December 13, 2025
Miami Dolphins kicker
Riley Patterson has been solid but not spectacular this season, while filling in for
Jason Sanders (hip), who remains on IR. Patterson has made 23 of his 25 field goal attempts and 28 of his 29 extra point attempts. He didn't have any issues on the road in the cold against the Jets last week, making all four of his kicks. This week, he'll be on the road for a night game in Pittsburgh with very cold temperatures again in the forecast. While it won't be ideal conditions for long field goals, Patterson has been consistent enough from short range to not be a total "must avoid" option, especially since the Steelers have been a top-10 matchup for kickers. Patterson is the No. 19 kicker in RotoBaller's Week 15 rankings, so there are potentially kickers with more upside on the waiver wire in most standard-sized leagues this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 13, 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Daniel Jones (Achilles) underwent surgery to repair his Achilles, which will sideline him for six to eight months. This should give Jones the ability to get fully cleared in time for training camp next summer. Jones is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but the two sides have reportedly not been discussing a contract extension. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts are expected to try to re-sign Jones, but the question is at what cost. Before going down in Week 14, Jones was experiencing a bounce-back season. The 28-year-old threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, eight interceptions, while rushing for 164 yards on 45 rushing attempts and five scores over 13 games in 2025.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
December 13, 2025
The Miami Dolphins D/ST has been instrumental in helping the team to pick up four straight wins, allowing 17 points or fewer in each of those four victories and racking up 14 sacks and 10 takeaways in those four victories. The Dolphins shut down the Jets in New York for their latest win, but they'll face a much tougher opponent this week as they travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers, who have been one of the 10 toughest matchups for DST this season. The Steelers have four turnovers in their last four games and have only allowed four sacks in that span. Last week, they didn't give up a single sack or turnover to the Ravens, so the Dolphins' defense will need to really take it to the next level to post a big number on Monday Night Football. In RotoBaller's rankings, the Dolphins DST is ranked No. 14 for this week, making them a starting option if you're desperate in standard-sized formats, but not a top 10 option that should be started in most leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 13, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Brandon Aiyuk (knee) was placed on the reserve/left squad list on Saturday. This move will make Aiyuk ineligible to return and will end his season. Aiyuk has been out all season while recovering from ACL and MCL tears in his right knee, which he suffered during the 2024 season. All signs are pointing to the two sides splitting apart this offseason. The 27-year-old should draw interest on the free agent market, but he's likely taken his last snap in San Francisco. Aiyuk is worth stashing in dynasty formats, but it's unclear how this knee injury is going to impact his performance on the field in the future. He can safely be dropped in all redraft formats with his 2025 season being officially over.
--Andy WebbSource: Matt Maiocco
December 13, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Darren Waller flashed enough upside in the early part of the season to get some attention, but he hasn't been as involved since returning from IR in Week 13. He and the Dolphins are taking on the Steelers on Monday Night Football, and he can be a deep-league flier if you're desperate at the position. Waller played only 47% and 37% of snaps in his two games since returning and has only had three catches on six targets for 60 yards in the two games combined. He and
Tua Tagovailoa showed a decent connection early in the season, especially near the end zone, as Waller scored four touchdowns in his first three games. Since then, though, he hasn't gotten back into the end zone, and his reduced role makes him very hard to trust as a starter in standard-sized leagues. He's ranked as the No. 22 TE in RotoBaller's rankings for this week, even though he's in a positive matchup aginst the Steelers, who have been generous to tight ends. While he does have touchdown-dependent upside, there are better options likely available in most leagues this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 13, 2025
Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Malik Washington has flashed some play-making ability and upside this season, but he is not getting enough downfield chances to be a strong fantasy play this week against the Steelers. The Dolphins are relying on their run game, led by
De'Von Achane, and their defense to win them games lately, leaving Washington without much production. He does have multiple catches in every game this season and 10 catches on 12 targets over the last three contests, but he is averaging only eight yards per catch and hasn't reached 50 yards in any game he has played this season. He has two touchdowns this season, but unless the Dolphins open the offense or Washington gets into the end zone, he'll have a hard time putting up enough fantasy points to be a good flex play in Week 15 against Pittsburgh, even though the Steelers have been a good matchup for receivers. Washington is RotoBaller's No. 62 WR in Week 15, so he's safely left on the bench or waiver wire in most formats this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 13, 2025
San Francisco 49ers running back
Christian McCaffrey (back) popped up on the injury report on Saturday due to a back issue. According to Adam Schefter, McCaffrey is expected to suit up for the Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. This issue doesn't appear to be severe enough to keep McCaffrey on the sideline. If he suffers a setback,
Brian Robinson Jr. and
Isaac Guerendo would likely split up a majority of the snaps in the backfield. Fantasy managers should expect McCaffrey out there on Sunday, but there probably won't be official word until closer to kickoff. The 49ers don't play until 4:25 pm ET, so his official announcement might not be made until sometime in the afternoon.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
December 13, 2025
Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle will try to help the Dolphins secure their fifth straight win this Monday when they visit the Steelers. While the Dolphins have had a very low-volume passing attack in recent weeks, Waddle has remained a solid starting option in most formats because he is clearly the top option in the offense. Waddle has at least three catches and at least six targets in six straight games with three touchdowns and an average of 67.8 yards per game during that span. He had five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown last week against the Jets, and he will be in a solid matchup against the Steelers, who rank in the top 10 in fantasy points allowed to receivers this season. The Steelers have allowed 12 receiver touchdowns in 13 games, so Waddle has good potential for another productive week if he continues to get so many targets. In RotoBaller's Week 15 rankings, Waddle is the No. 11 WR, making him a low-end WR1 or a high-end WR2 in standard-sized leagues. He should be started in almost all formats since his production has been so reliably consistent.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 13, 2025
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Haydn Fleury (concussion) has been cleared for action, Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press reports. He has missed 14 games while dealing with a concussion. The Jets may bring Fleury back into the lineup on Saturday night against the Washington Capitals. Fantasy managers can ignore Fleury due to his limited skill set. In 15 outings this season, Fleury hasn't scored a single point, while blocking 26 shots from the opposition and delivering 20 hits. The 29-year-old may end the calendar year with just a single point in regular-season play -- an assist recorded during a 3-2 overtime victory against the Edmonton Oilers on March 20.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike McIntyre
December 13, 2025
Washington Commanders tight end
Colson Yankoff should slide up to No. 3 on the TE depth chart with
Zach Ertz (knee) suffering a torn ACL last week against the Minnesota Vikings. Yankoff has played predominantly as a special-teamer in his two seasons in the league, and he's posted an 11.7% snap share on offense this season. The 25-year-old has earned a target in each of the past three games, recording two receptions for 18 yards. Yankoff and fellow second-year tight end
Ben Sinnott profile better than
John Bates to step into Ertz's role as the primary receiving tight end, but it remains to be seen who will see the most opportunities on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. The former undrafted free agent has some intriguing athletic traits as a former highly-touted, dual-threat quarterback in high school, and he could be a name to monitor as a potential player to fill Ertz's void in Washington's passing game the rest of the season.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 13, 2025
New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (lower body) missed Saturday's win over the Anaheim Ducks and looks set for a multi-game absence. Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said Nemec will miss "some time" after he was injured during Friday's practice. The Slovakian blue-liner is having a breakout campaign. He has registered 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists), 50 shots, and 46 blocks in 31 contests this season. Dennis Cholowski took Nemec's spot in the lineup on Saturday, although he had a limited role and should not be considered for fantasy teams. In the game, Cholowski had one shot on goal and one block across 13:03 of action.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 13, 2025
Washington Commanders tight end
Ben Sinnott is expected to see an uptick in snaps after
Zach Ertz (knee) tore his ACL in last week's blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 2024 second-round pick hasn't seen many opportunities as a receiver since being drafted, with Ertz locking down that role and not missing any games. But the door has opened for Sinnott to earn more opportunities and potentially establish himself as Washington's tight end of the future. The Kansas State product has caught all nine of his career targets for 69 yards and two touchdowns in 29 games. It will be interesting to see if Sinnott sees the bulk of the snaps as the receiving tight end, or if Washington opts to split the reps between Sinnott,
John Bates, and
Colson Yankoff. For the season, Sinnott ranks firmly behind Bates as the TE3 in snaps and routes, with a 27.6% snap share and a 10.9% route share. Bates is used primarily as a blocker, and with Sinott being a high second-round pick last year, it seems like a great opportunity for the Commanders to see what they have in the athletic tight end. It remains to be seen what Sinnott's role will look like on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. Sinnott is a solid speculative addition off the waiver wire in deeper fantasy leagues, but he profiles as a desperation TE streamer in Week 15.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 13, 2025
Miami Dolphins running back
Ollie Gordon II got into the end zone for his third touchdown of the season last week against the Jets, but this week, the Dolphins' backfield will be crowded, which could leave the rookie without much work.
De'Von Achane (ribs) is expected to play despite an injury to his ribs suffered last week, and
Jaylen Wright stepped in and went off in his place against New York. Gordon did have five carries for 17 yards with his touchdown, but only played 16 snaps, compared to Wright's 34. The two will share backup duties behind Achane, who has been sensational while carrying the load in Miami's backfield. Even while sharing backup duties with Wright, Gordon will have some touchdown-dependent upside, but his workload is too uncertain to make him a reliable play in Week 15 against the Steelers, leaving him as the RB59 in RotoBaller's rankings, well off the starting radar in all but the deepest of leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 13, 2025
Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans (personal) will hop back into the lineup on Saturday against the New York Rangers. He skipped Thursday's win over the Pittsburgh Penguins for personal reasons. Evans will take his usual spot on the third line, skating with Josh Anderson and Alexandre Texier. Jared Davidson will depart the lineup on Saturday to make room for Evans. Following a 36-point year, Evans' scoring rate has significantly dropped in 2025-26. He has managed only four goals and eight points in 29 appearances. The 26-year-old has not scored any points in his last six outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 13, 2025
Washington Commanders tight end
John Bates has served as the team's No. 2 option behind
Zach Ertz this season, primarily as a blocker. With Ertz now out for the season with a torn ACL, Bates could be in line to take on more responsibility as a receiver. However, Washington could look to keep Bates in his normal role as one of the league's best blocking tight ends, a strength that earned him a three-year, $21 million contract extension this offseason. The Commanders could rely more on 2024 second-round pick
Ben Sinnott as a receiver, who has the athletic traits and yards-after-the-catch ability to step into Ertz's role as the primary receiving option at tight end. The 28-year-old Bates has played more snaps and run more routes than Sinnott and fourth-string tight end
Colson Yankoff, but he's not considered a legitimate receiving threat. He's collected eight catches for 71 yards on 12 targets in 11 games this season. With Washington's tight end situation murky in the wake of Ertz's injury, Bates shouldn't be considered as a fantasy option in Week 15 against the New York Giants.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 13, 2025
Miami Dolphins running back
Jaylen Wright has been buried on the Dolphins' depth chart this season, and it looks like he'll return to a minimal role after making the most of his chance last week and posting a breakout game. Wright and the Dolphins face the Steelers on Monday, but
De'Von Achane (ribs) is on track to return, relegating Wright back to a reduced role. While filling in against the Jets in Week 14, Wright ripped off 107 rushing yards with a touchdown on 24 carries. He only had 18 carries before that game in the whole season, though, so if Achane returns, Wright's role will be too limited for him to be a strong fantasy play. In RotoBaller's Week 15 rankings, Wright is the No. 51 RB, so he can be left on the bench or the waiver wire in almost all formats, despite reminding everyone of his potential ceiling if he gets playing time.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 13, 2025
Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (lower body) will return from a three-game absence on Saturday night against the Florida Panthers. He suffered a lower-body injury last Friday in a contest against the San Jose Sharks. The Stars will pair Lyubushkin with Kyle Capobianco on the third defensive pairing. Nils Lundkvist (illness) will exit the lineup against Florida. Although Lyubushkin isn't a factor in fantasy leagues, he has performed well for the Stars. Over 21 games this season, the Russian defenseman has recorded five assists, 15 shots, 41 blocks, and 30 hits. Four of Ilya Lyubushkin's five helpers have come in his past nine outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 13, 2025
Miami Dolphins running back
De'Von Achane (ribs) has been one of the best fantasy football running backs of the season, and the Dolphins and his fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief since it looks like he'll be available in the Week 15 Monday Night Football matchup with the Steelers. Coach Mike McDaniel said Achane is expected to play after the star back was forced to leave last week's win over the Jets. Before leaving, Achane had seven carries for 92 yards and a touchdown while adding a 13-yard reception as well. McDaniel said that Achane could have returned if needed, so it makes sense that he won't miss any further time. Even though he's in a tough matchup against the Steelers, Achane is a must-start, top-tier running back in Week 15. He already has 1,126 rushing yards and 383 receiving yards in his 13 games this year, along with a total of 11 touchdowns. He's the No. 4 RB in RotoBaller's Week 15 rankings, and he should be started in all formats since he is trending in the right direction for Monday.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Marcel Louis-Jacques
December 13, 2025
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (leg) will play on Saturday night against the Florida Panthers. Hintz was injured during Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild, exiting the action late in the third period. Luckily, he avoided a serious injury and is going to remain in the lineup on Saturday. While Hintz finished Thursday's matchup scoreless, he has been sharp this season. Across 27 contests, Hintz has tallied nine goals and 26 points. He has been held off the score sheet in back-to-back games only twice in 2025-26.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 13, 2025
Miami Dolphins quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa has been marginally better lately, avoiding costly turnovers and letting his running back and defense carry his team to four straight wins. His numbers have been not impressive even during his team's winning streak. He has attempted under 25 passes in every one of those games with 15 or fewer completions and under 175 passing yards in each game. He only has three passing touchdowns in those four wins as well with only one total touchdown in his last three games. He may have to do more this week against Pittsburgh, but he'll likely continue to rely on short "dink and dunk" passing, which limits his potential. He's the No. 27 QB in RotoBaller's rankings this week, meaning he is not a strong starting option in almost any format.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NFL.com
December 13, 2025
Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday and will back up Logan Thompson against the Winnipeg Jets. Lindgren has been unavailable for three games due to an upper-body injury. The 31-year-old has been impressive in his last few outings, winning four of five starts. The good run of form has helped Lindgren improve his record for the season to 5-3-1. He has produced a 2.90 goals-against average with a .893 save percentage and one shutout. With Lindgren available to return to the lineup, Washington returned Garin Bjorklund to the minors on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
December 13, 2025
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (leg) will play on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers. He was initially iffy for the contest after injuring his left leg in Thursday's loss to the San Jose Sharks. Ekman-Larsson has had a great campaign with the Maple Leafs, recording 20 points (four goals, 16 assists), 47 shots, 26 blocks, and 40 hits in 30 appearances. However, he has been held off the score sheet in each of his five outings this month, marking Ekman-Larsson's longest point drought of the season. The Swedish veteran will attempt to end it against an Oilers team that will have new goaltender Tristan Jarry between the sticks for the first time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 13, 2025
Minnesota Vikings running back
Ty Chandler (knee) won't come off Injured Reserve this week and has been ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Chandler hasn't played since injuring his knee back in Week 1's win over the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old had his practice window opened ahead of Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks, but the team has still determined that he is not ready to return for game action. Chandler was a full participant in practice this week, so it seems he is getting close. He will need to be activated by next week, or he will revert to Injured Reserve and miss the remainder of the season. If he can return, Chandler will contribute primarily on special teams while serving as the RB3 behind
Aaron Jones Sr. and
Jordan Mason.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Minnesota Vikings
December 13, 2025
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (illness) is a game-time decision on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers. The Swedish superstar missed the morning skate due to illness. Fellow forward Dakota Joshua (illness) is also a game-time call for Saturday's matchup. Nylander was dropped to the third line on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks, but he still made a big impact in a 3-2 overtime loss with two assists, which ended his point drought at four games. Dry spells have become very rare for Nylander, who leads the Maple Leafs with 23 assists and 34 points in 26 appearances. Bobby McMann (suspension) is available to return to the lineup Saturday and may replace either Nylander or Joshua. Matias Maccelli is also an option to rejoin the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
December 13, 2025
The Seattle Seahawks and tight end
Eric Saubert have agreed to a one-year contract extension, per NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. Saubert was designated to return from Injured Reserve this week after missing six games due to a calf injury. The 31-year-old tight end signed with the Seahawks during the offseason and is most known for his ability to do the dirty work as a blocker and as a contributor on special teams. He has just one catch for 12 yards while playing 34.1% of the offensive snaps this season in seven games, and is now under contract with Seattle through the end of the 2026 season.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Jordan Schultz
December 13, 2025
Green Bay Packers running back
MarShawn Lloyd (calf) has been on Injured Reserve the entire season with a calf injury, and he is now dealing with a hamstring injury, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. It was reported on Friday that the second-year back will not be activated from Injured Reserve this week. A hamstring injury has been an ongoing issue since training camp for Lloyd, but it wasn't listed when he was designated to return. Lloyd now just has one week of practice eligibility left before he must be activated, or he will be out for the rest of the season. The 2024 third-rounder has been devastated by injury since entering the league, playing in only one game since entering the league last year. If
Josh Jacobs (knee) is unable to play in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos, it will likely be
Emanuel Wilson (illness) leading the way with
Chris Brooks as the backup, though Wilson was also added to the injury report on Saturday with an illness.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Tom Silverstein
December 13, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams activated wide receiver
Tutu Atwell (hamstring) off Injured Reserve, and he will play on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Atwell will make his return in Week 15 after missing six games due to a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old wideout wasn't a significant piece of the Rams offense before getting injured, playing 38% of the offensive snaps and catching four of his nine targets for 164 yards and a touchdown in six games. The speedy wideout will likely slot back in as the team's No. 2 wide receiver behind
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams on Sunday against Detroit. Atwell projects as a deep league flex option at best in his first game back in Week 15.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Los Angeles Rams
December 13, 2025
San Francisco 49ers running back
Christian McCaffrey (back) has been added back to the Week 15 injury report and is now listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans due to a back injury, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. It's a concerning sign to see the superstar back be added to the Week 15 injury report this late in the week, so his status needs to be monitored up until gametime on Sunday. McCaffrey has handled the biggest workload in the league this season with 322 touches in 13 games and has arguably been the best player in fantasy football. Fantasy managers should rush to pick up
Brian Robinson Jr. if he is available, as he would be in line for a workhorse role on Sunday in a solid matchup against the Titans if McCaffrey ends up being ruled out.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Matt Barrows
December 13, 2025
Buffalo Bills tight end
Dalton Kincaid has topped a 50% snap share only three times this season, and only once since Week 4, and yet he continues to be one of this season's most reliable tight end options. Even while missing four games over the course of the year, his five touchdown catches tie him for 6th at the position, as he has clearly become one of
Josh Allen's most trusted redzone targets. In Week 15, the Bills face a Patriots defense that has allowed almost a full point above expectation to the tight end position and saw Kincaid gather all six of his targets for 108 yards when these teams last met in Week 5. Kincaid is RotoBaller's TE6 for the first round of the fantasy playoffs, and should be the Bills' most valuable pass catcher even if his snap count leaves something to be desired.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
December 13, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Marvin Mims Jr. enjoyed an early-season stretch that saw him finish as a top 20 fantasy wideout in two of four weeks, topping out at WR8 in a Week 4 win over the Bengals. Over the past seven weeks, though, he has been a non-factor for fantasy, missing time with a concussion, and seeing little involvement since returning in Week 13. Heading into the first round of the fantasy playoffs, he no longer needs to be rostered, and he projects as RotoBaller's WR70 in a Week 15 matchup with a Packers defense that has been top-10 for most of the season at limiting opposing fantasy wide receivers.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
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