December 30, 2025
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz has been a solid PPR contributor this season, and he can be a great plug-and-play option in Week 18 if he's available on the waiver wire. Schultz and the rest of the Texans' starters will be playing in their Week 18 game against the Colts, according to coach DeMeco Ryans, since the team still has a chance to win the division. Schultz has a team-high 78 catches on the season for 704 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He had three catches for 19 yards in the team's win over the Chargers, giving him at least three catches in 14 of his 16 games this season. Two of his touchdowns have come in the last three weeks as well, making him a strong option to play at tight end if you need a solution at the position for the season finale.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Utah Jazz forward/center
Kevin Love (rest) won't play on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics. The veteran will be rested for a second straight game.
Kyle Filipowski,
Taylor Hendricks, and
Cody Williams have more fantasy appeal with Love out of the lineup. Of the three players, Filipowski has had the most success on the court this season, though his recent performances have been underwhelming. In Saturday's win over the San Antonio Spurs, Filipowski had six points, three rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block in 22 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Marcus Mariota doesn't look like he'll be a great option for streaming at quarterback for his team's season finale. Coach Dan Quinn said Mariota did not participate in the team's walkthrough on Monday and is "still a stretch" to play in Week 18 against the Eagles. Quinn did still say there was hope the 32-year-old veteran would be able to play, but even if he does, it's a tough matchup for him against the strong Eagles defense, which will still be playing for playoff seeding. Mariota has played 11 games this season, throwing 10 touchdowns to go with seven interceptions and running for a score as well. Even if he recovers in time, he will be a high-risk play against Philly, so there are most likely better options available from your waiver wire. If Mariota is out,
Josh Johnson will likely start once again, and he is not a great fantasy option either.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Nicki Jhabvala
December 30, 2025
Utah Jazz guard/forward
Ace Bailey (hip) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics. A left hip flexor strain will keep him sidelined for a second consecutive contest. Bailey's absence from the lineup gave
Brice Sensabaugh a starting spot on Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs. He finished the game with nine points, four rebounds, and three assists, shooting 3-for-5 from downtown. Sensabaugh has a great touch from outside, and he could be more involved in the offense on Tuesday if
Keyonte George (illness) doesn't shake off a questionable tag.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies center
Jock Landale (calf) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers. He might be out for a third consecutive game due to a right calf strain.
Christian Koloko has entered the rotation during Landale's absence, but his fantasy impact has been minimal.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and
Santi Aldama also get more work in the frontcourt with Landale out. On Tuesday, Memphis' big men could face a Philadelphia team that's without
Joel Embiid (ankle), elevating their fantasy potential.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Longtime college football and NFL coach Chip Kelly is becoming Northwestern's offense coordinator, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Kelly is known for being one of the best offensive minds in the sport, and he has a long history of putting together potent and explosive offensive attacks, especially at the collegiate level. The 62-year-old has over 30 years of coaching experience, having served in four separate head coaching roles and four separate offensive coordinator roles. He's best known for his tenure as Oregon's head coach, posting a 46-7 record and winning three Pac-12 Championships. This is a splash hire for the Wildcats, which ranked 12th in the Big Ten in total offense (346.1 YPG) and 14th in scoring offense (23.4 PPG).
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
December 30, 2025
Chicago Bears running back
Kyle Monangai is still getting plenty of work in the backfield, and he's a strong grab if he's on the waiver wire as the Bears continue to push for the second seed in the NFC. Monangai had eight carries and three catches against the 49ers, totaling 38 rushing yards and nine receiving yards.
D'Andre Swift had nine carries and two catches but was more productive with two rushing touchdowns. Monangai could get a little more work if the Bears look to get Swift some rest before the playoffs, and the matchup against the Lions should be a solid one, since Detroit's defense has struggled down the stretch, giving up seven running back touchdowns in the last three weeks.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic (knee) looks to have avoided a major injury, Vic Lombardi of Altitude TV reports. Jokic hurt his left knee in Monday's loss to the Miami Heat and exited the game after the first half. He is scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday. According to Lombardi, the team hopes that Jokic suffered only a bone bruise. A big injury to Jokic would have serious ramifications for Denver's season and many fantasy teams. He will probably still miss some time but won't be out long-term. The Nuggets were already down three starters on Monday night, as
Christian Braun (ankle),
Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and
Cameron Johnson (knee) missed the game.
--Taavi PailkSource: Vic Lombardi
December 30, 2025
Carolina Panthers quarterback
Bryce Young has a chance to get his team to the playoffs, as he looks to bounce back from a rough outing last week against the Seahawks. He only managed 54 passing yards and also threw an interception in tough weather conditions in his team's Week 17 home loss. The 8-8 Panthers can still win the division, though, if they knock off the Buccaneers in Tampa on Saturday afternoon. Carolina will also make the playoffs even with a loss if the Falcons beat the Saints on Sunday. Young and the Panthers just faced and beat the Bucs in Week 16, with the QB throwing for two touchdowns and 191 yards in the 23-20 victory. On the season, Young has 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while averaging 183 passing yards per game. If he can duplicate his Week 16 performance, he is a streaming option in two-QB leagues, although the tough matchup on the road keeps him from being a strong play in single-QB formats.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon recorded a seventh-consecutive win on Monday against the St. Louis Blues in a 4-2 victory. The Blues got two pucks past Lyon inside the opening 8:09 of action, but the Sabres' offense kept his and the team's winning run alive. Buffalo has matched its fourth-longest streak in franchise history with nine consecutive wins. Lyon has played an integral part in the success, registering a 2.22 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage during the run of victories. The 33-year-old has improved his record for the season to 10-6-3. He boasts one shutout and has a 2.82 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. After Monday night, Lyon is just two wins away from tying Gerry Desjardins' franchise record for the longest winning streak by a Sabres goaltender.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Riley Leonard is expected to start in Week 18 against the Houston Texans after backing up
Philip Rivers for the last three games. Even though the Colts were officially eliminated from the playoff hunt with Houston's win over the Chargers last Saturday, the team gave Rivers the start in Week 16 against Jacksonville. This week, though, they'll turn to their sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame to see how Leonard can figure into their future. He got most of his NFL experience in relief of
Daniel Jones in Week 14, completing 18-of-29 passes for 145 yards and an interception while also rushing for a six-yard score in garbage time. Leonard gets a tough matchup against the Texans, who will still be playing for the division title. He has some flier upside for dual-QB leagues since he'll be out to prove himself, but he's still a long shot to be a fantasy factor this week.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jeremy Fowler
December 30, 2025
Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Johansson was on fire Monday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, producing four points in a 5-2 road win. He opened the scoring just 26 seconds into the contest and notched a hat trick of assists. With the four-point effort, the Swedish veteran matched his career high from March 2017. Sitting on 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) through 38 games, Johansson now needs just three more points to surpass his scoring total from last season. He could very well have the best campaign of his career as a 35-year-old, as Johansson has previously never reached the 60-point plateau. Currently, he is on pace for a 66-point year.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos turned back the clock on Monday night and produced a game-winning performance in a 4-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth. The 35-year-old veteran recorded two goals and one assist. Midway through the third period, the Predators trailed 3-2 before Stamkos turned things around with two goals, including a power-play marker. This was Stamkos' third multi-point effort in five games. After logging nine points through the first couple of months, the two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has erupted for 16 points (11 goals, five assists) in 13 December appearances. He is the NHL's leading goal-scorer this month and is tied with teammate Ryan O'Reilly for the most points. For the season, Stamkos has managed 17 goals and 25 points in 38 contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kyle Williams is stepping into a larger role for the Patriots, as his first season in the NFL comes to a close this week against the Dolphins. The rookie led all Patriots' receivers by playing 85% of snaps in Week 17, which was his highest mark of the season. He stepped up with
Kayshon Boutte (concussion) sidelined and
Mack Hollins (abdomen) on IR. He hauled in three of his five targets (both season highs) and finished with 20 yards against the Jets. The Patriots still have a shot at the No. 1 seed with a win on Sunday, so the starters should at least begin the game, giving Williams a great chance to work with
Drake Maye to put the finishing touches on his rookie year. As a big-play threat, Williams can be a flier flex play from the waiver wire for deep leagues in Week 18.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome extended his point streak to five games in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers. The Capitals' playmaker finished with one goal and two assists, logging one power-play point. This was Strome's 18th three-point game since moving to Washington in 2022, breaking a tie with Alex Ovechkin (17) for the most by a Capitals player over that span. While Strome's scoring rate has dipped from last season, when he averaged a point per game for the first time in his career, the 28-year-old has become more effective at even strength. Strome is among Washington's leaders with a plus-14 rating. He has contributed eight goals and 23 assists in 37 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart bagged three points in Monday's 5-3 victory over the Washington Capitals, scoring twice and delivering one assist. After notching a power-play goal in the first period, Reinhart completed his three-point night late in the game, helping Florida battle out a home win from a 3-3 tie. The Panthers return to action on Tuesday night against the Montreal Canadiens, and Reinhart will enter the matchup with a five-game point streak. He has produced three goals and six assists during the scoring surge. Reinhart is attempting to average at least one point per game for a consecutive season. Currently, he sits on 21 goals and 21 assists through 38 contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry produced two goals and had one assist in Monday's entertaining 5-4 loss to the San Jose Sharks. The Ducks fell 4-1 behind in the contest before attempting a comeback. Terry posted his team's first and last goals, ending a three-game scoreless spell. Over his last six appearances, Terry had managed only one point, so this performance should be a confidence-booster for him. Overall, fantasy managers can be pleased with Terry's contributions this season. He has been scoring nearly a point per game, amassing 12 goals and 28 assists in 39 outings. His 38 points are surpassed only by Leo Carlsson (42) on the Ducks squad.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini led his team to a 5-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night, finishing the contest with one goal and two assists. The 19-year-old became the youngest player in franchise history to hold an eight-game point streak. He has scored in each of the last three games, amassing 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in total during the streak. We haven't even reached the halfway point of the season, yet Celebrini is already just three points shy of his scoring total from last year. The uber-talented sophomore has posted 21 goals and 39 assists in 39 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 30, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (hamstring) won't play on Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. He suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss to the Washington Wizards, leaving the contest in the second quarter. You can't consider yourself a real Grizzlies player if you aren't hurt at one point during the season, and Caldwell-Pope will miss his first game of the campaign. The trio of
Cedric Coward,
Jaylen Wells, and
GG Jackson II will probably absorb most of the 22 minutes per game Caldwell-Pope leaves behind.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers center
Jaxson Hayes (ankle) will be available to make his return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons, as the team has not included him on the injury report. Last week, Hayes sat out two games due to a sore left ankle. On Monday, Hayes returned to practice and is ready to resume his duties as the backup center to
Deandre Ayton, bumping
Maxi Kleber down the depth chart. The Lakers' frontcourt has a tough matchup on Tuesday night against
Jalen Duren and
Isaiah Stewart.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers forward
Rui Hachimura (calf) won't suit up for Tuesday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. He recently dealt with a groin issue, missing two games, and the Japanese forward is now bothered by a sore right calf. On Monday, Hachimura couldn't practice, and Tuesday's absence may not be his only one of the week. It appears likely that
Jake LaRavia will start in Hachimura's place on Tuesday night. In previous starts this season, the Wake Forest product has notched 10.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
Jarred Vanderbilt and
Dalton Knecht could also see extra action in the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Detroit Pistons guard/forward
Caris LeVert (knee) is considered doubtful for Tuesday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been dealing with a sore left knee for a while and couldn't complete Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, logging only 13 minutes.
Jaden Ivey saw a season-high 29 minutes off the bench on Sunday, while
Javonte Green could also pick up some of LeVert's minutes if he's ruled out on Tuesday night. Detroit has limited Ivey's workload since his return from a knee injury, but it looks like he could be ready to start logging his usual minutes. Last season, Ivey averaged 29.9 minutes per game during a career year. When fully healthy, Ivey offers good fantasy production, posting 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in 2024-25.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Sacramento Kings center
Drew Eubanks (thumb) will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. The team has removed Eubanks from the injury report, indicating that he is ready for his first action since fracturing his left thumb on Dec. 11. The veteran will take
Dylan Cardwell's spot in the lineup after he was reassigned to the G League. Eubanks works as a backup center in Sacramento and hasn't been a fantasy factor in 2025-26, despite
Domantas Sabonis (knee) missing significant time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Sacramento Kings forward
Keegan Murray (calf) is listed as questionable for a meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. He may be forced to skip a third consecutive contest due to a right calf sprain. Following Murray's exit from the lineup,
Keon Ellis has made back-to-back starts. He went for 21 points, three steals, and two blocks on Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks but cooled off quickly. In Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Ellis contributed only two points.
Nique Clifford is also seeing increased opportunities in Murray's absence and appears to be a better fantasy option than Ellis.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Sacramento Kings guard/forward
Zach LaVine (ankle) will be sidelined for a seventh consecutive game on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. He has been out since Dec. 14 due to a sprained left ankle. LaVine's next chance to return will come on Thursday against the Boston Celtics. Without him in the lineup,
Keon Ellis and
Nique Clifford receive more playing opportunities. Despite being an afterthought for most of the season, Ellis has started in back-to-back contests. However, the 25-year-old has produced two very different performances and is far from a safe bet to fill the box score on Tuesday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Los Angeles Clippers forward/center
John Collins (illness) is considered questionable for Tuesday's clash against the Sacramento Kings. He is battling an illness and recently missed his first game of the season. On Tuesday, the Clippers may have to do without Collins for a second consecutive game. With Collins sidelined,
Nicolas Batum started in Sunday's win over the Detroit Pistons. The French veteran is likely to remain in the starting unit if Collins doesn't return. Batum had a solid but unspectacular performance on Sunday, finishing with 12 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) logged five receptions for 85 yards on eight targets in their 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. Pearsall led the team in receiving yards and was second to backup tight end
Jake Tonges in receptions and targets. After missing six weeks due to injury, Pearsall returned in Week 11 only to hit a three-game slump wherein he had a mere five catches for 20 yards. However, since the 49ers' bye in Week 14, Pearsall has been a worthwhile investment in fantasy. He missed last week due to injuries but had a six-catch, 96-yard game in Week 15. Pearsall has 36 catches for 528 yards and is still seeking his first touchdown of 2025 as the 49ers head into a Week 18 matchup against the Seahawks.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
December 30, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Jauan Jennings caught two of four targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in Sunday night's 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears. With the score, Jennings has visited the end zone in five straight games and in seven of the 49ers' last eight contests. Jennings had a quiet night until the 38-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter. The play ended up being the game winner in the shootout with Chicago. Jennings' nose for the end zone has been his saving grace in fantasy football in 2025. Sunday's performance was the tenth time in 14 games played where he failed to reach 50 receiving yards. With one week to go in the regular season, Jennings is sitting on a 51-608-9 line. He and the 49ers face the Seahawks in Week 18.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
December 30, 2025
Los Angeles Rams running back
Kyren Williams recorded 13 carries for 92 yards to go along with three catches (three targets) for 38 receiving yards in Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Williams posted his third game with at least 100 yards from scrimmage this season and his most since Week 5. His 38 receiving yards were also his most in a game since Week 6. The increased workload came with backfield mate
Blake Corum injuring his ankle in the first half and never returning. The 25-year-old has remained one of the most steady producers in fantasy football due to his volume of touches and improved rushing efficiency this season. However, he hasn't scored in back-to-back games for the first time this season, which is unfortunate timing for fantasy managers relying on him in the fantasy playoffs. The Rams will round out their regular season against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
December 30, 2025
Atlanta Falcons running back
Bijan Robinson delivered an all-time performance in Monday night's win over the Los Angeles Rams, handling 22 carries for 195 yards and a touchdown to go with five catches (eight targets) for 34 yards and another touchdown as a receiver. Robinson scored the longest touchdown in Falcons history with a 93-yard score at the end of the first half, helping to produce a legendary performance for his fantasy managers in championship matchups. He forced 11 missed tackles and gained an extra 168 yards, tied for the most in any game over the last seven seasons, per Next Gen Stats. It was the superstar running back's league-leading seventh game with over 150 yards from scrimmage and second game this season with over 200 yards, with the other also coming on Monday night back in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills. Robinson has put together a special season and will look to finish out strong in Week 18 against the New Orleans Saints.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ESPN.com
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