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Fantasy Football Week 17 Defense Rankings and Waiver Wire Advice
As the fantasy football finals approach, making informed decisions on defense is crucial. For Week 17, several defenses have favorable matchups that could significantly impact the outcome of games. The Denver Broncos, facing the Kansas City Chiefs with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun, are a top choice, with a projected 11.5 points allowed. The New England Patriots, facing the New York Jets and their QB3 Brady Cook, are also highly ranked due to the Jets' struggles with sacks and turnovers. Other notable matchups include the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Cleveland Browns' Shedeur Sanders, who has been inconsistent, and the Detroit Lions against the Minnesota Vikings' Max Brosmer, who will start in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy. The New Orleans Saints, who had a strong defensive performance last week, face the Tennessee Titans and Cam Ward, while the Seattle Seahawks take on the Carolina Panthers and Bryce Young. Looking ahead to Week 18, teams like the Cleveland Browns against the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons against the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers against the Minnesota Vikings, and Los Angeles Rams against the Arizona Cardinals could be good plays, depending on the final standings and which teams decide to rest their starters. The key to success in the finals will be identifying the right defensive matchups and being prepared for any last-minute changes due to injuries or playoff seeding. In terms of waiver wire pickups, the Patriots, available in 50% of leagues, and other decent defenses with good matchups, such as the Giants against the Las Vegas Raiders, are worth considering. Ultimately, the strategy should involve a mix of top-tier defenses with favorable matchups and smart waiver wire moves to maximize points in the fantasy football finals.
Broncos to Face Chiefs on Christmas Day in Week 17 Matchup
The Denver Broncos will visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day, December 25, at 6:15 p.m. MT for a prime-time matchup. The Broncos, currently holding the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 12-3 record, aim to earn a season sweep of their division rival for the first time since 2014 and improve to 4-1 in the AFC West. A win, combined with a Chargers loss on Saturday, could clinch the AFC West as early as Week 17. The game will be nationally broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, with Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit providing play-by-play and analysis, respectively. Locally, the game can be watched on DENVER7, and internationally on NFL GamePass International. For radio listeners, the game will be broadcast on KOA – 850 AM/94.1 FM locally, with Dave Logan and Rick Lewis on the call, and on Westwood One Sports nationally, featuring J.P. Shadrick and Ryan Leaf. The Broncos released their second estimated injury report on Tuesday, which can be found on their official website. The team is focused on earning a crucial win, with Head Coach Sean Payton emphasizing the significance of the game with two weeks left in the season. The Broncos will wear their all-Summit White uniforms for the matchup, a first for the team.
Steelers Reaffirm Commitment to DK Metcalf Despite Suspension
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reaffirmed their commitment to wide receiver DK Metcalf for 2026 and beyond, despite his recent two-game suspension. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, the team will not be seeking to void Metcalf's contract guarantees due to the suspension. Metcalf's contract states that his guarantees "shall be null and void" in the event of a suspension for conduct detrimental to the league, but it is standard practice for the team to affirmatively void the guarantees via a letter to the player. The Steelers' decision not to void the guarantees means that Metcalf's $25 million guarantee for 2026 and $20 million injury guarantee for 2027 may still be in effect. However, the team could still try to avoid paying the guarantees if Metcalf suffers a serious injury that impacts his availability in 2027. The Steelers' commitment to Metcalf suggests that they will not be pursuing the option of voiding all guarantees and cutting him after the season. It is worth noting that the Steelers' protocol for preventing players from approaching the stands and initiating contact with fans appears to have failed in Metcalf's case. While the team is not responsible for Metcalf's actions, they did have a role in preventing the incident from occurring. Metcalf's agent may seek to get the Steelers' commitment to honoring the guarantees in writing, in the form of a revised contract.
Mavericks Edge Nuggets 131-130 Behind Flagg's 33 Points
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Denver Nuggets 131-130 on Tuesday night, led by Cooper Flagg's 33 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Anthony Davis added 31 points and nine rebounds for the Mavericks. The Nuggets, who trailed by as many as 21 points in the second quarter, took their first lead in the fourth quarter but ultimately fell short. Jamal Murray had 31 points and 14 assists, and Nikola Jokic had 29 points and 14 assists for the Nuggets. The Mavericks snapped a two-game losing streak and have taken the first two games from the Nuggets this season. Denver's 11-game road winning streak was also snapped. The Nuggets' Cam Johnson left the game with an apparent knee injury in the fourth quarter, and the extent of the injury will not be known until he has an MRI. The Mavericks will visit Golden State next, while the Nuggets will host Minnesota on Thursday. The win marked a significant turnaround for the Mavericks, who had blown fourth-quarter leads in their previous two games. Flagg's career-high fourth 3-pointer gave Dallas a 126-121 lead with 3:17 left, and he assisted on Naji Marshall's 3-pointer that put the Mavericks ahead 131-125 with 1:12 left. Despite a late surge by the Nuggets, the Mavericks held on for the win.
Bulls Rally for 126-123 Win Over Hawks
The Chicago Bulls secured their fourth straight victory, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 126-123 on Tuesday night. Josh Giddey led the Bulls with 19 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds, marking his seventh triple-double of the season. Coby White scored 24 points, including a tiebreaking free throw with 1.9 seconds left. The Bulls trailed by 18 points in the second quarter and by 10 with less than six minutes left but closed the game on a 19-6 run. Nikola Vucevic added 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Bulls, who moved to 3-0 against the Hawks this season. Jalen Johnson had 24 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds for the Hawks, while Trae Young contributed 22 points and 15 assists. The Hawks were missing Dyson Daniels due to right hip inflammation. The game saw a brief shoving match between Trae Young and Ayo Dosunmu, with each earning a technical foul. The Bulls will host Philadelphia on Friday, while the Hawks will host Miami. The Bulls' win marked a significant comeback, with the team overcoming large deficits throughout the game. Matas Buzelis scored 15 points and Zach Collins added 10 for Chicago, including a notable dunk in the fourth quarter. The Hawks' loss was their fourth straight, while the Bulls extended their winning streak to four games.
Rangers Defeat Capitals 7-3 in Final Game Before Holiday Break
The Washington Capitals fell to the New York Rangers 7-3 in their final game before the holiday break. The Rangers' Taylor Raddysh opened the scoring, but the Capitals' John Carlson tied the game early in the second period. Dylan Strome put the Capitals ahead after a review confirmed his shot crossed the goal line. However, the Rangers tied the game with a power-play goal from Will Cuylle. The teams traded goals, with Aliaksei Protas putting the Capitals back in front, only for Raddysh to tie the game again. The Rangers then took the lead with a goal from Alexis Lafreniere and padded it with scores from Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin. The Capitals dominated the early play but failed to record another shot on goal for the rest of the first period after Ryan Leonard took a double-minor penalty. Despite a strong penalty kill, the Capitals gained no momentum from it. Ryan Leonard, returning from injury, had a notable game with two assists and a highlight-reel move that drew a slashing penalty. The Capitals' schedule after the holiday break is packed, and they may need to make adjustments to get their game together. The team will resume play on December 27 against the New Jersey Devils.
Phoenix Suns Defeat Los Angeles Lakers 132-108
The Phoenix Suns pulled away in the second half to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 132-108 on Tuesday night. Dillon Brooks scored 25 points, while Devin Booker added 21 points and 11 assists. The Lakers were without Luka Doncic due to a lower leg contusion, but welcomed back Austin Reaves, who scored 17 points off the bench. LeBron James led the Lakers with 23 points. The Suns led by 10 at halftime and quickly extended their advantage to 99-72 midway through the third quarter. They scored 45 points in the third on 16-of-22 shooting, with Brooks scoring 12 points in the quarter. All five Suns starters scored in double figures, including Mark Williams with 18 points and nine rebounds, and Collin Gillespie with 16 points. The Lakers have lost two straight games, while the Suns have won two of their past three. The Suns now lead the season series 2-1. The Lakers will host Houston on Thursday, while the Suns will play at New Orleans on Friday.
Cavaliers Defeat Pelicans 141-118 with Nine Players Scoring in Double Figures
The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 141-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, with nine of their 11 players scoring in double figures. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 27 points, while Sam Merrill added 22 points. The Cavaliers' win marked their second consecutive victory and evened their December record at 5-5. The 23-point margin was the team's second-largest of the season. Cleveland's reserves contributed 57 points, with Jaylon Tyson scoring 18 and Jaylon Tyson adding a season-high 15. Center Jarrett Allen had 14 points, including his first 3-pointer since January 29, 2023. The Pelicans' Zion Williamson scored 26 points off the bench, and Derik Queen added 21 points. The Cavaliers' performance was notable, as it was only the second time in franchise history that nine players scored in double figures. The previous instance occurred on November 10, 1992, against the Washington Bullets. The team will face the New York Knicks on Christmas Day, while the Pelicans will host the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
Louisville Cardinals Defeat Toledo Rockets 27-22 in Boca Raton Bowl
The Louisville Cardinals secured a 27-22 victory over the Toledo Rockets in the Boca Raton Bowl on Tuesday. Miller Moss led the Cardinals, throwing for 153 yards and two touchdowns, while Isaac Brown rushed for two scores, including a 53-yard touchdown in the final minutes. Keyjuan Brown added 112 rushing yards, and Treyshun Hurry and Antonio Meeks each had touchdown catches. The Rockets, under interim coach Robert Weiner, nearly rallied from an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter, scoring 17 points in three possessions. However, the Cardinals held on to finish their season with back-to-back wins and a 9-4 record. Toledo's Kalieb Osborne completed 17 of 28 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown in his first start, filling in for injured regular starter Tucker Gleason. The Rockets ended their season with an 8-5 record. Louisville coach Jeff Brohm expressed pride in his team's performance, stating they "finished strong" despite not playing perfectly. The Cardinals will open their 2026 season against Mississippi on September 5 or 6, while Toledo will face Michigan State under new coach Mike Jacobs.
Spurs Extend Win Streak to Seven with 130-110 Victory Over Thunder
The San Antonio Spurs won their seventh straight game, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 130-110 on Tuesday night. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 25 points, while Stephon Castle added 24 points. Victor Wembanyama, who was questionable due to injury, finished with 12 points and helped spark a second-half surge. The Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points, and Jalen Williams added 17. The game was closely contested, with 15 lead changes and 13 ties, before the Spurs pulled away late in the third quarter. The win moves the Spurs into second place in the Western Conference, with a 22-7 record. The Thunder, who have lost three of their last five games, fall to 26-4. The two teams will meet again on Thursday in Oklahoma City. Wembanyama's streak of consecutive games with at least one block ended at 101 games, but his presence on the court was a significant factor in the Spurs' victory. Rookie Dylan Harper also contributed to the win, with season-highs of five steals and 10 assists.
Week 17 Fantasy Football Report: Key Matchups and Trends
As the fantasy football season enters its final week, The Everything Report provides crucial information to help with start/sit decisions. This week's report focuses on the most notable matchups and usage trends that could impact Week 17. The Cardinals' and Texans' backfields are among the key areas to watch, as their player usage trends could significantly affect fantasy lineups. The report will cover usage and situation changes to know, as well as Week 17 matchups to know, for each position. Projections are also available and are updated throughout the week to account for matchups, weather, and breaking news. These projections are a valuable resource for deciding which players to start. In addition to the report, other resources such as the Top-30 XFP Leaderboard and DFS Main Slate Breakdown are available to help with fantasy football decisions. The Waiver Wire and NFL Fantasy Injury Preview also provide important information for Week 17. By utilizing these resources, fantasy football players can make informed decisions and gain an edge in their championships.
Travis Kelce's Potential Final Game at Arrowhead Stadium
Thursday's Christmas Day game could be tight end Travis Kelce's final appearance at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The 36-year-old future Hall of Famer has declined to confirm if he will retire at the conclusion of the season, but there have been indications that it's likely. Kelce's teammates and coaches praise his leadership, community work, and legacy. He was recently nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for the second straight year, citing his work with Operation Breakthrough and his Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation. Kelce's fellow players, including defensive tackle Chris Jones and receiver Hollywood Brown, shared their sentiments about potentially playing with him for the last time at Arrowhead. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy hopes that Kelce will continue to play, but if it is his last game, Nagy wants to make it special. Despite the team's struggles, Kelce remains committed to giving his all on the field. He recently became one of only two players in NFL history to have 12 straight seasons of 800 or more yards, alongside Jerry Rice. If Thursday is indeed Kelce's final game at Arrowhead, it shouldn't be forgotten amid a season defined by disappointment.
Minnesota Wild Projected Lineup Against Nashville Predators
The Minnesota Wild are set to face the Nashville Predators tonight, wrapping up their homestand. The projected lineup for the Wild includes several key players. Forwards Kirill Kaprizov, Ryan Hartman, and Mats Zuccarello are expected to start, along with Marcus Johansson, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Matt Boldy. Other forwards in the lineup include Yakov Trenin, Danila Yurov, Vladimir Tarasenko, Marcus Foligno, Nico Sturm, and Vinnie Hinostroza. On defense, the Wild are projected to start Quinn Hughes and Brock Faber, Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon, and Jake Middleton and Zach Bogosian. In goal, Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt are listed as the goaltenders. The game is scheduled to take place at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ or Hulu, or listen on KFAN. Tickets are still available for purchase. The Wild are looking to bounce back after a 5-1 loss to the Avalanche in their previous game.
Arsenal Advances to Carabao Cup Semifinals with 8-7 Penalty Shootout Win Over Crystal Palace
Arsenal secured their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after a marathon 8-7 sudden-death penalty shoot-out victory over Crystal Palace. The match at the Emirates Stadium ended 1-1 after extra time, with Maxence Lacroix scoring an own goal for Arsenal in the 80th minute and Marc Guéhi equalizing for Palace in the fifth minute of added time. Arsenal dominated the first half, with second-choice Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez making several fine saves to deny Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus. The visitors improved in the second half, and the match went to penalties after the score remained tied at 1-1. Both teams scored their first seven spot-kicks, but William Saliba put Arsenal ahead before Lacroix saw his effort saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga. Arsenal will now face Chelsea in the semi-finals, with the first leg to be played at Stamford Bridge on January 14 and the return fixture at the Emirates on February 3. The match was marked by several notable performances, including Benitez's impressive display in goal for Palace and Madueke's prolific scoring chances for Arsenal. The win keeps Arsenal in contention for four trophies this season, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.
Justin Fields' Season with Jets Ends Due to Injury, Future with Team Uncertain
Justin Fields, the New York Jets' quarterback, has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season. Fields, who was benched on November 17, has been dealing with knee soreness and hasn't played in the past three games. The team's decision to shut him down for the season raises questions about his future with the Jets. Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract in free agency and was named the starter in the offseason, but he fell short of expectations, going 2-7 as the starter and ranking 28th out of 32 qualified passers in Total QBR. The Jets may part ways with Fields in the offseason, as he is due to count $23 million on the 2026 cap, including $20 million in salary. There would be $22 million in dead money if the Jets cut him, which can be spread over two years if he's designated as a post-June 1 cut. The team might opt for a complete reset at quarterback, which could mean adding a veteran and a rookie. Fields' replacement, undrafted rookie Brady Cook, will make his third start on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Coach Aaron Glenn declined to comment on whether Fields will need surgery or address his future with the team, saying he's focused on the upcoming game against the Patriots. Fields' injury and uncertain future mark a disappointing end to his first season with the Jets, and it remains to be seen what the team will do with him in the offseason.
Philip Rivers Impresses in Colts' Loss to 49ers
Philip Rivers, at 44 years old, proved he can still perform in the NFL with an impressive showing against the San Francisco 49ers. He completed 23-of-35 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns, with his longest completion being a 33-yard pass to wide receiver Alec Pierce. Rivers' performance was a significant improvement from his first game as the Colts quarterback in 2025, where his longest completion was only 17 yards. Despite the Colts' 48-27 loss, Rivers' confidence in the pocket was evident, and his numbers were among the top averages of the week. He was 10th in passing yards among starting quarterbacks for Week 16, with an average of 7.9 yards per attempt. The Colts' offense, led by Rivers, showed significant improvement, with the team scoring more than 25 points for the first time since Week 8. Tight end Mo Alie-Cox praised Rivers' ability to check into the right play and make chunk plays in the passing game. Wide receiver Alec Pierce had a standout game with four receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns, marking his first career game with two touchdowns. Tyler Warren also set a new record for most receiving yards by a Colts rookie tight end with 748. Although the Colts lost, Rivers' performance demonstrated that he still belongs in the NFL.
Draymond Green's Latest Outburst Sparks Heated Exchange with Coach Steve Kerr
The Golden State Warriors' mediocre season continued with a 120-97 win over the Orlando Magic, but the real drama unfolded on the bench. Draymond Green got into a heated argument with head coach Steve Kerr just three minutes into the second quarter, culminating in Green taking himself to the locker room in a rare self-ejection. This incident is the latest in a long history of Green's temper flaring up, often with Kerr as the target. Despite their attempts to downplay the situation, the exchange has sparked speculation about the dynamics between the two. Green, nearly 36, and Kerr, 60, have a long history of clashing, with some even joking about a potential fight between the two. The Warriors ultimately won the game without Green, but the focus remains on the ongoing drama between the player and coach. The team tried to brush off the incident, but it's clear that Green's behavior continues to be a topic of interest. With the Warriors struggling to find their footing this season, the attention surrounding Green's antics may be a welcome distraction for fans.
Brooks Koepka to Leave LIV Golf After 2025 Season, Talor Gooch to Take Over as Smash GC Captain
LIV Golf and Brooks Koepka have mutually agreed that he will no longer compete in the league after the 2025 season. Koepka is prioritizing his family and wishes to stay closer to home. The golfer has had a significant impact on the game, and LIV Golf appreciates his contributions. LIV Golf's mission is to expand the game globally, increase competitive opportunities, and engage with fans worldwide. The league requires dedication to travel, media engagement, and mentoring future players. Talor Gooch will take over as Captain of Smash GC for the 2026 season, bringing his world-class talent and leadership skills to the role. Gooch has a proven track record, including numerous individual victories and the 2023 LIV Golf Individual Championship. Koepka's representatives stated that he is grateful to LIV Golf and its leadership team and will continue to support the league. Koepka remains passionate about golf and will keep fans updated on his future plans. Gooch expressed his respect for Koepka's decision and is excited to take on the Captaincy role, aiming to build on the competitive standard established by Koepka. Koepka's departure and Gooch's new role demonstrate the league's commitment to supporting players' rights and showcasing its competitive depth. The transition reinforces the goal of creating a healthier, more flexible global golf ecosystem. With Gooch at the helm, Smash GC is poised for a successful future, and LIV Golf continues to strive for growth and innovation in the world of golf.
Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul Fight Draws 33 Million Viewers on Netflix
The boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul drew 33 million viewers globally on Netflix. The event, which took place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, was the network's No. 1-ranked program in 45 countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Canada. According to Netflix, the average minute audience for the fight was 33 million, with an additional 600,000 viewers estimated to have watched the event at commercial properties. Anthony Joshua, a former Olympic gold medalist and two-time heavyweight world champion, won the fight with a sixth-round knockout, breaking Jake Paul's jaw in the process. Paul, who was a heavy underdog, has already vowed to return to the ring despite the injury. The event was co-promoted by Paul's Most Valuable Productions and EverWonder, and it produced the highest-grossing boxing gate in Kaseya Center's history. This was the second major boxing event on Netflix this year, following a September fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, which drew 41.5 million viewers. Jake Paul's November 2024 event against Mike Tyson remains the most-streamed sporting event ever, peaking at 108 million viewers. The success of these events has solidified Netflix's position as a major player in the world of boxing and combat sports.
Christian Gonzalez and Drake Maye Selected to 2026 Pro Bowl
The New England Patriots will be represented by cornerback Christian Gonzalez and quarterback Drake Maye at the 2026 Pro Bowl. Gonzalez earns his first career Pro Bowl selection, while Maye is headed to the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season. Maye becomes just the fourth quarterback in NFL history to begin his career with multiple consecutive Pro Bowl invitations. He joins Patriots Hall of Famers Mike Haynes and Curtis Martin as the only players in franchise history to open their Patriots careers with at least two Pro Bowl selections. Gonzalez has started all 12 games in which he has appeared, recording 61 total tackles, 10 passes defensed, and consistently matching up against opponents' top receiving threats. His production has been a key factor in New England fielding the seventh-ranked defense in the NFL. Maye has led one of the NFL's most efficient and explosive offenses, ranking first in the league in completion percentage and third in passer rating. The Pro Bowl selection is a testament to the emergence of a young Patriots core that has helped earn the Patriots a playoff berth for the first time in four years. The 2026 Pro Bowl will be played on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in San Francisco. The selection of Gonzalez and Maye signals a new era for the Patriots, with the team looking to build on their recent success. With their playoff spot secured, the Patriots will look to continue their momentum in the upcoming weeks. The Pro Bowl selection is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of Gonzalez and Maye, and the team will be represented well in San Francisco.