Jordan Love a High-Upside Play in Fantasy Playoff Leagues
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love managed to stay off the injury report a week after clearing the league's concussion protocol, and he heads into Saturday night's Wild Card matchup against the Bears with no limitations. In his only full game against Chicago this season, Love threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns, finishing as the QB10 on the week. The Bears have been one of the most favorable defenses for opposing quarterbacks this season, and with Green Bay's injury-stricken defense struggling to keep points off the board down the stretch, this should be a matchup to target in fantasy playoff leagues. Love is RotoBaller's QB9 for Wild Card Weekend, but he could easily outperform that projection in a game that might see fireworks.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Williams Should Benefit From Full Complement of Wide Receivers
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will get his first taste of postseason action in Saturday night's Wild Card matchup with the Packers, and it appears he will do so with his full complement of wide receivers. After missing the past five games with a foot injury, second-year wideout Rome Odunze (foot) carried no injury designation after managing a full practice on Thursday. Luther Burden III, who missed Week 16 with an ankle injury and popped up on the Week 18 injury report with a quad issue, enters the playoffs having stayed off the injury report for the first time in weeks. With his offense as healthy as it's been in weeks, and facing a Green Bay defense that can not make the same claim, Williams is RotoBaller's QB6 for the first week of fantasy playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DJ Moore a Boom-or-Bust Play in Fantasy Playoff Leagues
Chicago wide receiver DJ Moore, along with most of the Bears' pass catchers, has had an up-and-down fantasy season, finishing as a top ten receiver four separate times in Half-PPR formats, while landing outside the top 50 in six different weeks. With Rome Odunze (foot) carrying no injury designation into Saturday night's Wild Card matchup with the Packers and Luther Burden III (quad) completely clear of the injury report, Chicago's receiving core enters the playoffs as healthy as it has been in weeks. With so many mouths to feed, someone may be left hungry, and too many times this season that distinction has fallen to Moore. He is RotoBaller's WR15 for the week on the strength of his big-play upside, but he is a risky play in the opening round of fantasy playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
D'Andre Swift Opens Playoffs Against a Banged-up Packers Front
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift finished the regular season just south of 1,400 yards from scrimmage, while scoring double-digit touchdowns for the first time in his career, and in Saturday night's Wild Card opener, he faces an injury-stricken Packers defensive front. Without their most impactful front-seven defender, Micah Parsons (knee), Green Bay allowed an average of 198 yards on the ground across their final three games. While Swift was unable to find the end zone or crack 65 rushing yards in either of his late-season matchups with the Packers, his usage has still been encouraging despite the growing impact of rookie Kyle Monangai. Swift should continue to provide a safe fantasy floor for as long as Chicago is still competing, and he is RotoBaller's RB6 for Wild Card Weekend.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Jacobs Could Return to Early-Season Form in Playoffs
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is off the injury report for the first time since Week 11, after a late-season knee injury limited his impact down the stretch. After being rested for the team's Week 18 season finale, Jacobs recently told reporters that he's feeling better than he has in six weeks, and if he can regain the burst that he came out of the gates with, he figures to be an impactful player in fantasy playoff leagues. Through the first ten weeks of 2025, Jacobs was on a full-season pace of nearly 1,600 yards from scrimmage and over 20 touchdowns. Green Bay opens the playoffs on the road against a Bears team with whom they split the season series, and Jacobs is RotoBaller's RB7 for the first week of playoff fantasy leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian Watson in Line for a Strong Playoff Opener
Before being rested for the season finale, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson had emerged as the team's most dangerous downfield threat, averaging 65.6 yards and almost a touchdown per game across his last five outings. Against a Chicago defense that has allowed more than five fantasy points above expectation to the position, he is in line for a solid performance in Saturday night's Wild Card matchup. The Bears allowed 300+ passing yards in each of their final two regular-season games, and with quarterback Jordan Love now clear of the league's concussion protocol, Green Bay's offense could find more success than it did in a Week 16 loss to Chicago that saw Malik Willis handling primary duties under center. Watson is RotoBaller's WR12 for the opening round of the playoffs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ceddanne Rafaela Unlikely to Play Second Base
Boston Red Sox outfielder/infielder Ceddanne Rafaela might not shift positions as frequently in 2026. Recently, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it was unlikely that Rafaela would play second base this season. Due to their logjam in the outfield, Rafaela played 24 games at second base in 2025. His defensive abilities are a much better fit in center field, as Rafaela committed three errors in a little over 20 games at the keystone. The Red Sox would rather have Rafaela in center field, a position where he won a Gold Glove this past season. If he remains in the outfield, Rafaela would likely lose his second-base eligibility, which would be a bummer for fantasy managers. The elite defensive ability in the outfield should keep Rafaela in center field on an everyday basis.
Source: Gabrielle Starr
Source: Gabrielle Starr
Lane Johnson Could Return for Wild Card Weekend
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson (foot), who has been out since Week 11 with a foot injury, is listed as questionable for Sunday's Wild Card matchup with the 49ers, but there is a growing sense that he could suit up and play this week. Johnson has been a limited practice participant leading up to the game, which is a positive step after several weeks of DNPs. The Eagles' offense has been one of the more frustrating units to watch this season, particularly for fantasy purposes, but Johnson's steadying presence could help to put things back on track for Saquon Barkley and the rest of the defending champions. After an up-and-down season, Barkley is RotoBaller's RB5 for the opening week of fantasy playoff leagues.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is Ahead of Schedule
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) is well ahead of schedule in his rehab work, according to the team's general manager Mike Hazen. Gurriel underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee during September of last year. Even with a great recovery, Gurriel is likely going to be sidelined until at least mid-season. When healthy, Gurriel is a viable middle-of-the-order bat that could give this lineup a boost once he's back. He slashed .248/./295/.418 with 19 home runs, 80 RBI, and 10 steals in 129 games in 2025. He's not an ideal stash option given he'll probably miss half of the season, but fantasy managers should monitor his status closer to Spring Training.
Source: Alex Weiner
Source: Alex Weiner
Keon Coleman Expected to Play Against Jaguars
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman, who has been a healthy scratch for several games this season, is expected to play in the team's Wild Card matchup with the Jaguars and could see an expanded role, according to Cameron Wolfe. Joshua Palmer has been downgraded to Out ahead of Sunday's contest, leaving Coleman and Khalil Shakir firmly atop the wide receiver depth chart. With the two of them combining for just over 1,000 yards and four touchdowns on the year, one or both will need to take a monumental leap forward if Buffalo hopes to notch its first road playoff victory since 1992. Josh Allen is 0-4 in road playoff games and will be looking for contributions from his receiver room wherever he can find them.
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Kutter Crawford Throws Off the Mound
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kutter Crawford (wrist) has progressed to throwing off the mound. Crawford is reportedly a bit behind schedule, but is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. He missed all of the 2025 campaign due to a wrist issue that required surgery. Crawford has been a viable back-end option for the Red Sox, but it's unclear if he'll remain in the starting rotation. The expectation is that youngsters Connelly Early and Payton Tolle will make a push for a rotational spot. Also, Patrick Sandoval and recently acquired Johan Oviedo should get a chance to earn a spot in camp. Crawford could end up in a swingman-type role, which could be beneficial to the Red Sox, but won't offer much long-term fantasy value.
Source: Gabrielle Starr
Source: Gabrielle Starr
Isaiah Stewart Might Miss Saturday's Game
Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart (illness) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Clippers. With Cade Cunningham (wrist) sidelined for Wednesday's win over the Chicago Bulls, the 24-year-old took on a more prominent role offensively by finishing with a game-high 31 points. Unfortunately, he's dealing with an illness, which is not an ideal scenario, considering the Pistons are already down Jalen Duren (ankle) and Tobias Harris (hip). As a result, others might have to step up, with Paul Reed, Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland II, and Ausar Thompson in line for more statistical contributions if Cunningham and Stewart remain out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Trent Williams Trending Toward a Playoff Return
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) was a limited practice participant on Thursday and Friday, but the belief is that he is trending in the right direction and has a chance to suit up for Sunday's Wild Card matchup with the Eagles. The future Hall of Famer has been held out of the last two games after injuring his hamstring in a Week 16 win over the Colts. Even with their best offensive lineman sidelined in Week 17, the 49ers managed to put up 200 yards on the ground in a win over the Bears before coming back down to earth to the tune of 53 rushing yards in a Week 18 loss to the Seahawks. Without question, San Francisco's rushing attack is at its best when both Williams and tight end George Kittle are active, which looks to be the case for Sunday, helping to make Christian McCaffrey RotoBaller's RB1 for the first week of playoff fantasy leagues.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Jake McCarthy Gets Traded to Rockies
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy was traded to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. In exchange, the D-Backs will receive right-handed pitcher Josh Grosz from Colorado. On paper, this seems like an ideal landing spot for the speedy outfielder. He figures to get a chance to play regularly and should be a strong fit in the outfield at Coors Field. McCarthy is looking to rebound after posting disappointing numbers with the D-Backs last season. In 2024, McCarthy slashed .285/.349/.400 with eight home runs, 56 RBI, and 25 steals in 142 games. He offers interesting late-round appeal with his above-average speed, and his power could see an uptick in Colorado. As for Grosz, he was traded to Colorado in the deal that sent Ryan McMahon to the New York Yankees. He only pitched in seven games for the Rockies' Single-A team last season. The walk numbers are concerning, but 135 strikeouts in 23 games (22 starts) is promising. He won't see the big leagues for a few years, but he offers decent upside.
Source: Colorado Rockies
Source: Colorado Rockies
Cade Cunningham Questionable Versus Clippers
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (wrist) could miss Saturday's meeting with the Clippers. He has a contusion on his right wrist, keeping him off the floor for Wednesday's win over the Chicago Bulls. Jaden Ivey ended up replacing him in the rotation, although he had only eight points. While Daniss Jenkins struggled even more offensively, he still did something for fantasy managers by amassing 15 assists. If Cunningham isn't back for this one, Ivey and Jenkins can both be considered risky, high-upside fantasy options.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Joshua Palmer Ruled Out for Sunday
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's Wild-Card matchup with the Jaguars. Palmer had been unable to practice this week with an ankle injury and will now miss the team's playoff opener. Palmer's 303 receiving yards across 12 regular-season games were good enough for the third-highest total amongst Buffalo wide receivers. In his absence, second-year wideout Keon Coleman will be in line for a larger role following a disappointing sophomore season that saw him benched on multiple occasions. Jacksonville has ranked as a middle-of-the-pack unit in terms of defending the pass, but with no obvious superstars in the Bills' wide receiver room, Josh Allen will again be tasked with putting the offense on his back if Buffalo is to win their first road playoff game since 1992.
Source: Buffalo Bills PR
Source: Buffalo Bills PR
Andrew Nembhard in Danger of Missing Another Game
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) is questionable heading into Saturday's game against Miami. He didn't suit up on Thursday night versus the Hornets, resulting in Quenton Jackson entering the starting lineup. However, it was T.J. McConnell who benefited the most without Nembhard on the floor, with the 33-year-old ending the evening with 23 points, eight assists, and four steals. If Nembhard remains out, Jackson can be considered for streaming purposes for those willing to take a chance. On the other hand, McConnell would be classified as a must-start fantasy option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kawhi Leonard Questionable for Saturday Night
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Pistons. The multi-time All-Star was on the injury report ahead of Friday's win over the Brooklyn Nets, although he was able to play, finishing the night with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block. However, with Saturday's contest being the second of a back-to-back, fantasy managers may not see him out there. If Leonard doesn't suit up, Kobe Sanders should be considered the favorite to replace him in the rotation. The 2025 No. 50 overall selection started a few games ago in the one-point win over the Warriors. He played well, too, amassing 20 points in 35 minutes of action. If Sanders gets another crack with the first-five, he'll be worth considering for those participating in deep league fantasy setups.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Luther Burden III Remains a High-Upside WR Option This Weekend
Across 15 games in 2025, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. The 22-year-old played his best football of the year down the stretch, recording 21 catches for 324 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets over his final four contests. However, all four of those performances came with fellow Bears wideout Rome Odunze sidelined by a foot injury. Odunze will return for the team's Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Green Bay Packers, which could lead to fewer opportunities for Burden III. The Packers were also one of the NFL's better pass defenses in the regular season, ranking sixth in the league in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.4). However, Burden III's explosive upside is difficult to overlook. Entering the postseason, Burden III profiles as the most attractive wide receiver option on the Bears roster for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rome Odunze Tough to Trust in Wild-Card Round After Long Injury Layoff
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze missed the final five games of the regular season due to a stress fracture in his foot. However, the 23-year-old is off the injury report and will play in his team's Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. Across 12 games before getting injured, Odunze recorded 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns on 90 targets. He recorded three or fewer catches in four out of his last five games played, although he still averaged 6.8 targets per game during that stretch. It's difficult to project how involved Odunze will be in the Chicago passing game coming off the long layoff, particularly with Bears rookie wideout Luther Burden III emerging during Odunze's absence. The Packers also had one of the NFL's better pass defenses during the regular season, ranking sixth among all units in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.4). Given the injury uncertainty and the matchup, Odunze profiles as a difficult player for fantasy managers to trust in the Wild Card round.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colston Loveland has High-End Upside in Wild-Card Round
Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland finished his first NFL regular season with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns on 82 targets across 16 games. The 21-year-old also closed the year on a tear, hauling in 16 catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns on 23 targets across his final two outings. Loveland may see a slightly reduced role in the Bears' first playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers, as Chicago will get wideout Rome Odunze back from the foot injury that caused him to miss the team's last five regular-season games. Still, Loveland has proven himself to be a consistent feature in the Bears' passing game, with upside. The Packers were a solid pass defense in the regular season, ranking sixth in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.4) and tied for 12th in passing touchdowns allowed (24). However, Green Bay struggled a bit down the stretch after losing star edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee) to a season-ending knee injury in Week 15. Loveland profiles as a high-end tight end option in the Wild Card round for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bryce Young May Struggle in First Career Playoff Game
Across 16 games in 2025, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young completed 63.6% of his pass attempts for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The 24-year-old proved himself to be an effective game manager, but he struggled to produce consistent fantasy production in Carolina's run-heavy offense. Young topped 200 passing yards in just four games during the regular season. The Panthers' offense will face a tough test in the first round of the NFC playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams. Los Angeles finished the regular season ranked 11th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.8) and tied for seventh in sacks (47). It's worth noting that Young was highly efficient in the Panthers' Week 13 win over the Rams, completing 15 of 20 pass attempts for 206 yards and three touchdowns without committing a turnover. However, Carolina leaned heavily into the run game in that matchup with 40 total rush attempts. That could be the game plan again in the playoffs, which would limit Young's opportunities for production. All in all, Young profiles as a difficult quarterback for fantasy managers in playoff leagues to trust against the Rams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Packers, Matt LaFleur Will Discuss Extension After the Season
The Green Bay Packers and current head coach Matt LaFleur plan to meet and discuss an extension following the end of the season, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport reports that there is a "mutual goal of extending (LaFleur's) contract," and that LaFleur is "not coaching for his job" in Saturday night's Wild Card round matchup against the Chicago Bears. LaFleur, who turned 46 in November, has won 65.4% of his regular-season games since taking over as the head coach in Green Bay in 2019. He's led the Packers to playoff appearances in six out of his seven seasons at the helm and reached the NFC championship game twice. If LaFleur were to somehow hit the open market, he'd undoubtedly be an extremely sought-after head coaching candidate. However, it appears as though both LaFleur and the Packers are motivated to make sure he remains in Green Bay long term.
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
Puka Nacua a Must-Start Wide Receiver for Wild-Card Weekend
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had a dominant 2025 season, recording a league-leading 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns on 166 targets across 16 games played. Nacua earned double-digit targets in five straight games to finish the regular season and recorded six touchdown grabs in that stretch. The Rams will get wide receiver Davante Adams back for their Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Carolina Panthers after Adams missed the final three games of the regular season with a hamstring injury. Nacua's red zone usage may drop off with the return of Adams, who had 14 touchdown catches in the regular season. The Panthers were also a solid pass defense in the regular season, ranking 14th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (3,657) and tied for seventh in passing touchdowns allowed (20). Still, Nacua has proven to be one of the most consistent pass-catchers in football and profiles as a must-start wide receiver for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colby Parkinson Should Stay Involved in Wild-Card Round
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson scored his seventh and eighth touchdowns of the year in the regular season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, capping a career year for the 27-year-old. Despite the return of top tight end Tyler Higbee, Parkinson matched a season high with seven targets while playing 84% of the snaps. Higbee also had a strong game in his return from Injured Reserve, catching five of six targets for 91 yards and a score. Parkinson figures to stay involved in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Panthers, though the return of Davante Adams (hamstring) could reduce his looks in the red zone. Rookie TE Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) is questionable to play Saturday, which could help Parkinson stay on the field more often. Parkinson was quiet in the Rams' first meeting against the Panthers in Week 13, with four catches for 27 yards. He projects as a touchdown-dependent option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Stafford Remains Elite Option for Wild-Card Round
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered an MVP-caliber campaign in his age-37 season, completing 65% of his passes for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 17 games. Stafford became the eighth QB of all time to throw at least 46 touchdowns in a season and the first since Aaron Rodgers' MVP season in 2020. The veteran signal caller will get one half of his star-studded WR duo back on Saturday's Wild Card game, with Davante Adams (hamstring) set to return after missing the final three games of the regular season. Stafford had one of his worst games of the year in Week 13's loss at Carolina, completing 18 of 28 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns while matching a season high with three turnovers. Stafford still projects as one of the top QB options for Wild Card weekend and the entire playoffs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Blake Corum Profiles as Decent Option Against Panthers
Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum enjoyed a strong season working in tandem with Kyren Williams. He handled 145 yards for 746 yards and six touchdowns with eight catches (14 targets) for 36 yards as a receiver while suiting up for all 17 games. The second-year back recorded double-digit carries in seven games this season, averaging 65.3 yards per game to go with four touchdowns. With how dynamic Corum has been on his touches, he should continue to split touches with Williams in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Panthers. The Panthers allowed the ninth-highest yards per carry (4.4) this season, and Corum went for 7-81 and a touchdown in the Rams' Week 13 meeting in Carolina. Corum ranks as RotoBaller's RB15 in PPR leagues for Wild Card weekend.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Davante Adams Good to Go for Wild-Card Game
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) was cleared from the injury report and will play in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Carolina Panthers. Adams missed the final three games of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury in Week 15. Despite missing time, the 33-year-old wideout still led the league with 14 receiving touchdowns. Adams and QB Matthew Stafford developed an elite connection in the red zone, and the two should pick up where they left off on Saturday in Carolina. The six-time Pro Bowler caught four of five targets for 58 yards and two scores in Week 13's matchup against the Panthers and projects again as a high-end receiver option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle Lacks Upside for Wild-Card Matchup
Across 17 games this season, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle finished with 236 carries for 1,079 yards and six touchdowns while adding 39 catches (50 targets) for 297 yards and another score as a receiver. Dowdle was producing like a top running back in the league early in the season after taking over lead back duties over Chuba Hubbard, but his production had slid down the stretch as Hubbard became more involved. The 27-year-old's efficiency has also dipped significantly in the second half, handling 105 carries for 341 yards (3.2 YPC) since Week 10. He notched only nine touches in the regular season finale, his lowest since Week 8. Dowdle profiles as a borderline RB2/RB3 for Saturday's Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, who have allowed the ninth-fewest PPR points per game to running backs this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tetairoa McMillan Profiles as Strong Option for Wild-Card Weekend
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan put together an impressive rookie campaign, finishing with 70 catches for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns while playing all 17 games. McMillan is currently a heavy favorite to take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after serving as the engine of Carolina's passing attack. The 22-year-old wideout earned a team high 25.8% target share and recorded at least five receptions in seven games. He caught only one of his two targets in Carolina's Week 13 matchup against the Rams, but he thought it went for a 43-yard touchdown. McMillan is in a good position for a better statistical output in Saturday's rematch, as the Rams have allowed the third-most catches per game (5.4) and third-most yards per game (72.6) to opposing teams' WR1s this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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