December 22, 2025
New Orleans Saints tight end
Juwan Johnson has been a steady producer for most of the 2025 season, recording 70 receptions for 733 yards and three touchdowns on 93 targets across 15 games. Johnson posted one of his better performances in Week 16 against the New York Jets, hauling in eight catches for 89 yards on nine targets. The Saints placed wideout
Devaughn Vele (shoulder) on Injured Reserve leading into the game, which cements Johnson's status as the number two pass-catcher in New Orleans behind star wideout
Chris Olave. While Johnson may not have major upside, he's recorded just one game with fewer than four receptions since Week 6. Behind rookie quarterback
Tyler Shough, the Saints are playing some of their best football of the season in recent weeks and face another favorable matchup in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable viewing Johnson as a high-floor streamer option off the waiver wire at the tight end position.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Across 14 games this season, Chicago Bears rookie tight end
Colston Loveland has recorded 42 receptions for 528 yards and four touchdowns on 58 targets. The 21-year-old has provided remarkably consistent production in the second half of the year. Loveland has recorded no fewer than three and no more than four receptions in each of his last seven games. In that stretch, he's also logged between four and six targets and between 29 and 63 receiving yards in every outing. With Bears wideouts
Rome Odunze (foot) and
Luther Burden III (ankle) potentially set to miss the team's Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Loveland could finally see a production spike. Even if his role remains the same, he's a good bet to continue to provide around 10 PPR fantasy points. In leagues where he remains available, Loveland should be viewed as a low-end TE1 option for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Across 10 games in 2025, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end
Brenton Strange has hauled in 37 catches for 434 yards and two touchdowns on 49 targets. The 24-year-old had his season interrupted by a hip injury that sidelined him from Week 6 through Week 11, but he's stayed healthy since then, and his production appears to be trending in the right direction. Strange tied his season high with seven targets in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos, recording five catches for 39 yards and a touchdown. Between wide receivers
Jakobi Meyers,
Brian Thomas Jr., and
Parker Washington, the Jaguars have other capable pass-catchers who could steal opportunities away from Strange. However, Jaguars quarterback
Trevor Lawrence has thrown for 609 yards and eight touchdowns over the last two weeks and appears to be leading the Jacksonville offense to new heights. Strange carries streamer appeal in deeper leagues heading into his Week 17 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz has been a steady contributor throughout the 2025 season, recording 75 catches for 685 yards and three touchdowns on 98 targets across 15 games. While he may not be the most explosive player at the tight end position, Schultz provides a relatively stable production floor. Entering his Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the 29-year-old has earned at least five targets and recorded at least 10 PPR fantasy points in six out of his last eight games. Outside of star Texans wideout
Nico Collins, Schultz may be the most trusted pass-catching option for Houston quarterback
C.J. Stroud. In leagues where he remains available, Schultz can be viewed as a viable streamer at the tight end position for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire heading into Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver
Isaac TeSlaa had the best game of his young career in Week 16, recording four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown on seven targets against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While TeSlaa has hauled in just 12 receptions on the season, the 23-year-old has turned five of those catches into touchdowns. Most encouragingly, TeSlaa's playing time has spiked in recent weeks. After failing to play more than 28 offensive snaps in any game from Week 1 through Week 12, TeSlaa has now played at least 41 offensive snaps in each of Detroit's last four contests. He's been a favorite end-zone target of Lions quarterback
Jared Goff in that stretch, recording three touchdown catches. Additionally, top Lions wideout
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's injury report ahead of the team's Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day. Based on his touchdown potential and emerging role in Detroit, TeSlaa could be worth targeting on the waiver wire for deep-league fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Across 15 games this season, Chicago Bears wide receiver
Olamide Zaccheaus has hauled in 39 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns on 65 targets. While his numbers don't jump off the page, Zaccheaus has moved into a more prominent role in the Chicago offense in recent weeks, thanks to injuries to Bears wideouts
Rome Odunze (foot) and
Luther Burden III (ankle). With both Odunze and Burden III sidelined in Week 16, Zaccheaus played 86% of his team's offensive snaps and was targeted five times. Odunze is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot that has held him out since Week 13 and may keep him on the shelf through the end of the regular season. Since Odunze went out, Zaccheaus has played at least 79% of Chicago's offensive snaps in every game. While it has not led to big production yet, Zaccheaus may be in line for another game of significant playing time in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. He could be a viable injury replacement for deep-league fantasy managers off the waiver wire.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Orlando Magic small forward
Tristan da Silva (shoulder) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Golden State Warriors. da Silva was listed as questionable heading into Monday night, but with the Magic on the first night of a back-to-back, they are resting him for Tuesday night. The 24-year-old forward has averaged 9.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in over 23 minutes per game. With da Silva inactive and starter
Franz Wagner (knee/ankle) already out, look for
Jett Howard and
Noah Penda to see more minutes against the Warriors. da Silva will miss his third straight game, but look for him to return Tuesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.
--Nathan HarveySource: Jason Beede
December 22, 2025
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (hip) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Golden State Warriors. Suggs is set to miss his third straight game with a left hip contusion as the Magic play the first night of a back-to-back. The fifth-year guard has started in all 21 games this season, averaging 15.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. With Suggs inactive for their game against the Warriors, look for
Tre Jones to see more minutes, while
Paolo Banchero will be a primary ball handler as well. In the last two games, Banchero has averaged 25/12/10 on over 40 minutes on the floor. With the Magic traveling to face the Trail Blazers on Tuesday, look for Suggs to be questionable again.
--Nathan HarveySource: Jason Beede
December 22, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward
Quentin Grimes (illness) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Brooklyn. Grimes got the start in Saturday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, finishing with six points, seven assists, and two steals. He still has a chance to start on Tuesday if
Dominick Barlow (illness) isn't available. However, if both players are cleared to suit up, Grimes will likely head back to the bench, decreasing his fantasy upside for the favorable meeting with the Nets.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Aaron Wiggins (adductor) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Wiggins is set to miss his second straight game due to right adductor soreness. The fifth-year forward has been a vital part of the Thunder rotation this season, averaging 11.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 24 minutes per game. With Wiggins and multiple other key pieces out for the game against the Grizzlies, expect the Thunder to play a lot of "small-ball," with center
Branden Carlson and power forward
Kenrich Williams seeing more minutes. The Thunder travel to face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, where Wiggins should be considered questionable to play.
--Nathan HarveySource: Clemente Almanza
December 22, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Dominick Barlow (illness) is questionable for Tuesday's matchup against Brooklyn. Like many players around the NBA, he's not feeling well, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see how things play out. Barlow is easily having the best season of his career, averaging 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His three-point percentage isn't great, although he's certainly still exceeded expectations. If Barlow can't suit up,
Jabari Walker, averaging 2.0 points and 3.2 rebounds in five starts this season, might find his way back into the starting lineup. However, his upside is limited as long as
Tyrese Maxey,
Paul George, and
Joel Embiid (knee), who is probable, are on the floor.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (elbow) has come off the injury report ahead of Tuesday's clash against his former team, the Phoenix Suns. An elbow injury kept Ayton sidelined for two games, allowing
Jaxson Hayes to work as a starter.
Jarred Vanderbilt also had a larger workload in the frontcourt. He may still see additional action on Tuesday due to
Rui Hachimura's (groin) absence. Ayton's last appearance was against the Suns, and he did a good job showing what they are missing. In 30 minutes, the 27-year-old big man had 20 points, 13 rebounds, one block, and two steals in a 116-114 win on Dec. 14.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
New Orleans Saints running back
Evan Hull is coming off a very disappointing performance against the New York Jets. As a result, he can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues ahead of his Week 17 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Although there had been some speculation that Hull would lead New Orleans' backfield on Sunday with
Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) sidelined, that never came to fruition. Instead, he handled just five carries for three rushing yards on a 21% snap share.
Audric Estime (three catches) was far more productive than Hull in the receiving game, and veteran playmaker
Taysom Hill (12 carries) handled the bulk of the volume on the ground. If Kamara misses another game, Hill is the early favorite to lead the team in carries while Estime gets involved in the passing game. That leaves Hull as the odd man out, despite facing a Titans defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (shoulder) is off the injury report and available to play against the Portland Trail Blazers. Duren played fewer minutes in their previous game against the Charlotte Hornets but was listed as probable heading into Monday night's game. The 22-year-old is having a breakout season, averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 29 minutes per game. With the fourth-year center set to play against the Blazers,
Isaiah Stewart has limited value coming off the bench. Duren is a sure-fire start for fantasy managers against one of the worst defenses in the NBA.
--Nathan HarveySource: Omari Sankofa II
December 22, 2025
Washington Wizards center
Alexandre Sarr (adductor) is off the injury report ahead of Tuesday's meeting with the Charlotte Hornets. Sarr last played on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double. However, he didn't suit up versus the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, the second of back-to-back contests.
Tristan Vukcevic got the start, ending with 18 points and nine boards. Of course, with Sarr's return, Vukcevic will head to the bench, although he may see some action if
Marvin Bagley III (calf) can't play.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Austin Reaves (calf) has picked up a questionable designation on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. He has missed three games with a left calf strain but is on the cusp of returning to the lineup. On Monday, Reaves was a limited participant at practice, and the team considers him day-to-day.
Luka Doncic (leg) has been ruled out for Tuesday night, and Reaves could have a massive role on the offensive end if he plays. However, if he remains out,
Nick Smith Jr. and
Dalton Knecht would presumably play a larger role. The two have not been trustworthy fantasy contributors.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. has strengthened his status as a must-add player on the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 17. The rookie enjoyed another dominant performance against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, catching four passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. He handled an 86% target share in the loss, largely due to the continued absence of fellow tight end
David Njoku (knee). Fannin now has 22 catches, 239 yards, and three touchdowns over his last four games, ranking as the overall TE3 in fantasy football during that span. His upside depends on whether Njoku is in the lineup, but even if the veteran tight end returns to action this week, Fannin should remain a top-five fantasy tight end while operating as
Shedeur Sanders' favorite target. He'll now be tasked with facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points, fourth-most catches, fourth-most receiving yards, and second-most receptions to opposing tight ends in 2025. Fannin is a priority addition who should be rostered and started in all leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (toe) will remain out of the lineup on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors. He recently re-aggravated a toe injury, and it's unclear when Herro will be available to return. Tuesday's game will be his fifth straight absence. Fortunately for Miami, the team's other big guns have been cleared for Tuesday's game. With Herro out, all the other starters get additional scoring chances. At the same time, his absence has helped
Kel'el Ware to reclaim a starting spot. The 21-year-old has exploded for 24.7 points and 15.0 rebounds over the last three games since rejoining the first unit, adding 1.7 blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Detroit Pistons small forward
Ron Holland II (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Holland is dealing with left knee soreness and didn't appear to have any injury in their previous game against the Charlotte Hornets. The second-year forward has seen a slight jump in his sophomore season, averaging 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in just 21 minutes per game. With Holland out, expect to see more
Javonte Green as the primary backup behind
Ausar Thompson. With the Pistons traveling to face Sacramento on Tuesday, there's a chance Holland is managing some soreness and will be active for their matchup against the Kings.
--Nathan HarveySource: Omari Sankofa II
December 22, 2025
New York Jets wide receiver
Adonai Mitchell has been heavily targeted lately, but he's a risky fantasy option heading into a tough matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 17. To his credit, Mitchell has enjoyed a career resurgence since being traded to the Jets, commanding at least six targets in each of his last six games. However, he has caught just 45.6% of his targets since the trade, averaging a modest 8.6 full-PPR points per game during that span. This week's matchup is far from ideal for Mitchell, especially as he adjusts to the quarterback play of inexperienced rookie
Brady Cook, who will earn another start on Sunday. The Patriots have allowed the seventh-fewest catches and ninth-fewest receiving yards to wide receivers in 2025. Mitchell has a high ceiling and low floor, which makes him a risky option as the fantasy playoffs continue. He's only worth adding off the waiver wire in leagues with at least 12 teams.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
New York Knicks forward
OG Anunoby (ankle) won't suit up for Tuesday's encounter with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has landed on the injury report with a sore left ankle, indicating that Anunoby isn't dealing with anything serious. It looks like the team simply wants to give him some rest before facing the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day.
Guerschon Yabusele (illness) also won't play on Tuesday, making it likely that
Mohamed Diawara will log his second career start. It's a great opportunity to impress for the 20-year-old rookie, but fantasy managers should tame their expectations. In his first career start, Diaward settled for five points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Detroit Pistons. Grant is set to miss his second straight game due to left Achilles tendon soreness. The 12-year veteran has played in 26 games this season, averaging 20 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in a little over 30 minutes per game. With Grant ruled out, expect second-year forward
Kris Murray to start once again, and other starters like
Deni Avdija,
Shaedon Sharpe, and Toumani Camera to see a jump in fantasy value as well. With Portland facing the Orlando Magic as part of a back-to-back, fantasy managers could be without Grant until after Christmas.
--Nathan HarveySource: Danny Marang
December 22, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin Jr. has been a consistent target on offense, and his steady role should make him a priority waiver wire target for Week 17. Godwin has 24 targets, 17 catches, 183 yards, and one touchdown over his last four games. He has tallied double-digit fantasy points in three of those four contests, and he ranks as the overall WR31 in half-PPR leagues during that span. Although Godwin remains the No. 2 option behind
Mike Evans, he has been able to carve out solid volume in all of his games. He should continue to handle plenty of targets as this
Baker Mayfield-led offense pushes for a playoff berth. The 29-year-old receiver ranks as a strong WR3 option ahead of Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the 10th-most touchdowns to wide receivers in 2025. The struggling Dolphins just allowed
Ja'Marr Chase and
Tee Higgins to combine for 162 yards and a touchdown.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
New York Knicks point guard
Jalen Brunson (ankle) will miss his third game of the season on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brunson had a monster game on Sunday against the Miami Heat with 47 points, but he will take Tuesday off to manage a right ankle injury ahead of Thursday's Christmas clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks' backcourt is also without
Miles McBride (ankle) and
Landry Shamet (shoulder), giving
Jordan Clarkson and
Tyler Kolek significant roles in the rotation. With that said, Tuesday's matchup is a tricky one for the duo, as Minnesota typically does a good job limiting the offensive impact of guards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (illness) appears ready to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets, as the team considers him probable for the game. After sitting out two games due to illness, the former MVP came through a full practice on Monday. Embiid's return to the lineup would force
Andre Drummond into a bench role, significantly reducing his fantasy value. Before he was sidelined by illness, Embiid logged 30-plus minutes in three consecutive appearances, averaging 25.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (illness) is available for Monday's contest against the Utah Jazz. Valanciunas was listed on the injury report with an illness heading into Monday, but the veteran will continue his streak of not missing a game in 2025. The 14th-year big man is averaging 8.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in just 13 minutes per game. He has yet to start a game this season, filling in behind superstar
Nikola Jokic, which will continue to limit his fantasy value. With Jokic in the lineup for Monday's game against the Jazz, Valanciunas should be left out of fantasy lineups.
--Nathan HarveySource: Denver Nuggets
December 22, 2025
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (calf) is considered questionable for Tuesday's intriguing matchup against the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The French superstar continues to manage a calf injury that recently kept him sidelined for nearly a month. Since returning, Wembanyama has averaged only 20.3 minutes across five appearances. Despite the limited playing time, he has still provided high-level fantasy production, posting 19.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. If Wembanyama takes the night off on Tuesday,
Luke Kornet and
Kelly Olynyk will share the center minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Konata Mumpfield took on a larger role last Thursday, and he continues to trend up ahead of Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons. Mumpfield has earned more targets lately with
Davante Adams (knee, hamstring) sidelined. While the door remains open for Adams to face the Falcons, he faces an uphill battle to suit up. Therefore, Mumpfield has an opportunity to produce once again. Last week, as
Matthew Stafford's No. 2 option in the passing game, the rookie caught three of his eight targets for 40 yards while handling a 46% snap share. His target share might regress this weekend, but his overall production should benefit from a matchup against the Falcons, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points and fourth-most catches to wide receivers in 2025. Mumpfield is a potential WR3/flex this week, and he's an intriguing waiver wire target, especially in deeper leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 22, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers point guard
Luka Doncic (leg) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Doncic injured his left leg in Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and will sit out at least one game. His injury isn't believed to be a long-term issue, as the Lakers consider him day-to-day. According to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Doncic has dealt with the same issue several times this season.
Dalton Knecht and
Nick Smith Jr. could see increased usage due to Doncic's absence, though
Austin Reaves (calf) may return on Tuesday and would significantly impact the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 22, 2025
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (trunk) is available to play on Monday against the Utah Jazz. Watson has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but is off the injury report and slated to play on Monday. The fourth-year forward has started in 15 of 25 available games this season, averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. With
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) still out after suffering his injury on November 21st, Watson will continue to start as the power forward for the Nuggets. While a minute restriction is possible given the missed time, Watson offers some fantasy value as a streaming option with Gordon off the floor.
--Nathan HarveySource: Denver Nuggets
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