managers, as the Cowboys have surrendered the league's most yards, touchdowns, and fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Managers should feel comfortable deploying Slayton as a strong WR2 option in fantasy football as he handles a bigger workload and gets a very enticing matchup.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller