December 26, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tyjae Spears has carved out a sizable role in the passing game, and he'll remain an appealing fantasy option if he can handle a large target share again in Week 17. The 24-year-old has at least two catches in each of his last 10 games, and at least four catches in half of those contests. He continues to operate behind
Tony Pollard on early downs, but he routinely capitalizes on passing down opportunities. As a result, most of his value comes in PPR leagues where he can earn extra points for catching passes. He has garnered flex appeal lately but will run into a tougher matchup this week against the New Orleans Saints, who have allowed the second-fewest catches and fifth-fewest receiving yards to opposing running backs in 2025. As it stands, Spears ranks as the RB40 in RotoBaller's updated half-PPR fantasy rankings for Week 17.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kenneth Gainwell is the fantasy RB21 on the season and carries plenty of value in PPR formats against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. Although Gainwell is not listed on the team's injury report, the status of all of Pittsburgh's starters needs to be monitored up until game time. If the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, the Steelers will clinch the AFC North title and could choose to rest some players on Sunday. Assuming Gainwell plays, however, he is set up for success against a Cleveland defense that has surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing backs over the past eight weeks. With
DK Metcalf suspended, Gainwell's involvement as a pass-catcher could increase. That said, fantasy managers can continue to rely on Gainwell as an RB2 or flex option if he is expected to play a full allotment of snaps.
--Jorden HillSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
New York Giants running back
Tyrone Tracy Jr. continues to handle a high-volume role, and he should remain heavily involved ahead of Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. Tracy has emerged as the Giants' top back ahead of
Devin Singletary ever since
Cam Skattebo (ankle) was placed on season-ending injured reserve. He has played at least half of the snaps in six of his last eight games, including 76% of the snaps back in Week 15. In two games since the bye week, he has 31 carries, 141 rushing yards, five catches, 34 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. In addition to playing well recently, he's an intriguing fantasy option given his matchup against the Raiders, who have allowed the second-most rushing touchdowns and 10th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. As it stands, Tracy ranks as the overall RB24 in RotoBaller's Week 17 rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Anthony Edwards (shoulder) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Nets. Edwards played 42 minutes on Christmas Day and recorded 44 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. If Edwards sits, Minnesota would likely redistribute perimeter usage.
Bones Hyland could see an expanded role after starting in similar situations earlier this season. During that stretch, Hyland averaged 11.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 24.8 minutes. His role could grow further if
Mike Conley (rest) is also ruled out.
--Brian DailisanSource: Timberwolves PR
December 26, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Jaylen Warren (hip) practiced in full on Thursday and Friday and does not carry an injury designation into a Week 17 meeting with the Cleveland Browns. There is a chance, however, that Warren's workload could be limited depending on the outcome of the Baltimore Ravens' contest on Saturday. If the Green Bay Packers defeat the Ravens, Pittsburgh will clinch the AFC North title regardless of Sunday's result. In that scenario, the Steelers could choose to limit reps or rest starters entirely, so fantasy managers will need to monitor the situation up until game time. Assuming Warren plays his normal role, he should find success against a struggling Browns defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past eight weeks. He would be a borderline must-start and should be viewed as a fantasy RB2 if active.
--Jorden HillSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Ashton Jeanty had the best game of his young career last week, logging a career-high in touches (25), carries (24), receiving yards (60), and scrimmage yards (188). He also had 128 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns. The rookie managed to turn in this impressive performance despite a challenging matchup against the Houston Texans, whose run defense has played very well in 2025. He'll move on to a much softer matchup in Week 17, when he takes on the New York Giants. The Giants have allowed the third-most rushing yards and fifth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025. Jeanty has been a lone bright spot in the Raiders' offense this year, and he should continue to see a large opportunity share in a favorable matchup with
Brock Bowers (knee) done for the season. Jeanty is the RB6 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings for Week 17, and he could possibly end up as this week's highest-scoring running back. It goes without saying that he should be started in all fantasy leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers (left wrist) is listed on the team's injury report but practiced in full all week and does not carry an injury designation ahead of a Week 17 divisional showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Still, his status as the starter will be worth monitoring. The Green Bay Packers are set to host the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, and if the Ravens lose, Pittsburgh will clinch the AFC North title before Sunday's contest kicks off. In that scenario, the Steelers could opt to start
Mason Rudolph and rest Rodgers ahead of the playoffs. If Rodgers does play, he could struggle to provide fantasy value on the road against a Cleveland defense that has surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, he will be without his top wide receiver, as
DK Metcalf begins a two-game suspension following an altercation with a fan in Week 16. Desperate fantasy managers could view Rodgers as a low-end QB2 if he starts, but this situation is best avoided if possible.
--Jorden HillSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Sacramento Kings forward
Keegan Murray (calf) is out after an MRI revealed a mild right calf strain, with reevaluation scheduled in one week following Tuesday's loss to the Pistons. Murray left the game before halftime and is not expected back in the near term. With him sidelined, Sacramento would likely redistribute forward minutes, with
Nique Clifford a candidate to absorb wing run and
Precious Achiuwa seeing expanded frontcourt usage. Achiuwa logged 27 minutes with 15 points and 13 rebounds last game, while Clifford posted 14 points and two steals in 25 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Sean Cunningham
December 26, 2025
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Terrance Ferguson continues to trend upward in the team's offense. ESPN.com's Sarah Barshop wrote about 36 rookies who have learned valuable lessons in their first season, and she identified Ferguson early in the article as one of this season's top risers. He has played at least 75% of the offensive snaps in each of the last two weeks, and he had the best game of his young career in Week 16 with three catches, 33 yards, and one touchdown. Ferguson has emerged with
Tyler Higbee (ankle) sidelined, as he finds himself in a complementary role alongside
Colby Parkinson. While Parkinson has been more productive from a fantasy perspective, Ferguson has also carved out a decent role in Los Angeles' high-powered offense. He's a solid dynasty stash but not a dependable fantasy option for Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons.
--Andersen PickardSource: Sarah Barshop
December 26, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies center
Jock Landale (calf) is out for Friday's game against the Bucks due to right calf soreness, marking his first missed contest of the season. Landale had been functioning as a primary backup amid multiple frontcourt injuries and averaged 12.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 25.5 minutes over his last five games. With him sidelined, Memphis would likely lean more on
Santi Aldama in frontcourt rotations, while
Christian Koloko could see a modest uptick in reserve center minutes, particularly behind
Jaren Jackson Jr.--Brian DailisanSource: Grizzlies PR
December 26, 2025
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Drake London (knee) practiced in a limited capacity on Friday. He has been limited for two consecutive days as the Falcons continue to prepare for Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17. London is dealing with the same knee injury that sidelined him for four games across November and December. However, he played through the ailment last week, catching three of eight targets for 27 yards on a 69% snap share. Therefore, barring any sort of setback, he has a good chance to play on Monday night. He'll likely see a similar or slightly larger workload. As it stands, London ranks as RotoBaller's WR13 for Week 17. Managers should check back on Saturday afternoon when the Falcons announce whether London carries a "questionable" injury designation into the contest.
--Andersen PickardSource: Josh Kendall
December 26, 2025
Atlanta Falcons tight end
Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) was added to the injury report after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. He'll have one opportunity to return to full capacity on Saturday before the Falcons announce Pitts' game status for Week 17. The Falcons play against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. This timing presents a difficult situation for fantasy managers. On one hand, Pitts has been a top tight end in fantasy football, scoring at least 15 full-PPR fantasy points in each of his last four games. On the other hand, if he is ruled out on Monday night, managers will have very few replacement options. Managers shouldn't panic yet, as Pitts could get back on track and avoid any sort of injury designation on Saturday. However, if he enters the weekend as questionable, managers should consider pivoting to a different tight end or at least adding one who plays on Monday night, like
Colby Parkinson or
Charlie Woerner. Managers in leagues with the auto-sub option could also consider taking advantage of that feature ahead of the weekend games. Pitts will rank as a mid-to-high TE1 if active.
--Andersen PickardSource: Josh Kendall
December 26, 2025
The Seattle Seahawks D/ST continues to be a dominant unit in 2025. They draw a matchup with the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. Carolina's offense has been highly inconsistent this season. They will go from scoring 30 points in one week to half as many in the next. The success of the Seahawks D/ST will depend heavily on which version of the Panthers' offense shows up this week. If anything, the Seahawks D/ST should be able to limit the Panthers' yardage and scoring output, giving the unit a solid floor in fantasy. Carolina has thrown for less than 200 passing yards in 12 games this season. Panthers quarterback
Bryce Young has done well to protect the ball this season, but Seattle has a chance to force him into a couple of turnovers. Additionally, Seattle should be able to record a handful of sacks with their talented defensive front. The Panthers are not the D/ST matchup that we have come to love in fantasy in recent years, but given the talent of Seattle's defense, this should be a good matchup for the team.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: Brady Henderson
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is in a position to dominate once again in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has a solid passing defense, but JSN has proven to be matchup-proof time and again this season. Smith-Njigba's target share is simply too large for him to bust in most games. Additionally, the Seahawks move him all over the field and scheme plenty of looks for the third-year pro. Although Carolina has a talented secondary, it will be difficult for them to keep track of JSN at all times. This is a must-win game for both teams. There is a path for Carolina to clinch its division this week, and the Seahawks need this win to vie for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. As such, this could be a higher-scoring game than many may expect. If Carolina's offense can put some pressure on Seattle's defense, it will only serve to boost Smith-Njigba's targets if Seattle needs to continually air the ball out. Start JSN as your anchor during championship week and do not look back.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks kicker
Jason Myers should get back to his borderline double-digit ways in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Myers scored just two fantasy points in Week 16 with the Seahawks relying heavily on two-point conversions as they clawed their way back into their game against the Rams. However, prior to Week 16, Myers had scored at least 13 fantasy points in six straight games. He has been automatic on PATs and long field goals, which have anchored his fantasy production. Carolina boasts a solid defense, but it is nothing the Seahawks' offense cannot handle. Seattle should find itself in scoring position for most of the day. Additionally, with Carolina's defense playing solidly, it could force Seattle into more field goals than touchdowns, further boosting Myers' value. Look for Myers to potentially deliver double-digit fantasy points in Week 17. He is a great addition to your championship lineup.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Jordan Poole (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Suns after clearing left ankle soreness. Poole missed Tuesday's loss but had been functioning as a bench contributor prior to the absence. Over his last five games, he averaged 16.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 27.3 minutes, reflecting a stable second-unit role. If he resumes that usage,
Jose Alvarado and
Jordan Hawkins would likely see reduced guard minutes and touches. Even in a reserve role, Poole offers situational fantasy value through scoring and free-throw percentage, though field-goal efficiency continues to cap his upside.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III is in a great position to exploit a weak Carolina Panthers' rushing defense in Week 17. Carolina's defense has improved overall this year, but the rushing defense remains a problem. The Panthers are 25th against opposing running backs in fantasy. Additionally, Carolina is allowing 4.76 yards per carry to opposing running backs. This matchup is the remedy needed for a struggling Seahawks' rushing game. It could allow Walker to build on his best performance of the season in Week 16 when he scored 25.40 fantasy points against a tough Rams defense. Walker's volume is going to remain in the 12 to 15-touch range, but his potential for a big play will be high in Week 17. He is still a flex consideration considering his low floor, but Walker has RB1 upside this week. If you are a heavy underdog in your matchup, Walker could provide the upside you need to balance the playing field.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet draws a great matchup with the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. The Panthers are No. 25 against opposing running backs in fantasy, and Charbonnet's role as the goal line running back should allow him to have a crack at the end zone against this vulnerable defense. Charbonnet's nine touchdowns this season have propelled him to a flex-worthy season. When he scores, he generally has a solid day for fantasy. His efficiency has been low all season, but in good matchups, he is generally able to rack up a respectable amount of yards. Look for the Seahawks' offense to have success against this defense all day. Charbonnet would be a risky play, as you are betting on a touchdown. However, if Charbonnet is going to score in any week, it would be in this matchup with the Panthers.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Rashid Shaheed is a risky play against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. Shaheed has come alive over the last three weeks, posting no less than 67 receiving yards or a touchdown in any given week. However, he only earned one target in Week 16, and most of his points came from a punt return for a touchdown. Shaheed should earn more than one target in Week 17, but the Panthers have a solid secondary that has given opposing passing games fits this season. Shaheed's role in the offense is evolving into more of the downfield role he held in New Orleans. As such, he is always a threat for a bomb touchdown reception. On the other hand, the Seahawks have shown that in unfavorable matchups, their only reliable wide receiver is generally
Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If you need upside for a big play, Shaheed is your guy, but proceed with caution for championship week because he is always a threat to sink your week.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Seattle Seahawks tight end
AJ Barner (elbow) is a starting option in Week 17 against a middle-of-the-pack Carolina Panthers defense. The Panthers are No. 17 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. The defense is much improved from last season and is not being gouged at every level of the field as they have in years past. Barner has been relatively fantasy-relevant this season with a nose for the end zone and a proven after-catch ability. In Week 16, Barner caught four of six targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. He has also recorded at least six targets in two straight games. The recent volume supplies Barner with a solid fantasy floor. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball against the Panthers, which will provide Barner with red zone opportunities. If you need a potential replacement for an injured San Francisco 49ers tight end,
George Kittle (ankle), or underperformers such as Indianapolis Colts tight end
Tyler Warren, Barner is a solid option for championship week. It is worth noting that Barner has been dealing with an elbow injury this week, but he has been a full participant in practice all week, and does not appear to be in danger of missing the game.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 26, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver
Jack Bech (back) was added to the injury report on Friday after practicing in a limited capacity. He is officially listed as questionable to play in Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New York Giants. Vegas' receiving corps is short-staffed with
Brock Bowers (knee) on injured reserve, so Bech could be in line for more targets if he suits up. With that being said, he's still a risky fantasy option given his underwhelming performance as a rookie this year. The TCU product has played at least 81% of the snaps in two of his last three games, but he has a modest 10 catches during that span, and just 20 catches through 15 games this season. He still hasn't scored his first career touchdown, either. As it currently stands, Bech is the overall WR67 in RotoBaller's fantasy rankings for Week 17.
--Andersen PickardSource: Paul Gutierrez
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Bulls after Philadelphia cleared him from injury management. Embiid has averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks over his last five games while logging around 30 minutes per contest, including multiple outings above that mark. His availability pushes
Andre Drummond into a reserve role, where his fantasy value would be limited to situational rebounding if Embiid's workload fluctuates in-game. Meanwhile,
Adem Bona's minutes project to be squeezed further. Embiid anchors Philadelphia's interior offense, though fantasy managers should still account for occasional workload variability tied to knee management.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
December 26, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) logged another limited practice on Friday. He is officially questionable to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 17. Pearsall is working his way back after missing last week's victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Given his practice participation and game status, it sounds like he could be a true game-time decision this week. His six-catch, 96-yard performance from Week 15 makes him a tempting starter, but the timing of kickoff is risky. 28 of 32 teams will have played by Sunday night, leaving managers with fewer replacement options if he's ruled out. Managers who do feel compelled to start Pearsall as a flex could pivot to someone like
Kyle Monangai,
Blake Corum, or
Luther Burden III if he doesn't play.
--Andersen PickardSource: San Francisco 49ers
December 26, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) did not practice on Friday, and he's officially listed as questionable to play against the Chicago Bears in Week 17. The team expects Kittle to be a game-time decision, but the fact that he missed all three practices this week is very discouraging. Nevertheless, the door remains open for him to play. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the 49ers play on Sunday Night Football, which means we won't get confirmation on his status until 28 of the 32 teams have played. If he's ruled out, fantasy managers will have trouble finding a last-minute replacement. With that said, his high upside may be worth the risk in some formats. Managers planning to roll the dice with Kittle should also add his backup,
Jake Tonges, in case he's ruled out. Kittle, who is averaging the second-most fantasy points per game in PPR leagues, would rank as a high-end TE1 if active.
--Andersen PickardSource: San Francisco 49ers
December 26, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown (teeth) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Brown missed the first two days of practice this week due to a dental procedure. He was able to practice in full on Friday, which was enough to clear him for Week 17. Brown has been cruising lately, with 95 receiving yards or more in four of his last five games. He'll draw a tough matchup against the Bills' defense this weekend, a unit that has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried, though, and need to keep Brown locked into all starting lineups in a game with shootout potential.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
December 26, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward
Cedric Coward (heel) is officially active for Friday night's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Coward missed Tuesday's game against Utah dealing with a left heel issue but is able to fight through it tonight. The rookie has been a very solid piece of Memphis' rotation this year and is averaging 15.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG and 4.0 APG over his last seven games. Milwaukee's defense has been spotty at times, giving Coward more potential tonight. Fantasy managers and DFS players should both target Coward for their starting lineups.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Grizzlies PR
December 26, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (ankle) is officially available for Friday night's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Morant has been dealing with a left ankle sprain that's caused him to miss the last four games. The 26-year-old has been very good facilitating Memphis' offense this season when healthy, averaging 7.5 APG this season. He should be in a solid spot against the Bucks, whose defense has been spotty at times. Fantasy managers and DFS players alike need to ensure the Grizzlies' superstar is inserted into their starting lineups.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Grizzlies PR
December 26, 2025
Green Bay Packers quarterback
Malik Willis (shoulder, illness) is in line to start under center for the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Starting quarterback
Jordan Love (concussion, shoulder) has been ruled out after getting concussed during last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. Willis came in as relief and completed nine of 11 passing attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 10 times for an additional 44 yards on the ground. Willis suffered a shoulder injury in the process. He's currently questionable for this game, but he'll make the start for the Packers if he's cleared to play. Otherwise,
Clayton Tune might come off the practice squad and start if Willis is also ruled out. Willis is enough of a dual threat to be viewed as an option in superflex formats. Fantasy managers in standard 12-team formats should be able to find a more trustworthy streaming option at QB.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
December 26, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee) is being shut down for the rest of the regular season, according to Jay Glazer. Crosby suffered a knee injury early in the season and has been playing through it for months. The Raiders aren't playing for anything at this point in the season, so they'll elect to let Crosby rest and get healthy. Crosby reportedly didn't like the decision and stormed out of the building. The superstar pass-rusher is notorious for wanting to play in every game, no matter the team's record or injury to his body. The 2-13 Raiders are certainly rebuilding and might trade the 28-year-old pass-rusher for draft picks or younger players in the offseason. For now, Crosby is done for the year, and the Raiders' defense gets worse heading into a Week 17 matchup versus the New York Giants.
--Andy WebbSource: Jay Glazer
December 26, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals tight end
Noah Fant (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 17 matchup versus the Arizona Cardinals. Fant suffered an ankle injury in Week 15, and as a result, he sat out during last week's game against the Miami Dolphins. He was limited during the first two practice sessions of the week before getting in a full practice on Friday. Fant appears to be trending in the right direction, but fantasy managers will need to check back on Sunday. If active, Fant remains a shaky streaming option for this weekend. The 28-year-old hasn't finished with more than one reception since Week 11. Fantasy managers should be able to find a more reliable streaming option for this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: Paul Dehner Jr.
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