December 30, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals running back
Samaje Perine has finished as a low-end RB2 in each of the past two weeks without cracking a 40% snap share. If the Bengals opt to rest or limit their starters, including the surging
Chase Brown, Perine could be in line for a solid workload in a Week 18 matchup against the Browns with nothing but divisional pride on the line. Even if Perine maintains only his usual change of pace and mop-up duties, he has enough of a floor to keep him in consideration for a flex role against a Cleveland defense that just allowed 131 yards on the ground to a Steelers offense with no threat of a passing attack. Readily available on most waiver wires, Perine should be a top priority in any league with a Week 18 title game.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles have a chance to move up to the No. 2 seed for the NFC playoff picture, but NFL Network's Mike Garafolo believes that the Eagles will rest some starters in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders. Head coach Nick Sirianni said on Monday that the team has not decided what they will do this weekend. If Philly does decide to rest some starters to keep them fresh for the postseason, fantasy managers could be without the likes of quarterback
Jalen Hurts, running back
Saquon Barkley, and wide receivers
A.J. Brown and
DeVonta Smith. If Hurts sits this weekend,
Tanner McKee would get the starting nod under center for the Eagles. Running back
Tank Bigsby could be a popular DFS play in Week 18 if Barkley is rested against the Commanders.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
December 30, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys released cornerback Trevon Diggs on Tuesday, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Diggs will go through the league's waiver process, and if he's unclaimed, he'll become a free agent. The 27-year-old defensive back missed more time due to injury this year -- he missed eight games due to a knee injury -- and the Cowboys had seen enough. The former second-round pick in 2020 out of Alabama had a league-high 11 interceptions for Dallas in 2021 in his second year in the league, but Diggs has had six interceptions since and has struggled to stay healthy. In his eight games played in 2025, he had 25 tackles (18 solo), one tackle for loss, and no interceptions. Diggs has $8.5 million remaining on his salary and also has the potential to make $34 million in 2027 and 2028, so he's highly unlikely to be claimed by another team off waivers.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
December 30, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic about the availability of wide receiver
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) for Sunday night's big divisional clash against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Austin was inactive for the Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns, a game in which Pittsburgh was also without
DK Metcalf (suspension). Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers really struggled with a receiving corps consisting of
Adam Thielen,
Marquez Valdes-Scantling,
Scotty Miller,
Roman Wilson, and
Ben Skowronek. Metcalf will be out again for Sunday night's game that will decide the AFC North division, but it looks like Austin could be back. The 26-year-old has done very little for fantasy managers in 2025 (28 catches, 317 yards, two touchdowns), but he could operate as the Steelers' WR1 against Baltimore.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
December 30, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic about All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt's (lung) chances of playing this Sunday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. "We'll work him up over the course of the week and let the amount of participation and quality of participation be our guide. I'm more optimistic than I've been in previous weeks," Tomlin said. Watt has missed the last three games after having surgery to fix a partially collapsed lung. Pittsburgh could really use one of the best pass-rushers in football for a contest that will decide the AFC North division on Sunday evening. The loser will go home. Tomlin previously said Watt wouldn't play unless he put in a full week of full practices, so we'll keep a close eye on his status this week. The 31-year-old was limited all of last week before being ruled out. If Watt is active in the regular-season finale, he almost certainly won't be at 100%.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
December 30, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Darnell Washington (forearm) had surgery on his broken forearm on Tuesday morning and will not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Head coach Mike Tomlin said he has "some level of optimism for everyone else." The expectation was that Washington would not play after he broke his arm in the Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Not only will the 24-year-old not be available for the winner-take-all game this Sunday night against the Ravens, but Washington is unlikely to be able to return for the playoffs if the Steelers take care of business this weekend. It means that
Pat Freiermuth will become a slightly more attractive TE streamer in fantasy, as will
Jonnu Smith. Washington's third season in the NFL will finish with 31 catches for 364 yards and a touchdown in 16 games.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
December 30, 2025
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that the team will play its starters for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday versus the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The Rams lost to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night, and with another loss to Arizona in the final week of the regular season, they'd fall to the No. 6 seed in the NFC postseason picture and have to go on the road against either the Chicago Bears or the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round. A win for the Rams on Sunday, coupled with a Seahawks win over the 49ers on Saturday night, would give L.A. the No. 5 seed and a matchup on the road against either the Carolina Panthers or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McVay said that playing his starters in Week 18 is more about wanting to play well going into the postseason.
Puka Nacua is also still in the running to be the leading WR in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
December 30, 2025
Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (thigh) played through a thigh injury in his team's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. The rookie linebacker has started all 16 games for Cleveland so far this season, recording 67 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Pro Football Focus grades Schwesinger as the 21st-best linebacker out of 86 qualified players at the position in 2025, so his presence on the field is key for the Cleveland defense. If Schwesinger remains limited by the injury in practice this week, there may not be much incentive for the 4-12 Browns to push him to play in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Should Schwesinger be sidelined, Browns linebackers Jerome Baker and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold would both likely see more playing time against Cincinnati.
--Will BradySource: Akron Beacon Journal - Chris Easterling
December 30, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Stefon Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an incident in early December, per Frank O'Laughlin of Boston 25 News. O'Laughlin reports that Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned on January 23, two days before the AFC Championship game is scheduled to take place. The 32-year-old wideout has recorded 82 catches for 970 yards and four touchdowns on 99 targets across 16 games in his first season in New England. It's unclear whether these charges will impact Diggs' availability for the postseason, but any absence would obviously be a major loss for the Patriots' offense. New England recently placed wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) on Injured Reserve, so the team's depth at the position may be tested going forward.
--Will BradySource: Boston 25 News - Frank O'Laughlin
December 30, 2025
Across 16 games in 2025, Kansas City Chiefs running back
Kareem Hunt has recorded 719 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns on 173 touches. While the 30-year-old lacks explosive upside, he remains an effective short-area and goal-line rusher. Hunt's touchdown production has dried up in recent weeks, as he's failed to find the end zone in any of Kansas City's last three games. However, Hunt's playing time spiked in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos, as he earned more snaps (24) than fellow Chiefs running backs
Isiah Pacheco and
Brashard Smith combined (21). Additionally, the Chiefs will face a significantly easier matchup in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Even with third-string quarterback
Chris Oladokun under center, Kansas City could have a chance to move the ball against Las Vegas. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams. Hunt could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Across 14 games this season, Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson has recorded 39 receptions for 372 yards and six touchdowns on 49 targets. The 26-year-old has seen his role in the Rams' offense grow in recent weeks. Over his last four games, Parkinson has hauled in 16 catches for 181 yards and three touchdowns on 23 targets. He's also played at least 78% of his team's offensive snaps in each of his last three outings. The Rams have been without star wide receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) for two straight games, and there's a chance Adams remains sidelined for Los Angeles' Week 18 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals as well. Without Adams, Parkinson has a chance to function as one of the primary targets for Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford in the red zone. Parkinson carries streamer appeal in Week 18 against Arizona and could be a player worth targeting on the waiver wire for fantasy managers in leagues with 12 or more teams.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed has now played in four games since returning from collarbone and foot injuries that sidelined him for nearly three months. The 25-year-old has provided modest production in that stretch, hauling in 16 receptions for 162 yards on 17 targets. From a playing time perspective, Reed has mostly functioned as Green Bay's WR3 behind
Christian Watson and
Romeo Doubs, which limits his production upside. However, the Packers are now locked into the number seven seed in the NFC playoffs heading into their Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay could choose to rest starters or limit their playing time in the season's final week, which might provide Reed with a pathway to more opportunities. In PPR fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Reed could be a player worth targeting on the waiver wire.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
The Carolina Panthers have signed free-agent tight end
Ross Dwelley to their practice squad, per ESPN's David Newton. Newton reports that Dwelley has a chance to be elevated to the active roster for Carolina's Week 18 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in light of tight end
Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 17. Dwelley appeared in 11 games for the Detroit Lions this season, recording two receptions for seven yards on five targets. He's played in 112 career NFL games across eight seasons, hauling in 47 catches for 530 yards and five touchdowns. Carolina still has tight ends
Tommy Tremble,
Mitchell Evans, and
James Mitchell on the active roster, so Dwelley would likely fill a depth role. Tremble appears most likely to serve as the team's primary receiving tight end with Sanders sidelined.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - David Newton
December 30, 2025
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz has been a solid PPR contributor this season, and he can be a great plug-and-play option in Week 18 if he's available on the waiver wire. Schultz and the rest of the Texans' starters will be playing in their Week 18 game against the Colts, according to coach DeMeco Ryans, since the team still has a chance to win the division. Schultz has a team-high 78 catches on the season for 704 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He had three catches for 19 yards in the team's win over the Chargers, giving him at least three catches in 14 of his 16 games this season. Two of his touchdowns have come in the last three weeks as well, making him a strong option to play at tight end if you need a solution at the position for the season finale.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Utah Jazz forward/center
Kevin Love (rest) won't play on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics. The veteran will be rested for a second straight game.
Kyle Filipowski,
Taylor Hendricks, and
Cody Williams have more fantasy appeal with Love out of the lineup. Of the three players, Filipowski has had the most success on the court this season, though his recent performances have been underwhelming. In Saturday's win over the San Antonio Spurs, Filipowski had six points, three rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block in 22 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Utah Jazz guard/forward
Ace Bailey (hip) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics. A left hip flexor strain will keep him sidelined for a second consecutive contest. Bailey's absence from the lineup gave
Brice Sensabaugh a starting spot on Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs. He finished the game with nine points, four rebounds, and three assists, shooting 3-for-5 from downtown. Sensabaugh has a great touch from outside, and he could be more involved in the offense on Tuesday if
Keyonte George (illness) doesn't shake off a questionable tag.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies center
Jock Landale (calf) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers. He might be out for a third consecutive game due to a right calf strain.
Christian Koloko has entered the rotation during Landale's absence, but his fantasy impact has been minimal.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and
Santi Aldama also get more work in the frontcourt with Landale out. On Tuesday, Memphis' big men could face a Philadelphia team that's without
Joel Embiid (ankle), elevating their fantasy potential.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Longtime college football and NFL coach Chip Kelly is becoming Northwestern's offense coordinator, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Kelly is known for being one of the best offensive minds in the sport, and he has a long history of putting together potent and explosive offensive attacks, especially at the collegiate level. The 62-year-old has over 30 years of coaching experience, having served in four separate head coaching roles and four separate offensive coordinator roles. He's best known for his tenure as Oregon's head coach, posting a 46-7 record and winning three Pac-12 Championships. This is a splash hire for the Wildcats, which ranked 12th in the Big Ten in total offense (346.1 YPG) and 14th in scoring offense (23.4 PPG).
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
December 30, 2025
Chicago Bears running back
Kyle Monangai is still getting plenty of work in the backfield, and he's a strong grab if he's on the waiver wire as the Bears continue to push for the second seed in the NFC. Monangai had eight carries and three catches against the 49ers, totaling 38 rushing yards and nine receiving yards.
D'Andre Swift had nine carries and two catches but was more productive with two rushing touchdowns. Monangai could get a little more work if the Bears look to get Swift some rest before the playoffs, and the matchup against the Lions should be a solid one, since Detroit's defense has struggled down the stretch, giving up seven running back touchdowns in the last three weeks.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic (knee) looks to have avoided a major injury, Vic Lombardi of Altitude TV reports. Jokic hurt his left knee in Monday's loss to the Miami Heat and exited the game after the first half. He is scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday. According to Lombardi, the team hopes that Jokic suffered only a bone bruise. A big injury to Jokic would have serious ramifications for Denver's season and many fantasy teams. He will probably still miss some time but won't be out long-term. The Nuggets were already down three starters on Monday night, as
Christian Braun (ankle),
Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and
Cameron Johnson (knee) missed the game.
--Taavi PailkSource: Vic Lombardi
December 30, 2025
Carolina Panthers quarterback
Bryce Young has a chance to get his team to the playoffs, as he looks to bounce back from a rough outing last week against the Seahawks. He only managed 54 passing yards and also threw an interception in tough weather conditions in his team's Week 17 home loss. The 8-8 Panthers can still win the division, though, if they knock off the Buccaneers in Tampa on Saturday afternoon. Carolina will also make the playoffs even with a loss if the Falcons beat the Saints on Sunday. Young and the Panthers just faced and beat the Bucs in Week 16, with the QB throwing for two touchdowns and 191 yards in the 23-20 victory. On the season, Young has 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while averaging 183 passing yards per game. If he can duplicate his Week 16 performance, he is a streaming option in two-QB leagues, although the tough matchup on the road keeps him from being a strong play in single-QB formats.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon recorded a seventh-consecutive win on Monday against the St. Louis Blues in a 4-2 victory. The Blues got two pucks past Lyon inside the opening 8:09 of action, but the Sabres' offense kept his and the team's winning run alive. Buffalo has matched its fourth-longest streak in franchise history with nine consecutive wins. Lyon has played an integral part in the success, registering a 2.22 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage during the run of victories. The 33-year-old has improved his record for the season to 10-6-3. He boasts one shutout and has a 2.82 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. After Monday night, Lyon is just two wins away from tying Gerry Desjardins' franchise record for the longest winning streak by a Sabres goaltender.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Riley Leonard is expected to start in Week 18 against the Houston Texans after backing up
Philip Rivers for the last three games. Even though the Colts were officially eliminated from the playoff hunt with Houston's win over the Chargers last Saturday, the team gave Rivers the start in Week 16 against Jacksonville. This week, though, they'll turn to their sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame to see how Leonard can figure into their future. He got most of his NFL experience in relief of
Daniel Jones in Week 14, completing 18-of-29 passes for 145 yards and an interception while also rushing for a six-yard score in garbage time. Leonard gets a tough matchup against the Texans, who will still be playing for the division title. He has some flier upside for dual-QB leagues since he'll be out to prove himself, but he's still a long shot to be a fantasy factor this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jeremy Fowler
December 30, 2025
Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Johansson was on fire Monday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, producing four points in a 5-2 road win. He opened the scoring just 26 seconds into the contest and notched a hat trick of assists. With the four-point effort, the Swedish veteran matched his career high from March 2017. Sitting on 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) through 38 games, Johansson now needs just three more points to surpass his scoring total from last season. He could very well have the best campaign of his career as a 35-year-old, as Johansson has previously never reached the 60-point plateau. Currently, he is on pace for a 66-point year.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos turned back the clock on Monday night and produced a game-winning performance in a 4-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth. The 35-year-old veteran recorded two goals and one assist. Midway through the third period, the Predators trailed 3-2 before Stamkos turned things around with two goals, including a power-play marker. This was Stamkos' third multi-point effort in five games. After logging nine points through the first couple of months, the two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has erupted for 16 points (11 goals, five assists) in 13 December appearances. He is the NHL's leading goal-scorer this month and is tied with teammate Ryan O'Reilly for the most points. For the season, Stamkos has managed 17 goals and 25 points in 38 contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kyle Williams is stepping into a larger role for the Patriots, as his first season in the NFL comes to a close this week against the Dolphins. The rookie led all Patriots' receivers by playing 85% of snaps in Week 17, which was his highest mark of the season. He stepped up with
Kayshon Boutte (concussion) sidelined and
Mack Hollins (abdomen) on IR. He hauled in three of his five targets (both season highs) and finished with 20 yards against the Jets. The Patriots still have a shot at the No. 1 seed with a win on Sunday, so the starters should at least begin the game, giving Williams a great chance to work with
Drake Maye to put the finishing touches on his rookie year. As a big-play threat, Williams can be a flier flex play from the waiver wire for deep leagues in Week 18.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome extended his point streak to five games in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers. The Capitals' playmaker finished with one goal and two assists, logging one power-play point. This was Strome's 18th three-point game since moving to Washington in 2022, breaking a tie with Alex Ovechkin (17) for the most by a Capitals player over that span. While Strome's scoring rate has dipped from last season, when he averaged a point per game for the first time in his career, the 28-year-old has become more effective at even strength. Strome is among Washington's leaders with a plus-14 rating. He has contributed eight goals and 23 assists in 37 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart bagged three points in Monday's 5-3 victory over the Washington Capitals, scoring twice and delivering one assist. After notching a power-play goal in the first period, Reinhart completed his three-point night late in the game, helping Florida battle out a home win from a 3-3 tie. The Panthers return to action on Tuesday night against the Montreal Canadiens, and Reinhart will enter the matchup with a five-game point streak. He has produced three goals and six assists during the scoring surge. Reinhart is attempting to average at least one point per game for a consecutive season. Currently, he sits on 21 goals and 21 assists through 38 contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry produced two goals and had one assist in Monday's entertaining 5-4 loss to the San Jose Sharks. The Ducks fell 4-1 behind in the contest before attempting a comeback. Terry posted his team's first and last goals, ending a three-game scoreless spell. Over his last six appearances, Terry had managed only one point, so this performance should be a confidence-booster for him. Overall, fantasy managers can be pleased with Terry's contributions this season. He has been scoring nearly a point per game, amassing 12 goals and 28 assists in 39 outings. His 38 points are surpassed only by Leo Carlsson (42) on the Ducks squad.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini led his team to a 5-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night, finishing the contest with one goal and two assists. The 19-year-old became the youngest player in franchise history to hold an eight-game point streak. He has scored in each of the last three games, amassing 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in total during the streak. We haven't even reached the halfway point of the season, yet Celebrini is already just three points shy of his scoring total from last year. The uber-talented sophomore has posted 21 goals and 39 assists in 39 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
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