January 3, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker
Chase McLaughlin has been a solid fantasy option for managers this season, but he will look to rebound in Saturday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He was limited to five points last Sunday, as he made one of two field-goal attempts and both of his extra-point tries in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Dolphins. Before last Sunday's game against Miami, McLaughlin hadn't missed a field goal attempt since Week 6. The 29-year-old has been a consistent option and has recorded at least eight points per game in six out of the last eight weeks. Overall, he's converted 29-for-34 on field goals and 31-for-32 on PATs through 16 contests. McLaughlin can be used as a streamer for the regular season finale and comes in as the ninth-ranked kicker in the latest RotoBaller rankings for Week 18.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
January 3, 2026
Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk had his first multi-point outing of the campaign on Friday, finishing a 4-3 shootout loss to the Seattle Kraken with three points. During the season period, he had a goal and an assist on the power play, and DeBrusk added an even-strength assist to his tally in the third. This was DeBrusk's second outing after he was scratched for a matchup against Seattle on Monday. Vancouver got a positive reaction from DeBrusk to the benching, but he still has plenty of room for improvement. The 29-year-old has totaled 10 goals and 20 points in 38 appearances this season, scoring only one even-strength goal.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 3, 2026
Minnesota Wild forward Danila Yurov lit the lamp two times in Friday's 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. He put Minnesota 2-0 up in the second period and potted the team's fourth goal early in the third. On Friday, the Russian rookie had more goals than in his previous 16 appearances combined. After returning to the top six, he could find more success at the start of 2026. Yurov's overall tally for his first NHL year reads six goals and nine points in 35 games. He is tied for sixth among rookies with 14 even-strength points.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 3, 2026
New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere tied the NHL Winter Classic record with three assists in Friday's 5-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Het set up hat-trick hero Mika Zibanejad for a pair of goals and also helped Artemi Panarin to score. Lafreniere recorded more points than he had managed over his previous eight appearances. The 24-year-old has been plagued by inconsistency throughout the season, scoring points in only 15 of his 43 outings. Overall, he has collected eight goals and 15 assists through 43 contests. On paper, Lafreniere finds himself in a great spot to make a mark, as he is part of New York's top-six group and skates on the first power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 3, 2026
New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad rocked the Florida Panthers on Friday night with a five-point performance in a 5-1 win, setting the new Winter Classic scoring record and becoming the first player to post a hat trick in the special matchup. It marks the third-ever hat trick in an NHL outdoor game. Zibanejad scored in each period, while setting up Artemi Panarin for a couple of goals. Two of his points came on the power play. Although Zibanejad hasn't been at his best this season, his outstanding performance in his first outing of 2026 could be a sign of better things to come. In 42 games, he has recorded 15 goals and 20 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 3, 2026
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (lower body) was placed on Injured Reserve, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports. Blackwood will be re-evaluated after the team's upcoming three-game road trip, which begins on Saturday with a clash against the Carolina Hurricanes. Colorado has recalled Trent Miner from the AHL to fill Blackwood's spot on the roster. Blackwood has been extraordinary for the Avalanche this season, posting a 13-1-1 record with a league-best 2.07 goals-against average. He is ranked second in the NHL with a save percentage of .924 and has notched two shutouts. While Miner could see action during this weekend's back-to-back, Scott Wedgewood is expected to get the bulk of the work until Blackwood returns.
--Taavi PailkSource: Corey Masisak
January 3, 2026
Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones (upper body) lasted for only three minutes in Friday's 5-1 Winter Classic loss to the New York Rangers. He was hurt early in the first period and was ruled out for the remainder of the game during the second period. Jones exited the special matchup after taking a puck near his left collarbone. "We'll get him looked at tomorrow," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said postgame. "It doesn't look terrible right now. He's just got to be looked at tomorrow." Jones, who skated in his 900th career game on Friday, is having a good first full season in Florida. He has registered 24 points (six goals, 18 assists), 78 shots, 47 blocks, and 38 hits in 40 outings. Donovan Sebrango will likely fill his spot if Jones can't play in Sunday's contest against the Colorado Avalanche.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 3, 2026
Vancouver Canucks center Linus Karlsson scored in Friday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks shortly after the team announced that he had signed a new contract. The Swedish forward has taken a significant leap in 2025-26 and was rewarded with a two-year, $4.5 million extension. This season, Karlsson has been playing on a one-year, $775,000 deal. He has offered great value for money in Vancouver, scoring 10 goals and 17 points in 37 outings. Only Kiefer Sherwood (17) has more goals for the Canucks. Additionally, Karlsson has recorded 51 hits while averaging 10:38 of ice time. Currently, Karlsson is showing his best form of the season, scoring in three of the last four games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 2, 2026
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan is coming off his worst game of the season last week against the Seahawks, catching only one of his four targets for five yards. The eighth overall pick in the 2025 draft has been held below 43 yards receiving in four of his past five games. However, he draws a favorable matchup for a rebound against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. He had his second-best fantasy output against the Bucs in Week 16, catching six of 10 targets for 73 yards and a touchdown. McMillan is 71 yards short of reaching 1,000 yards this season and should be in line for a heavy dose of targets again as the Panthers' clear WR1 in a must-win game. He ranks as RotoBaller's WR18 in PPR leagues in Week 18.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
January 2, 2026
New England Patriots running back
Rhamondre Stevenson had the best game of his season last week against the Jets, handling eight carries for 47 yards and a touchdown to go along with a season-high five receptions for 55 yards and another score as a receiver. Despite rookie
TreVeyon Henderson being cleared from the concussion protocol and handling 19 carries, it was Stevenson who wound up with the touchdowns and the big fantasy performance. The backfield remains split between the two, and it will be tough to expect a repeat performance from Stevenson in the regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins. Miami has allowed the eighth-fewest PPR points to running backs over the past five games. The 27-year-old back is ranked as RotoBaller's RB19 in PPR formats in Week 18.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
January 2, 2026
Chicago Bears rookie tight end
Colston Loveland is emerging as a go-to target in the offense and has all the makings of a future star. Loveland commanded a season-high 10 targets in last week's loss to the San Francisco 49ers, catching seven of them for 96 yards and a touchdown. The rookie first-rounder matched a season-high of six receptions and the most yards since Week 9 at Cincinnati. His role continues to expand in the ascending Bears offense, and his efficiency has been at a rare level for a rookie, recording the most total receiving EPA by a rookie tight end since 2017. With receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) likely sidelined again, Loveland is a must-start in a divisional Week 18 matchup with the Detroit Lions that is projected to be a shootout with the highest total of the week (50.5).
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
January 2, 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson recorded a season-high six catches for 53 yards while finishing second on the team with seven targets in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. After scoring six touchdowns in Weeks 10-15, Parkinson hasn't scored in each of the past two weeks with receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) out of the lineup. The 26-year-old tight end's run of full playing time could be nearing its end, however, with
Tyler Higbee (ankle) on track to be activated from Injured Reserve this week. It remains to be seen how head coach Sean McVay will deploy his tight end group on Sunday, but the Rams have used plenty of three-tight-end formations and should put up plenty of points against a soft Arizona defense. The Cardinals have allowed the ninth-most PPR points per game to tight ends this season, and with Adams' red-zone targets vacated again, Parkinson should have a good shot at finding the end zone. Parkinson is firmly in borderline TE1 territory for the regular-season finale.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
January 2, 2026
The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen to a long-term extension on Friday. The two sides have agreed on a three-year, $51 million deal, which includes $32.5 million in guaranteed money. The fifth-year lineman has earned a new deal after posting a 75.9 PFF pass-blocking grade and 78.9 PFF run-blocking grade, which both lead the team. Van Lanen has moved all over the place this season, seeing time at every position on the offensive line besides center. The 27-year-old is a former sixth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2021. He was traded to Jacksonville in 2022 and has now become a significant factor on this offensive line.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
January 2, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans will need to be at his best for the must-win game against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday. Evans mostly struggled last week until he snagged a four-yard touchdown in the final moments of the loss to the Miami Dolphins. The veteran wideout will look to extend his two-game touchdown streak during this Week 18 contest. Since returning in Week 15 from a broken collarbone, Evans has seen 28 targets and has hauled in 14 of them for 194 yards. The expectation is that Evans will continue being a focal point in the passing game for this must-win contest. The 32-year-old has done enough to earn the respect as a WR2 in fantasy football for this Saturday afternoon contest.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
January 2, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers could use some of their regular starters in a backup role in Week 18. This team isn't playing for much with a playoff spot locked up ahead of the regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos. Head coach Jim Harbaugh doesn't want to risk any injuries to his starters, so he's considering using them in a backup role. This strategy would decrease the workload on his starters, but would still give them some reps ahead of the postseason. Fantasy managers who have any Chargers' starters on their roster would be wise to leave them on their benches. Quarterback
Justin Herbert is expected to be active, but is not expected to play at all.
--Andy WebbSource: Daniel Popper
January 2, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Keenan Allen has recorded 74 catches for 741 yards and four touchdowns on 109 targets in 16 games in 2025 in his return to the team. The six-time Pro Bowler has been a trustworthy aerial weapon for quarterback
Justin Herbert, but the 33-year-old is limping to the finish line and had just one catch on three targets for 17 yards in last week's loss to the Houston Texans. It was the first time since the 2020 season that Allen was limited to just one catch. Allen has not found the end zone in a game since Oct. 19 and has cleared the 50-yard mark just once in the last nine contests. In the first seven games of the season, Allen went over 50 receiving yards five times while scoring all four of his TDs. The veteran pass-catcher has run out of momentum and makes for a poor fantasy lineup option in Week 18 against the Broncos with backup quarterback
Trey Lance running things.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 2, 2026
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Rashod Bateman (illness) is listed as questionable but is expected to suit up for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bateman is likely to play despite missing practice all week due to a lingering illness. The Ravens are likely going to wait and see how Bateman feels closer to game time before making a final decision. Even if he's active, Bateman isn't a reliable fantasy option. Since Week 11, Bateman has hauled in three receptions for 30 yards. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help, even if Bateman is active. The absence of Bateman would mean slightly increased value for
DeAndre Hopkins and
Tylan Wallace in a must-win game that will decide the AFC North division.
--Andy WebbSource: Jamison Hensley
January 2, 2026
On paper, the Buffalo Bills Week 18 matchup against the division-rival New York Jets is an excellent one for wide receiver
Khalil Shakir and the rest of the offense. However, the Bills probably won't need to throw the ball all that much to get a victory and improve their seeding in the AFC playoff picture. Shakir is coming off a six-reception game in the Week 17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but the 25-year-old pass-catcher went for just 35 yards. Quarterback
Josh Allen (foot) is expected to make the start in the regular-season finale against New York, but we wouldn't be surprised if Buffalo pulls him if the game is already in hand. It will make all of the Bills' offensive skill players somewhat riskier in fantasy lineups. Shakir has been more valuable in PPR formats in 2025, catching 72 passes on 95 targets. His fantasy value will take a hit if tight end
Dalton Kincaid (knee) makes his return.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 2, 2026
According to broadcaster Jeff Turner, the Orlando Magic are expected to get forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) "back within the next week." Orlando has upcoming games against the Pacers, Wizards, Nets, and 76ers during that span, so it appears there is a light at the end of the tunnel for fantasy managers. The 2021 No. 8 overall selection was having another solid campaign before an ankle injury put him out of commission, averaging 22.7 points, 4.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and a career-high 6.1 rebounds. Wagner will presumably be limited for at least a few contests upon his return. However, even then, his presence should take away scoring opportunities from others right away, including
Anthony Black, who has averaged 19.2 points in 14 starts this season.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Jason Beede
January 2, 2026
Buffalo Bills running back
Ty Johnson has operated as Buffalo's No. 2 back behind
James Cook for most of the year, but it hasn't translated to standalone fantasy value. The 28-year-old has a total of 37 carries for 164 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games this year, adding 22 receptions for 243 additional yards and a receiving touchdown on 31 targets. Johnson remains a deep-league handcuff heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Jets. He could see more work this weekend if the Bills don't let Cook play the entire game, but fantasy managers can't exactly bank on that. Johnson had a season-high eight touches for 48 scrimmage yards in last week's one-point loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. His five rushing attempts also represented a season high.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 2, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's Week 18 matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens. Watt will return from a three-game absence due to a partially collapsed lung that required a procedure to repair. The return of Watt will come at a great time, with this being a must-win game for the Steelers. The two teams will fight for the AFC North division title and the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs. Given the nature of the injury, it's unclear if Watt is going to have a full snap count this weekend. Through 13 games, Watt has recorded 53 tackles, seven sacks, and one interception this season. His presence on the field will be a significant boost for the Steelers' defense, even if he's limited.
--Andy WebbSource: Brooke Pryor
January 2, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (hip) injured his hip in Thursday's practice and has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders. The Eagles already have a playoff spot locked up, so they will rest Carter and hope that he'll be ready to return for the wild-card round of the postseason next week. With the 24-year-old interior defensive lineman out this weekend, expect Ty Robinson to play an increased role on Philly's defensive line in a plus matchup against Washington third-string quarterback
Josh Johnson. Even with Carter unable to play in Week 18, the Eagles' defense/special teams unit should be considered a top-10 fantasy unit in the final regular season game with the Commanders down to their third QB.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Eagles
January 2, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kayshon Boutte (concussion) has cleared the league's concussion protocol and will play in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. Boutte was limited in Wednesday's practice before he was a full-go each of the last two days. The matchup against the Dolphins' defense is plus, especially with the Patriots still alive for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff picture. The 23-year-old pass-catcher will be hard to trust in fantasy lineups, even in deeper leagues, after he missed the Week 17 win over the New York Jets. Boutte had only one reception for 16 yards in his last game in the Week 16 win over the Baltimore Ravens. In the first meeting against Miami, Boutte caught his only target for 16 yards and a touchdown. Boutte will be more of a long shot for production as a deep-league flex this weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: New England Patriots
January 2, 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Tyler Higbee (ankle) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 18 matchup versus the Arizona Cardinals. Higbee remains on Injured Reserve, but he had his 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday. He has been a full participant in practice and appears to be ready to play, barring any setbacks. It's unclear how much Higbee will actually play, as the Rams might be trying to save him for the postseason. The 33-year-old might see limited reps to shake off some of the rust before the playoffs begin if he's active. If Higbee returns, it'll impact the playing time of
Colby Parkinson,
Terrance Ferguson, and
Davis Allen for Sunday's game. Even if Higbee is active, fantasy managers should be looking to avoid him.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Grosbard
January 2, 2026
Buffalo Bills tight end
Dawson Knox (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's Week 18 matchup versus the New York Jets. Knox was limited during the first two days of practice, but he was a full-go during Friday's session. He's ready to go and could see an increased role in the offense with
Dalton Kincaid (knee) currently listed as questionable to suit up. Knox hauled in all five of his targets for 30 yards with Kincaid on the sideline last week in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers should expect a similar target share for Knox this weekend, assuming Kincaid is unable to go. His value might actually increase given how bad the Jets' defense has been this season. Knox remains in the TE2 conversation for this Week 18 contest.
--Andy WebbSource: Buffalo Bills PR
January 2, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) upgraded to a full participant in practice on Friday and was removed from the final injury report, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. Austin will be active on Sunday night against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 as the Steelers look to win the AFC North. He did not play in last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns and was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Although the 26-year-old will return with
DK Metcalf suspended for another game, Austin will still be extremely hard to trust after doing little all year. Austin hasn't really shown much chemistry with quarterback
Aaron Rodgers all season, catching 28 of his 48 targets for 317 yards and just two touchdowns. The good news is that the Ravens have allowed the fourth-most half-PPR fantasy points to opposing WRs in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
January 2, 2026
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver
Pat Bryant (concussion) has been cleared to play ahead of the Week 18 matchup versus the Los Angeles Chargers. Bryant will make his return after being forced to exit during the end of the Week 16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The third-round rookie has been seeing increased reps down the stretch of the season. Over his last four games, Bryant has 17 receptions on 25 targets for 198 receiving yards. The target share has been there, but Bryant isn't doing much in terms of yardage. He figures to continue seeing a significant snap count with the Broncos needing to win this game to lock up the No. 1 seed. The Broncos have a crowded wide receiver group, though, so Bryant can't be trusted as anything more than a touchdown-dependent, WR4/flex.
--Andy WebbSource: Denver Broncos
January 2, 2026
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Treylon Burks (illness) was able to practice in full on Friday and was removed from the Week 18 injury report. Burks will play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles figure to be resting key starters on both sides of the ball with a playoff spot already locked up, but that still won't be enough to make Burks a fantasy recommendation for Week 18 lineups. Quarterback
Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) will miss a second straight game due to multiple injuries, leaving journeyman signal-caller
Josh Johnson to run the offense in just his second start all year. In last week's Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Burks caught just one of two targets from Johnson for 11 yards. There should be much better receiving options for fantasy managers still competing for a title.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
January 2, 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back
Bhayshul Tuten (finger) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tuten has missed back-to-back games because of his finger injury, but he is ready to return this weekend. The rookie back figures to resume his role as the primary backup to
Travis Etienne Jr. in the backfield. The Jaguars can clinch the AFC South title with a win over the Titans this weekend or a loss by the Houston Texans. That means the Jags should play their starters during this regular-season finale. Tuten should see a handful of carries as he returns from injury, but it's unlikely to be enough to warrant streaming him.
--Andy WebbSource: Mia O'Brien
January 2, 2026
Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback
Riley Leonard will start under center in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Houston Texans, according to James Boyd of The Athletic.
Seth Henigan will be the No. 2 QB.
Philip Rivers, who started the team's last three games, is TBD as far as being active. The 44-year-old came out of retirement to help replace
Daniel Jones (Achilles), but now that the Colts are out of the playoff picture, they'll take a look at Leonard in Week 18 with an eye toward the future. Rivers already announced that he will retire for a second time following the conclusion of this weekend's games. Arm strength was certainly an issue for Rivers in his return to football in 2025, although he managed to stay healthy and keep the Colts competitive. The eight-time Pro Bowler completed 63% of his pass attempts for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in three games.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
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