December 31, 2025
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel would be a candidate for the Cleveland Browns head-coaching job if both teams make a change following the 2025 season. McDaniel would be returning to Cleveland after previously working for the Browns as a wide receivers coach. The Browns are having internal discussions about current head coach Kevin Stefanski's future. If Stefanski is let go by Cleveland, he could be the leading candidate to become the next head coach for the New York Giants. After a 1-6 start in Miami this year, the Dolphins have won six of their last nine games to go 7-9 heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the New England Patriots. In his four seasons with the Dolphins, McDaniel has gone 35-34, including 0-2 in the playoffs. The Browns have always admired McDaniel for his offensive mind and innovative play-calling.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
December 31, 2025
Veteran free-agent quarterback
Desmond Ridder is being signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad on Wednesday, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Jordan Love (concussion) and
Malik Willis (shoulder) are both dealing with injuries, and the Packers are locked into the No. 7 seed going into the playoffs, so Ridder could be elevated for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Ridder, the former third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022 out of Cincinnati, has bounced around the league the last couple of years. The 26-year-old has not appeared in an NFL game since 2024 with the Las Vegas Raiders. Ridder was with the Bengals during the summer and also spent two separate stints with the Vikings. If Ridder is elevated to the active roster this weekend, he'll likely serve in a backup role behind
Clayton Tune if both Love and Willis are inactive.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
December 31, 2025
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday that the team will not activate quarterback
Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) from Injured Reserve for the final week of the regular season, according to Jake Arthur of Sports Illustrated. Richardson is still dealing with vision limitations and will not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this weekend against the division-rival Houston Texans. With the Colts officially eliminated from the playoffs, they will sit veteran
Philip Rivers in favor of rookie
Riley Leonard to close things out with an eye toward the future. A-Rich suffered a fractured orbital bone on Oct. 12 in a freak pre-game incident. The 23-year-old former first-rounder had returned to practice in recent weeks, but he didn't make enough progress to be a realistic starting option for Indy. Richardson appeared in just two games in 2025, and his future with the Colts is very much up in the air.
--Keith HernandezSource: SI.com - Jake Arthur
December 31, 2025
Buffalo Bills quarterback
Josh Allen (foot) will not take part in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Sean McDermott. When asked who will play in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Jets, McDermott said, "We want to win the game. It will go from there." While Allen's foot injury isn't believed to be serious enough to keep him from playing this weekend, it wouldn't be a big surprise if Buffalo held him out so that he can rest up for the start of the playoffs next week. If the Bills ultimately decide to rest Allen this weekend,
Mitchell Trubisky would make his first start of the season against the Jets. Buffalo is currently in the No. 7 and final spot in the AFC playoff picture, but with a win on Sunday and some help, they could move all the way up to the No. 5 seed.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Buffalo News - Katherine Fitzgerald
December 31, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to rest quarterback
Jalen Hurts and most of their starters in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Washington Commanders, sources told Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Eagles can move up from the No. 3 seed to the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff picture with a win over Washington, coupled with a Chicago Bears loss to the Detroit Lions, but the Eagles are prioritizing rest for their starters as they head into the postseason. With Hurts set to be rested this weekend,
Tanner McKee will get the start under center for the Eagles against the Commanders. Fantasy managers will also need to stay away from running back
Saquon Barkley, wide receivers
A.J. Brown and
DeVonta Smith, and tight end
Dallas Goedert. Hurts didn't run as much in 2025, but he still goes into Week 18 action as the QB6 in overall fantasy points.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
December 31, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) remains on an excellent track to play on Saturday against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. General manager John Lynch said on KNBR Radio on Wednesday that he'd be "very surprised" if Kittle didn't play in a game that will decide the No. 1 seed going into the NFC postseason. The 32-year-old veteran didn't practice at all last week and was ruled out for the Sunday night win over the Chicago Bears. He returned to a limited practice on Tuesday, though, and should play this weekend, barring a setback over the next two days. It's great news for a Niners offense that looked unstoppable in Week 17 on its way to putting up 40-plus points against Chicago. Despite a tough matchup, Kittle will be a must-start TE1 in fantasy if he's active in Week 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
December 31, 2025
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. (foot) has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. Harrison suffered a new foot injury in the Week 17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and failed to catch his only target before leaving. It's a fitting way for the 23-year-old's disappointing second season in the NFL to end in 2025. Through his first two seasons in the league, Harrison has not lived up to his lofty billing as the fourth overall pick out of Ohio State. In 12 games this season, he caught 41 of his 73 targets for 608 yards and four touchdowns after posting a 62-885-8 line in 17 games in his rookie campaign. Harrison's long-term outlook is cloudy, too, with the Cardinals potentially moving on from quarterback
Kyler Murray this offseason. With Harrison missing another game this weekend,
Michael Wilson and tight end
Trey McBride should continue to be target hogs in Arizona's offense.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
December 31, 2025
San Francisco 49ers fourth-year player out of California,
Jake Tonges, stepped in for the injured
George Kittle (ankle) on Sunday Night Football in Week 17 and made the most of it. He earned himself an impressive nine targets, hauled in seven of them for 60 yards, and scored a touchdown. When given the opportunity in 2025, considering Kittle has now missed seven games this season, Tonges has made the most of it, and Tonges should remain in the low-end TE1 conversation for Week 18 if Kittle does, in fact, miss the game. Week 18 is a pivotal matchup for the 49ers, as they take on the Seattle Seahawks for the division and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Important to note: Kittle practiced on Tuesday, which Tonges' fantasy managers should keep an eye on. Regardless, Tonges has proved this season that he belongs in the NFL and is worth a look in dynasty formats, as he is soon to be a Restricted Free Agent. He's hauled in 34 of his 46 targets for 293 yards and five touchdowns in six games started.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 31, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Parker Washington posted another fantastic performance in Week 17, notching his second straight 10-target, 100-plus-yard game as the Jaguars defeated the Indianapolis Colts 23-17. Over the past two games, Washington has hauled in 14 of his 20 targets for 260 yards and a touchdown, and over this span, he has emerged as the go-to target for quarterback
Trevor Lawrence and is a must-add for fantasy managers still competing in Week 18. Washington has proved throughout the season that he can provide fantasy value with other receivers injured or not playing. Still, even with everyone healthy and a lot of mouths to feed, such as
Brian Thomas Jr.,
Jakobi Meyers,
Brenton Strange, and Washington, it appears Washington has moved ahead in the pecking order of late. The biggest beneficiary of all these weapons is Lawrence, who has been playing the best football of his career of late. Week 18 should also present a good matchup against the struggling Tennessee Titans.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 31, 2025
Transfer quarterbacks Sam Leavitt (Arizona State) and Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati) are potential targets for new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, according to On3's Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos. Both are established and productive veterans, and LSU is expected to be aggressive in the portal right away in hopes of competing at a high level in Kiffin's debut season in Baton Rouge. Kiffin's offenses are known for being Quarterback-Friendly, and he has a long track record of producing prolific quarterbacks on his resume, including stints at Ole Miss, Alabama, and USC. Sorsby, a rising senior, has thrown for 5,613 yards, 60 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions in 35 career games with the Bearcats and Indiana Hoosiers. Leavitt, a rising junior, spent the last two seasons at Arizona State after beginning his career at Michigan State. As a Sun Devil, he threw for 4,513 yards, 35 touchdowns, and nine picks. Both quarterbacks also have double-digit rushing touchdowns in their careers and are well-above-average runners at the position.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Nakos - On3Sports
December 31, 2025
Dallas Cowboys' fourth-year running back out of Florida,
Malik Davis (eye), led the backfield in running back touches in the Cowboys' Week 17 30-23 win on Christmas Day over the Washington Commanders. He stepped in for the injured
Javonte Williams (shoulder) and ended the game with 20 rush attempts (5.15 YPC) for 103 yards. Since Week 15, Davis has emerged as the Cowboys' clear No. 2 running back and has been playing 45.6 percent of the snaps, which is a massive increase from his season-long snap share, which was well below 20 percent before Week 15. If Williams is unable to go in Week 18, Davis should be in line to see the majority of the team's running back touches and would be a plug-and-play RB2 for fantasy managers still competing in Week 18. Important to note: Davis did sustain an eye injury in that matchup, but he played through it and is likely to play in Week 18; however, it's something to monitor as the week progresses.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 31, 2025
Green Bay Packers quarterback
Malik Willis (shoulder) has been spectacular stepping in for
Jordan Love (concussion), who missed most of the Week 16 contest due to injury, and was ruled out for the Week 17 matchup. In the Week 17 matchup, where Willis played the whole game against the Baltimore Ravens, he completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 60 yards and scoring twice on the ground, good for 31.52 fantasy points. He was the overall QB3 on the week, and put a lot of great film on tape, and potentially played himself into a nice contract during the offseason, considering he is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) this upcoming spring. Regardless, Willis' value is on the rise, and for those still competing for a Week 18 championship, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur made it clear that Love is the team's starting quarterback when healthy, so Willis' starting will be contingent on Love's availability for Week 18. Willis himself also injured his shoulder in Week 17 and is listed as questionable, so something else to monitor as the Week 18 games approach. If neither quarterback can go,
Clayton Tune would likely be in line to start Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
December 31, 2025
San Jose Sharks defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin (lower body) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Minnesota Wild, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports. He missed Tuesday's practice due to a lower-body injury, and Mukhamadullin's absence from the lineup would be another injury blow for the Sharks. The defense will remain without Timothy Liljegren (upper body) on Wednesday, while several forwards are also out. Mukhamadullin averages one block per game and has tallied six points (two goals) in 21 outings this season. Nick Leddy is set to fill in for him on Wednesday if Mukhamadullin can't play.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sheng Peng
December 31, 2025
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson (back) has returned to practice, and there is some optimism that he will play in Week 18. He is currently listed as questionable, and head coach John Harbaugh said that when he is healthy, he will play and start in the pivotal Week 18 AFC North matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where the winner will take the division and lock in a playoff spot, while the loser goes home. Jackson injured his back in the first half of the Ravens' Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots and did not play in Week 17 at Green Bay last week, and has now missed a total of five games on the season.
Tyler Huntley stepped in and finished the Week 16 contest and started in the Ravens' Week 17 win at Green Bay, and would be in line for another start if Jackson misses again.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Ian Rapoport
December 31, 2025
San Jose Sharks forward Adam Gaudette (lower body) will miss Wednesday's clash against the Minnesota Wild, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports. He is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The team has brought up Pavol Regenda from the minors as Gaudette's likely replacement in the lineup. Although Gaudette hasn't been a factor in fantasy hockey, he has played well as a bottom-six forward for the Sharks, recording 14 points (eight goals, six assists) and 32 hits in 33 games. The 29-year-old has contributed offensively in each of his last three appearances. Regenda has seen action in two NHL contests this season, scoring a power-play goal in both.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sheng Peng
December 31, 2025
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and will be available to return to the crease on Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In a corresponding move, the team reassigned Pheonix Copley to the minors. Kuemper has missed six games due to an upper-body injury. He has been solid in the Kings' net, though the veteran holds an underwhelming 10-6-6 record. Kuemper has posted two shutouts with a 2.19 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. Strangely, he has won only three of 10 home starts this season, despite giving up fewer than two goals per game (1.91).
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 31, 2025
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon (lower body) could miss some time after skipping Tuesday's practice. Lyon picked up his seventh consecutive win on Monday versus the St. Louis Blues but also sustained a lower-body injury in the contest. It's unclear if Lyon will get a chance to extend his streak on New Year's Eve against the Dallas Stars. Recently, Lyon has been Buffalo's No. 1 option between the sticks, outplaying Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Colten Ellis (concussion) has also picked up starts for the Sabres this season, and head coach Lindy Ruff said on Tuesday that the team is ready to activate him from Injured Reserve if Lyon misses time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 31, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (lower body) will not be healthy enough to play for Sweden at the 2026 Olympics, TSN's Darren Dreger reports. The veteran forward has been out for nearly two months due to a lower-body injury. It was initially believed he would recover in time for the Olympics and return to the Golden Knights lineup sometime in January. Karlsson has made only 14 appearances in 2025-26, scoring four goals and seven points. Due to Karlsson's absence, Brett Howden will continue to play a larger role in the middle for Vegas for the foreseeable future.
--Taavi PailkSource: Darren Dreger
December 31, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (lower body) is a game-time decision on Wednesday against the Nashville Predators, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. The Vegas superstar could hop back into the lineup after missing six games due to illness and a lower-body injury. Despite his recent absence, Eichel continues to lead the Golden Knights in scoring, with 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) in 31 games. Before exiting the lineup, he was on a run of nine points (one goal, eight assists) in five games. At Tuesday's practice, Eichel was reunited with Ivan Barbashev and Braeden Bowman on the first line.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
December 31, 2025
Chicago Blackhawks center Jason Dickinson (undisclosed) didn't finish Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Islanders. He exited the action after the first period because of an undisclosed injury. Due to injuries to Connor Bedard (upper body) and Frank Nazar (upper body), Dickinson has recently had a larger role with the Blackhawks and had notched points in back-to-back games prior to Tuesday night. In total, he has managed four goals and eight points in 26 games. Ryan Greene and Oliver Moore, who combined for three points against the Islanders, could see increased usage if Dickinson misses additional time.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 31, 2025
New York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) won't suit up for Wednesday's matchup against
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. He is managing a left ankle injury and is missing a second consecutive game.
Guerschon Yabusele and
Ariel Hukporti (lip) are set to have larger roles behind starting center
Karl-Anthony Towns, though Hukporti is listed as questionable for Wednesday night. Wembanyama's presence makes this a tricky matchup for New York's centers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (knee) is tagged as doubtful on the injury report for Wednesday's encounter with the Cleveland Cavaliers. While he is unlikely to play, this is a positive development, as Allen has been ruled out immediately for the last few games due to a right knee injury. He has missed six contests, giving
Royce O'Neale a chance to reclaim a starting spot.
Collin Gillespie and
Jordan Goodwin have also held larger roles in the rotation over the last couple of weeks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Charlotte Hornets centers
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) and
Mason Plumlee (groin) will remain out on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors. Kalkbrenner will miss his fifth straight game, and Plumlee his fourth. With the two out,
Moussa Diabate has taken over the starting center role, averaging 13.0 rebounds and 12.0 points over the last three games.
PJ Hall is working as the backup center. On Wednesday, Diabate has a good matchup against a team that gives up the eighth-most fantasy points to centers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward
Kon Knueppel (ankle) is listed as probable for a New Year's Eve clash against the Golden State Warriors. The 20-year-old rookie sprained his right ankle last week and didn't play on Monday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Sion James rolled with the starters on Monday and will be relegated back to the bench with Knueppel's return.
Josh Green is also likely to lose minutes, though with
Miles Bridges (ankle) potentially missing the game, there could still be additional playing time available for the reserves.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Charlotte Hornets forward
Miles Bridges (ankle) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors. The 27-year-old sprained his right ankle in Monday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. In the contest,
Tidjane Salaun started the second half in Bridges' place, notching three points, one assist, one steal, and a game-high 11 rebounds. If Bridges misses his first game of the season,
Liam McNeeley may also see more action. Meanwhile,
LaMelo Ball and
Brandon Miller, who scored a combined 57 points on Monday night, will take on more offensive duties, along with
Kon Knueppel (ankle) and
Collin Sexton.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will miss a second straight game on Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers. With
Jaylin Williams (heel) also out,
Branden Carlson gets a boost in playing time, but he still logged only 11 minutes in Monday's win over the Atlanta Hawks.
Cason Wallace joined the starting unit, while
Chet Holmgren shifted to center. Wallace is likely to remain in the starting lineup after filling the box score on Monday night. He finished with a season-high 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward
Devin Vassell (adductor) won't play on New Year's Eve against the New York Knicks. He has sustained a left adductor strain and could miss more than one game.
Keldon Johnson or
Julian Champagnie will replace Vassell in the starting unit, with
Dylan Harper also in a position to see more minutes. On Wednesday, another chunk of playing time would open up in the rotation if
Stephon Castle (thumb) misses the game. He is currently tagged as questionable on the injury report.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
San Antonio Spurs guard
Stephon Castle (thumb) may be unavailable for the final game of 2025 on Wednesday against the New York Knicks, as the team has listed him as questionable for the matchup. The 2025 Rookie of the Year has sprained his left thumb.
Devin Vassell (adductor) has already been ruled out for the game, so San Antonio could have two spots to fill in the starting lineup.
Dylan Harper looks the likeliest replacement for Castle. The 19-year-old rookie has played well throughout the season, but a spot in the first unit would enhance his fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 31, 2025
Carolina Panthers rookie running back
Trevor Etienne has had few opportunities to contribute as the team's RB3 behind
Rico Dowdle and
Chuba Hubbard. Etienne has recorded 20 carries for 94 yards to go along with three catches (three targets) for 13 yards as a receiver in 16 games. The rookie fourth-rounder has played mostly on special teams, returning 31 kicks for an average of 23.6 yards per return, roughly two yards below the league average of 25.9. Etienne saw a brief uptick in touches in Weeks 4-6 with Hubbard banged up. He was efficient in his limited opportunity, handling 14 carries for 72 yards while adding one catch (one target) for seven yards. The 21-year-old remains a worthwhile stash in dynasty leagues, but he likely won't be a big part of the Panthers' offense in Saturday's divisional matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to decide the NFC South.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 31, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back
Tahj Brooks has totalled just 45 yards on 16 carries to go with one catch for nine yards on two targets in 15 games this season. Brooks has been firmly entrenched as the Bengals' RB3 behind
Chase Brown and
Samaje Perine for his entire rookie campaign, relegating him mostly to special teams duties. The rookie sixth-rounder has cracked a double-digit snap share in just four games this season. However, seven of his 16 carries have come in the past two games, with the Bengals eliminated from playoff contention. With Brown posting big numbers in recent weeks and Perine continuing to be a reliable veteran on passing downs, it will be tough for Brooks to see many more opportunities in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Cleveland Browns.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
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