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FFL: Playoff Week 3 | NFL: Week 17

49ers TE George Kittle (ankle) likely out against Bears

Sun Dec 28 12:09pm ET
Field Level Media

The San Francisco 49ers are planning to play without star tight end George Kittle in a key NFC game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night at Santa Clara, Calif.

ESPN reported Kittle, who has been fighting an ankle injury, is not expected to play, while NFL Network said he will work out before the game starts but is doubtful.

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, listed as questionable because of knee and ankle injuries, likely will play, per ESPN.

Kittle, twice a first-team All-Pro selection, has played in just 10 games this season due to injuries. He has 52 catches for 599 yards and seven touchdown receptions.

The 32-year-old has 590 career catches for 7,979 yards and 52 touchdown receptions in 123 career games (115 starts).

Pearsall, 25, has played just eight games (all starts) this season with 31 catches for 443 yards. He appeared in 11 games as a rookie last season, with 31 catches, 400 yards and three scores.

San Francisco and Chicago both enter the game Sunday night with 11-4 records, and both still are alive to earn the No. 1 playoff seed in the NFC.

The 49ers must win their next two games (Bears, Seattle Seahawks) and the Bears need to win their next two (49ers, Lions) and have Seattle lose once to earn the top seed.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 17

Player Notes
Sauce Gardner Dec 28 11:20am CT
Sauce Gardner

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) is officially active for Sunday's contest against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17. Although the Colts have officially been eliminated from the playoffs, Gardner will make his return to the field on Sunday after missing the last three games due to a calf injury. It's a notable boost for the Colts' defense as they go up against quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has been on a tear in his last four games (12 touchdowns, no interceptions). There's a good chance that Gardner will follow receiver Jakobi Meyers around, which could open up more pass-catching opportunities for Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington, who had a career day last Sunday in the win over the Denver Broncos. Gardner's return this weekend won't suddenly make the Colts' defense/special teams unit worth starting in fantasy football lineups.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Dec 28 11:10am CT
Noah Fant

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant (ankle) is officially active on Sunday to face the visiting Arizona Cardinals in Week 17. Fant will return to action this weekend in a meaningless game after missing last week's blowout win over the Miami Dolphins due to an ankle injury. Even in a plus matchup against the Cardinals, fantasy managers should have much better TE2 streaming options to choose from in Week 17, even in deeper leagues. The 28-year-old Fant just won't have enough opportunities while continuing to work behind Mike Gesicki at the position in Cincy. Fant has a total of 33 catches for 283 yards and three touchdowns on 39 targets in 13 games (six starts) in his first year with the Bengals. He hasn't had more than one catch in a game since Nov. 16, and he has not gone over 44 receiving yards in a single contest in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Goodson Dec 28 11:10am CT
Tyler Goodson

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson (ankle) will not play in Week 17 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars due to an ankle injury. Goodson won't play on Sunday despite returning to a full practice on Friday. The Colts have officially been eliminated from postseason contention, and therefore won't rush the 25-year-old back onto the field. With Goodson inactive against the Jags, the Colts will roll with rookie DJ Giddens and Ameer Abdullah as RB depth behind starter Jonathan Taylor. Goodson, in his third year in the NFL in 2025, has only eight rushing attempts in 10 games for 21 yards on the ground for Indy. He's added two receptions on three targets for another eight yards as a pass-catcher. Goodson can continue to be ignored in all fantasy football formats for the final two weeks of the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Dec 28 11:00am CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Miami Dolphins. Shepard has now been inactive for back-to-back weeks and is the odd man out in a receiver room that also features Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson, and Kameron Johnson. Even if one of those receivers were to suffer an injury, Shepard would still be too far down the pecking order to make a fantasy impact next week. He can be dropped in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Dec 28 11:00am CT
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas (hamstring), who was listed as questionable for Week 17, is officially active on Sunday as the team takes on the division-rival New York Jets. Douglas has been hard to trust for fantasy managers in 2025 in his third year in the NFL, as he's caught 28 passes on 41 targets for only 408 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games played. However, he should be set up for a much bigger role this weekend with Kayshon Boutte (concussion) out and Mack Hollins (abdomen) on Injured Reserve. Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams figure to be New England's top two wideouts on Sunday in a plus matchup, but don't sleep on Douglas as the starting slot receiver in deeper fantasy football formats as a sneaky flex play. The 25-year-old pass-catcher has an opportunity to go over 50 receiving yards for only the third time this season.

From RotoBaller

Mason Tipton Dec 28 10:50am CT
Mason Tipton

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton (groin) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. Tipton is sidelined just one week after posting season-highs in targets (five), catches (four), and yards (29). His absence creates more inconsistency throughout the depth chart behind Chris Olave. With Rashid Shaheed traded away, Brandin Cooks released, Devaughn Vele (shoulder) on injured reserve, and Tipton inactive, look for Kevin Austin to step up as the Saints' No. 2 receiver. Olave and Juwan Johnson are the only New Orleans pass-catchers who should be started with full confidence.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Sampson Dec 28 10:50am CT
Dylan Sampson

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (hand) is officially active for Cleveland on Sunday as they take on the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. Sampson missed two practices this week due to his hand injury, but he was able to return on Friday and is now ready to take over as the team's top RB with fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins (leg) done for the season after suffering a gruesome injury in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills. Behind the 21-year-old will be Trayveon Williams and Raheim Sanders vying for touches in the Browns' backfield. Sampson hasn't been very efficient as a runner in his first NFL season, as he's averaging only 2.6 yards per carry on 44 rushing attempts in his 13 games played. He's been more prolific as a pass-catcher, taking 28 catches for 259 yards and two touchdowns. But for the added volume alone this Sunday, he has upside as an RB3/flex in fantasy in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dillon Gabriel Dec 28 10:50am CT
Dillon Gabriel

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel (shoulder) injured his left shoulder at some point during the week and has been ruled out for the Week 17 divisional clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. With Gabriel inactive, Bailey Zappe has been elevated to the 53-man active roster from the practice squad and will serve as rookie Shedeur Sanders' backup this weekend. The 25-year-old Gabriel ended up making six starts for Cleveland in his first year in the NFL in 2025, but he was largely mediocre while failing to push the ball downfield. Gabriel's reign as the team's starting QB ended in Week 11 when he suffered a concussion, opening the door for Sanders to take over. In his six starts, the Oregon product completed 58.9% of his passes for 918 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions while adding 86 rushing yards. Gabriel is expected to compete for the starting gig next year with Sanders and Deshaun Watson (Achilles).

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 28 10:43am CT
David Njoku

The Cleveland Browns have declared TE David Njoku, LB Sam Kamara, WR Jamari Thrash, OT Jeremiah Byers, QB Dillon Gabriel, CB Myles Harden and OG Kendrick Green inactive for Week 17.

From TheHuddle

T.J. Watt Dec 28 10:43am CT
T.J. Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers have declared RB Kaleb Johnson, OG Isaac Seumalo, CB Brandin Echols, LB T.J. Watt, WR Calvin Austin, CB James Pierre and QB Will Howard inactive for Week 17.

From TheHuddle

Budda Baker Dec 28 10:43am CT
Budda Baker

The Arizona Cardinals have declared S Budda Baker, C Evan Brown, DT P.J. Mustipher, PK Joshua Karty, CB Kalen King, TE Pharaoh Brown and CB Kei'Trel Clark inactive for Week 17.

From TheHuddle

Tetairoa McMillan Dec 28 10:40am CT
Tetairoa McMillan

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (illness) is officially active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17. He did not carry an injury designation into this weekend, but the Panthers added him to the injury report on Sunday morning and listed him as questionable. Now that he's active, McMillan can be locked into lineups as a strong WR2 option. The rookie has played in every game so far this season, catching 65 passes for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. He scored a touchdown last Sunday and ranks as the overall WR14 in PPR leagues this year.

From RotoBaller

Charlie Smyth Dec 28 10:40am CT
Charlie Smyth

New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth (illness) is active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable but evidently recovered enough from an illness that forced him to practice in a limited capacity on Friday. The 24-year-old recently inked a three-year extension with the Saints and led all kickers in fantasy scoring last Sunday with five field goals on six attempts. Now that he's healthy, he is a strong top-10 kicking option for Week 17 fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 28 10:40am CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (back) is officially active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable after being downgraded to a limited participant in practice on Friday. In the end, though, the talented wide receiver will suit up for this weekend's contest between two eliminated teams. Olave is coming off one of the best games of his young career, catching 10 passes for 148 yards and a pair of touchdowns last Sunday against the New York Jets. He is the overall WR6 in PPR leagues this season and should remain a strong fantasy option against the Titans, who have surrendered the eighth-most receiving yards and seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. He ranks as a mid-range WR1 once again.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 28 10:40am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) is officially active for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. The Cardinals are expected to manage his snap count for a second consecutive week, which is bad news for fantasy football. The 23-year-old played 51% of the snaps in his return to action last week, which resulted in just three targets, one catch, and 14 receiving yards. A similar snap share could lead to similar production this week. As a result, Harrison is nothing more than a WR3/flex in deep leagues. Michael Wilson and Trey McBride are the Arizona pass-catchers to start in fantasy football for Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Dec 28 10:40am CT
Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin), who was considered questionable to play on Sunday against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, is officially active in Week 17. The 21-year-old didn't have any setbacks with his groin injury in his return to practice on Friday and is ready to go as the Browns try to play spoiler against Pittsburgh in the second-to-last game of the 2025 season. Fellow TE David Njoku (knee) is missing yet another game for Cleveland, too, so Fannin should once again be one of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders' top targets in the passing game. Fantasy managers might be a little more hesitant to consider Fannin a TE1 due to his injury, but he's expected to be full-go on Sunday in terms of his snap count. In half-PPR scoring this year, Fannin checks in as the TE6 with 70 catches on 105 targets for 701 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. Start him in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Nick Folk Dec 28 10:13am CT
Nick Folk

New York Jets impending free-agent PK Nick Folk has not yet determined if he will continue playing next season, according to ESPN.com's Rich Cimini. He will talk things over with his family during the offseason before reaching a final decision.

From TheHuddle

Michael Wilson Dec 28 9:50am CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson remains in must-start territory ahead of Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. While Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) should play this week, he's expected to have a reduced snap share. As a result, Wilson should operate as the Cardinals' No. 1 wide receiver and one of Jacoby Brissett's top targets once again. He has been spectacular in the back half of the season, catching 46 passes for 587 yards and four touchdowns over his last six games. During that span, he ranks as the overall WR3 in full-PPR leagues. In addition to his terrific momentum lately, Wilson should benefit from a very favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals' defense, which ranks among the worst in the NFL. They have been stronger against the pass, but this game's implied total of 53.5 points suggests that we're in for a shootout with plenty of offense and very little defense. Wilson ranks as the WR16 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 17, and he has top-10 upside.

From RotoBaller

Michael Carter Dec 28 9:40am CT
Michael Carter

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is worth starting as an RB2, RB3, or flex in most fantasy leagues ahead of his extremely favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. Although Carter did see his snap share (55%) and carries (11) get reduced last Sunday, he was still highly efficient with 65 total yards. He has 4.7 yards per carry over his last five contests, and he has also carved out a massive receiving role with 19 targets and 14 catches during that span. Carter should benefit from facing the Bengals, who have surrendered the most rushing yards and fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. They have also allowed the ninth-most rushing touchdowns, seventh-most catches, third-most receiving yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns to the position. While the game script could be better -- the Bengals are seven-point favorites with a -360 moneyline -- this game's implied total of 53.5 points bodes very well for Carter. He ranks as the overall RB25 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings for Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Jadeveon Clowney Dec 28 9:33am CT
Jadeveon Clowney

Dallas Cowboys impending free-agent LB Jadeveon Clowney said that he intends to play in 2026 and has interest in returning to the team next season.

From TheHuddle