6 risers and fallers (week 17)

Featuring Jameson Williams, Tua Tagovailoa, and more.

December 24, 2025

Yooo!

Merry Christmas Eve to all who celebrate!

Last night, I asked you, “Which RB would you want on your dynasty team the most?” 55.1% of you selected Omarion Hampton.

Best subscriber comments: 

  • James Cook: “Proven winner.”

  • James Cook: “Proven commodity”

  • James Cook: “Cook is proven he can endure”

  • Omarion Hampton: “Hampton is the new hotness”

Our take: I thought it was pretty funny that all the Cook voters mentioned “proven” in their response. I don’t disagree. Just funny how consistent the logic was. Our consensus rankings have these three RBs neck-and-neck-and-neck (see below). Cook actually moved past Bucky this week. I would’ve ranked these RBs in the same order. Excited to see what Hampton can do with a full season.

Alright, now let’s dive into the top risers and fallers for this week.

Giddy up.

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RISERS 📈 

QB - Brock Purdy (SF)

+7 spots, 39 OVR, QB13

  • Brock Purdy has been exceptional recently, finishing as the QB5 and QB4 over the past two weeks, including a historic five-touchdown performance in primetime that showcased his impressive play.

  • Despite facing the Chicago Bears, who have been tough on quarterbacks recently (allowing just 13 fantasy points per game over the last six weeks), Purdy remains an intriguing start due to the 49ers' high-powered offense and their push for the No. 1 seed.

  • There are some potential concerns, including George Kittle's potential ankle injury and the 49ers' focus on seeding rather than survival, which could impact Purdy's fantasy performance in Week 17.

WR - Jameson Williams (DET)

+9 spots, 58 OVR, WR22

  • Williams has been remarkably productive in recent weeks, leading the Lions in receiving last week with five catches for 70 yards and finishing with 1,000 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons.

  • Over the last four weeks, Williams has averaged 20.7 fantasy points per game, ranking behind only Puka Nacua and Tee Higgins during that span, highlighting his recent emergence as a fantasy threat.

  • Despite his previous success against the Vikings in Week 9, where he averaged 16.5 yards per catch and scored a touchdown, the Vikings' recent defensive performance suggests caution, as they have allowed just 18.6 fantasy points per game to wide receivers since Week 11.

WR - D.J. Moore (CHI)

+20 spots, 111 OVR, WR38

  • DJ Moore remains a crucial part of the Bears' offense, with Caleb Williams showing clear trust in him, particularly on downfield attempts. Despite earlier season discussions about potentially being phased out, Moore has maintained his relevance, including catching a game-winning touchdown in Week 16.

  • Moore's skill set is versatile, demonstrating abilities similar to other receivers who have successfully played against the 49ers. He has shown proficiency in timing routes to the outside, deep post routes, and short comeback routes - all of which Williams has been willing to target.

  • While the Bears' run-heavy offensive approach might limit passing volume, Moore's efficiency with Williams keeps him in the WR2 discussion for Week 17. The article emphasizes that despite potential volume concerns, Moore's quarterback-receiver chemistry and route-running skills make him a recommended start.

FALLERS 📉 

QB - Tua Tagovailoa (MIA)

-15 spots, 128 OVR, QB28

  • Tua Tagovailoa is facing a critical moment in his NFL career, with Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel suggesting 'everything is on the table' regarding his quarterback position, indicating serious doubts about Tagovailoa's future with the team.

  • Tagovailoa has a significant financial complication: he is due $54 million fully guaranteed in 2026, and cutting him would leave $99 million in dead money, making his departure financially challenging for the Dolphins.

  • According to Tom Pelissero, Tagovailoa has 'in all likelihood, played his final down' for the Dolphins, with the team opting to start rookie Quinn Ewers and potentially moving on from Tagovailoa due to concerns about his performance, particularly in cold weather and working through progressions.

QB - Shedeur Sanders (CLE)

-17 spots, 134 OVR, QB29

  • Shedeur Sanders has played six games and made five starts for the Cleveland Browns this season, throwing for 1,103 yards with 6 touchdowns and 8 interceptions while being sacked 15 times.

  • With Deshaun Watson's continued absence, Sanders remains the primary quarterback for the Browns, continuing to gain experience in his rookie season.

  • Sanders is part of the Browns' quarterback depth chart, which currently includes himself, Dillon Gabriel, and Bailey Zappe in Watson's absence.

Will Shedeur start the most games at QB for Browns next season?

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RB - Kimani Vidal (LAC)

-13 spots, 190 OVR, RB47

  • Kimani Vidal is facing significant uncertainty due to a neck strain diagnosis, which complicates his fantasy outlook for Week 17. The injury's 'day-to-day' status creates substantial risk for fantasy managers considering starting him.

  • The return of Omarion Hampton to the Chargers' lineup further threatens Vidal's potential playing time and role in the offense. With Hampton back in the mix, Vidal's already uncertain status becomes even more problematic.

  • Vidal's Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans, who boast one of the NFL's best defenses, adds another layer of concern. With the Chargers' offensive line missing both starting tackles, Vidal's floor could potentially be zero, making him a very risky fantasy option.

That’s all for tonight!

See ya pizza,

Joe

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