4 mins agoAccording to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the Boston Red Sox have acquired left-handed pitcher
Jovani Moran from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catcher
Mickey Gasper. The 27-year-old missed the entire 2024 campaign due to Tommy John surgery. Across 42 1/3 innings in 2023, the southpaw held a 5.31 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. He struck out 48 batters. During this stint he generated a strong 3.69 xERA and a .211 xBA. In 2022, Moran posted a stellar 2.21 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in a similar 40 1/3 inning sample size. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor his progress during Spring Training as he may earn a spot in the Boston bullpen when healthy.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Chris Cotillo
14 mins agoAccording to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the Boston Red Sox have traded catcher
Mickey Gasper to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for left-handed pitcher
Jovani Moran. Gasper made his major league debut in Boston last summer. Across a small 14-game stint, the backstop went 0-for-18 at the plate with a 4:8 BB:K ratio. Across 48 games at the Triple-A level, the 29-year-old held a strong .367/.471/.592 line with 14 doubles, eight home runs and a 30:20 BB:K ratio. Earlier in the summer at Double-A, Gasper posted a .282/.403/.458 line with four home runs. With
Ryan Jeffers and
Christian Vazquez currently on the major league roster, Gasper will likely open the 2025 campaign at the Triple-A level but would be the first name called if one of them were to miss time.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Chris Cotillo
1
hour
agoLos
Angeles
Chargers
tight
end
Will
Dissly
(shoulder)
was
limited
in
practice
on
Tuesday.
Additionally,
tight
end
Hayden
Hurst
(illness)
did
not
practice
on
Tuesday.
Dissly
has
missed
two
straight
games
with
the
injury
so
his
return
to
read more...
1
hour
agoLos
Angeles
Chargers
running
back
J.K.
Dobbins
(knee)
was
limited
in
practice
on
Tuesday.
Dobbins'
running
mate
Gus
Edwards
(ankle)
was
also
limited.
Dobbins
has
been
on
injured
reserve
since
Week
12
with
his
injury.
He
read more...
2 hours agoDenver Broncos running back
Jaleel McLaughlin (quadricep) was limited in practice on Tuesday. McLaughlin missed Denver's Week 16 game against the Los Angeles Chargers with the injury. His return to practice this early in the week suggests that McLaughlin has a good chance of being available when the Broncos travel to Cincinnati this weekend. McLaughlin is part of a robust running back committee that includes
Javonte Williams,
Audric Estime, and
Tyler Badie (back). McLaughlin has had a few solid games this season en route to 388 rushing yards and a touchdown. However, despite a great matchup in Week 17, McLaughlin is not much of a fantasy option. There simply is no way to know which Broncos running back will receive the majority of the workload on a week-to-week basis. Leave McLaughlin on the waiver wire for fantasy championship weekend.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: Mike Klis
2 hours agoArizona Cardinals kicker
Matt Prater (left knee) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Prater was recently designated to return from injured reserve and has been practicing in his 21-day window for the past week. Prater has not played since Week 4, so it is no surprise that the Cardinals are easing the 40-year-old back into action. Prater is one of the better kickers in NFL history. Before his injury, he had not missed a kick this season. However, if he were to be activated ahead of Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams, he would be a risky play in fantasy. The Cardinals offense can be inconsistent at times, and Prater may need to shake off some rust. Even so, it is good to see Prater progressing from his injury.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: Theo Mackie
2
hours
agoArizona
Cardinals
running
back
James
Conner
(knee)
was
limited
at
practice
on
Tuesday.
Rookie
running
back
Trey
Benson
(ankle)
was
also
limited.
Conner
picked
up
his
injury
in
Week
16
against
the
Carolina
Panthers.
There
has
been
much
speculation
as
read more...
2 hours agoCincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) was limited to kick-off Week 17 preparation. Higgins often receives rest for various ailments throughout the season. However, he has not been listed with an ankle injury recently. That suggests that he picked up the ankle issue on Sunday, but the fact that he practiced in any capacity is encouraging. Higgins has put together a strong stretch of games recently. He has scored in four of his past five games and is receiving solid target volume. Higgins is having a solid season all-around with 727 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games. The seven touchdowns match Higgins' career high. The Bengals will face a tough defense when they host the Denver Broncos in Week 17. However, matchups do not seem to matter with the way quarterback
Joe Burrow is currently playing. Additionally, Higgins' ankle injury is worth keeping an eye on as the week progresses, but it is relatively unconcerning for now.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: Cincinnati Bengals
2 hours agoCincinnati Bengals quarterback
Joe Burrow (right wrist/knee) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Burrow has been on the injury report with the wrist injury throughout the season. He has also been limited with the knee injury for the past several weeks. As such, his limited participation on Tuesday is not concerning. Burrow is amid one of the best stretches of his career. He has thrown for three or more touchdown passes in every game since Week 9. He has also not thrown for less than 251 passing yards since Week 8. He has racked up 4,229 passing yards and 39 touchdowns in 15 games this season. He is the reason why many fantasy managers are in their championship games. The Bengals face a tough matchup with the Denver Broncos in Week 17. However, this team has been unstoppable lately and they are playing for their playoff lives. A win this weekend would go a long way toward their playoff hopes.
--Quincy Milton III - RotoBallerSource: Cincinnati Bengals
3
hours
agoThe
Denver
Broncos
have
opened
the
21-day
practice
window
for
running
back
Tyler
Badie
(back)
to
return
from
Injured
Reserve
after
he
collapsed
on
the
sideline
after
suffering
a
back
injury
in
the
Week
4
win
over
the
New
York
Jets.
It
read more...
3
hours
agoHouston
Texans
wide
receiver
Tank
Dell
(knee)
tore
his
MCL,
LCL
and
ACL
in
the
Week
16
loss
to
the
Kansas
City
Chiefs
on
Saturday
and
also
dislocated
his
knee
and
suffered
meniscus
damage.
He
has
a
long
road
of
recovery
ahead
of
read more...
3 hours agoMiami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said that pass-rusher Bradley Chubb (knee) will not be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list in order to play in the final two weeks of the season despite returning to practice three weeks ago. The 28-year-old linebacker has been recovering all year from a torn ACL and other damage in his knee that he suffered a full year ago and will end up not playing a single game for the Dolphins in 2024. Barring a setback in the offseason, Chubb should be fully ready to take part in offseason workouts and for the start of the 2025 season next fall. The former fifth overall pick of the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of North Carolina State was on pace to set a new career-high in sacks in 2023 before suffering his knee injury. Miami's pass rush will be much better off if Chubb is healthy in 2025.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
3 hours agoBaltimore Ravens wide receiver
Nelson Agholor (concussion) has been ruled out for Wednesday's Christmas Day game against the Houston Texans in Week 17. Agholor didn't practice all week and will miss his second straight game after suffering a concussion in Week 15 against the New York Giants. The 31-year-old will now be hoping he can recover from his head injury in time to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday, Jan. 5.
Zay Flowers (shoulder) is questionable for Wednesday, so there's a possibility that
Rashod Bateman serves as Baltimore's No. 1 receiver if both Flowers and Agholor are out. If that comes to pass,
Tylan Wallace could be a sneaky DFS sleeper against a Texans defense that has allowed the seventh-most half-PPR points to opposing receivers in 2024. As of right now, Flowers is on the right side of questionable.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baltimore Ravens
3 hours agoBaltimore Ravens running back
Justice Hill (concussion) did not practice at all this week and has officially been ruled out for Wednesday's Christmas Day game against the Houston Texans. This was the expectation after Hill suffered a concussion in last Saturday's divisional win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With a quick turnaround in Week 17, Hill was never expected to clear the league's concussion protocol. He will now hope to recover in time to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Jan. 5.
Derrick Henry will continue to operate as Baltimore's clear lead back versus the Texans on Wednesday, with
Keaton Mitchell and rookie
Rasheen Ali seeing expanded roles as change-of-pace options behind Henry. Neither Mitchell or Ali will likely see enough touches to warrant standalone fantasy value.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baltimore Ravens
3 hours agoBaltimore Ravens wide receiver
Zay Flowers (shoulder) returned to a limited practice on Tuesday and is officially listed as questionable for the Christmas Day game on Wednesday against the Houston Texans. Flowers injured his shoulder in last Saturday's win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and was a DNP on Sunday and Monday. Despite the questionable tag, the 24-year-old wideout is expected to play. However, fantasy managers still alive in the playoffs will want to double-check Flowers is available on Christmas Day. If he's active, he should be deployed in most starting lineups, especially with
Nelson Agholor (concussion) missing a second straight game. Despite injuring his shoulder last weekend, Flowers hit 100 yards on the nose on five catches in the win over Pittsburgh. Consider him a low-end WR2 in fantasy.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baltimore Ravens
3 hours agoPhiladelphia 76ers forward
Kenyon Martin Jr. (foot) suffered a stress reaction in his left foot, an MRI revealed on Tuesday. Unfortunately, he will miss at least two weeks before he's re-evaluated. KJ is having his best season in years, averaging 6.4 points. While that hasn't made Martin a practical fantasy asset in redraft formats, his services have at least been useful for DFS managers at times throughout the 2024-25 campaign. With
Eric Gordon (mouth) listed as probable, he may find his way into the starting lineup. However, Gordon has a long way to go before earning a spot on fantasy rosters.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Kyle Neubeck
3 hours agoPhiladelphia 76ers center
Andre Drummond (toe) is questionable for Wednesday's encounter with the Boston Celtics. The veteran has had a decent season. However, he was more impactful for fantasy managers when he filled in for
Joel Embiid (face) this season, averaging 8.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 14 starts. But with Embiid available, Drummond isn't worth a roster spot in most fantasy leagues even if he's active on Christmas Day.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 hours agoPhiladelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (face) is listed as available for Wednesday's Christmas matchup with the Celtics. He recently returned from his latest stint on the shelf caused by a sinus fracture. Fortunately, the multi-time All-Star is returning to form after suffering multiple injuries this season, amassing 31 points or more in two of the three games leading up to Friday's clash with
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. While Embiid was ejected from that contest, the time off the floor may help him be more productive versus Boston.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 hours agoDallas Mavericks guard
Jaden Hardy (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's Christmas clash with the Timberwolves. He has missed the last six games because of a sprained ankle. However, the 22-year-old is seemingly moving in a favorable direction regarding a return to the court. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, Hardy is having the worst year of his career, averaging only 6.5 points and 30.5% shooting from behind the three-point line. Even if he is cleared to suit up versus Minnesota, he'll have a tough time getting meaningful minutes with
Luka Doncic (heel) and
Kyrie Irving available. In addition, the uptick in production from
Quentin Grimes could mean Hardy may have difficulty getting on the floor.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 hours agoBaltimore Ravens wide receiver
Rashod Bateman has surpassed almost every career high this season except for receptions. He's even quadrupled his previous-best touchdown mark (eight this season). In the Ravens' Week 17 matchup with the Houston Texans, they'll be without
Nelson Agholor (concussion) and
Justice Hill (concussion), and
Zay Flowers (shoulder) is considered questionable. Bateman may be the number-one wideout on the depth chart, but he'll remain the primary deep threat even if Flowers plays. The Texans allow 29.6 fantasy points per game to receivers in half-PPR formats, so Bateman has a borderline WR2 ceiling in this game.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
4 hours agoBaltimore Ravens tight end
Isaiah Likely put up a respectable performance in Week 16 and ended up as the TE9 in half-PPR formats. He saw a 66% snap share and 13% target share against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In Week 17, he'll go up against a Houston Texans team that is one of the tougher teams against the position, allowing 8.2 fantasy points per game.
Justice Hill (concussion) and
Nelson Agholor (concussion) have both been ruled out though, and
Zay Flowers (shoulder) is considered questionable. That means Likely may see a bigger target share and lineup at some more wideout spots in this matchup, making him a bit of a risky play.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
4 hours agoDallas Mavericks guard
Luka Doncic (heel) is probable for the Christmas meeting with the Timberwolves. Doncic missed the two previous games heading into Monday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers. He played well enough in that one despite going 1-for-7 from behind the arc, amassing 27 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. With that in mind, Doncic is a must-start in all redraft setups. However, the 25-year-old struggled shooting the ball when the Mavs and Timberwolves met back in October, so he could have a tough time getting it done for DFS managers, especially when taking his massive rostering cost into consideration.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 hours agoBaltimore Ravens tight end
Mark Andrews heads into the team's Week 17 matchup with four straight finishes in TE1 territory and nine of them overall. He also leads the position in touchdowns with nine after scoring against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time in Week 16. Even though the Houston Texans allow only 8.2 fantasy points per game against tight ends, Andrews could see more snaps and targets with
Nelson Agholor (concussion) and
Justice Hill (concussion) ruled out on top of
Zay Flowers (shoulder) being tagged as questionable. Andrews still holds TE1 value heading into this Christmas day matchup.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
4 hours agoBaltimore Ravens running back
Derrick Henry decided to flip the script the last two weeks after putting up a dud against the Giants, as he came back and posted 162 yards on the ground against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16. On Christmas Day, he takes on the Houston Texans, who give up the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing backfields. They still allow 106.8 rushing yards per game, but only nine touchdowns while forcing 10 fumbles. However, it looks like Henry may get even more work in this game since
Justice Hill (concussion) has been ruled out. He remains a must-start for any fantasy managers trusting him in their fantasy championships or playoffs.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
4 hours agoBaltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson has come out of the team's Week 14 bye with a vengeance after posting big-time performances against the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, in a short week, he goes up against the Houston Texans who allow 17.4 fantasy points per game (12th most) to opposing quarterbacks. The last time these two times faced off in last year's playoffs, Jackson finished with four total touchdowns, 152 passing yards on 16-for-22 throwing, and 100 yards on the ground. The QB1 on the season remains a set-it-and-forget-it type of play.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
5 hours agoPittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Justin Fields (abdomen) was limited in practice the last two days and is listed as questionable to play on Christmas Day on Wednesday versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Fields did not suit up for the Saturday loss to the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, but he could return as
Russell Wilson's backup on a short week. Even if he does, the 25-year-old signal-caller obviously shouldn't be used in any starting fantasy lineups as the clear backup in Pittsburgh. Fields last started a game for the Steelers back in the Week 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Wilson has since taken over and been a big boost to the team's passing attack. Since Week 6, Fields has attempted just one pass and has carried the ball seven times for 58 yards in four games. If Fields doesn't get cleared to be active on Wednesday,
Kyle Allen will operate as Wilson's backup.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
5 hours agoAccording to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, Washington Commanders running back
Austin Ekeler (concussion) is trending the right way for a potential Week 18 return. The veteran running back has been sidelined since suffering a concussion during their Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. While he has been on the injured reserve,
Brian Robinson Jr. has seen the vast majority of the snaps with
Jeremy McNichols and
Chris Rodriguez Jr. operating as change-of-pace options. Before his injury, Ekeler was deployed as the top third down running back and averaged a solid 11.6 PPR points across his first 11 games in the DMV. He saw 3.5 targets per game and found the back of the end zone four times. Fantasy managers should continue to expect
Brian Robinson Jr. to operate in his workhorse role during their Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Nicki Jhabvala
5 hours agoThe Kansas City Chiefs defense will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. The Chiefs defense held the Houston Texans to 19 points while collecting two interceptions and two sacks in Week 16. The Chiefs secondary has been active lately, catching six interceptions in the past two weeks, but they may have their hands full with
Russell Wilson this week. Wilson has thrown just four interceptions this season, but two have come in the last two weeks. The Steelers offense has scored the 12th most points this season, just three fewer points than the Kansas City offense. The Chiefs defense is ranked as the ninth-best defense in our
RotoBaller rankings this week. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting the Kansas City defense in the fantasy playoffs.
--Joshua Costello - RotoBallerSource: Kansas City Chiefs - Twitter
5 hours agoAccording to Matthew Paras of The Times-Picayune, New Orleans Saints running back
Alvin Kamara (groin) would like to return to the field this season, but his status for Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday will be determined later this week. Kamara sat out on Monday evening due to a groin injury he suffered during their Week 15 loss to the Washington Commanders. Kamara was also unable to practice all week leading up to the game, which suggests his injury might be relatively serious. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status throughout the week. Given their current place in the standings, Kamara will likely have to avoid any further setbacks to have a chance to return. While sidelined,
Kendre Miller will continue to lead the backfield, with
Jamaal Williams and
Jordan Mims operating as change-of-pace options.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Matthew Paras
5 hours agoAccording to Brian Costello of the New York Post, New York Jets quarterback
Aaron Rodgers (knee) said that he "feels pretty good" and that he is "going to play" on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. The 41-year suffered what he deems an "MCL issue" during Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week in case he faces a setback during practice. Rodgers was beginning to find his footing on what has been a disappointing season as he averaged a solid 26.0 PPR points during Weeks 14 and 15. However, on Sunday, Rodgers would score only 17.4 as he threw for just 256 yards and one score against the Rams. Given his inconsistently all season, fantasy managers should view Rodgers as a high-floor QB2 in all formats facing the Buffalo Bills who have allowed the 13th-most PPR points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Brian Costello
RADIO
