NFL fantasy football news and player signals for Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Jake Tonges is recommended as a solid streaming option for Week 17 waiver wire if Kittle misses; positioned to absorb targets in the 49ers' tight-end-centric passing offense.

Ricky Pearsall has a knee injury concern that creates pessimism about his availability in Week 17. If George Kittle doesn't play, Pearsall's re-aggravation risk limits his upside as a target recipient in the 49ers' passing game.

George Kittle left last night's game with an ankle sprain; severity is still to be determined, with Twitter speculation about a possible high ankle sprain. Injury status is uncertain heading into Week 17. If Kittle misses, the 49ers face a middle-of-the-pack Chicago Bears defense against tight ends, creating a streaming opportunity for his backup Juwan Johnson, who has filled in well when Kittle missed time earlier in the season (Weeks 4–6 with legit tight end one production).

Alvin Kamara is unavailable heading into Week 17, along with Kendre Miller and Devin Neal. His absence prompted the Saints to feature Taysom Hill as the primary running back in Week 17; if Kamara remains out, Hill is expected to continue in that role.

Taysom Hill emerged as the featured running back and featured player in the Saints offense against the Jets, recording 12 carries (more than double Estime and Evan Hull combined), 4 receptions, and a passing touchdown. With Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, and Devin Neal all out, Hill appears positioned for significant usage if Kamara remains unavailable; the source cautions he remains volatile and not a must-start despite historical playoff explosions.

Pretty damn good pickup and sharp start for Week 17 if desperate for receiver depth. Runs around 80% of routes with a floor of 5-6 targets, coming off 9 and 8 targets in prior weeks. Attached to MVP candidate Drake Maye in a proficient offense. Faces a great matchup against the New York Jets, where Drake Maye should have his way.

The source notes that if Sauce Gardner returns to the Colts defense, he will probably primarily play against Brian Thomas Jr., which should open up secondary targets for other Jaguars receivers; this is mentioned in the context of Sauce Gardner's potential return limiting Thomas Jr.'s target opportunities.

Recently exploded and is a really good after-the-catch player, but banking on consistency going forward feels risky given ceiling and floor games reflect inconsistency of the passing offense. Positives include a dome matchup at Indy where the passing defense is weak (just got shredded by Brock Purdy). However, Sauce Gardner's potential return from a 3-week absence could limit Washington's opportunities, as Gardner would likely primarily cover Brian Thomas Jr., leaving less middle-field space where Washington did damage last week. The source cautions against labeling him a must-start despite the recent big game, citing recency bias; he's still only playing around 50% of snaps, which limits his floor and consistency for championship weekend.

Was the starter last week against Atlanta, running effectively with 11 carries for 65 yards. Faces a really good matchup against Cincinnati in Week 17, making him a flex-appeal candidate if available in your league.

Suffered a concussion on Saturday but has a normal 7-day week-to-week timeline to clear the concussion protocol since Green Bay plays again on Saturday. Also injured his shoulder late in the game against Chicago but finished the game, suggesting the shoulder injury is likely not serious. The source leans toward him being okay to go.

Secured the pass-catching role in Browns backfield following Judkins' injury; operates as the scatback in the offense with clear-defined role separate from early-down/goal-line back Raheem Sanders. However, split snaps evenly with Sanders last week when Judkins left. Source explicitly states they are not interested in playing Trayvion Williams if Dee Ernest Johnson doesn't play and it's Sanders and Williams again, indicating limited flex appeal in a committee role.

Undrafted free agent rookie (220–230 lbs, 6'1) who emerged as the early-down back in Browns backfield following Judkins' injury; will get goal-line carries. Bruising type of back with clear-defined role separate from pass-catching back Trayvion Williams. Split snaps evenly with Williams last week when Judkins left, recording 11 carries for 42 yards. Source projects a 15-touch outlook for Sanders and makes the case that he could be a flex player, especially if Dee Ernest Johnson doesn't play, as Cleveland will want to lean on their running backs against Pittsburgh.

Waiver wire target for blocking opponent's QB2 need; speaker identifies Willis as a candidate to grab preemptively to prevent opponent from securing him as a backup quarterback option.

Named as part of speaker's championship-week running back roster alongside AJ Dillon; indicates confidence in Swift as a starter-caliber option for the final week.

Named as part of speaker's championship-week running back roster alongside D'Andre Swift; indicates confidence in Dillon as a starter-caliber option for the final week.

Injury status uncertain heading into championship week; if Jacobs is out, opponent cannot field him in their lineup due to strong running back depth.

Must-own if Josh Jacobs is out; will operate as a bellcow and projects as a top 10–12 fantasy running back for the week. Last time he filled in for Jacobs, Wilson went for 125 yards and two touchdowns, establishing strong precedent for his upside when given the lead role. Notably, opponent's running back room is so deep that even if Wilson becomes the starter, opponent cannot fit him into their championship lineup due to positional depth.

Boom-bust QB streamer with two-point floor but all-time ceiling potential; Giants allow fifth-most QB points to opponents in a chaos-filled matchup; viable dumpster-dive option when other QBs are injured.

Streamer recommendation with high route-running volume last week and demonstrated touchdown upside throughout the season; faces Carolina Panthers in a neutral matchup defensively.

Available in ~75% of ESPN leagues; coming off 7 targets, 5 catches, 39 yards, 1 TD. Faces Colts defense that allows significant fantasy points to pass catchers (similar to how George Kittle went off against them). Ron Stewart likes Strange this week given the favorable matchup and recent production.

Had big clutch-time play last week against Ravens; has posted 10+ PPR points in 2 of last 3 games. Faces Patriots vs. Jets in Week 17; Ron Stewart speculates on garbage-time upside if Patriots dominate, potentially unlocking Williams for extended fourth-quarter snaps. Profiles as speculative spike-week candidate.

Has posted 10+ PPR points in 3 of last 5 games and is running high route volume; faces Panthers vs. Seahawks matchup that is not particularly strong for Carolina. Ron Stewart suggests Coker could be a target if seeking a 40-yard TD upside play.

Drawing Pat Mahomes-level coverage treatment, which opened up target opportunities for Parker Washington in Week 16 against Denver.

Coming off 10 targets, 6 catches, 145 yards, 1 TD (25+ PPR points) against Denver; faces Colts defense that allows fourth-most fantasy points to WRs and is banged up (missing Sauce Gardner, Travarius Ward). Ron Stewart cautions this was a unique situation with Brian Thomas Jr. drawing Pat Mahomes-level coverage, but the Colts matchup is favorable; profiles as strong boom-bust flex option with momentum.

Hasn't practiced or played in several weeks but could return in Week 17 and be a league winner. Ron Stewart recommends waiting until waiver wires roll to confirm updated news on his status before adding.

RB1 in Washington with 55% of snaps and 60% of rush attempts as the lead back in Week 16. In Week 17, he faces the Dallas Cowboys, who allow the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, making him a strong play.

Despite split backfield usage in Week 16 (54% of snaps vs. Amari de Marcado 30%, Cory Ker 16%), Carter remains the lead guy. Against the Bengals in Week 17, who allow the most fantasy points to opposing running backs, he projects as a fringe top 25 start—a fine option if in a tough spot.

RB8 since Week 13 and available in 70% of ESPN leagues. Alternates drives with Kyren Williams (the preferred Rams back), but the Rams' strong offense supports Corum as a very strong top 30 running back in any given week.

If Josh Jacobs misses Week 17 due to injury from the Bears game, Emanuel Wilson would be a top 24 start.