Tue Dec 30 11:50am ET
Field Level Media
The Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers are starting the playoffs one week early.
At least that's the mindset shared by Broncos coach Sean Payton with Denver (13-3) in line to secure the No. 1 seed, first-round bye and home-field advantage in the AFC by beating the Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) on Sunday.
Week 18 shapes up as a maze for many teams assured only a spot -- but not their current seeding -- in the postseason bracket.
The Seahawks and 49ers settle the NFC West in a Saturday night game that also decides the No. 1 seed in the conference.
Two other division titles -- and playoff spots -- are up for grabs in the regular-season finale. The Buccaneers and Panthers play for the second time in three weeks for the NFC South crown in which the eliminated Atlanta Falcons are suddenly a significant factor.
Because of Atlanta's win over the Rams on Monday night, the Buccaneers now face a two-tiered clinching scenario.
Even if the Buccaneers win Saturday, they would still need the Falcons (7-9) to lose at home to the New Orleans Saints (6-10).
And if the Panthers lose, but Atlanta beats the Saints, Carolina would win the division. Wins by the Bucs and Falcons would create a three-way tie with the Panthers at 8-9. But Carolina would win the first tiebreaker by virtue of their head-to-head record (currently 2-0 vs. Falcons, 1-0 vs. Buccaneers).
AFC North rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh drop the gloves in primetime Sunday for the final spot in the playoff field.
If the Broncos stumble against the Chargers, a Denver loss kicks the door open for the New England Patriots to jump to the front of the pack in the AFC. The Patriots host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Should Denver and New England lose, the Jacksonville Jaguars could claim the top seed with a home win Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
Here's a look at the current playoff picture by conference:
Clinched AFC playoff and/or division:
Denver Broncos (13-3) -- AFC West
New England Patriots (13-3) -- AFC East
Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) -- playoff berth
Buffalo Bills (11-5) -- playoff berth
Houston Texans (11-5) -- playoff berth
Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) -- playoff berth
Clinch AFC playoff and division with win Sunday:
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
Clinched NFC playoff and/or division:
Seattle Seahawks (13-3) -- playoff berth
San Francisco 49ers (12-4) -- playoff berth
Chicago Bears (11-5) -- NFC North
Los Angeles Rams (11-5) -- playoff berth
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) -- NFC East
Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) -- playoff berth
Clinch NFC playoff and South division with win Saturday or Atlanta Falcons win Sunday:
Carolina Panthers (8-8)
Clinch NFC playoff and South division with win Saturday and Atlanta Falcons loss Sunday:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (thigh) played through a thigh injury in his team's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. The rookie linebacker has started all 16 games for Cleveland so far this season, recording 67 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Pro Football Focus grades Schwesinger as the 21st-best linebacker out of 86 qualified players at the position in 2025, so his presence on the field is key for the Cleveland defense. If Schwesinger remains limited by the injury in practice this week, there may not be much incentive for the 4-12 Browns to push him to play in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Should Schwesinger be sidelined, Browns linebackers Jerome Baker and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold would both likely see more playing time against Cincinnati.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught five of his 10 targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Nacua could have had another monster performance after his 225-yard, two-touchdown performance last week, but he had multiple big plays wiped out by a penalty or a review. The superstar wideout nearly pulled off an unbelievable one-handed catch near the end of the game to put the Rams in field-goal range with a chance to tie, but he just barely lost possession of the ball as he went to the ground. It still ended up being a solid performance for Nacua, as he led the Rams' passing attack again without star teammate Davante Adams (hamstring). He's now scored five touchdowns in the past four games after having four in the first 11 games. Nacua will be in for another heavy dose of targets with Adams likely out again in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford may have sold his shot at winning MVP in Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, completing 22 of 38 passes for 269 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. The 37-year-old signal-caller entered the game with only five interceptions on 519 pass attempts this season, but he threw three costly ones Monday night, with one of them being returned for a pick-six. It was easily the veteran's lowest passer rating of the season at 64.5, with the next closest game being 85.9 in his two-interception game in Week 13's loss to the Carolina Panthers. Stafford still managed to throw two touchdown passes, extending his streak to 10 consecutive games, twice as long as the next closest quarterback. Los Angeles will close out their regular season at home against the Arizona Cardinals before having to play on the road in the playoffs.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson hauled in two of his four targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Ferguson has now seen four targets and scored a touchdown in back-to-back games as his playing time has spiked over the last three contests. The rookie second-rounder finished second on the team in receiving yards on the night and continues to be an explosive playmaker in a potent Rams offense. He's recorded five catches of at least 25 yards this season, which is the most by a Rams rookie tight end in the last 35 years, according to the Los Angeles Rams PR. Ferguson is seeing a bump in routes and targets down the stretch, and looks like an exciting player to dream on in fantasy football in 2026. His usage is expected to continue expanding in the final week of the regular season against the Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an incident in early December, per Frank O'Laughlin of Boston 25 News. O'Laughlin reports that Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned on January 23, two days before the AFC Championship game is scheduled to take place. The 32-year-old wideout has recorded 82 catches for 970 yards and four touchdowns on 99 targets across 16 games in his first season in New England. It's unclear whether these charges will impact Diggs' availability for the postseason, but any absence would obviously be a major loss for the Patriots' offense. New England recently placed wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen) on Injured Reserve, so the team's depth at the position may be tested going forward.
From RotoBaller
Across 16 games in 2025, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has recorded 719 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns on 173 touches. While the 30-year-old lacks explosive upside, he remains an effective short-area and goal-line rusher. Hunt's touchdown production has dried up in recent weeks, as he's failed to find the end zone in any of Kansas City's last three games. However, Hunt's playing time spiked in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos, as he earned more snaps (24) than fellow Chiefs running backs Isiah Pacheco and Brashard Smith combined (21). Additionally, the Chiefs will face a significantly easier matchup in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Even with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun under center, Kansas City could have a chance to move the ball against Las Vegas. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams. Hunt could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Across 14 games this season, Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has recorded 39 receptions for 372 yards and six touchdowns on 49 targets. The 26-year-old has seen his role in the Rams' offense grow in recent weeks. Over his last four games, Parkinson has hauled in 16 catches for 181 yards and three touchdowns on 23 targets. He's also played at least 78% of his team's offensive snaps in each of his last three outings. The Rams have been without star wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) for two straight games, and there's a chance Adams remains sidelined for Los Angeles' Week 18 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals as well. Without Adams, Parkinson has a chance to function as one of the primary targets for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the red zone. Parkinson carries streamer appeal in Week 18 against Arizona and could be a player worth targeting on the waiver wire for fantasy managers in leagues with 12 or more teams.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed has now played in four games since returning from collarbone and foot injuries that sidelined him for nearly three months. The 25-year-old has provided modest production in that stretch, hauling in 16 receptions for 162 yards on 17 targets. From a playing time perspective, Reed has mostly functioned as Green Bay's WR3 behind Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, which limits his production upside. However, the Packers are now locked into the number seven seed in the NFC playoffs heading into their Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay could choose to rest starters or limit their playing time in the season's final week, which might provide Reed with a pathway to more opportunities. In PPR fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Reed could be a player worth targeting on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers have signed tight end Ross Dwelley to their practice squad, per ESPN's David Newton. Newton reports that Dwelley has a chance to be elevated to the active roster for Carolina's Week 18 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in light of tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 17. Dwelley appeared in 11 games for the Detroit Lions this season, recording two receptions for seven yards on five targets. He's played in 112 career NFL games across eight seasons, hauling in 47 catches for 530 yards and five touchdowns. Carolina still has tight ends Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, and James Mitchell on the active roster, so Dwelley would likely fill a depth role. Tremble appears most likely to serve as the team's primary receiving tight end with Sanders sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden found the end zone for the first time since Week 8 during Saturday's loss to the Houston Texans. The rookie tight end was able to salvage his fantasy value with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the game with three receptions on six targets for 32 yards and the one score. His value has been inconsistent this season, and it's not going to get any better in Week 18 in the regular-season finale on the road against a tough Denver Broncos defense. The Chargers are expected to rest most of their starters in Week 18, which includes quarterback Justin Herbert. Backup Trey Lance will take over under center, which will be a downgrade for the entire offense. It's unclear how much Gadsden is going to play, and having a backup QB throwing the rock around isn't going to do him any favors. Fantasy managers are better off looking elsewhere for TE help in Week 18.
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz has been a solid PPR contributor this season, and he can be a great plug-and-play option in Week 18 if he's available on the waiver wire. Schultz and the rest of the Texans' starters will be playing in their Week 18 game against the Colts, according to coach DeMeco Ryans, since the team still has a chance to win the division. Schultz has a team-high 78 catches on the season for 704 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He had three catches for 19 yards in the team's win over the Chargers, giving him at least three catches in 14 of his 16 games this season. Two of his touchdowns have come in the last three weeks as well, making him a strong option to play at tight end if you need a solution at the position for the season finale.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota doesn't look like he'll be a great option for streaming at quarterback for his team's season finale. Coach Dan Quinn said Mariota did not participate in the team's walkthrough on Monday and is "still a stretch" to play in Week 18 against the Eagles. Quinn did still say there was hope the 32-year-old veteran would be able to play, but even if he does, it's a tough matchup for him against the strong Eagles defense, which will still be playing for playoff seeding. Mariota has played 11 games this season, throwing 10 touchdowns to go with seven interceptions and running for a score as well. Even if he recovers in time, he will be a high-risk play against Philly, so there are most likely better options available from your waiver wire. If Mariota is out, Josh Johnson will likely start once again, and he is not a great fantasy option either.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai is still getting plenty of work in the backfield, and he's a strong grab if he's on the waiver wire as the Bears continue to push for the second seed in the NFC. Monangai had eight carries and three catches against the 49ers, totaling 38 rushing yards and nine receiving yards. D'Andre Swift had nine carries and two catches but was more productive with two rushing touchdowns. Monangai could get a little more work if the Bears look to get Swift some rest before the playoffs, and the matchup against the Lions should be a solid one, since Detroit's defense has struggled down the stretch, giving up seven running back touchdowns in the last three weeks.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has a chance to get his team to the playoffs, as he looks to bounce back from a rough outing last week against the Seahawks. He only managed 54 passing yards and also threw an interception in tough weather conditions in his team's Week 17 home loss. The 8-8 Panthers can still win the division, though, if they knock off the Buccaneers in Tampa on Saturday afternoon. Carolina will also make the playoffs even with a loss if the Falcons beat the Saints on Sunday. Young and the Panthers just faced and beat the Bucs in Week 16, with the QB throwing for two touchdowns and 191 yards in the 23-20 victory. On the season, Young has 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while averaging 183 passing yards per game. If he can duplicate his Week 16 performance, he is a streaming option in two-QB leagues, although the tough matchup on the road keeps him from being a strong play in single-QB formats.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard is expected to start in Week 18 against the Houston Texans after backing up Philip Rivers for the last three games. Even though the Colts were officially eliminated from the playoff hunt with Houston's win over the Chargers last Saturday, the team gave Rivers the start in Week 16 against Jacksonville. This week, though, they'll turn to their sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame to see how Leonard can figure into their future. He got most of his NFL experience in relief of Daniel Jones in Week 14, completing 18-of-29 passes for 145 yards and an interception while also rushing for a six-yard score in garbage time. Leonard gets a tough matchup against the Texans, who will still be playing for the division title. He has some flier upside for dual-QB leagues since he'll be out to prove himself, but he's still a long shot to be a fantasy factor this week.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams is stepping into a larger role for the Patriots, as his first season in the NFL comes to a close this week against the Dolphins. The rookie led all Patriots' receivers by playing 85% of snaps in Week 17, which was his highest mark of the season. He stepped up with Kayshon Boutte (concussion) sidelined and Mack Hollins (abdomen) on IR. He hauled in three of his five targets (both season highs) and finished with 20 yards against the Jets. The Patriots still have a shot at the No. 1 seed with a win on Sunday, so the starters should at least begin the game, giving Williams a great chance to work with Drake Maye to put the finishing touches on his rookie year. As a big-play threat, Williams can be a flier flex play from the waiver wire for deep leagues in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) logged five receptions for 85 yards on eight targets in their 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. Pearsall led the team in receiving yards and was second to backup tight end Jake Tonges in receptions and targets. After missing six weeks due to injury, Pearsall returned in Week 11 only to hit a three-game slump wherein he had a mere five catches for 20 yards. However, since the 49ers' bye in Week 14, Pearsall has been a worthwhile investment in fantasy. He missed last week due to injuries but had a six-catch, 96-yard game in Week 15. Pearsall has 36 catches for 528 yards and is still seeking his first touchdown of 2025 as the 49ers head into a Week 18 matchup against the Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings caught two of four targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in Sunday night's 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears. With the score, Jennings has visited the end zone in five straight games and in seven of the 49ers' last eight contests. Jennings had a quiet night until the 38-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter. The play ended up being the game winner in the shootout with Chicago. Jennings' nose for the end zone has been his saving grace in fantasy football in 2025. Sunday's performance was the tenth time in 14 games played where he failed to reach 50 receiving yards. With one week to go in the regular season, Jennings is sitting on a 51-608-9 line. He and the 49ers face the Seahawks in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins completed 13 of his 20 pass attempts for 126 yards and a touchdown versus the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17.
Fantasy Spin: With Bijan Robinson dominating, and the Falcons building an early 21-point lead, Cousins was able to play conservatively, setting season lows in completions and yards among his seven starts. He did a bit more the last time he faced New Orleans (199 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT), but he doesn't hold a lot of appeal for Sunday's season finale.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams recorded 13 carries for 92 yards to go along with three catches (three targets) for 38 receiving yards in Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Williams posted his third game with at least 100 yards from scrimmage this season and his most since Week 5. His 38 receiving yards were also his most in a game since Week 6. The increased workload came with backfield mate Blake Corum injuring his ankle in the first half and never returning. The 25-year-old has remained one of the most steady producers in fantasy football due to his volume of touches and improved rushing efficiency this season. However, he hasn't scored in back-to-back games for the first time this season, which is unfortunate timing for fantasy managers relying on him in the fantasy playoffs. The Rams will round out their regular season against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18.
From RotoBaller