Fantasy Football News

Khalil Shakir • WR • Bills

Khalil Shakir has Rough Finish to Regular Season

Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir was rested for Buffalo's Week 18 win over the Jets, along with most of the team's starters, officially closing the regular season with 719 receiving yards and four touchdowns. After cracking double-digit fantasy points in four of his first 11 games of the year, he has not hit that mark since a Week 12 loss to the Texans, and he heads into the playoffs having topped 35 receiving yards only once in his final five games. With only one touchdown since Week 9, Shakir is a low-floor, low-ceiling play in fantasy playoff leagues and does not need to be heavily rostered. He is RotoBaller's WR13 in a week with 12 teams in action.

Jan 6

James Cook • RB • Bills

James Cook Heads into Playoffs Having Secured the Rushing Title

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook took two carries for 15 yards in an abbreviated appearance in the team's Week 18 win over the Jets. It was enough to keep distance between him and a surging Derrick Henry, with Cook ultimately securing his first regular-season rushing crown with 1,621 yards. Heading into the postseason, he should be viewed as one of the highest upside running backs in fantasy playoff leagues. Buffalo currently holds the fourth-highest Super Bowl odds in a wide-open AFC and is a slight road favorite over a 13-4 Jacksonville team that has been a headache for fantasy running backs throughout most of the season. Despite the tough matchup, Cook is RotoBaller's RB2 for the week, and he could be in line for a massive postseason if Buffalo can advance.

Jan 6

Josh Allen • QB • Bills

Josh Allen Remains a Stellar Play in Fantasy Playoff Leagues

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen followed up his 2024 MVP campaign with another strong showing, finishing 2025 with 3,668 passing yards, 25 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, and an additional 579 yards and 14 scores on the ground. In a wide-open AFC playoff bracket, he heads into Wild Card Weekend as one of the highest upside plays in fantasy playoff leagues. The Jaguars have been a plus-matchup for fantasy quarterbacks, and surrounded by one of the weaker supporting casts of his career, Allen will be tasked with putting the team on his shoulders if he hopes to take advantage of a field missing Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow. Allen is RotoBaller's QB1 for the week in what will be his first playoff-opening road game since the 2019 season.

Jan 6

Justin Fields • QB • Jets

Aaron Glenn Non-Committal on Justin Fields' Future

When asked if quarterback Justin Fields would be back with the team in 2026, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said, "He's under contract," according to Antwan V. Staley of the New York Daily News. The Jets brought Fields in as a free agent last offseason to be their starter under center, but the plan backfired. Fields, a former first-rounder, went 2-7 as a starter and was eventually benched for veteran backup Tyrod Taylor late in the season. The 26-year-old ended the season on Injured Reserve with a knee injury. Fields limited turnovers, but he completed 62.7% of his pass attempts for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. He also didn't run very much, carrying the ball 71 times for 383 yards and four TDs. At best, Fields will likely be competing for a starting role if he stays with the Jets in the second year of his two-year, $40 million deal.

Jan 6

Jayden Daniels • QB • Commanders

Jayden Daniels Disappointed by Departure of Kliff Kingsbury

Key Washington Commanders offensive players, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, are disappointed with the team's decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, according to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Daniels vouched for Kingsbury during his season-ending press conference on Monday and was among those "blindsided by the move." Commanders players figured the only way Kingsbury would leave is if he got a head-coaching job, and that's what he's seeking to do this offseason. The 25-year-old Daniels was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 under Kingsbury, throwing for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while also rushing for 891 yards and six more TDs in 17 regular-season games. While Washington's offense was still efficient in 2025, Daniels' season was a disappointment after playing in only seven games due to injuries. His fantasy stock is now trending down because of his injuries and the fact that he'll be learning a new offense heading into Year 3.

Jan 6

Cam Taylor-Britt • CB • Bengals

Cam Taylor-Britt to Spend Five Days in Jail

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt was sentenced to five days in jail after he pleaded guilty to reckless driving and driving without a license on Jan. 6. Taylor-Britt was placed on Injured Reserve in November due to a foot injury that he suffered in the Week 11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he didn't play the rest of the season. In his eight games played for the Bengals in 2025, the 26-year-old defensive back had a career-low 21 tackles (12 solo) and five pass breakups in his fourth year in the league. Marco Wilson took on an expanded role in Cincy's secondary the rest of the way after Taylor-Britt was placed on IR.

Jan 6

Teddye Buchanan • ILB • Ravens

Teddye Buchanan Undergoes ACL Surgery

Baltimore Ravens rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan (knee) had successful surgery on his torn ACL on Tuesday, according to Giana Han of The Baltimore Banner. Buchanan was impressive in his first year in the NFL before injuring his knee, as the fourth-rounder out of California totaled 93 tackles (49 solo), half a sack, five tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble in his 14 games (13 starts). The 23-year-old tore his ACL in the Week 15 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Given the timing of his injury late in the year, Buchanan's recovery could cause him to miss the start of the 2026 season next fall. But when he returns to full health, Buchanan will once again be a key linebacker for Baltimore's defense, and one that will attract attention in fantasy IDP leagues after his strong rookie showing.

Jan 6

Kirk Cousins • QB • Falcons

Falcons Restructure Kirk Cousins' Deal

The Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins agreed to tweak the final two years of the QB's contract on Tuesday, setting the stage for a decision on his future to be made by the third day of the new league year on March 13, a source told ESPN's Field Yates. Cousins now has a guarantee for $67.9 million for the 2027 season that will vest on March 13. The restructure also includes reducing Cousins' 2026 base salary from a non-guaranteed $35 million to just $2.1 million. Atlanta's front office is in flux following the firing of general manager Terry Fontenot on Sunday, but the Falcons could still move on from Cousins before March 13 as a post-June 1 release. A release of that kind would split the dead money on Cousins' contract over 2026 and 2027, as opposed to the team taking on the full amount in 2026. The 37-year-old played in 10 games this season, including starting the final seven following Michael Penix Jr.'s season-ending knee injury. Cousins was serviceable, throwing 10 TDs and five interceptions, but he probably isn't in the team's long-term plans at the position.

Jan 6

Chandler Zavala • G • Panthers

Chandler Zavala Designated to Return to Practice

The Carolina Panthers opened offensive guard Chandler Zavala's (calf) 21-day practice window on Tuesday, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. Zavala was placed on Injured Reserve on Nov. 29 with a calf injury, his second time on IR in 2025 after originally going on IR in Week 5 due to a knee injury. Zavala started three games for the Panthers after recovering from his knee injury before hurting his calf and going back on the shelf. The 26-year-old offensive lineman can be activated from IR at any time, but it remains to be seen if that will happen before the team's Wild-Card playoff game this Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Rams. Before injuring his calf, Zavala was starting at right guard for Carolina. With Zavala out, Austin Corbett has started the last four games at the position. Zavala hasn't played since Week 12.

Jan 6

Russell Wilson • QB • Giants

Russell Wilson Played Through Torn Hamstring

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (hamstring) revealed on Monday that he played part of this past season with an undisclosed torn hamstring, according to Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic. The 37-year-old veteran said he suffered the injury on the final play of the Friday practice before the Week 2 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson said he suffered a Grade 2 tear, but he didn't tell the team. Despite the injury, Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in the 40-37 overtime loss, also adding 23 rushing yards on three carries. He said he didn't tell the Giants because of the circumstances of knowing that he was trying to hold off rookie QB Jaxson Dart from taking over the starting duties. Wilson eventually lost the starting gig to Dart. At this point in his career, Wilson profiles as a backup signal-caller as he looks to continue playing into the 2026 season.

Jan 6

Jaxson Dart • QB • Giants

Jaxson Dart Attracting Top Head-Coaching Candidates

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said that quarterback Jaxson Dart's name "has come up a lot" in terms of what will attract head-coaching candidates, according to The Athletic's Charlotte Carroll. "From the people I've talked to, the consensus is that there are a lot of potential head-coaching candidates that are excited about the opportunity here because of Jaxson Dart," Schoen said. The Giants already have their eyes on former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, and they will also interview interim head coach Mike Kafka, who has been a popular name in past coaching cycles. Dart's dual-threat abilities at the QB position were on display in his first 14 games in 2025. The first-rounder out of Ole Miss threw for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions while adding 487 rushing yards and nine more TDs. If Dart can learn to protect himself better as a runner, he has high-end QB1 upside in fantasy going into Year 2.

Jan 6

Luther Burden III • WR • Bears

Luther Burden III's Value on the Rise Heading into Playoffs

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III finished his rookie season with 47 catches (60 targets) for 652 yards and two touchdowns while adding six carries for 37 yards in 15 games. Burden posted an elite 2.71 yards per route run, which only trails Odell Beckham Jr. among rookie wideouts since 2013. The rookie second-rounder caught at least three balls in his final eight games and had his best game of the season in Week 17 at San Francisco with 138 yards and a touchdown. The Missouri product has seen his opportunities increase with Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined for the past five games with a stress fracture in his foot, and Odunze's potential return in the Wild-Card round could limit Burden's fantasy appeal. However, Burden looks like a future star and should be viewed as a high-upside WR2 on Saturday against the division-rival Green Bay Packers.

Jan 6

Lane Johnson • OT • Eagles

Lane Johnson Expected to Practice on Wednesday

Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson (foot) is expected to practice on Wednesday for the first time since he suffered a Lisfranc foot injury against the Detroit Lions on Nov. 16, NFL sources told Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Although Johnson has made progress in his recovery, he has yet to test his right foot before the Eagles decide on his availability for the Wild-Card playoff game this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The 35-year-old veteran was playing at a Pro Bowl level despite battling other ailments in 2025. The Eagles went 3-4 in the seven games that he missed with his foot injury, and they are now 18-28 in games that Johnson has missed in his 13-year career. Johnson has missed one of a possible 15 career playoff games, which was a Wild-Card loss to the Seahawks in 2020. It's clear that Johnson is an integral part of the Eagles' success, so we'll keep a close eye on his practice status all week.

Jan 6

Colston Loveland • TE • Bears

Colston Loveland Surging as a Top TE Option

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland is fresh off his best game of the season in Week 18 against the Lions, catching 10 of his 13 targets for 91 yards and a touchdown. The 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft ends his rookie campaign as the Bears' leading receiver, compiling 58 catches (82 targets) for 713 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. Since Week 9, Loveland scored the second-most PPR points among all tight ends, trailing only Trey McBride. He recorded at least four receptions in seven of those 10 games and has emerged as one of quarterback Caleb Williams' go-to targets down the stretch, with receiver Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined. Loveland profiles as one of the best tight ends to roster for fantasy managers in playoff leagues. He'll have a tougher matchup in the Wild-Card round against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, who have allowed the sixth-fewest yards per game (44.9) to tight ends this season. In two games against Green Bay this season, Loveland hauled in seven of his 10 targets for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Jan 6

Jaylin Noel • WR • Texans

Jaylin Noel Remains Tough to Trust Heading into Playoffs

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel showed flashes at times this season, ending with 26 catches for 292 yards and two touchdowns while playing all 17 games. Noel's snap share never climbed above 50% in a game this season, though, and he only cleared 30% in six contests. The rookie third-rounder doesn't project to be a significant piece of Houston's passing game heading into Monday night's Wild-Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Noel's role in the offense not expanding, he doesn't profile as a reliable option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.

Jan 6

Woody Marks • RB • Texans

Woody Marks a Low-Upside Option Heading into Playoffs

Across 16 games in his rookie campaign, Houston Texans running back Woody Marks has recorded 196 carries for 703 yards and two touchdowns while adding 24 catches for 208 yards and three scores on 36 targets. Marks has operated as Houston's lead back for most of the season, but he's been one of the least efficient runners in the league, averaging 3.59 yards per carry, which ranks 48th out of 49 RBs with at least 100 carries. The rookie fourth-rounder hasn't been very dynamic on his high volume of touches, and he will now face a stout Pittsburgh Steelers defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards per game (73.3) over the final four weeks of the season. Marks profiles as a risky RB3/flex for the Wild-Card round matchup on Monday night.

Jan 6

Rome Odunze • WR • Bears

Rome Odunze in Line to Return for Playoffs?

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) has missed five consecutive games due to a stress fracture in his foot. The 23-year-old wideout was able to practice in a limited capacity on Friday ahead of Week 18's regular-season finale against the Lions, which signals some optimism for his status heading into the Wild-Card matchup versus the division-rival Green Bay Packers. Odunze has totalled 44 catches (90 targets) for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games during his sophomore campaign. He was inconsistent after the team's Week 5 bye, however, recording three receptions or fewer in six of eight games with one touchdown. The emergence of rookies Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland muddy the outlook for Odunze heading into the playoffs if he can return. With the game being played on a short week on Saturday, more clarity should emerge regarding Odunze's status in the next few days.

Jan 6

David Moore • WR • Panthers

Panthers Activate David Moore From Injured Reserve

The Carolina Panthers activated wide receiver David Moore (elbow) from Injured Reserve on Tuesday and waived wide receiver Hunter Renfrow in a corresponding move, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Moore played in only four games with Carolina to begin the year before suffering a serious elbow injury that landed him on IR in late September. The 30-year-old has been practicing in full for several weeks and now appears ready to contribute as WR depth for the Panthers going into the Wild-Card round of the playoffs this Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Rams. Moore will take Renfrow's spot on the active 53-man roster. In his four games played early this season, Moore had just one catch for five yards on one target. If Moore is active this weekend, he'll be a long shot to return any fantasy value in playoff leagues.

Jan 6

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