December 24, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. has been one of the few bright spots for the Browns' offense this season. The 21-year-old rookie has taken the league by storm with 70 receptions for 701 yards with five touchdowns on 105 targets. Fannin has recently taken his game up a notch during the most important part of the fantasy football season. Over the last four weeks, Fannin has been a TE1 and has finished as a Top-2 tight end twice in PPR leagues. During that stretch, he has commanded 36 targets and found the end zone three times. There has yet to be an offensive rookie to take a firm grip on the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year race. If Fannin continues to put up big numbers over his last two games, he could set himself up to become the second-ever tight end to win the award.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
December 24, 2025
Los Angeles Rams running back
Blake Corum has carved out a role in one of the most fantasy-productive offenses in the NFL. Since Week 13, Corum has scored more than 13 fantasy points and finished among the top 24 running backs in PPR formats. During this stretch, Corum has scored a touchdown in each game and has scored five touchdowns in total. The Rams have deployed a split backfield over the last couple of weeks to keep
Kyren Williams fresh and healthy for a potential Super Bowl run. Despite splitting work, both running backs have remained fantasy viable. With the offense consistently playing in the red zone, both backs have been able to score touchdowns and produce for fantasy managers. Corum has built a solid resume that managers can depend on and can be trusted as a flex option during fantasy championships.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
The Detroit Lions' defense has been an abject disaster in recent weeks, allowing opponents to score an average of 31.6 points per game over the team's last five games. Detroit's secondary has been ravaged by injuries, as star safeties Brian Branch (Achilles) and Kerby Joseph (knee) are done for the season, and backup safety Avonte Maddox (back, illness) has been ruled out for Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. However, Minnesota is dealing with some significant injury absences of its own, most notably quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (hand). The Vikings will start rookie
Max Brosmer under center in Week 17. In Brosmer's lone other start this season, he averaged 4.2 yards per pass attempt and threw four interceptions in Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings. Fantasy managers should proceed with caution around this leaky Lions' defense. However, the Detroit D/ST could be a decent streaming option in Week 17 against Brosmer and the Vikings.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Across 15 games this season, Detroit Lions kicker
Jake Bates has converted on 22 of 28 field goal attempts and 52 out of 54 extra-point tries. Bates has the benefit of being tied to the Detroit offense, which enters Week 17 ranked second in the NFL in points per game (30.1). However, Bates and the Lions will face one of the league's top scoring defenses in Week 17 when they travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. Over the last three weeks, Minnesota has allowed opponents to score an average of just 13 points per game. In the first matchup between the two NFC North division rivals this season in Week 9, the Lions were held to 24 points, their fourth-lowest mark in a game in 2025. If there's one benefit for Bates, the game will be played indoors, which eliminates any weather concerns for the kicking game. Bates remains a viable starting kicker for fantasy managers in Week 17, but he profiles as a low-end option rather than a must-start player at the position against Minnesota.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Green Bay Packers running back
Emanuel Wilson has been a reliable fill-in starter when he has had his name called on this season.
Josh Jacobs (knee, ankle) has battled injuries off and on this year, and Wilson has taken advantage of every chance he has been given. Recently, Jacobs was battling lower-body injuries heading into Week 16 but managed to play through them against the Chicago Bears. Due to Jacobs being less than fully healthy, Wilson led the Packers in carries and rushing yards in the overtime loss. Wilson finished the game with 14 carries for 82 rushing yards. When Jacobs has missed time, Wilson has been a viable fantasy running back for managers. However, when Jacobs has been healthy, Wilson has been a non-factor in every fantasy format. Wilson has been a solid handcuff running back when he has been forced into action, but his fantasy value is solely attached to the health of Jacobs. If Jacobs cannot give it a go in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens, Wilson is a solid option for fantasy managers.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Kalif Raymond had his best performance of the season in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording four catches for 62 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Raymond could see an expanded role again in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, as top Lions wideout
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is questionable to play due to a knee injury. However, if St. Brown is active, there's reason to believe Raymond's performance in Week 16 is unlikely to be repeated. Lions quarterback
Jared Goff threw 54 passes against Pittsburgh, 17 more than he attempted in his first matchup of the season against the Vikings in Week 9. Additionally, Minnesota has been a very tough matchup for opposing passing attacks. The Vikings enter the week ranked second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). Raymond has some upside as a deep-league flex option for fantasy managers if St. Brown is sidelined. If St. Brown is active, fantasy managers should likely avoid Raymond in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Isaac TeSlaa posted his best performance of the season in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. Although the 23-year-old has hauled in just 12 receptions across 15 games this season, five of them have gone for touchdowns. TeSlaa has seen his playing time spike in recent weeks, as he's played at least 40 offensive snaps in four straight games after failing to play more than 28 snaps in any of Detroit's first 11 contests. He may have an even greater role in his team's offense in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, as star wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is questionable to play due to a knee injury. However, Minnesota enters the week ranked second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). In his first matchup of the season against the Vikings in Week 9, TeSlaa did not record a catch or earn a target. If St. Brown is active, TeSlaa should likely be avoided by fantasy managers in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Across 15 games this season, Detroit Lions wide receiver
Jameson Williams has recorded 57 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns on 91 targets. Over his last four games, Williams has taken his production to a new level, hauling in 26 receptions for 444 yards and two touchdowns on 38 targets. The 24-year-old could see an even larger role in Week 17, as Lions wideout
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is officially listed as questionable to play in the team's Christmas Day matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota has been an excellent pass defense so far this season, entering the week ranked second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). However, Williams had posted solid production in his first matchup of the season against the Vikings in Week 9, recording four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown on 6 targets. Williams remains a must-start fantasy wide receiver despite the tough matchup in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz (knee) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Schultz was limited in practice to begin the week, but he is back to a full session a day later. Barring any setbacks, Schultz will be ready to go for Saturday's Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Schultz has hauled in 11 receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns over his last two games. He draws a tough matchup this weekend on the road against the Bolts, but he remains a TE1 target for this game in fantasy football. He has been a solid contributor in this offense over the last few months.
--Andy WebbSource: Houston Texans PR
December 24, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) was absent during Wednesday's practice session. Austin is still dealing with a hamstring issue after exiting early during Sunday's win over the Detroit Lions. The 26-year-old has mainly been a rotational player, but he is expected to see a larger role with
DK Metcalf (suspension) done for the final two games of the regular season. If Austin were to miss Week 17,
Adam Thielen and
Roman Wilson would likely see more playing time. Austin hasn't finished with more than one reception in a single game since Week 12. He's not exactly a trustworthy fantasy option heading into the upcoming matchup versus the division-rival Cleveland Browns if he's active on Sunday.
--Andy WebbSource: Brooke Pryor
December 24, 2025
Denver Nuggets forward
Cameron Johnson (knee) was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his right knee and is expected to miss some time, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The team has officially listed him as out for Thursday's Christmas clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Bruce Brown and
Tim Hardaway Jr. will compete for a starting role during Johnson's absence, while
Peyton Watson could also help to fill some of his minutes. Hardaway Jr. has had a hot hand lately, sinking 13 triples across two games, though Brown and Watson bring more overall versatility to fantasy teams.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 24, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Pearsall sat out during Monday's win over the Indianapolis Colts due to nagging knee and ankle issues. He's clearly still dealing with the issues, but at least he was able to practice in a limited capacity. Fantasy managers will need to monitor his status over the next few days ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. Another absence from Pearsall would mean increased roles for
Jauan Jennings,
Kendrick Bourne, and
Demarcus Robinson. Jennings is the most consistent contributor out of the three wideouts right now for the Niners offense. Even if Pearsall plays in Week 17, it will be hard to recommend him for a flex spot in fantasy football lineups with championships on the line.
--Andy WebbSource: Matt Maiocco
December 24, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers center
Jaxson Hayes (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Christmas matchup against the Houston Rockets. The 25-year-old big man hurt his left ankle in Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns, logging only five minutes. Hayes recently started two consecutive games while
Deandre Ayton was sidelined with an elbow injury. Now that Ayton has returned, Hayes offers little fantasy value. If Hayes sits out Thursday,
Maxi Kleber and
Jarred Vanderbilt could see increased minutes in the rotation, though neither player is an attractive fantasy option.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Green Bay Packers running back
Josh Jacobs (knee, ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. This is now back-to-back days that Jacobs has been able to get through a limited session. Jacobs has been playing through lingering knee and ankle issues since Week 11. It has resulted in a smaller workload with 12 carries in each of his last two games. Fellow back
Emanuel Wilson actually out-touched Jacobs during last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. The 26-year-old rushed for 82 yards and could see a larger share in the backfield, given that Jacobs is still banged up. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Jacobs has been a must-start fantasy RB all year with 14 total touchdowns in 14 games, but he's literally limping to the finish line.
--Andy WebbSource: Matt Schneidman
December 24, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers forward
Rui Hachimura (groin) is set to end a two-game absence on Thursday, as the team has listed him as probable for a matchup against the Houston Rockets. The Japanese forward has missed back-to-back games for groin injury management purposes.
Jake LaRavia has been in the starting unit during Hachimura's absence and will likely land back on the bench against Houston, which would negatively impact his fantasy value. Hachimura has been quiet in December, averaging only 9.4 points, a significant drop-off from his season average of 13.3 points per game. Getting buckets won't be easy on Christmas Day either, as Houston has a top-10 defense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Houston Rockets forward
Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) has picked up a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of the team's Christmas Day clash against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 32-year-old has yet to play this season following offseason ankle surgery. It would be a special night for Finney-Smith if he can make his season debut on Thursday, as he finished last season with the Lakers. During the offseason, the Rockets signed Finney-Smith as a free agent to a four-year, $53 million contract, clearly seeing a significant role for him in the rotation. Once he's in the lineup, Finney-Smith will almost certainly play with a minutes restriction, limiting his fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
New York Jets rookie tight end
Mason Taylor (neck) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. Taylor has missed each of the last two games due to a neck injury. He's trending in the wrong direction to begin the week as the Jets head into their final home game against the New England Patriots in Week 17. The Jets have been using a committee approach between
Jeremy Ruckert,
Stone Smartt, and
Jelani Woods over the last two games with Taylor sidelined. Ruckert has at least two receptions in four straight games, while Smartt caught five passes last week. Neither of these players should be considered viable options in 12-team fantasy formats ahead of Week 17. Fantasy managers should be preparing to be without Taylor for a third straight game this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: Rich Cimini
December 24, 2025
Houston Rockets center
Alperen Sengun (calf) is listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of a Christmas Day tilt against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Turkish big man is experiencing tightness in his left calf and may have to sit out his third game of the season. Sengun's absence from the lineup on Christmas would allow
Clint Capela to move up in the pecking order, with
Steven Adams likely taking over the starting center role.
Jabari Smith Jr. could also get some minutes at the No. 5 spot. With that said, Thursday presents a tough matchup for Houston's bigs, as the Lakers have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to centers this season -- trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers point guard
Luka Doncic (leg) has been officially listed as questionable for Thursday's Christmas game against the Houston Rockets. Doncic is nursing a left leg contusion and wasn't in the lineup on Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Doncic is expected to play on Christmas Day, but the questionable designation keeps his status uncertain. Should Doncic be unavailable,
Nick Smith Jr. could make a second straight start. Alternatively, the Lakers might return
Austin Reaves to the starting lineup; he played 22 minutes off the bench on Tuesday after missing three games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
New England wide receiver
Kayshon Boutte (concussion) was one of eight Patriots players to miss Wednesday's practice as he works through the league's concussion protocol. Boutte was injured on a deep pass late in New England's Week 16 win over the Ravens that controversially did not see a flag thrown for pass interference. Veteran receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) also missed Wednesday's practice with an abdominal issue, but if he's able to suit up for a Week 17 divisional matchup with the Jets, he is the most likely candidate to assume Boutte's downfield role, putting him in a valuable spot against New York's struggling defense. Since becoming sellers at the NFL trade deadline, the Jets have been one of the most fantasy-friendly defenses in the league, and they come into Week 17 having allowed at least 330 passing yards in back-to-back games. The Patriots' injury report will need to be monitored throughout the week, as there is fantasy gold to be mined from their passing attack, with
Drake Maye coming off his own 380-yard passing performance, the highest of his young career.
--Patrick McGrathSource: New England Patriots
December 24, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) was not available for the team's first practice of the week with an abdominal issue. The veteran wideout caught seven of nine targets for 69 yards in a Week 16 win over the Ravens, and he could be in line for another high-floor fantasy performance if he's able to suit up in Week 17. Third-year wideout
Kayshon Boutte (concussion) is currently in the league's concussion protocol and also missed Wednesday's practice. If Boutte misses Sunday's divisional matchup, Hollins could assume more of a downfield role against a Jets defense that has allowed 676 passing yards and eight total touchdowns across the last two games. With Boutte sidelined earlier this year with a hamstring injury, Hollins enjoyed his best two-game stretch of the season, including a WR28 finish against the Jets in Week 11. His status will need to be monitored throughout the week, but if Hollins clears the injury report by Sunday, he has flex potential for championship weekend.
--Patrick McGrathSource: New England Patriots
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions running back
Jahmyr Gibbs has been inconsistent as a rusher in recent weeks, as he's been held to 3.6 yards per carry or less in five out of his last six games. The 23-year-old was able to save his Week 16 production with his work as a receiver, recording 10 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gibbs has been heavily involved in the Lions' passing game since Detroit placed tight end
Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve. Across six games without LaPorta, Gibbs has hauled in 40 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns on 51 targets. Gibbs' receiving work may need to continue carrying his production in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings enter the week ranked 12th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1). Gibbs had his least productive game of the season in his first matchup of the year against Minnesota, racking up just 28 scrimmage yards on 12 touches in Week 9. However, he may see a few more touches this time around, as Lions back
David Montgomery (illness) is officially listed as questionable to play on Thursday. Gibbs remains a must-start fantasy running back, but fantasy managers may want to downgrade expectations in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal (neck) missed his second practice of the week after suffering a neck strain late in the team's Week 16 win over the Cowboys. After undergoing an MRI early in the week, he was considered day-to-day, but he has yet to return to the practice field, putting his availability for a Week 17 matchup with the Texans in question. Vidal had been splitting snaps with
Omarion Hampton since the rookie returned from a prolonged absence due to an ankle injury, but if he is unable to suit up on Saturday, Hampton should see bellcow duties against a tough Houston front. The matchup is not ideal for championship weekend, but Hampton has looked dynamic since returning in Week 14 and could put up low RB1 numbers if he gets the backfield to himself.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Los Angeles Chargers
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is officially listed as questionable for his team's Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings after being held to limited practice participation on both Tuesday and Wednesday. The 26-year-old has been one of the NFL's most consistent wide receivers so far this season, recording 98 receptions for 1,194 yards and 11 touchdowns on 144 targets. However, he faces a very difficult matchup against Minnesota. Entering the week, Minnesota ranks second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). Still, St. Brown was able to have success in his first outing against the Vikings this season, recording nine catches for 97 yards on 13 targets in Week 9. St. Brown has also earned at least nine targets in five out of his last six outings. The Lions may choose to limit his reps on Thursday due to his knee ailment, but Detroit is also in a must-win situation to keep their fading playoff hopes alive. If active, St. Brown profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions running back
David Montgomery (illness) is officially questionable to play in his team's Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings after being limited in practice on Wednesday with an illness. If Montgomery is active, he will be looking to rebound from one of his least productive games as a Lion in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Montgomery recorded just four carries for 14 yards against Pittsburgh, marking his sixth straight outing with eight or fewer rush attempts. The 28-year-old also played just 13 snaps against the Steelers, his fewest in any game this season. On the bright side, Montgomery had a solid game in his first time out against Minnesota this season, recording 50 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 13 touches. Still, Montgomery's recent workload trend makes him tough for fantasy managers to trust. If active, Montgomery profiles as a low-end flex option in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions quarterback
Jared Goff has played solid football all season long, completing 68.6% of his pass attempts for 4,036 yards, 32 touchdowns, and five interceptions across 15 games. Goff's production has ramped up to another level in recent weeks, as he's attempted 129 passes and thrown for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns without an interception over his last three games. However, Goff and the Lions will face a very difficult matchup in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. Entering the week, Minnesota ranks second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). In their Week 16 win over the New York Giants, the Vikings allowed Giants quarterback
Jaxson Dart to throw for just 33 yards on 13 pass attempts. In his first matchup of 2025 against Minnesota in Week 9, Goff was sacked a season-high five times. Fantasy managers in single-quarterback formats may want to avoid Goff if possible in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Pat Bryant (concussion) has been ruled out for the team's Thursday night Christmas matchup with the Chiefs. The rookie wideout was concussed late in the Broncos' Week 16 loss to the Jaguars on a violent hit over the middle and was immediately taken to the hospital. He was released from the hospital on Tuesday but remains in the league's concussion protocol. With the Broncos playing on a short week, it was always viewed as unlikely that he would be able to suit up, but he has now been officially ruled out for Week 17. Bryant has seen his role steadily increase across the back half of the season, and with him inactive,
Troy Franklin,
Marvin Mims Jr., and tight end
Evan Engram could all see a bump in target share, while
Courtland Sutton remains a high-upside WR2.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Denver Broncos
December 24, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent infielder
Michael Chavis to a minor-league deal, according to Kiley McDaniel. The two sides agreed to a deal on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training. The 30-year-old has bounced around the league since making his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2023. He spent the entire 2025 season in Triple-A Oklahoma City with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During that time, Chavis slashed .291/.350/.547 with 13 home runs and 45 RBI across 63 games. He'll get a chance to compete for a roster spot in camp, but he will likely end up in the minors as infield depth.
--Andy WebbSource: Kiley McDaniel
December 24, 2025
The New York Mets signed free-agent right-handed pitcher
Mike Baumann to a minor-league deal on Wednesday. The assumption is that this is a non-roster deal with an invite to spring training. Baumann is back in the MLB after pitching in Japan last season. He posted a 4.15 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, and 28/17 K/BB ratio across 27 appearances with the Yakult Swallows in 2025. His last time pitching in the big leagues, Baumann posted a 5.55 ERA across 57 games during the 2024 season with five different teams. The 30-year-old figures to serve as a depth option for the organization and will be off the fantasy baseball radar.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Heyman
December 24, 2025
The Washington Nationals signed free-agent first baseman
Matt Mervis to a minor-league deal on Wednesday. According to Jon Heyman, this is a minor-league deal with a non-roster invite to spring training. The Washington D.C. native will get a chance to catch on as a possible depth option for the Nats. Last season, Mervis slashed .175/.254/.383 with seven home runs and 14 RBI in 42 games with the Miami Marlins. Mervis came up through the minors with some buzz after slugging 36 homers during the 2022 season. The 27-year-old hasn't been able to put it together at the MLB level, but he could be decent depth for the organization.
--Andy WebbSource: Andrew Golden
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