Joe Mixon Not Expected to Play This Season
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) is not expected to play this season as he deals with a foot injury from the offseason, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Mixon will likely stay on the Physically Unable to Perform list through the end of the 2025 season, while the Texans move forward with veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks in their backfield. Things had been trending this way for a while, as the Texans haven't been giving any real updates on Mixon for pretty much the entire season. Fantasy managers who are still stashing the 29-year-old in redraft leagues should send him to the waiver wire now. Mixon's injury dates all the way back to spring workouts. One would think he'd be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign, but there has been little information about the exact nature of his injury. Marks, a fourth-rounder in April, has slowly started to see more work and should be the backfield leader over Chubb by the end of the year.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Chris Godwin Attending Thursday's Practice
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) was spotted at Thursday's practice, per FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The veteran's practice status was not detailed. Although Godwin was not seen at Wednesday's session, he was out there in a limited capacity, a trend that's continued since he hit the field ahead of their Week 11 loss to Buffalo. As it stands, it's unknown if the ninth-year pro will be active for this Sunday's road outing with the Los Angeles Rams. Considering how the Buccaneers have handled him thus far in the season, it's fair to wonder if he came back from his 2024 ankle injury at too expedited a pace. If he can't suit up again, fantasy managers can expect Emeka Egbuka (illness), Tez Johnson, and Sterling Shepard (shoulder) to remain the team's top three wideouts.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Bucky Irving Continues Practice Attendance
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) was at practice again on Thursday as the team gears up for its Sunday night road matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. Irving returned to practice in Week 11, although he was unable to suit up for their loss to the Bills after a week's worth of limited sessions. Tampa Bay has played it slow with the 23-year-old, but it would appear he's on track to at least have a shot at playing this weekend. Fantasy managers will have to keep a watchful eye on this situation, as if he's forced to sit for a seventh straight game, backfield mate Sean Tucker would be an intriguing play considering his efficiency over the previous three weeks. We'll know more about Irving's Week 12 designation following practice on Friday.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Tre Tucker a Sneaky Week 12 Flex
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker is on the WR3/flex radar for Week 12's home outing with the Cleveland Browns this Sunday. The University of Cincinnati product posted his first touchdown since Week 3 in Monday night's 33-16 loss to the Cowboys, reeling in 4-of-8 targets for 47 yards, while quarterback Geno Smith struggled against the Dallas defense. Smith's inconsistencies have hindered Las Vegas' attack, although Tucker has remained involved as the clear-cut second option behind tight end Brock Bowers in the passing game. Cleveland's defense isn't the most favorable of matchups, but Tucker's floor has risen modestly since the departure of ex-teammate Jakobi Meyers. Additionally, he's always just one big play away from a viable fantasy performance. Tucker is RotoBaller's PPR WR33 ahead of Sunday's clash.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jayden Higgins Ascending Texans' WR Depth Chart
Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins is on the rise ahead of his Week 12 meeting with the visiting Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. Higgins hasn't exactly had a breakout performance yet in his rookie campaign. However, signs point to him ascending the WR hierarchy in Houston. Since Week 8, the Iowa State alum has played more snaps than third-year pro Xavier Hutchinson in all but one outing, signaling a shift from earlier in the season. In fact, he's run the most plays of any Houston wideout in that time frame, posting at least four catches and seven targets in three of four games. Higgins could still exhibit some inefficiencies as he continues to adjust to life in the NFL. With that said, he's evolved into the clear third option in an offense that attempts a pass at the ninth-highest rate (59.91%).
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Matthew Stafford a High-End Play Vs. Bucs
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is an excellent start for fantasy managers this weekend when he lines up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. Stafford has been incredible in 2025, having already eclipsed his touchdown totals from the previous three seasons. Since Week 4, the 37-year-old has racked up a 22:0 TD:INT ratio, and has averaged 22.4 fantasy points per contest (fourth-most). On Sunday, he'll get another chance to keep his hot streak alive against a Buccaneers' defense that's allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to QBs (19). While the veteran had a down performance in their win over Seattle last weekend, his outlook is back on the rise with wide receiver Davante Adams further removed from an oblique injury.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mark Andrews' Touchdown Surge Continues
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has come alive in the last three weeks. After a slow start to his eighth season in the NFL, Andrews has scored four touchdowns in his previous three games, averaging 12.9 half-PPR fantasy points per game. The clear correlation is the return of two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, who made his return in Week 9, where Andrews scored two touchdowns. As long as Jackson is the starting quarterback in Baltimore, Andrews will continue to find the endzone and produce fantasy matchup-altering performances. In the next two games, the Ravens face the Jets and the Bengals, who have allowed the most and second-most touchdowns to tight ends this season. While his lack of volume is concerning, Andrews will still be worth starting in fantasy due to his touchdown upside.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Alec Pierce Emerging as Trustworthy Fantasy Starter
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has become a trustworthy option for fantasy managers this season. In eight games, Pierce has hauled in 28 of 52 targets for 585 yards and a touchdown, averaging 9.8 half-PPR points per game. As of late, Pierce has been dominant, leading the NFL in receiving yards (366) from Week 7 to Week 10. His connection with Daniel Jones has been on point this season, and the Colts' offensive performance has opened more big-play opportunities for the deep threat receiver. However, he faces a very tough matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed the fewest receiving yards to wide receivers in 2025. While a tough matchup causes a lot more risk, Pierce is worth starting as a WR3/FLEX play in Week 12.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jacoby Brissett Facilitating an Elite Passing Attack in Arizona
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been facilitating as the Cardinals' starting quarterback. In five starts, Brissett has averaged over 300 passing yards per game with multiple touchdowns in all five starts. The veteran quarterback set the completions record in Week 11, with 47 completions in the 41-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Not only has Brissett been an elite producer lately, but players like Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Michael Wilson have also been reaping the benefits of his stellar play. Brissett and the Cardinals host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12, who have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game and the fourth-most passing touchdowns in 2025. Even with Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendicitis) ruled out for Sunday, Brissett still carries QB2 value and will continue to supply big performances for McBride and Wilson.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Chris Rodriguez Jr. On the Rise as Commanders Get Healthy
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was the lead back in Week 11, handling 15 carries for 79 yards in the overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins. Rumors were swirling about Rodriguez taking over the backfield from rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and he was efficient in his first game as the lead back. Rodriguez played 45% of the snaps, while Croskey-Merritt and receiving back Jeremy McNichols played 26% of the snaps each. While the Commanders' offense has been lackluster to say the least, reinforcements are on the way, with Jayden Daniels (elbow) and Terry McLaurin (quad) nearing a return. If the offensive production improves, Rodriguez could be a sneaky producer for fantasy managers down the stretch.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Is R.J. Harvey Ready to Explode After Bye Week?
Denver Broncos rookie running back R.J. Harvey could handle a workhorse role for the rest of the season. In his first game as the lead back, Harvey handled 11 carries for 30 yards, while adding 20 yards on three receptions through the air. His first game as the starter came against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have been a top-five run defense in 2025. The exciting news about the 2025 second-round pick's fantasy outlook is that he dominated the snap share in Week 11. He played a season-high 62% of the snaps, while Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie played 13%. Coming out of the bye week, the Broncos will face the Washington Commanders, who have given up the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season. With a strong workload and a good schedule coming out of the bye week, Harvey is an ideal buy-low candidate for fantasy managers and could be a league winner down the stretch.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Omarion Hampton's Practice Window Could Open After Bye Week
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton's practice window is expected to open after the Week 12 bye. Hampton (ankle) was placed on the injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury against the Washington Commanders. Head coach Jim Harbaugh shared that Hampton's activation window could open after the bye, but he was uncertain about a return in Week 13. When Hampton returns, he could enter a timeshare with standout Kimani Vidal, who's been excellent as his replacement. Hampton was starting to pick up steam in his rookie season, averaging 121.3 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in his last three games when healthy. While a potential committee is in the works, and the Chargers' struggles with the offensive line, Hampton still offers elite upside once he returns.
Source: Ryan Anderson - LAFB Network
Source: Ryan Anderson - LAFB Network
Dawson Knox Outside Starting Range In Week 12
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox should not be relied upon in most formats when his team takes on the Houston Texans in Week 12, even with fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) ruled out for the game. As the team's top tight end option last week, Knox managed only one catch for 23 yards, bringing him to just 13 catches on the year. Additionally, the Texans have been among the very best pass defenses in the NFL so far this season. Houston ranks fourth overall against half-PPR tight ends, dampering an already modest outlook for Knox. The veteran will have some red-zone appeal, however, making him a low-end TE2 option in leagues that start more than one tight end.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tough Matchup Dampers Outlook For Tyrell Shavers
Coming off the best game of his career, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers should be left on the bench in most formats when his team takes on the Houston Texans on Thursday. Shavers, mostly a special teamer to this point, broke out for four catches, 90 yards, and a touchdown last week against Tampa, and now the Bills' receiver room is in limbo this week. Khalil Shakir (personal) missed practice on Monday and Tuesday, while Keon Coleman was a healthy scratch last week after being late to a team meeting. If either or both were to be unavailable tonight, that would leave some combination of Shavers, Joshua Palmer, Curtis Samuel, and Mecole Hardman to fill in the gaps. Even so, Shavers has just 11 catches in 10 games overall, and Houston ranks No. 1 against PPR receivers, making him too risky to rely upon.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joshua Palmer Avoidable In Thursday Clash With Houston
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer can safely be left out of lineups in most formats when his team travels to Houston to play the Texans for Week 12's Thursday Night Football game. The former Los Angeles Charger has been a disappointment in his first season with Buffalo, during which he has logged only 16 receptions and is still looking for his first touchdown. This week, Palmer will have the added challenge of the single worst matchup in football: Houston ranks No. 1 against PPR wide receivers. Though the status of fellow receiver Khalil Shakir (personal) is unknown, and Keon Coleman is coming off a healthy scratch last week, Palmer hasn't had a big enough role to rely upon for fantasy lineups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Khalil Shakir a Shaky Thursday Night Fantasy Play?
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (personal) enters a Week 12 matchup against the Houston Texans in unknown territory after missing practice on both Monday and Tuesday for personal reasons. Assuming Shakir plays, he's a low-end WR3 option against Houston, the top-ranked defense against PPR wide receivers. The veteran is also coming off his worst game of the season, a performance in which he caught just one pass for negative three yards against Tampa Bay. Without knowing the full extent of the absence, managers will have to wait until Buffalo releases its list of inactives to make sure Shakir is playing. Luckily, as the first game of the week, there will be ample opportunity to pivot in another direction.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rasmus Andersson Bags Three Points Wednesday Night
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson recorded three points in Wednesday's 6-2 road victory over the Buffalo Sabres. The Swedish rearguard scored the game's opening goal and had two assists in the third period to help Calgary turn a tight 2-2 game into a convincing victory. Andersson scored in his second consecutive game and has now managed three goals in his past five outings, along with four assists. Things have finally clicked for him on the attacking end after Andersson collected only five points from his first 17 appearances of the season. Overall, he has registered 12 points (five goals, seven assists), 52 shots, and 39 blocks in 22 games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Morgan Geekie Nets Two Power-Play Goals Wednesday
Boston Bruins forward Morgan Geekie had two power-play goals in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Geekie's work with the man advantage helped the Bruins keep things close, but they had no answer to Ian Moore's late goal. On Wednesday, Geekie joined Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon and Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl at the top of the NHL's goal-scoring charts. He has lit the lamp 14 times in 22 games, adding six assists. 11 of Geekie's 20 points, including four goals, have come on the power play. Boston closes out the week with a pair of games against poor penalty-killing teams in the Kings and Sharks, giving Geekie a chance to regain offensive momentum after a recent mini-slump of two games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bengals Haven't Ruled Out Joe Burrow for Week 12
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Thursday morning that the club has not yet ruled out quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) from playing on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to Paul Dehner of The Athletic. Taylor, who appeared on a Cincinnati radio show, said he wasn't ready to say whether Burrow would be able to return from his injury. "I'm not there yet," he said. "One day at practice isn't going to lead to that decision yet." The superstar quarterback has missed most of the 2025 season due to the injury, but he fully practiced on Wednesday, giving hope that he may return sooner than initially believed. For fantasy managers who held out for the long haul, Burrow's return would represent a major lineup upgrade as the playoffs draw near.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
Connor McMichael Posts Three Assists in Wednesday's Win
Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael finished Wednesday's high-scoring 7-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers with three assists. Ryan Leonard benefited twice from McMichael's playmaking, and the 24-year-old completed his hat trick of assists thanks to an empty-net goal from Tom Wilson. After struggling in the top six, McMichael has landed on the third line with Leonard and Brandon Duhaime. He has finally found some chemistry with his linemates, going on a three-game point streak. However, McMichael still has a lot of ground to cover to turn his season around, as he sits on 10 points (two goals, eight assists) after 20 games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Islanders Place Alexander Romanov on Injured Reserve
New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov (upper body) has been placed on Injured Reserve, making him ineligible for at least one week of action. He is set to miss three games after sustaining an upper-body injury in Tuesday's win over the Dallas Stars. Romanov has been a non-factor offensively this season, posting one assist in 15 appearances. However, the Islanders will definitely miss his presence on the defensive end, as Romanov shares the team lead with 31 blocks and is tied for third with 31 hits. Marshall Warren has been recalled from the minors and could make his third appearance of the season in Thursday's tilt against the Detroit Red Wings. Although Warren didn't do much in his first couple of outings, he has been hot offensively in the AHL, amassing nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 10 games.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Lars Eller to Miss Thursday's Action
Ottawa Senators center Lars Eller (undisclosed) won't play in Thursday's contest against the Anaheim Ducks, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports. The Danish veteran is dealing with an undisclosed injury, prompting the team to recall Stephen Halliday from the minors. In 2025-26, Eller has won a career-high 56.4 percent of faceoffs and boasts six points (two goals, four assists) through 19 appearances. If he enters the lineup on Thursday, Halliday would make his NHL debut. The 23-year-old has been a prolific player in the AHL, posting 16 points (one goal, 15 assists) in 15 outings this season.
Source: Bruce Garrioch
Source: Bruce Garrioch
Nic Dowd Out on Thursday
Washington Capitals center Nic Dowd (upper body) has not joined the team for Thursday's visit to Montreal, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports. The veteran was a late scratch due to an upper-body injury for Wednesday's contest against the Edmonton Oilers. In 19 appearances, Dowd has registered 33 hits, while chipping in with one goal and four assists on the offensive end. Down was replaced in the lineup by Sonny Milano on Wednesday night, but he was limited to 7:34 of ice time and didn't make a significant impact.
Source: Bailey Johnson
Source: Bailey Johnson
Adam Lowry Inks Extension With Jets
Winnipeg Jets center Adam Lowry has signed a five-year, $25 million contract extension. He is currently on an expiring deal that has a $3.25 million cap hit. Lowry has spent his entire 12-year NHL career with the Jets, becoming the team captain in 2023. He missed the first 12 games this season following offseason hip surgery. In seven outings, Lowry has recorded three points (one goal, two assists), 10 shots, nine blocks, and 16 hits with a plus-four rating. While Lowry doesn't have a lot of fantasy value, he has been an important piece for the Jets roster and will continue to be for several more years.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Jaren Jackson Jr. Likely Out on Thursday
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. (ankle) is considered doubtful for Thursday's Western Conference tilt against the Sacramento Kings. The former Defensive Player of the Year has sustained a right ankle sprain. So far, Jackson Jr. has played in all 15 Grizzlies games, averaging 17.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. His absence on Thursday would likely result in Santi Aldama moving to the first unit. Even as a bench player, Aldama has been productive, but a starting job would add a bit more fantasy value to the Spaniard. Thursday's game is a wonderful fantasy matchup for the Grizzlies, as Sacramento has the fourth-worst defense in the Association but plays at the fifth-highest pace.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Zaccharie Risacher Questionable for Thursday
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (hip) is questionable to play on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. The first-overall pick of the 2024 draft hurt his left hip on a fall on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns and may be forced to sit out a second consecutive game. Vit Krejci was promoted to the starting unit when Risacher was out on Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons. Although he played 36 minutes, Krejci only recorded nine points, three rebounds, and two assists, meaning his fantasy value remains low even as a starter.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kristaps Porzingis at Risk of Missing Another Game
Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. He is experiencing right knee soreness and may have to sit out a fourth consecutive game. Porzingis has played in only nine of Atlanta's 15 games, so it's starting to look like another injury-disrupted season for him. When active, Porzingis has made a significant impact despite poor shooting numbers, averaging 17.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 25.8 minutes. Since Porzingis' exit from the lineup, Onyeka Okongwu has exploded as a starter, posting 26.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Paolo Banchero Misses Fourth Straight Game
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) will be absent for a fourth straight game on Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers. He continues to be sidelined due to a left groin strain. Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs have larger offensive roles without Banchero, while Tristan da Silva has taken over from him in the first unit. It's been a strong three-game stretch for da Silva, who has averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals since joining the starting five. On Thursday, da Silva could be even more productive, as the Clippers are ranked 24th in defensive efficiency.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kawhi Leonard Remains Out Against Magic
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will miss a ninth consecutive game on Thursday against the Orlando Magic. The two-time Finals MVP had a strong start to the season, but unfortunately, he has run into health issues again. Over the first six games of the season, Leonard averaged 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals. Nicolas Batum's workload has increased since Leonard's exit from the lineup, with the French veteran even picking up some starts. However, Batum's fantasy value has remained low due to his underwhelming numbers. Despite averaging over 21 minutes of action over the last eight games, Batum has been limited to 5.5 points and 3.0 rebounds.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kelly Oubre Jr. Ruled Out for Two Weeks
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) is set to miss two weeks of action. The 29-year-old sustained an LCL strain in his left knee last Friday against the Detroit Pistons and has already sat out a pair of games. Oubre Jr. ranks fourth in scoring among the 76ers players, averaging 16.8 points in 34.8 minutes. He has had a large workload due to Paul George's (knee) absence. George made his season debut at the start of this week and could be back in action on Thursday night against the Milwaukee Bucks after sitting out the first leg of a back-to-back on Wednesday versus the Toronto Raptors.
Source: NBA.com
Source: NBA.com
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