Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) will not return this season, league sources told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. The expectation all along has been that Mixon would not return at all in 2025, but now it's official. The Texans haven't released many details on the nature of Mixon's foot/ankle injury, but we know that he hasn't played since back in the spring. The 29-year-old remains on the Non-Football Injury list. At this point, it's fair to wonder if he'll be effective at all if he's able to make it back and play in 2026. The Texans will continue to move forward with rookie Woody Marks as their primary ball-carrier, with veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Jawhar Jordan backing him up heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts.

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Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) is considered a "long shot" to play in Week 18 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night with the AFC North title on the line, a source with knowledge of the situation told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "Never say never, but not an ideal timeline to be fully cleared," the source said. Head coach Mike Tomlin said Watt won't play until he has a full week of practice as a full participant. Watt had surgery on Dec. 12 to fix a partially collapsed lung and has missed the last three games. The 31-year-old pass-rusher's lung was punctured during a defective dry-needle procedure. A report on Sunday suggested that Watt would make it back for Week 18 or the first round of the playoffs if Pittsburgh qualifies, but that might not be the case now. Not having one of the most disruptive defensive players available against Baltimore would be a huge loss for the Steelers.

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The Green Bay Packers are unsure who will be starting under center for the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, but head coach Matt LaFleur has made it clear that Jordan Love (concussion) is the team's starting quarterback when healthy. When Love clears the league's concussion protocol, Malik Willis (shoulder), who threw for 288 yards and a touchdown and ran for two TDs in Saturday night's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, will return to his backup role. "Certainly have a lot of confidence in both of those guys, but it's clear that Jordan is our franchise quarterback, and when he is healthy, he's going to be our starter. So, just want to squash all that," LaFleur said. Willis injured his right shoulder on Saturday night, but he's expected to be fine to play in Week 18 if the Packers decide to hold Love out or if he doesn't clear the concussion protocol. The Packers are locked into the No. 7 seed for the NFC playoffs, so it remains to be seen if Green Bay wants to give Love more time off if he's able to clear the concussion protocol later this week.

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Chicago Bears linebacker Noah Sewell (Achilles), who has been a key part of Chicago's defense this year, is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Sunday night's loss to the San Francisco 49ers, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Sewell is undergoing an MRI exam on Monday to confirm. The 23-year-old former fifth-rounder from Oregon was carted off the field in Santa Clara in Week 17 after he suffered a non-contact injury in the third quarter. It's a key loss for a ball-hawking Bears defense, and Amen Ogbongbemiga will need to take on a bigger role in the middle of the defense for Chicago the rest of the way. Sewell will finish his third year in the NFL with a career-high 59 tackles (33 solo), three tackles for loss, and a forced fumble in his 13 games played (nine starts). He had just 13 combined tackles in 22 games in his first two years in the NFL.

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Green Bay Packers standout pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee) announced on his Instagram account on Monday that he's undergoing surgery on his torn ACL, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. "See y'all soon, love y'all," Parsons wrote. The 26-year-old All-Pro defensive end suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in the loss to the Denver Broncos on Dec. 14, ending his first season in Green Bay early. Given the timing of his injury, Parsons isn't expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, which will put pressure on the likes of Lukas Van Ness, Rashan Gary, and Kingsley Enagbare to step up for the Packers' defense early on next season. When fully healthy, Parsons, a five-time Pro Bowler, is one of the best pass-rushers in football. In his 14 games in 2025, he had 41 tackles (19 solo), 12.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 26 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 14 games.

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Sunday, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Although both teams are eliminated from the playoffs, Taylor said starting Burrow gives the team the best chance to win, and the Bengals are trying to close out a disappointing 2025 season with a three-game winning streak. Since Week 11, Cincy's offense ranks fourth in the league in third-down conversions and is sixth in red-zone efficiency. On the defensive side of things, the Bengals rank eighth in the NFL in third-down conversions and are 12th in red-zone efficiency. In the Week 17 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Burrow went 24-for-31 passing for 305 yards, two touchdowns, and no picks. Burrow has made only seven starts in 2025 due to a turf-toe injury that required surgery, but he's now gone over 300 passing yards in back-to-back games with six TDs and no picks. Burrow will have a challenge to make it three straight 300-yard games to close out the year in Week 18 against a stout Browns defense.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan exploded for seven catches and 114 yards in the team's 20-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. The 24-year-old's target (nine) and yardage totals were team-highs, setting personal bests across the board. Coincidentally, McMillan did not see a significant rise in snap share, hovering around the same figure he's recorded since returning from an injury. Regardless, he and Chris Godwin Jr. were the only other pass-catchers to eclipse 40 receiving yards (108). With a myriad of mouths to feed in Tampa Bay's attack, it's unlikely McMillan would have another performance such as this when they square off with the Panthers in Week 18. That said, he sports solid athleticism and offers fantasy managers big-play ability for one of the few meaningful games in the campaign's final week.

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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike has carved out a steady role in the team's passing game over the back half of the season, offering PPR appeal for owners in Week 18. Dike notched his fourth straight appearance with at least five targets on Sunday. While fantasy managers may gripe about his yardage totals, the 24-year-old has been a helpful asset for most of 2025, ranking as the WR31 since Week 7. Perhaps more importantly, he played only behind teammate Elic Ayomanor in Sunday's 34-26 loss to the Saints. If that trend holds, a consolidated target share to the duo and tight end Chig Okonkwois a strong possibility in the season's final week. Furthermore, rookie quarterback Cameron Ward's improved play has been a boon to the offense overall recently.

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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington posted another superb performance in Week 17, notching back-to-back ten-target, 100-plus-yard outings as the team beat out their division-rival Colts 23-17. Jacksonville has been on a roll, and the Penn State alum has been a big part of it, leading his squad in receiving in consecutive games. Moreover, Washington ranked second at his position in snaps on Sunday, eking out teammate Brian Thomas Jr. 56-54, with only Jakobi Meyers playing ahead of him (65). While it's unclear if this signals an official change in the Jags' passing game hierarchy, fantasy managers should scoop up the 23-year-old anywhere he's unowned, as it appears he'll remain heavily involved despite the corps being at full strength. He's set career-highs across the board in 2025.

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Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson would be in line for a significant snap share during Week 18's road outing with the Vikings if the team decides to rest its starting unit. The 26-year-old had already begun to see the field more, operating in an increased capacity over his previous two appearances, while teammate Josh Jacobs dealt with knee and ankle injuries. Despite placing third in snaps for Saturday's loss to Baltimore, Wilson led the backfield with 16 rushing yards and saw just one fewer carry than Jacobs' four. With the news that head coach Matt LaFleur has considered sitting the first-string unit ahead of next Sunday's game against Minnesota, Wilson would be poised for substantial utilization alongside Brooks. He's a good speculative add for fantasy managers still hanging around either way.

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Jalen Coker caught two passes for 16 yards in the Carolina Panthers' Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Carolina WR finished the game with 3.6 PPR points, his lowest fantasy total since Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. Coker also had back-to-back weeks with fewer than 10 PPR points for the first time since Weeks 9 and 10. In Week 18, Carolina will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the second time this season. Tampa Bay ranked sixth in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the WR position in the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against the Buccaneers, Coker had three receptions for 47 yards and 7.7 PPR points. Although the Tampa Bay matchup is not ideal, the overall volume is a bigger concern for Coker, as he has only been targeted 5+ times in a game twice this year. Coker is not recommended for those playing in Week 18, despite him playing in a division title-deciding game.

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Bryce Young completed 14-of-24 passes for a career-low 54 yards and one interception in the Carolina Panthers' 27-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Carolina QB totaled 27 rushing yards on nine carries and scored the team's only touchdown. Young finished the game with 9.9 Fantasy Points, his lowest fantasy total since Week 10. In 15 games played this year, Young has averaged 14.1 Fantasy Points Per Game. In Week 18, the Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the second time this season. Tampa Bay ranked 27th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to QBs over the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against the Buccaneers, Young had 21 completions for 191 yards, two touchdowns, and 17.6 Fantasy Points. Consider starting Young as a fantasy QB2 superflex option if your league is still playing in Week 18. Young may post decent fantasy numbers in a critical matchup with the NFC South title on the line.

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Rico Dowdle had 12 carries for 59 yards in the Carolina Panthers' 27-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Carolina RB also added three receptions for four yards and totaled 9.3 PPR points. It was the first time since Weeks 1 and 2 that Dowdle registered less than 10 PPR points in consecutive games. The Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an important rematch in Week 18. Tampa Bay ranked 15th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the RB position in the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against the Buccaneers, Dowdle had 29 rushing yards on nine carries and finished with 8.3 PPR points. Despite the middling matchup, Dowdle has been underwhelming over the last five games. In that span, Dowdle had only two double-digit PPR fantasy finishes and only one touchdown. Even though a playoff berth is on the line, Dowdle has underperformed too much recently to be a reliable play if your league holds its fantasy championship game in Week 18.

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Tetairoa McMillan had the worst game of the season in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie WR was targeted four times but only caught one pass for five yards. Although he reportedly worked past an illness to play, he finished with 1.5 PPR points, marking the second time in the last three weeks he totaled less than 5.0 PPR points. In Week 18, the Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their NFC South rival, for the division title. The Buccaneers ranked sixth in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to WRs over the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against Tampa Bay, McMillan had six receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. He totaled 19.3 PPR points in one of his best games of the year. Despite the seemingly unfavorable matchup, McMillan may bounce back against a Tampa Bay team he performed well against previously. Fantasy leaguers who are playing in Week 18 can consider starting McMillan as a WR3 or flex option in a winner-take-all game for Carolina.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (quad) suffered a quad injury on the last play of the game in his team's Week 17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers that will require additional testing. However, initial reports indicate that the injury is not thought to be serious, which could give Burden III a chance to play in his team's Week 18 match against the Detroit Lions. Before getting hurt, Burden III had a massive game against San Francisco, hauling in eight catches for 138 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. With Bears wideout Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined by a foot injury, Burden III has emerged as an integral part of his team's passing game. Across three games played without Odunze, Burden III has recorded 18 receptions for 289 yards and a score on 22 targets. Given that they already have the NFC North crown locked up, Chicago could choose to be cautious with Burden III and hold him out of Week 18. However, he would profile as a must-add player off the waiver wire if further reporting indicates he's healthy enough to play.

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New York Giants running back Devin Singletary bounced back from a couple of subpar showings in Weeks 15 and 16 with a solid game in his team's Week 17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, recording 70 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 12 touches. While Tyrone Tracy Jr. has established himself as the RB1 in New York in recent weeks, Singletary has maintained a role in the Giants' offense. Across eight games since New York lost running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) to a season-ending ankle injury, Singletary has racked up double-digit touches seven times. He's also scored four touchdowns and recorded fewer than 46 scrimmage yards just once in that eight-game stretch. While Singletary's upside is limited by Tracy Jr.'s presence, he's demonstrated flex-worthy production on a relatively consistent basis. Singletary could be worth targeting on the waiver in fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams heading into a favorable Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

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Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland had one of his best games of the season in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers, recording six catches for 94 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. With Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined by a foot injury, Loveland's role in the Chicago offense has grown in recent weeks. He's now recorded at least five targets in six straight games and logged three touchdown grabs in that stretch. Additionally, Chicago wideout Luther Burden III (quad) suffered a quad injury in Week 17 that could put his status for Week 18 in question, further opening an opportunity for Loveland to climb the team's pass-catching pecking order. The Bears are locked into either the number two or number three seed in the NFC regardless of their result in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions, so they may be inclined to rest Odunze and Burden III to make sure both players are ready to go for the playoffs. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Loveland profiles as a player to target on the waiver wire.

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Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a big showing in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. The 24-year-old has played some of his best football of late, logging 226 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries over his last three games. Croskey-Merritt has benefited from the absence of Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness), who has missed two out of the last three weeks with various ailments. Croskey-Merritt played 64% of Washington's offensive snaps in Week 17 with Rodriguez Jr. sidelined, but just 20% of the snaps in Week 16 with Rodriguez Jr. active. Still, Croskey-Merritt's improved performance of late could lead the team to shift more carries his way even if Rodriguez Jr. returns. Croskey-Merritt may be worth targeting in all fantasy leagues with 10 or more teams heading into his Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (quad), who was carted off the field after Sunday night's game, suffered a quad injury that is not thought to be serious. He will undergo additional testing today, ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports. The very last play of the game, with the Bears down 42-38, they had the ball inside the red zone, and while quarterback Caleb Williams was scrambling, trying to find an open receiver in the end zone to win the game, Burden was crunched between a few defenders and was down on the field. After the incomplete pass, the game ended so abruptly, and the 49ers team stormed the field. We saw a quick mention of Burden being down on the field; however, on television, it was never further discussed. The additional testing on Monday morning will provide further clarity into the severity of his injury. Fantasy managers who are still competing in Week 18 will want to keep their eyes on this, as Rome Odunze(foot) has missed the last few games and Burden has taken advantage of his opportunities. Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahdae Walker would likely see an increased amount of playing time should Burden miss any time. At the same time, DJ Moore and Colston Loveland would likely be the biggest beneficiaries.

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New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime had a breakout game in Week 17, recording 14 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Tennessee Titans. With Saints running backs Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle), Kendre Miller (knee), and Devin Neal (hamstring) all sidelined, the team has an opportunity for backfield contributors to emerge. Estime appeared to step into that void in Week 17, as his 14 rush attempts were nearly triple that of running back Evan Hull and tight end Taysom Hill combined (5). Estime also dominated running back playing time against Tennessee, playing 76% of the Saints' offensive snaps. Miller and Neal are on Injured Reserve, while Kamara has a chance to return in Week 18. However, Kamara has missed five straight games, and there's not a ton of incentive for the 6-10 Saints to bring him back this season. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Estime should be a waiver-wire target heading into his Week 18 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

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