Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
With Brock Bowers placed on injured reserve, Michael Mayer is slated to become the Las Vegas Raiders' lead tight end for the final two games of the 2025 season. Earlier this season, in two games without Bowers, Mayer recorded receiving lines of 5 catches for 50 yards and a touchdown, and 1 catch for 10 yards. He is considered more of a desperation spot starter for Week 17 against the Giants' seventh-ranked TE defense.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been ranked as the No. 1 fantasy football running back for Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season by Matthew Berry. This top ranking highlights his expected performance and value in PPR leagues for the penultimate week of the season.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been ranked as the No. 1 fantasy football wide receiver for Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season by Matthew Berry. This top ranking highlights his expected performance and value in PPR leagues for the penultimate week of the season.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has been ranked as the No. 1 fantasy football tight end for Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season by Matthew Berry. This top ranking highlights his expected performance and value in PPR leagues for the penultimate week of the season.
Fantasy football analyst Matt Harmon has released his comprehensive full-PPR rankings for Week 17, a critical championship week. The rankings cover all positions including quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, flex, D/ST, and kickers. Harmon plans to update these rankings throughout the week, providing essential guidance for fantasy managers making their final lineup decisions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey has been designated for return from injured reserve, opening his 21-day practice window. Kancey has been sidelined since Week 2 with a pectoral injury. The 2023 first-round pick, who has started every game he's played since entering the league, could be activated as early as this Sunday's game against the Dolphins. His return is expected to provide a significant boost to the Bucs' defense as they vie for the NFC South title.
New Orleans Saints' Taysom Hill saw a season-high 42% snap share and delivered a versatile performance against the Jets, recording 12 carries for 42 yards, 4 catches for 36 yards, and a 38-yard passing touchdown. With Alvin Kamara (MCL) potentially out for Week 17 and the Saints' top three running backs previously on IR, Hill could be a viable fantasy TE option against Tennessee. His increased usage suggests the coaching staff views him as a key backfield contributor, despite his prior low opportunity share.
The Cleveland Browns have signed offensive lineman Kendrick Green from the Buffalo Bills' practice squad, filling an open 53-man roster spot. Green, a 2021 third-round pick by the Steelers, started 15 games at center as a rookie. He moved to guard in 2022, was traded to the Texans in 2023, and appeared in 21 games with four starts over two seasons in Houston. He had not played in any games this season after joining the Bills' practice squad in August.
Michael Wilson's fantasy value is potentially impacted by Marvin Harrison Jr.'s return. In the last two games Harrison was active, neither Wilson nor Harrison posted great numbers, with Wilson's 13.2 points last week being the highest mark, largely from a 38-yard TD grab. He is no longer considered a weekly WR1. The Cardinals' wide receivers face a challenging Week 17 matchup against the Bengals, who have not allowed any WR to score 20+ fantasy points this season.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby emphatically stated he doesn't care about the team potentially landing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He asserted his focus is on being the best defensive end in the world, a great leader, and consistently performing for his team, not on draft outcomes. Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler, expressed that his job is to 'wreck the game' and that roster decisions are for the front office. He also highlighted that his fifth straight Pro Bowl selection, voted by fans, players, and coaches, means a lot and makes him hungrier for 2026.
NFL executives are providing insights into how Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has reportedly 'lost his edge.' Discussions also cover what has gone wrong for Tagovailoa, the Dolphins' potential path forward, and the level of interest in him across the league. The report further examines the status of head coach Mike McDaniel's support for the quarterback, indicating a critical assessment of his current standing and future with the team.
Cleveland Browns player Harold Fannin Jr. has received an upgrade in the NFL's latest matchup rankings for Week 17. These rankings analyze the most and least favorable matchups for key fantasy positions (QB, RB, WR, TE), suggesting a more advantageous outlook for Fannin Jr. in his upcoming game.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has been downgraded in the latest NFL matchup rankings for the upcoming week's games. This assessment evaluates the most and least favorable matchups across key fantasy positions (QB, RB, WR, TE), indicating a less advantageous outlook for Williams in his Week 17 contest.
Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton discovered he had testicular cancer following a random NFL drug test. This unexpected diagnosis has given Singleton a fresh perspective on playing the game. The league's testing protocol inadvertently led to the early detection of his condition, highlighting a critical health outcome from a routine procedure.
Davante Adams has been identified as one of the premier free-agent additions by NFL teams for the upcoming 2025 season. He is listed with Sam Darnold and Joey Bosa as a standout signing, expected to make a significant impact following his offseason move.
Joey Bosa has been recognized as one of the best free-agent additions by NFL teams ahead of the 2025 season. He is featured alongside Sam Darnold and Davante Adams, indicating a significant expected impact from his signing. This ranking places him among the premier players making moves in the offseason.
New York Giants rookie Abdul Carter continues his impressive performance, maintaining a strong showing in the final two weeks of the NFL regular season. He has earned a top-15 PFF pass-rush grade, highlighting his significant impact as a rookie pass-rusher.
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards, now totaling 1,039 rushing and 849 receiving yards. He is poised to break Roger Craig’s single-season franchise record for running backs with one more reception, though he has fallen off the pace for a second career 1,000/1,000 season. In a recent win, McCaffrey recorded 117 rushing yards, 29 receiving yards, and 2 TDs. While his MVP candidacy is debated, he remains a strong favorite for Comeback Player of the Year, proving his immense value to the 11-win 49ers. He previously dealt with a tight back after the bye week and appeared on the injury report before the season's first game.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis expressed initial disappointment over his Pro Bowl snub but quickly adopted a mature perspective, prioritizing team success and upcoming playoffs. Despite a breakout season featuring 65 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 6 QB hits, 9 TFLs, and 6 pass breakups, along with a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown, Davis was not named to the NFC roster. Both DC Vic Fangio and teammate Zack Baun agreed he was deserving, acknowledging his significant impact after losing 30 pounds in the offseason. Davis remains focused on playing meaningful January games.
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce earned his 11th Pro Bowl selection, leading fan balloting, but significant speculation suggests his 13th NFL season may be his last. At 36, his contract expires, and the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. Kelce, expected to marry Taylor Swift next summer, will decide on his future by March 11. His upcoming Christmas game could be his final regular-season home appearance. Recent production includes just one reception for six yards in a loss, and only one reception in two of the past three games. Amid a struggling Chiefs team, Kelce is reportedly preparing for life after football, showing an "air of a man saying goodbye."
