December 19, 2025
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet had nine carries for 32 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown during Thursday's Week 16 win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. He also caught all four of his targets for an additional 22 receiving yards. Charbonnet was outperformed by
Kenneth Walker III in terms of touches, yards, and fantasy points, but he did still lead the backfield with his 56% snap share on Thursday night. Managers should expect the two backs to continue splitting work roughly 50/50 in this backfield from now on. That lowers the floor for both players, but if Seattle's offense plays well over the final two weeks, Charbonnet and Walker could each carve out standalone fantasy value as low-end RB2 or high-end RB3/flex options. Charbonnet should be a top-36 fantasy running back in Week 17, when he takes on a well-rounded Carolina Panthers squad.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 19, 2025
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold completed 22 of his 34 pass attempts for 270 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions during Thursday's Week 16 comeback win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. He also rushed for seven yards and took four sacks in the victory. It wasn't exactly the cleanest game for Darnold, who has now been picked off by the Rams six times during two meetings in 2025. He was just 4-for-6 passing in the first half, but he cleaned things up in the second half and overtime, ultimately leading the Seahawks to a comeback victory that erased Los Angeles' 16-point lead. The 28-year-old is a borderline top-12 fantasy quarterback (with undeniable risk) heading into a Week 17 clash with his old team, the Carolina Panthers.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 19, 2025
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught eight of his 13 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's Week 16 win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. Smith-Njigba didn't have a single catch during the entire first half, sending managers into a panic as the fantasy playoffs continue in most leagues. However, he was highly explosive throughout the second half and overtime, during which he scored the game-winning touchdown. The 23-year-old is the second-highest-scoring fantasy receiver (full-PPR) in 2025, trailing only
Puka Nacua. He has been one of the biggest risers in the NFL this season, and he should continue to be started as an elite WR1 option in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 19, 2025
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III had 11 carries for 100 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown during Thursday's Week 16 win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. He also caught all three of his targets for an additional 64 receiving yards. The highlight of Walker's game was a 55-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter that temporarily gave Seattle the lead. The 25-year-old bounced back in a huge way after posting fewer than 4.0 fantasy points in each of his last two games. Walker only played 44% of the snaps on Thursday night, while teammate
Zach Charbonnet played 56%. However, Walker was more productive than his backfield-mate, and he also handled more total touches. Managers should expect the fourth-year back to remain in the low-end RB2 tier for fantasy football ahead of a favorable matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 19, 2025
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford completed 29 of his 49 pass attempts for 457 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Thursday's Week 16 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. He also rushed for six yards and didn't take a sack. Although the Rams came up short, Stafford delivered a fantastic final stat line for his fantasy managers. Not only did he set a new season-high in fantasy points, but he also delivered his highest passing yards total since 2013, more than a dozen years ago. As a result, this was also his highest passing yards total as a Ram. The veteran quarterback managed to have such a spectacular performance despite being without
Davante Adams (hamstring) against a strong Seahawks defense. Instead, he found
Puka Nacua for 12 completions, 225 yards, and two touchdowns, while the rest of his pass-catchers accounted for the remaining volume. Stafford remains a high-end QB1 heading into a very favorable Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 19, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Puka Nacua caught 12 of his 16 targets for 225 yards and two touchdowns during Thursday's Week 16 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. He played 78.3% of the offensive snaps, which was his highest mark since Week 12. In the effort, he set new career-highs in receiving yards and fantasy points. He also surpassed
Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the highest-scoring fantasy receiver in 2025, despite playing one fewer game than the Seahawks' superstar. All in all, Nacua gave his managers a huge early advantage as the second round of the fantasy playoffs kicked off in most leagues on Thursday night. If his big game ends up being enough to get managers into the championship, he'll look for an opportunity to stay hot during next week's favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 18, 2025
The San Diego Padres re-signed right-hander
Michael King on a three-year, $75 million deal on Thursday night, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The deal includes a $12 million signing bonus, and then salaries of $5 million next year, a $28 million player option in 2027 ($5 million buyout), and a $30 million player option in 2028 (no buyout). It will either be worth $22 million for one year, $45 million for two seasons, or $75 million for three years. The 26-year-old was excellent in his first year in SD, sporting a 2.95 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a career-high 201 strikeouts in 30 regular-season starts (173 2/3 frames). However, right-shoulder and knee injuries limited him to just 15 starts in 2025. King demonstrated in 2024 that he has the stuff to be a high-end fantasy starter in a good spot in SD, but that was also his only full season in the big leagues. It makes him a high-risk, high-reward pitching target in fantasy in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
December 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end
Cade Otton (knee) practiced in full on Thursday ahead of Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers. This was an upgraded status for Otton after he was limited on Wednesday. The 26-year-old missed last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but barring a setback, he will return to action this upcoming Sunday. It's been an underwhelming year for Otton, who ranks as the overall TE26 in PPR leagues with 46 catches, 430 yards, and zero touchdowns. He typically struggles when
Mike Evans and
Chris Godwin Jr. are healthy, which should be the case this week. As a result, managers can bench Otton in their Week 16 matchups. He currently ranks as the TE24 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
December 18, 2025
Free-agent left-hander
John Means (Achilles) announced on his Instagram account on Thursday that he suffered a ruptured Achilles earlier this week, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Means also said that he was close to signing with a team before suffering the devastating injury that will almost certainly knock him out for the entire 2026 season. The 32-year-old veteran southpaw had his second Tommy John surgery in June of 2024 and didn't pitch at all in the big leagues in 2025. He was set to be fully recovered by Opening Day before his unfortunate Achilles injury. Means has had terrible injury luck recently and has made only 10 starts since the start of 2022. In 26 2/3 innings during his rehab in the minors with Cleveland this year, Means had a rough 6.41 ERA. Means will now be fighting an uphill battle for a big-league roster spot when he's able to return in 2027.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Banner - Andy Kostka
December 18, 2025
Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Van Jefferson (back) practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday ahead of Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jefferson's status improved after he missed practice altogether on Wednesday. The veteran receiver played at least 73% of the snaps in every game from Week 6 through Week 14, but his snap share dropped to 58% when he injured his back in Week 15. In nine games since Week 6, Jefferson has 43 targets, 20 catches, 256 yards, and one touchdown. During that span, he ranks as the overall WR71 in PPR leagues. Even if he manages to suit up this week, Jefferson won't be a worthwhile fantasy option while operating behind
Chimere Dike and
Elic Ayomanor in the Titans' struggling offense.
--Andersen PickardSource: Titans PR
December 18, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Tre' Harris (hip) remained limited during practice for a second consecutive day on Thursday. The rookie is coming off an impressive showing against the Kansas City Chiefs in which he played a career-high 85% of the snaps, leading to five targets, three catches, and 49 receiving yards. Harris' increased workload was the direct result of
Quentin Johnston (groin) being inactive, and he could see similar opportunities against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16, depending on whether Johnston suits up. Johnston has mirrored Harris' availability so far this week, practicing in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. Harris has long-term WR2 or WR3 upside in dynasty leagues, but he remains tougher to trust in Week 16 lineups if Johnston, Allen, and
Ladd McConkey are all active. On the other hand, if Johnston is inactive, Harris could be a WR3/flex in deeper leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Los Angeles Chargers
December 18, 2025
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Jalen Nailor (back) was limited in practice for a second consecutive day on Thursday. Nailor picked up the injury during last Sunday's Week 15 win over the Dallas Cowboys. As a result, his status remains uncertain for the Vikings' upcoming contest against the New York Giants on Sunday in Week 16. The 26-year-old is having a solid season as Minnesota's No. 3 receiver, catching 26 passes for 395 yards and four touchdowns. He has 10 touchdowns over his last 31 games dating back to the 2024 campaign. As long as
Justin Jefferson and
Jordan Addison are healthy, though, Nailor should not be viewed as a reliable fantasy starter. He ranks outside the top 50 fantasy receivers for Week 16, if he suits up.
--Andersen PickardSource: Minnesota Vikings
December 18, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Darren Waller (knee) practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday. This was the second day in a row that Waller logged a limited practice session. The veteran tight end picked up the injury during Monday's explosive performance in which he caught seven passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns. The lingering injury and change in quarterback from
Tua Tagovailoa to
Quinn Ewers could hinder his fantasy outlook for Week 16, but on the other hand, he should benefit from a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, and it's not particularly close. If Waller plays in Week 16, he'll be a low-end TE1 for fantasy football. Managers should get more info on his availability when the Dolphins publish their final injury report on Friday.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jay Morrison
December 18, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Anthony Edwards (foot) is questionable for Friday's matchup against OKC. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick missed only six games in the two seasons heading into the 2025 campaign. However, he's already missed seven this season. If Edwards stays on the shelf versus the champs,
Bones Hyland is the favorite to remain the starting lineup. Hyland recently amassed 12 points, five assists, and one steal in Wednesday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, although he could have a tough time being as productive in the meeting with the defensively-sound Thunder.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 18, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (illness) is questionable for Friday's game in New York. Usually, he's listed on the injury report because of his knee. This time, the 31-year-old popped up on it due to an illness. Embiid has appeared in Philly's previous three contests, combining for 77 points during that stretch. Of course, the team won't take any chances with the 2023 MVP, so he likely won't be on the floor unless he's fully healthy. If Embiid can't suit up,
Andre Drummond will presumably take his place in the rotation against the Knicks. Drummond has played well in his 11 starts throughout the 2025 campaign, averaging 10.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 42.9% shooting from behind the arc.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 18, 2025
Free-agent first baseman Tyler Austin has agreed to a one-year major-league deal with the Chicago Cubs, sources tell Jeff Passan of ESPN. The contract is worth $1.25 million, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Austin, 34, is a former New York Yankees prospect who has spent the last five seasons in Japan. In 2024, Austin won the NPB batting title when he hit .316 while collecting 25 home runs in 106 games for the Yokohama Bay Stars. Austin's biggest flaws are his high strikeout rate and ongoing injury concerns. He has appeared in more than 100 games just once over the past five seasons. With the Cubs, he currently projects as the backup first baseman behind
Michael Busch, making him safe to leave off your fantasy radar for now.
--Marty TallmanSource: Jeff Passan
December 18, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston (groin) was limited during Thursday's practice. He has now been a limited participant for two days in a row. At this point, it remains unclear whether Johnston will return from last week's absence and play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. The TCU product was one of the biggest surprises at the start of the season, ranking as the overall WR4 in PPR leagues from Weeks 1 through 4. However, he has come back down to earth since then, catching three or fewer passes in four of his last six games. He continues to face competition for targets in a crowded wide receiver room that also includes
Ladd McConkey,
Keenan Allen, and
Tre' Harris (hip). He gets a favorable matchup this week against a Dallas secondary allowing the most fantasy points, the most touchdowns, and the third-most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers in 2025. Managers should get more clarity on his Week 16 availability when the Chargers publish their final injury report on Friday afternoon.
--Andersen PickardSource: Los Angeles Chargers
December 18, 2025
San Francisco Giants right-handed pitcher
Logan Webb announced on Thursday that he will join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in 2026. Webb enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, posting a 3.22 ERA (3.58 xERA) with a career-high 20.8 K-BB% and a 1.24 WHIP across 207 innings. The 29-year-old veteran struck out 26.2% of all hitters he faced while maintaining a 53.2% ground-ball rate. Webb joins
Tarik Skubal,
Paul Skenes,
Joe Ryan,
Nolan McLean,
Clay Holmes, and
Matthew Boyd in the United States' potential starting rotation.
--Marty TallmanSource: MLB X Account
December 18, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver
Tyler Lockett (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice. The receiver saw his status get upgraded after practicing in a limited capacity on Wednesday. Barring a setback, Lockett should suit up during Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Houston Texans without any limitations. The veteran receiver handled a season-high 76% snap share last week, catching two of his four targets for 10 yards in the Raiders'
Kenny Pickett-led offense.
Geno Smith should return to the starting quarterback role in Week 16, offering a minor bump to Lockett's fantasy value. Still, he's a risky fantasy option as the Raiders' offense continues to struggle week in and week out. At best, he's a low-end WR3/flex in deep leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Las Vegas Raiders
December 18, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Javonte Williams (neck) was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. The 25-year-old has been limited for two consecutive days, creating some uncertainty about his status ahead of Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Williams hasn't missed a game yet this season, but he's coming off a season-low 29% snap share as the neck injury limited his usage last weekend against the Minnesota Vikings. He touched the ball nearly every time he was on the field, amassing 15 carries for 91 rushing yards and a touchdown despite playing fewer than one-third of the snaps. Williams could see a similarly reduced workload in Week 16, if he does suit up. We should get more clarity on his status when the Cowboys post their final injury report with injury designations on Friday afternoon. If active, he'll remain a low-end RB1 against a Chargers defense surrendering the eighth-most rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2025.
--Andersen PickardSource: Nick Harris
December 18, 2025
Detroit Tigers left-handed pitcher
Tarik Skubal announced on X Thursday afternoon that he will join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in 2026. Skubal is coming off another Cy Young season, and now he will demonstrate his dominance on the world stage. Last year, the 29-year-old pitched to a 2.21 ERA (2.72 xERA) with a 32.2 K-BB% and a 0.89 WHIP across a career-high 195 1/3 innings. Skubal joins National League Cy Young winner
Paul Skenes to create the best 1-2 punch the world has ever seen. Team USA's first game is on March 6 at 8 p.m. EST against Brazil.
--Marty TallmanSource: Tarik Skubal
December 18, 2025
Atlanta Falcons tight end
Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) was added to the injury report after practicing in a limited capacity on Thursday. The "limited" tag could mean that Pitts simply took some reps off Thursday, or it could mean that he injured himself midway through and didn't return. Without any sort of official clarification from the team, managers will likely have to wait for the Falcons' injury report on Friday before getting any updates on his status. Atlanta will include injury designations on Friday's report, offering some more clarity on whether Pitts will be able to play in Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. He's arguably the hottest player in fantasy football right now, coming off a career-best outing in which he caught 11 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Pitts is a strong mid-range TE1 option for this weekend, and he could jump to the high-end TE1 tier if
Drake London (knee) is ruled out and he operates as
Kirk Cousins' top target. Of course, Pitts now has his own injury to deal with, so managers should stay tuned for updates as kickoff gets closer.
--Andersen PickardSource: Atlanta Falcons
December 18, 2025
The Atlanta Braves made a five-year proposal to reliever
Edwin Diaz before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency, according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Castillo went on to say that none of the financial information was leaked, but the Braves were serious about landing the star closer. Ultimately, Diaz signed with the Dodgers, while the Braves signed
Robert Suarez and brought back
Raisel Iglesias. Most notably, Iglesias will start as the primary closer in Atlanta, but if he falters, Suarez will be right there to take his job.
--Marty TallmanSource: Jorge Castillo
December 18, 2025
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Drake London (knee) was limited for a second consecutive day on Thursday. The superstar receiver's status remains uncertain heading into Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. London is working his way back from a multi-game absence and hasn't played since Week 11. He's getting closer to returning, offering managers a boost as the fantasy playoffs continue. If he can suit up this week, he'll benefit from a favorable matchup against the Cardinals, who allowed 85 yards and two touchdowns to Houston's
Nico Collins last weekend. Managers should stay tuned to the Falcons' final injury report on Friday, which will provide more clarity on his status and a potential injury designation for Week 16. If he plays without any limitations, he'll be a high-end WR1.
--Andersen PickardSource: Atlanta Falcons
December 18, 2025
The Cleveland Guardians and right-handed reliever
Shawn Armstrong have agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal with a mutual option. Armstrong was one of the best relievers last season with the Texas Rangers. The 35-year-old righty pitched to a 2.31 ERA (2.96 xERA), 26.1% strikeout rate, and 0.81 WHIP while collecting 12 holds across 74 innings. For 2026, Armstrong is expected to be used in high-leverage situations and could take over the closing role if there is an injury to
Cade Smith. For now, Armstrong will be most helpful in leagues that count holds as a category.
--Marty TallmanSource: Jeff Passan
December 18, 2025
The Toronto Blue Jays and free-agent relief pitcher
Jorge Alcala have agreed to a minor-league deal, which includes an invite to big-league camp in spring training. Alcala pitched for the Twins, Red Sox, and Cardinals last year, posting a 6.22 ERA (4.54 xERA) with a 12.1 K-BB% and a 1.75 WHIP across 55 innings. If the 30-year-old Dominican right-hander does make the team, he will be nothing more than an extra bullpen arm. At this point, Alcala is not fantasy-relevant.
--Marty TallmanSource: Ari Alexander
December 18, 2025
The San Diego Padres have agreed to a minor-league deal with free-agent right-hander
Triston McKenzie. McKenzie will also receive an invite to spring training. The 28-year-old has pitched just 97 innings over the last three seasons due to shoulder and elbow injuries. Last season, McKenzie allowed seven earned runs on seven hits and walked seven batters in 5 2/3 innings before being optioned to the minors. The long-time Guardian is determined to replicate his 2022 form, when he posted a 2.96 ERA (3.54 xERA) with a 25.6% strikeout rate and a 0.95 WHIP across a career-high 191 1/3 innings. Although it's a great story to see him back on the mound, it is unlikely he will make the team out of camp.
--Marty TallmanSource: Aram Leighton
December 18, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (shoulders) did not practice at all again this week and has been ruled out for Saturday's divisional game versus the Washington Commanders in Week 16, according to the team. Carter has not played for the Eagles since Week 13 after having surgery on both of his shoulders earlier this month. With the 24-year-old missing another game, Byron Young will continue to see more playing time on the interior of Philly's defensive line. Carter's absence is good news for the Commanders' ground game that should feature a split backfield on Saturday between
Chris Rodriguez Jr. and rookie
Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The Eagles' defense is more vulnerable on the ground without Carter on the field, but their defense/special teams unit should still be considered a strong fantasy option this weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Eagles
December 18, 2025
Washington Commanders tight end
Ben Sinnott played a season high 58.6% of the snaps and ran 38.5% of the routes in the Week 15 win over the New York Giants, with
Zach Ertz (knee) now out for the season with a torn ACL. The second-year tight end caught his lone target for an explosive 36-yard gain on the team's second-to-last drive of the game. Sinnott ran a crisp route to create separation versus Giants safety Jevon Holland and hauled in the catch before picking up some yards after the catch. Sinnott was still behind
John Bates in both snaps (69%) and routes (50%), so the young tight end is still looking to earn the full-time role as the receiving tight end with Ertz sidelined. His usage should continue to tick up on Saturday against the Eagles, with Washington eliminated from playoff contention. With third-string TE
Colson Yankoff (ankle) ruled out, Sinnott could see more snaps with the Commanders thin at tight end, but he is a risky fantasy option in Week 16, profiling more as a desperation TE2 in deep leagues.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 18, 2025
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
Anthony Davis (calf) will play on Thursday against Detroit. The 32-year-old was sidelined for nearly a month because of a calf strain. While he returned for the loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on November 28, he's missed some time since then. AD has had a tough year outside of his injury woes, averaging 20.0 points, one of the lowest marks of his career. Davis will likely have his work cut out for him versus a Pistons team that have been sound defensively all year.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Noah Weber
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