Tell your friends (just not your leaguemates until next week)

by Optimus Staff

Published On: December 25th, 2025

It’s the final countdown!

If you can’t hear this GIF, it means one of two things. Either you’re too young to know it (get some culture) or we can’t be friends (not really – well, kinda). But in any case, it’s true. So get your Aqua Net, tease that hair, and get ready to belt it out because this is the last ride this fantasy season!

Our goal here is to highlight assumed starters you need to think twice about wedging into your lineup, as well as guys floating outside of the realm of fantasy consciousness that we believe deserve a deeper look. As always, these depend on the options available. So let’s make some good decisions. This is why you’ve been staying ready all year – so you don’t have to get ready. Let’s win you a championship!

REMINDER: Our analysts’ rankings are available by clicking their names below!

Higher or Lower? Fantasy Football Players We’re Backing or Fading in Week 17

Players We Are Higher On:

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Consensus Rank: WR41

Lou’s Rank: WR25 (+16)

While Jacksonville is superb at limiting opposing RBs (see Jonathan Taylor below), they’re only middle of the pack against opposing WRs. 13th, to be exact. So what does this mean for Alec Pierce?

While Pierce only saw four targets in Week 16, he continues to demonstrate his ability to make the best of a limited situation. In Week 16, he turned those four targets into 86 yards along with two TDs, good for WR4 on the week. I understand if you’re apprehensive, but that’s why he’s WR25 on the week. If he were a guy slated for 7+ targets, he’d be a fringe WR1. 

Philip Rivers clearly is more interested in throwing the ball, even if he has to put his entire body into every throw more than 7 yards down the field. What he’s always been able to do is put the ball anywhere he wanted as long as he could get it there, of course. That’s where Pierce’s strengths in route-running and devastatingly strong hands at the catch point come in. Even though balls may take months to get to him, he “makes Rivers right.” 

Maybe you have to start some unexciting options at QB or RB because they’re the best available option for you. Alec Pierce is a great way to get some upside in your lineup while still benefiting from a high enough floor.

Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints

Consensus Rank: TE16 

Nate’s Rank: TE8 (+8)

The days of Saints utility man Taysom Hill being universally relevant in fantasy football are far behind us. The 35-year-old is facing an uncertain future in New Orleans, and it’s obvious he isn’t the player he once was. But that doesn’t mean we can’t run it back one more time, right?

The Saints are sitting at 5-10 and have nothing but pride left to play for. They’re also banged up, especially at RB, with both Kendre Miller and Devin Neal done for the season and veteran Alvin Kamara trending towards being out this weekend as well. In theory, RBs Audric Estime and Evan Hull would step in and carry the load for this Saints offense in Week 17. 

We all know that won’t be the case.

Last week, in a similar situation against the New York Jets, Hill led the team in carries (12) ahead of both Estime and Hull (5), while adding four catches for 36 yards and finishing the weekend as the overall TE5. Week 17 has New Orleans heading to Tennessee to face the Titans, and I expect similar results for the veteran utility man. 

First and foremost, rookie QB Tyler Shough will have limited options outside of WR Chris Olave, TE Juwan Johnson and Hill. Second, it’s Taysom Hill, who has done this whole career. The analytics agree, and my gut abides. Fire up Hill in your fantasy championships this weekend with confidence. 

Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Consensus Rank: QB11

Cam’s Rank: QB4 (+7)

Baker Mayfield and the Bucs are in a must‑win spot, with their playoff odds jumping to 67% if they beat Miami. Tampa’s offense is finally healthy, and all their primary weapons should be at full snap shares.

Miami’s defense has struggled against competent offenses that sustain drives. Over their last six games, opponents with more than 20 first downs have averaged 242 passing yards — a rate that would rank sixth‑most allowed on the season.

With the Dolphins turning to Quinn Ewers, I don’t expect Miami to control the time of possession. That sets Baker up for plenty of volume and a strong chance to clear that 20‑first‑down / ~242‑yard threshold. Miami also allows the sixth‑highest passing TD rate to opposing QBs.

A healthy Tristan Wirfs, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and the RB group give Baker his best supporting cast in weeks.

Mayfield has quietly added nearly 30 rushing yards per game over his last four, boosting his floor. In a must‑win scenario with his offense the healthiest it’s been all year, Baker profiles as an upper‑end QB1 for Week 17.

Players We Are Lower On:

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Consensus Rank: RB8

Lou’s Rank: RB18 (-10)

Week 10. That was the last time Jonathan Taylor was RB12 or better. And it took Atlanta’s ‘defense’ to get him there. Since then, his highest finish was RB16, and that was in Week 16. It’s a sad state of affairs when the midseason fantasy MVP should probably stay on your bench for the championship round, but that’s how far the mighty have fallen. 

The sad part, or maybe it’s the predictable part depending on your point of view, is that not even super-veteran Philip Rivers has salvaged Taylor’s production in the season’s waning weeks. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. In fact, if anything, it looks like Taylor will take a backseat to the passing game with Rivers. We only have a two-game sample thus far, but after 33 opportunities in Week 15, Taylor saw only 22 in Week 16. Yes, game script probably played a part in it, but that’s part of the issue. 

In Week 17, the Colts get the dubious task of taking on the Jaguars. Jacksonville is 2nd best at limiting fantasy points to RBs, trailing only Denver. Even more troublesome: The last time Jacksonville scored less than 25 points was Week 7 against the Rams. Which means we’re probably looking at another pass-heavy game script to take Taylor out of the equation. 

With his volume, Taylor is still startable. But you have to evaluate if you have RBs you’d rather start instead, because the days of Jonathan Taylor as a top 3 RB in 2025 are done.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins

Consensus Rank: WR24

Nate’s Rank: WR40 (-16)

It’s not Jaylen Waddle’s fault he’s become streaky and inconsistent as the 2025 season has progressed. You’d have a hard time producing if your primary starting QB was Tua Tagovialoa, too. 

But wait! It gets worse!

The veteran Miami signal caller has been so bad that head coach Mike McDaniels has opted to roll with rookie Quinn Ewers, who will make his second NFL start this weekend. Merry Christmas!

Last week, with Ewers behind center, Waddle had a decent game, catching five of his nine targets for 72 yards and finishing as WR28. That’s a more impressive line, given the Bengals’ secondary has been strong against receivers, allowing the fourth-fewest points per game (23.3) to fantasy WRs. This week, Miami draws Tampa Bay in a seemingly favorable matchup against a defense that gives up the 15th most fantasy points per game to WRs.

Why am I so low on Waddle, then?

Something the Buccaneers defense can do that the Bengals did not is get pressure on opposing QBs. Ewers is going to have less time in the pocket, and this Tampa Bay front, which ranks seventh overall in pressure grade per PFF, is going to force the rookie QB into making mistakes.

I expect Waddle to lead the team in targets again this week, but the quality of those targets is what concerns me. Because it’s championship weekend, Waddle is too volatile to take up a spot in your starting rosters.  

‼️‼️‼️ BREAKING NEWS ‼️‼️‼️

Quinn Ewers will start again in Week 17 pending a tape review.

— 🏈Optimus FF News (@news.optimusfantasy.com) December 21, 2025 at 4:31 PM

George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers

Consensus Rank: TE2

Cam’s Rank: TE20 (-18)

Normally, I wouldn’t include a player like Kittle in my ‘Lower’ because I’d wait until we have more information. However, this is a weird week. We have to make start/sit decisions about 10 teams before Sunday. That’s a far cry from the usual two. Given we have to consider starting alternatives before we know for sure whether George Kittle will play, I have him well outside the startable TEs.

After an early explosion in the Week 16 matchup against the Colts, Kittle sat out the whole 4th quarter with an ankle injury. Monitor the injury closely this week. 

If he gets a full practice, I’ll move him to tier 2 in my TE rankings. If not, I don’t feel comfortable with potentially 0 points in the “money-making” week of the fantasy season. Give me high-floor guys over Kittle.

⚠️⚠️⚠️ INJURY UPDATE ⚠️⚠️⚠️

49ers TE George Kittle is dealing with a “mid-to-low” ankle sprain

(It’s getting lower by the moment. The lowest you’ve ever heard of)

— 🏈Optimus FF News (@news.optimusfantasy.com) December 23, 2025 at 5:08 PM


For more advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

It’s the final countdown!

If you can’t hear this GIF, it means one of two things. Either you’re too young to know it (get some culture) or we can’t be friends (not really – well, kinda). But in any case, it’s true. So get your Aqua Net, tease that hair, and get ready to belt it out because this is the last ride this fantasy season!

Our goal here is to highlight assumed starters you need to think twice about wedging into your lineup, as well as guys floating outside of the realm of fantasy consciousness that we believe deserve a deeper look. As always, these depend on the options available. So let’s make some good decisions. This is why you’ve been staying ready all year – so you don’t have to get ready. Let’s win you a championship!

REMINDER: Our analysts’ rankings are available by clicking their names below!

Higher or Lower? Fantasy Football Players We’re Backing or Fading in Week 17

Players We Are Higher On:

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Consensus Rank: WR41

Lou’s Rank: WR25 (+16)

While Jacksonville is superb at limiting opposing RBs (see Jonathan Taylor below), they’re only middle of the pack against opposing WRs. 13th, to be exact. So what does this mean for Alec Pierce?

While Pierce only saw four targets in Week 16, he continues to demonstrate his ability to make the best of a limited situation. In Week 16, he turned those four targets into 86 yards along with two TDs, good for WR4 on the week. I understand if you’re apprehensive, but that’s why he’s WR25 on the week. If he were a guy slated for 7+ targets, he’d be a fringe WR1. 

Philip Rivers clearly is more interested in throwing the ball, even if he has to put his entire body into every throw more than 7 yards down the field. What he’s always been able to do is put the ball anywhere he wanted as long as he could get it there, of course. That’s where Pierce’s strengths in route-running and devastatingly strong hands at the catch point come in. Even though balls may take months to get to him, he “makes Rivers right.” 

Maybe you have to start some unexciting options at QB or RB because they’re the best available option for you. Alec Pierce is a great way to get some upside in your lineup while still benefiting from a high enough floor.

Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints

Consensus Rank: TE16 

Nate’s Rank: TE8 (+8)

The days of Saints utility man Taysom Hill being universally relevant in fantasy football are far behind us. The 35-year-old is facing an uncertain future in New Orleans, and it’s obvious he isn’t the player he once was. But that doesn’t mean we can’t run it back one more time, right?

The Saints are sitting at 5-10 and have nothing but pride left to play for. They’re also banged up, especially at RB, with both Kendre Miller and Devin Neal done for the season and veteran Alvin Kamara trending towards being out this weekend as well. In theory, RBs Audric Estime and Evan Hull would step in and carry the load for this Saints offense in Week 17. 

We all know that won’t be the case.

Last week, in a similar situation against the New York Jets, Hill led the team in carries (12) ahead of both Estime and Hull (5), while adding four catches for 36 yards and finishing the weekend as the overall TE5. Week 17 has New Orleans heading to Tennessee to face the Titans, and I expect similar results for the veteran utility man. 

First and foremost, rookie QB Tyler Shough will have limited options outside of WR Chris Olave, TE Juwan Johnson and Hill. Second, it’s Taysom Hill, who has done this whole career. The analytics agree, and my gut abides. Fire up Hill in your fantasy championships this weekend with confidence. 

Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Consensus Rank: QB11

Cam’s Rank: QB4 (+7)

Baker Mayfield and the Bucs are in a must‑win spot, with their playoff odds jumping to 67% if they beat Miami. Tampa’s offense is finally healthy, and all their primary weapons should be at full snap shares.

Miami’s defense has struggled against competent offenses that sustain drives. Over their last six games, opponents with more than 20 first downs have averaged 242 passing yards — a rate that would rank sixth‑most allowed on the season.

With the Dolphins turning to Quinn Ewers, I don’t expect Miami to control the time of possession. That sets Baker up for plenty of volume and a strong chance to clear that 20‑first‑down / ~242‑yard threshold. Miami also allows the sixth‑highest passing TD rate to opposing QBs.

A healthy Tristan Wirfs, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and the RB group give Baker his best supporting cast in weeks.

Mayfield has quietly added nearly 30 rushing yards per game over his last four, boosting his floor. In a must‑win scenario with his offense the healthiest it’s been all year, Baker profiles as an upper‑end QB1 for Week 17.

Players We Are Lower On:

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Consensus Rank: RB8

Lou’s Rank: RB18 (-10)

Week 10. That was the last time Jonathan Taylor was RB12 or better. And it took Atlanta’s ‘defense’ to get him there. Since then, his highest finish was RB16, and that was in Week 16. It’s a sad state of affairs when the midseason fantasy MVP should probably stay on your bench for the championship round, but that’s how far the mighty have fallen. 

The sad part, or maybe it’s the predictable part depending on your point of view, is that not even super-veteran Philip Rivers has salvaged Taylor’s production in the season’s waning weeks. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. In fact, if anything, it looks like Taylor will take a backseat to the passing game with Rivers. We only have a two-game sample thus far, but after 33 opportunities in Week 15, Taylor saw only 22 in Week 16. Yes, game script probably played a part in it, but that’s part of the issue. 

In Week 17, the Colts get the dubious task of taking on the Jaguars. Jacksonville is 2nd best at limiting fantasy points to RBs, trailing only Denver. Even more troublesome: The last time Jacksonville scored less than 25 points was Week 7 against the Rams. Which means we’re probably looking at another pass-heavy game script to take Taylor out of the equation. 

With his volume, Taylor is still startable. But you have to evaluate if you have RBs you’d rather start instead, because the days of Jonathan Taylor as a top 3 RB in 2025 are done.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins

Consensus Rank: WR24

Nate’s Rank: WR40 (-16)

It’s not Jaylen Waddle’s fault he’s become streaky and inconsistent as the 2025 season has progressed. You’d have a hard time producing if your primary starting QB was Tua Tagovialoa, too. 

But wait! It gets worse!

The veteran Miami signal caller has been so bad that head coach Mike McDaniels has opted to roll with rookie Quinn Ewers, who will make his second NFL start this weekend. Merry Christmas!

Last week, with Ewers behind center, Waddle had a decent game, catching five of his nine targets for 72 yards and finishing as WR28. That’s a more impressive line, given the Bengals’ secondary has been strong against receivers, allowing the fourth-fewest points per game (23.3) to fantasy WRs. This week, Miami draws Tampa Bay in a seemingly favorable matchup against a defense that gives up the 15th most fantasy points per game to WRs.

Why am I so low on Waddle, then?

Something the Buccaneers defense can do that the Bengals did not is get pressure on opposing QBs. Ewers is going to have less time in the pocket, and this Tampa Bay front, which ranks seventh overall in pressure grade per PFF, is going to force the rookie QB into making mistakes.

I expect Waddle to lead the team in targets again this week, but the quality of those targets is what concerns me. Because it’s championship weekend, Waddle is too volatile to take up a spot in your starting rosters.  

‼️‼️‼️ BREAKING NEWS ‼️‼️‼️

Quinn Ewers will start again in Week 17 pending a tape review.

— 🏈Optimus FF News (@news.optimusfantasy.com) December 21, 2025 at 4:31 PM

George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers

Consensus Rank: TE2

Cam’s Rank: TE20 (-18)

Normally, I wouldn’t include a player like Kittle in my ‘Lower’ because I’d wait until we have more information. However, this is a weird week. We have to make start/sit decisions about 10 teams before Sunday. That’s a far cry from the usual two. Given we have to consider starting alternatives before we know for sure whether George Kittle will play, I have him well outside the startable TEs.

After an early explosion in the Week 16 matchup against the Colts, Kittle sat out the whole 4th quarter with an ankle injury. Monitor the injury closely this week. 

If he gets a full practice, I’ll move him to tier 2 in my TE rankings. If not, I don’t feel comfortable with potentially 0 points in the “money-making” week of the fantasy season. Give me high-floor guys over Kittle.

⚠️⚠️⚠️ INJURY UPDATE ⚠️⚠️⚠️

49ers TE George Kittle is dealing with a “mid-to-low” ankle sprain

(It’s getting lower by the moment. The lowest you’ve ever heard of)

— 🏈Optimus FF News (@news.optimusfantasy.com) December 23, 2025 at 5:08 PM


For more advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

It’s the final countdown!

If you can’t hear this GIF, it means one of two things. Either you’re too young to know it (get some culture) or we can’t be friends (not really – well, kinda). But in any case, it’s true. So get your Aqua Net, tease that hair, and get ready to belt it out because this is the last ride this fantasy season!

Our goal here is to highlight assumed starters you need to think twice about wedging into your lineup, as well as guys floating outside of the realm of fantasy consciousness that we believe deserve a deeper look. As always, these depend on the options available. So let’s make some good decisions. This is why you’ve been staying ready all year – so you don’t have to get ready. Let’s win you a championship!

REMINDER: Our analysts’ rankings are available by clicking their names below!

Higher or Lower? Fantasy Football Players We’re Backing or Fading in Week 17

Players We Are Higher On:

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Consensus Rank: WR41

Lou’s Rank: WR25 (+16)

While Jacksonville is superb at limiting opposing RBs (see Jonathan Taylor below), they’re only middle of the pack against opposing WRs. 13th, to be exact. So what does this mean for Alec Pierce?

While Pierce only saw four targets in Week 16, he continues to demonstrate his ability to make the best of a limited situation. In Week 16, he turned those four targets into 86 yards along with two TDs, good for WR4 on the week. I understand if you’re apprehensive, but that’s why he’s WR25 on the week. If he were a guy slated for 7+ targets, he’d be a fringe WR1. 

Philip Rivers clearly is more interested in throwing the ball, even if he has to put his entire body into every throw more than 7 yards down the field. What he’s always been able to do is put the ball anywhere he wanted as long as he could get it there, of course. That’s where Pierce’s strengths in route-running and devastatingly strong hands at the catch point come in. Even though balls may take months to get to him, he “makes Rivers right.” 

Maybe you have to start some unexciting options at QB or RB because they’re the best available option for you. Alec Pierce is a great way to get some upside in your lineup while still benefiting from a high enough floor.

Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints

Consensus Rank: TE16 

Nate’s Rank: TE8 (+8)

The days of Saints utility man Taysom Hill being universally relevant in fantasy football are far behind us. The 35-year-old is facing an uncertain future in New Orleans, and it’s obvious he isn’t the player he once was. But that doesn’t mean we can’t run it back one more time, right?

The Saints are sitting at 5-10 and have nothing but pride left to play for. They’re also banged up, especially at RB, with both Kendre Miller and Devin Neal done for the season and veteran Alvin Kamara trending towards being out this weekend as well. In theory, RBs Audric Estime and Evan Hull would step in and carry the load for this Saints offense in Week 17. 

We all know that won’t be the case.

Last week, in a similar situation against the New York Jets, Hill led the team in carries (12) ahead of both Estime and Hull (5), while adding four catches for 36 yards and finishing the weekend as the overall TE5. Week 17 has New Orleans heading to Tennessee to face the Titans, and I expect similar results for the veteran utility man. 

First and foremost, rookie QB Tyler Shough will have limited options outside of WR Chris Olave, TE Juwan Johnson and Hill. Second, it’s Taysom Hill, who has done this whole career. The analytics agree, and my gut abides. Fire up Hill in your fantasy championships this weekend with confidence. 

Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Consensus Rank: QB11

Cam’s Rank: QB4 (+7)

Baker Mayfield and the Bucs are in a must‑win spot, with their playoff odds jumping to 67% if they beat Miami. Tampa’s offense is finally healthy, and all their primary weapons should be at full snap shares.

Miami’s defense has struggled against competent offenses that sustain drives. Over their last six games, opponents with more than 20 first downs have averaged 242 passing yards — a rate that would rank sixth‑most allowed on the season.

With the Dolphins turning to Quinn Ewers, I don’t expect Miami to control the time of possession. That sets Baker up for plenty of volume and a strong chance to clear that 20‑first‑down / ~242‑yard threshold. Miami also allows the sixth‑highest passing TD rate to opposing QBs.

A healthy Tristan Wirfs, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and the RB group give Baker his best supporting cast in weeks.

Mayfield has quietly added nearly 30 rushing yards per game over his last four, boosting his floor. In a must‑win scenario with his offense the healthiest it’s been all year, Baker profiles as an upper‑end QB1 for Week 17.

Players We Are Lower On:

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Consensus Rank: RB8

Lou’s Rank: RB18 (-10)

Week 10. That was the last time Jonathan Taylor was RB12 or better. And it took Atlanta’s ‘defense’ to get him there. Since then, his highest finish was RB16, and that was in Week 16. It’s a sad state of affairs when the midseason fantasy MVP should probably stay on your bench for the championship round, but that’s how far the mighty have fallen. 

The sad part, or maybe it’s the predictable part depending on your point of view, is that not even super-veteran Philip Rivers has salvaged Taylor’s production in the season’s waning weeks. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. In fact, if anything, it looks like Taylor will take a backseat to the passing game with Rivers. We only have a two-game sample thus far, but after 33 opportunities in Week 15, Taylor saw only 22 in Week 16. Yes, game script probably played a part in it, but that’s part of the issue. 

In Week 17, the Colts get the dubious task of taking on the Jaguars. Jacksonville is 2nd best at limiting fantasy points to RBs, trailing only Denver. Even more troublesome: The last time Jacksonville scored less than 25 points was Week 7 against the Rams. Which means we’re probably looking at another pass-heavy game script to take Taylor out of the equation. 

With his volume, Taylor is still startable. But you have to evaluate if you have RBs you’d rather start instead, because the days of Jonathan Taylor as a top 3 RB in 2025 are done.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins

Consensus Rank: WR24

Nate’s Rank: WR40 (-16)

It’s not Jaylen Waddle’s fault he’s become streaky and inconsistent as the 2025 season has progressed. You’d have a hard time producing if your primary starting QB was Tua Tagovialoa, too. 

But wait! It gets worse!

The veteran Miami signal caller has been so bad that head coach Mike McDaniels has opted to roll with rookie Quinn Ewers, who will make his second NFL start this weekend. Merry Christmas!

Last week, with Ewers behind center, Waddle had a decent game, catching five of his nine targets for 72 yards and finishing as WR28. That’s a more impressive line, given the Bengals’ secondary has been strong against receivers, allowing the fourth-fewest points per game (23.3) to fantasy WRs. This week, Miami draws Tampa Bay in a seemingly favorable matchup against a defense that gives up the 15th most fantasy points per game to WRs.

Why am I so low on Waddle, then?

Something the Buccaneers defense can do that the Bengals did not is get pressure on opposing QBs. Ewers is going to have less time in the pocket, and this Tampa Bay front, which ranks seventh overall in pressure grade per PFF, is going to force the rookie QB into making mistakes.

I expect Waddle to lead the team in targets again this week, but the quality of those targets is what concerns me. Because it’s championship weekend, Waddle is too volatile to take up a spot in your starting rosters.  

‼️‼️‼️ BREAKING NEWS ‼️‼️‼️

Quinn Ewers will start again in Week 17 pending a tape review.

— 🏈Optimus FF News (@news.optimusfantasy.com) December 21, 2025 at 4:31 PM

George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers

Consensus Rank: TE2

Cam’s Rank: TE20 (-18)

Normally, I wouldn’t include a player like Kittle in my ‘Lower’ because I’d wait until we have more information. However, this is a weird week. We have to make start/sit decisions about 10 teams before Sunday. That’s a far cry from the usual two. Given we have to consider starting alternatives before we know for sure whether George Kittle will play, I have him well outside the startable TEs.

After an early explosion in the Week 16 matchup against the Colts, Kittle sat out the whole 4th quarter with an ankle injury. Monitor the injury closely this week. 

If he gets a full practice, I’ll move him to tier 2 in my TE rankings. If not, I don’t feel comfortable with potentially 0 points in the “money-making” week of the fantasy season. Give me high-floor guys over Kittle.

⚠️⚠️⚠️ INJURY UPDATE ⚠️⚠️⚠️

49ers TE George Kittle is dealing with a “mid-to-low” ankle sprain

(It’s getting lower by the moment. The lowest you’ve ever heard of)

— 🏈Optimus FF News (@news.optimusfantasy.com) December 23, 2025 at 5:08 PM


For more advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

By Published On: December 25th, 2025