December 25, 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Philip Rivers has entered streaming territory ahead of his Week 17 tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite not appearing in an NFL game since the 2020 season, the 44-year-old has looked quite comfortable in the Indianapolis offense and has flashed solid upside for fantasy. In his season debut in Week 15, Rivers faced a tough Seattle defense and went 18-for-27 with 120 yards and a 1:1 TD:INT. However, on Monday evening, Rivers took a massive step forward, going 23-for-35 with 277 yards, two scores, and just one interception during their loss to the 49ers. On Sunday, Rivers has a very favorable matchup against a Jaguars defense that is allowing the ninth-most PPR points to opposing QBs. Rivers carries high-end QB2 upside and viable streaming appeal for those in deeper 12+ team one-QB formats.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
December 25, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) could see a larger role on Sunday afternoon when they face the New York Jets. During their victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night, wideout
Kayshon Boutte and running back
TreVeyon Henderson both exited with a concussion and are now in concussion protocol, which could open up more targets for Hollins this weekend. However, Hollins is also dealing with an abdominal injury himself, as he was unable to suit up during Wednesday's practice. Managers should not continue to monitor his status throughout the week, as he could have sleeper appeal in deeper three-WR leagues given his potential for a larger role, especially if Boutte cannot pass through the league's protocol. Since Week 11, Hollins has logged at least 75% of the snaps in all but one of his last six games and is averaging a strong 8.5 targets per game over his last two. He would carry FLEX upside in deeper leagues if Boutte cannot play.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
December 25, 2025
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson is set to remain in a lead role during their Week 17 contest against the Atlanta Falcons despite his disappointing showing last week. On Thursday, with No. 2 WR
Davante Adams (hamstring) out of action, Parkinson was expected to see a larger role in the passing game, but was only able to bring in two of his four targets for a mere 21 yards. Instead, depth wide receiver
Konata Mumpfield was able to draw eight targets, and rookie tight end
Terrance Ferguson found the back of the end zone. However, with Adams set to miss another game, managers in 12+ team formats should view Parkinson as a viable low-end TE1 in the fantasy championships. Before his Week 16 dud, Parkinson averaged a strong 13.5 PPR points per game from Weeks 10 through 15 and should be poised to bounce back on Monday night.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
December 25, 2025
According to Jason Lieser of The Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) is "increasingly unlikely to play" on Sunday night when the Bears travel to Santa Clara to face the 49ers. Lieser noted that there is a chance Oduzne may also be held out of action in Week 18. Odunze has been on the shelf for the last three games due to this foot injury, and appears to be on track to miss another week of action. However, head coach Ben Johnson has noted that the second-year wideout has not been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to Sunday's game, but should look to find another viable option for another week, given his current trajectory. With Odunze set to miss another contest, managers should expect
DJ Moore to continue to operate as the WR1, with rookie tight end
Colston Loveland taking on an increased role.
--Andy SmithSource: Jason Lieser
December 25, 2025
According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness) was added to the injury report and is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Dallas Cowboys. The 25-year-old missed their Week 15 contest due to a groin injury but quickly reclaimed the starting role last weekend, taking 15 carries for 63 yards and a score during their loss to the Eagles. Over his last four games, Rodriguez has logged at least 10 carries in each game and averaged a solid 9.7 PPR points, operating as the preferred option in the backfield. Managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to kickoff in case Rodriguez faces a setback and is unable to play. If he is ruled out, managers should view seventh-round rookie
Jacory Croskey-Merritt as a viable FLEX play in deeper formats, facing a Dallas defense that is allowing the seventh-most PPR points to opposing running backs.
--Andy SmithSource: Nicki Jhabvala
December 25, 2025
Detroit Lions running back
David Montgomery (illness) is expected to play on Christmas afternoon when the Lions face the Minnesota Vikings. The veteran RB was listed as a non-participant during Tuesday's practice session but upgraded to limited participation on Wednesday. However, he was still listed as questionable on the team's final injury report. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status leading up to kickoff, but it appears the 28-year-old is trending towards suiting up. Last weekend, Montgomery had a disappointing fantasy day, tallying just 14 yards on a mere four attempts during their loss to the Steelers. However, over his last three games (Weeks 13 through 15), Montgomery found the back of the end zone in each contest and averaged 12.1 PPR points per game. Managers should view Montgomery as a mid-end FLEX play, serving as the change-of-pace option behind
Jahmyr Gibbs.
--Andy SmithSource: Mark Garafolo
December 25, 2025
Golden State Warriors guard
Seth Curry (glute) won't be in the lineup on Christmas Day against the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran sniper is managing a left glute injury and hasn't played since Dec. 4. Curry signed with the Warriors on Dec. 1 for the rest of the season and managed to make just two appearances before dropping out of the lineup. Curry's next opportunity to play will be on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors, though he holds no fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
Houston Rockets forward
Jae'Sean Tate (wrist) has been tagged as questionable for Thursday's meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is nursing a left wrist contusion ahead of the Christmas Day matchup. Tate hasn't had a regular role in the rotation, making his status irrelevant from a fantasy perspective. The 30-year-old veteran has averaged 3.0 points and 1.6 rebounds in 8.2 minutes this season. Going forward, Tate may have even a tougher time getting minutes on this Rockets squad, as
Dorian Finney-Smith has been upgraded to questionable on the injury report and is closing in on his season debut.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
Dallas Mavericks center
Dwight Powell (illness) is considered probable for Thursday's tilt against the Golden State Warriors. An illness has kept Powell sidelined for two games. Overall, he hasn't featured in four consecutive games, falling out of Jason Kidd's plans following
Daniel Gafford's return to the lineup. Powell isn't likely to receive any meaningful playing time as long as Gafford and
Anthony Davis are healthy. Davis has missed only one of the last 10 games and has a chance to post a third consecutive 30-point game on Thursday. Gafford's fantasy value has been limited this month, as he has averaged 3.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Jaylin Williams (heel) will miss Thursday's Christmas action against the San Antonio Spurs. He has been dealing with a heel issue recently and won't be in the lineup for a fifth consecutive game. With both
Chet Holmgren and
Isaiah Hartenstein available, Williams' absence isn't a big deal for Oklahoma City. However, both big men have had a tough time against the Spurs this season. Holmgren has been limited to 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in this matchup, while Hartenstein has posted 9.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Ousmane Dieng (calf) isn't ready to face the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day. He will be sidelined for a third consecutive game due to a right calf strain. Even before the injury, DIeng was out of the rotation, appearing in only three contests this month. The 22-year-old has averaged 4.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.5 minutes across 17 appearances during his fourth NBA campaign. The Thunder should do just fine without Dieng, though the defending champions have struggled against
Victor Wembanyama's crew this season, losing both previous meetings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
New York Knicks forward/center
Guerschon Yabusele (illness) may miss Thursday's Christmas matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report. The bulky Frenchman is battling an illness and has already sat out two games. Even if Yabusele shakes off the questionable tag, he likely won't have a big role in the rotation. His tenure in New York has been disappointing, with Yabusele averaging just 9.6 minutes per game across 26 appearances. Recent reports suggest that the Knicks are considering trading him before the February deadline, leaving Yabusele's future with the team in doubt.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
New York Knicks guard
Miles McBride (ankle) won't suit up for a Christmas Day battle against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He remains sidelined due to a left ankle sprain sustained at the start of this month.
Landry Shamet (shoulder) also isn't available for the Knicks, giving both
Jordan Clarkson and
Tyler Kolek a chance to make a significant mark off the bench. The duo has a favorable matchup on Thursday, as Cleveland gives up the seventh-most bench points in the NBA. McBride's next opportunity to return will be on the road against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys tight end
Jake Ferguson hasn't scored in five straight weeks and is coming off two of his four lowest yardage totals in the past two weeks. Ferguson was remarkably consistent for most of the season leading up to Week 15, catching at least four passes in 11 of the first 13 games and at least five in 10 of those contests. The 26-year-old tight end hasn't been as productive with
CeeDee Lamb back in the lineup and has become dependent on finding the end zone, which he has only done once since scoring twice against the Washington Commanders in Week 7. He'll look to bounce back this week as he faces Washington again on Christmas Day. The Commanders' defense has been bad in all facets, including against tight ends, allowing the third-most PPR points per game. Ferguson can be trusted as a mid-range TE1, ranking as RotoBaller's TE8 in PPR leagues in Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
George Pickens rebounded last week against the Chargers after a two-game lull entering Week 16. Pickens racked up seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown on nine targets in Week 16, marking his fifth game with at least 130 receiving yards, tied with
Puka Nacua for the most in the league. It's been a tremendous first season in Dallas for the former Pittsburgh Steeler, ranking as the WR4 in PPR points. He gets another opportunity to add to his career highs in various receiving stats on Christmas Day against a porous Washington Commanders defense that has allowed the sixth most PPR points per game to wide receivers. Pickens should be fired up again as a borderline WR1 in Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb posted his lowest yardage total of the season last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, catching six of seven targets for 51 yards. It snapped a three-game streak of 100+ receiving yards and was also the star wideout's first game averaging less than 10 yards per reception since Week 12 of last season against the Washington Commanders. The 26-year-old is primed for a big performance against a vulnerable Washington secondary on Christmas Day. He terrorized them for 110 yards and a touchdown on five catches (eight targets) in his first game returning from an early-season three-game absence due to an ankle injury. Lamb remains an elite WR1 option in fantasy for Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Javonte Williams (neck) posted his worst fantasy performance of the season last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, handling a season low nine carries for 34 yards while adding two catches (three targets) for nine yards. It marked his fewest total yards in a game since Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers. Williams played through a neck injury last Sunday but doesn’t carry an injury designation heading into the Christmas game versus the Washington Commanders. The former Denver Bronco has a dream spot on Christmas Day against the Commanders to rebound and finish his strong first season in Dallas on a high note. The 25-year-old compiled 19 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown to go with one reception (four targets) for two yards in their Week 7 matchup. Washington is one of only four teams to allow over five yards per carry while also allowing the third-highest rate of runs that result in 10 yards or more over the last five games. Williams ranks as a borderline RB1 in Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 25, 2025
Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Dak Prescott had another outstanding performance last week against a strong Chargers defense despite the loss, completing 21 of 30 passes for 244 yards (8.1 Y/A) with two touchdowns. Prescott remains one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in a high-volume passing offense with two elite wide receivers in
CeeDee Lamb and
George Pickens. The 32-year-old signal caller gets a beautiful matchup on Christmas Day against a horrid Washington Commanders defense, which the Cowboys scored 44 points against back in their Week 7 meeting. The Commanders have allowed the third most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and have shown little to no resistance against the pass in recent weeks. Prescott profiles as a set-and-forget top-three QB option in Week 17.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 24, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. has been one of the few bright spots for the Browns' offense this season. The 21-year-old rookie has taken the league by storm with 70 receptions for 701 yards with five touchdowns on 105 targets. Fannin has recently taken his game up a notch during the most important part of the fantasy football season. Over the last four weeks, Fannin has been a TE1 and has finished as a Top-2 tight end twice in PPR leagues. During that stretch, he has commanded 36 targets and found the end zone three times. There has yet to be an offensive rookie to take a firm grip on the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year race. If Fannin continues to put up big numbers over his last two games, he could set himself up to become the second-ever tight end to win the award.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
December 24, 2025
Los Angeles Rams running back
Blake Corum has carved out a role in one of the most fantasy-productive offenses in the NFL. Since Week 13, Corum has scored more than 13 fantasy points and finished among the top 24 running backs in PPR formats. During this stretch, Corum has scored a touchdown in each game and has scored five touchdowns in total. The Rams have deployed a split backfield over the last couple of weeks to keep
Kyren Williams fresh and healthy for a potential Super Bowl run. Despite splitting work, both running backs have remained fantasy viable. With the offense consistently playing in the red zone, both backs have been able to score touchdowns and produce for fantasy managers. Corum has built a solid resume that managers can depend on and can be trusted as a flex option during fantasy championships.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
The Detroit Lions' defense has been an abject disaster in recent weeks, allowing opponents to score an average of 31.6 points per game over the team's last five games. Detroit's secondary has been ravaged by injuries, as star safeties Brian Branch (Achilles) and Kerby Joseph (knee) are done for the season, and backup safety Avonte Maddox (back, illness) has been ruled out for Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. However, Minnesota is dealing with some significant injury absences of its own, most notably quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (hand). The Vikings will start rookie
Max Brosmer under center in Week 17. In Brosmer's lone other start this season, he averaged 4.2 yards per pass attempt and threw four interceptions in Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings. Fantasy managers should proceed with caution around this leaky Lions' defense. However, the Detroit D/ST could be a decent streaming option in Week 17 against Brosmer and the Vikings.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Across 15 games this season, Detroit Lions kicker
Jake Bates has converted on 22 of 28 field goal attempts and 52 out of 54 extra-point tries. Bates has the benefit of being tied to the Detroit offense, which enters Week 17 ranked second in the NFL in points per game (30.1). However, Bates and the Lions will face one of the league's top scoring defenses in Week 17 when they travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. Over the last three weeks, Minnesota has allowed opponents to score an average of just 13 points per game. In the first matchup between the two NFC North division rivals this season in Week 9, the Lions were held to 24 points, their fourth-lowest mark in a game in 2025. If there's one benefit for Bates, the game will be played indoors, which eliminates any weather concerns for the kicking game. Bates remains a viable starting kicker for fantasy managers in Week 17, but he profiles as a low-end option rather than a must-start player at the position against Minnesota.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Green Bay Packers running back
Emanuel Wilson has been a reliable fill-in starter when he has had his name called on this season.
Josh Jacobs (knee, ankle) has battled injuries off and on this year, and Wilson has taken advantage of every chance he has been given. Recently, Jacobs was battling lower-body injuries heading into Week 16 but managed to play through them against the Chicago Bears. Due to Jacobs being less than fully healthy, Wilson led the Packers in carries and rushing yards in the overtime loss. Wilson finished the game with 14 carries for 82 rushing yards. When Jacobs has missed time, Wilson has been a viable fantasy running back for managers. However, when Jacobs has been healthy, Wilson has been a non-factor in every fantasy format. Wilson has been a solid handcuff running back when he has been forced into action, but his fantasy value is solely attached to the health of Jacobs. If Jacobs cannot give it a go in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens, Wilson is a solid option for fantasy managers.
--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Kalif Raymond had his best performance of the season in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording four catches for 62 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Raymond could see an expanded role again in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, as top Lions wideout
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is questionable to play due to a knee injury. However, if St. Brown is active, there's reason to believe Raymond's performance in Week 16 is unlikely to be repeated. Lions quarterback
Jared Goff threw 54 passes against Pittsburgh, 17 more than he attempted in his first matchup of the season against the Vikings in Week 9. Additionally, Minnesota has been a very tough matchup for opposing passing attacks. The Vikings enter the week ranked second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). Raymond has some upside as a deep-league flex option for fantasy managers if St. Brown is sidelined. If St. Brown is active, fantasy managers should likely avoid Raymond in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Isaac TeSlaa posted his best performance of the season in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. Although the 23-year-old has hauled in just 12 receptions across 15 games this season, five of them have gone for touchdowns. TeSlaa has seen his playing time spike in recent weeks, as he's played at least 40 offensive snaps in four straight games after failing to play more than 28 snaps in any of Detroit's first 11 contests. He may have an even greater role in his team's offense in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, as star wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is questionable to play due to a knee injury. However, Minnesota enters the week ranked second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). In his first matchup of the season against the Vikings in Week 9, TeSlaa did not record a catch or earn a target. If St. Brown is active, TeSlaa should likely be avoided by fantasy managers in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Across 15 games this season, Detroit Lions wide receiver
Jameson Williams has recorded 57 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns on 91 targets. Over his last four games, Williams has taken his production to a new level, hauling in 26 receptions for 444 yards and two touchdowns on 38 targets. The 24-year-old could see an even larger role in Week 17, as Lions wideout
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is officially listed as questionable to play in the team's Christmas Day matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota has been an excellent pass defense so far this season, entering the week ranked second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). However, Williams had posted solid production in his first matchup of the season against the Vikings in Week 9, recording four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown on 6 targets. Williams remains a must-start fantasy wide receiver despite the tough matchup in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz (knee) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Schultz was limited in practice to begin the week, but he is back to a full session a day later. Barring any setbacks, Schultz will be ready to go for Saturday's Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Schultz has hauled in 11 receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns over his last two games. He draws a tough matchup this weekend on the road against the Bolts, but he remains a TE1 target for this game in fantasy football. He has been a solid contributor in this offense over the last few months.
--Andy WebbSource: Houston Texans PR
December 24, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) was absent during Wednesday's practice session. Austin is still dealing with a hamstring issue after exiting early during Sunday's win over the Detroit Lions. The 26-year-old has mainly been a rotational player, but he is expected to see a larger role with
DK Metcalf (suspension) done for the final two games of the regular season. If Austin were to miss Week 17,
Adam Thielen and
Roman Wilson would likely see more playing time. Austin hasn't finished with more than one reception in a single game since Week 12. He's not exactly a trustworthy fantasy option heading into the upcoming matchup versus the division-rival Cleveland Browns if he's active on Sunday.
--Andy WebbSource: Brooke Pryor
December 24, 2025
Denver Nuggets forward
Cameron Johnson (knee) was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his right knee and is expected to miss some time, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The team has officially listed him as out for Thursday's Christmas clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Bruce Brown and
Tim Hardaway Jr. will compete for a starting role during Johnson's absence, while
Peyton Watson could also help to fill some of his minutes. Hardaway Jr. has had a hot hand lately, sinking 13 triples across two games, though Brown and Watson bring more overall versatility to fantasy teams.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
December 24, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Pearsall sat out during Monday's win over the Indianapolis Colts due to nagging knee and ankle issues. He's clearly still dealing with the issues, but at least he was able to practice in a limited capacity. Fantasy managers will need to monitor his status over the next few days ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. Another absence from Pearsall would mean increased roles for
Jauan Jennings,
Kendrick Bourne, and
Demarcus Robinson. Jennings is the most consistent contributor out of the three wideouts right now for the Niners offense. Even if Pearsall plays in Week 17, it will be hard to recommend him for a flex spot in fantasy football lineups with championships on the line.
--Andy WebbSource: Matt Maiocco
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