April 20, 2026
Washington wide receiver
Denzel Boston has lost some of his shine throughout the pre-draft process, but he is still a rangy outside receiver with great size and some of the best hands in the class. In the right landing spot, he is capable of making an immediate fantasy contribution as a ball-winner at all levels of the field and a big-bodied red zone weapon. Dynasty managers picking outside the top five in superflex rookie drafts will likely miss out on a chance to select
Jeremiyah Love,
Fernando Mendoza, or any of the big three wide receivers, but Boston very much belongs in the next tier of prospects with
KC Concepcion,
Omar Cooper Jr., and
Kenyon Sadiq. While the exact order among that group could be shaped by how the late-first and early-second rounds of the NFL Draft play out, Boston is currently RotoBaller's rookie WR4 and the overall WR34 in dynasty rankings.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
April 20, 2026
Notre Dame running back
Jeremiyah Love is expected to be one of the first names off the board in this week's NFL Draft, and some around league circles believe that could be as early as third overall to the Arizona Cardinals. According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Cardinals have made exploratory calls to move back and acquire additional picks, but if they are unable to find a trade partner, there is a growing belief that the selection could be Love. Even in what would then be a crowded backfield, Love would still be worthy of the first overall pick in dynasty rookie drafts of all formats, including superflex leagues. He split the Notre Dame backfield with
Jadarian Price, a player many are calling the second-best running back in the class. In their three seasons together, Love nearly doubled Price's career yardage total, an indicator of how far ahead of the class he truly is. His 40 touchdowns across his past two seasons as a starter paced the FBS, and he has the speed and physicality to win in multiple ways. He catches the ball cleanly and gets upfield with no wasted motion. Love should make an immediate fantasy impact regardless of landing spot, and he is currently RotoBaller's overall RB4 in dynasty rankings.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Adam Schefter
April 20, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Louis Varland has been fantastic so far in the 2026 season, with a 0.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 11 innings pitched and 16 strikeouts. The Minnesota native, Varland, is currently being deployed as the team's high-leverage setup reliever, and with
Jeff Hoffman already blowing three saves in five opportunities, Varland may be emerging as a top handcuff option if Hoffman continues to struggle. Blue Jays' manager, John Schneider, stated on Saturday after Hoffman blew the save in Arizona against the Diamondbacks that he (Hoffman) will continue to remain the team's closer following the game, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. In addition to the three blown save opportunities, Hoffman also owns a poor 7.71 ERA and 2.04 WHIP through 9 1/3 innings pitched. While Varland doesn't have a history of closing out games, evidenced by his zero saves in his career, he is right up there with Hoffman in terms of having the best stuff in the Blue Jays' bullpen, and in leagues where saves are hard to come by, Varland is someone to keep an eye on.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Baseball Savant
April 20, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still awaiting word from quarterback
Aaron Rodgers on his future, but per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, no decision is expected before the NFL Draft. The two sides went through a similar courting process last offseason before the then-41-year-old future Hall of Famer started 16 games for the Steelers, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while leading the team to a division title. Pittsburgh's voluntary minicamp opens on Monday, and 2025 6th-round pick
Will Howard is expected to lead the first team offense. With this week's NFL Draft taking place in their own backyard, the Steelers hold the 21st and 53rd selections in a year where the quarterback position is thought to fall off precipitously after presumed first overall pick
Fernando Mendoza.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Ian Rapoport
April 20, 2026
The Minnesota Twins, who just got swept at home over the weekend against the Cincinnati Reds, are calling up their No. 10-ranked prospect,
Kendry Rojas, from Triple-A. Recent reports have suggested that the Twins have been using Rojas in a hybrid role, as both a reliever and a starting pitcher, as evidenced by his two appearances in 2026: one a start and the other a relief appearance. Last season in the minors, Rojas posted a 4.70 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over 69 innings, spread across 19 games and 18 starts. Thus far in 2026, he has not allowed a run in 7 1/3 innings pitched (two appearances and one start). The Twins' bullpen struggled mightily over the weekend, so if Rojas pitches well, he may have a shot at staying with the big league club. From a fantasy standpoint, Rojas should remain on the waiver wire, especially if he is used as a middle reliever.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: MLB Pipeline
April 20, 2026
It remains an open secret that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown is likely to be dealt after June 1st, a date that needs to be cleared to provide Philadelphia with additional cap relief. According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots are still highly interested in acquiring the three-time Pro Bowler. Per Schefter, the teams are expected to resume conversations on or before June 1st, and league-wide belief is that a deal will get done. Brown turns 29 in June and is coming off the worst statistical season since his final, injury-shortened campaign with Tennessee, but even if on the decline, he would still provide a true dominator on the outside for New England and 2025 MVP candidate
Drake Maye. How the two teams approach the receiver position in this week's NFL Draft could be a telling indicator of where talks currently stand.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Adam Schefter
April 20, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Deni Avdija posted 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block, and two three-pointers in 39 minutes during Sunday's Western Conference first-round loss to San Antonio. He carried the offense early and remained the team's most consistent option, finishing as the lone player to surpass 20 points. Avdija's high usage and all-around production boost his DFS ceiling, especially with limited scoring support.
Scoot Henderson provided secondary scoring, while
Jrue Holiday handled playmaking duties but struggled to convert efficiently.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 20, 2026
Orlando Magic forward/center
Paolo Banchero recorded 23 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two three-pointers in 37 minutes during Sunday's Eastern Conference first-round win over Detroit. He set the tone early and handled the scoring load, with most of his production coming before the fourth quarter as Orlando stayed in control. Banchero continues to anchor the offense with steady usage, giving him a reliable DFS ceiling.
Franz Wagner and
Desmond Bane round out the offense, while Banchero's all-around role keeps his production consistent.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 20, 2026
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren finished with eight points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one block in 33 minutes during Sunday's Eastern Conference first-round loss to Orlando. He played solid minutes but had limited involvement, attempting just four shots and failing to make a consistent impact offensively. Duren's role remains secure, but his DFS value depends on increased usage and activity on the glass.
Cade Cunningham continues to dominate touches, while
Tobias Harris may take on more scoring responsibility if Duren remains a low-usage option.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 20, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard
Cade Cunningham poured in 39 points with five rebounds, four assists, and three three-pointers in 40 minutes during Sunday's loss to Orlando. He handled the bulk of the offense, scoring consistently and drawing fouls, but had limited support as the Pistons struggled to find efficient offense. Cunningham's high usage gives him a strong DFS ceiling, though assists may be inconsistent if shots aren't falling around him.
Tobias Harris and
Jalen Duren need to provide more consistent scoring to ease the burden.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 20, 2026
Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley became the franchise's first-ever playoff goal-scorer in Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Mammoth enjoyed a strong start in Vegas, and Cooley put the visitors up with 11 ticks left in the opening frame. Having also factored on Utah's first-ever regular-season goal, Cooley is now one of only six players in NHL history to contribute to a franchise's first regular-season and playoff goal. Cooley's team is a clear underdog in the matchup against the Golden Knights, so he'll need to stay productive throughout the series for the Mammoth to have a chance of surviving the first round.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 20, 2026
Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak opened his 2026 postseason campaign with a three-point effort in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. With two assists, Pastrnak helped Boston build a 2-0 lead, but the Sabres responded with four unanswered goals in the third period. Pastrnak also had a power-play goal in the final seconds. Combined with the regular season, Pastrnak has now produced four goals and five assists in five meetings with the Sabres this term. Buffalo doesn't seem to have answers for him, but the Czechia star will need more support from his teammates for Boston to get past the opening round.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 20, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Jalen Williams recorded 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in 29 minutes during Sunday's Western Conference first-round win over Phoenix. He contributed across the board and stayed efficient, helping Oklahoma City maintain control in a one-sided game. The blowout limited his minutes, but Williams' balanced production keeps his DFS appeal strong, especially in competitive matchups.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the primary option, while
Chet Holmgren continues to provide secondary scoring and defensive support alongside Williams.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 20, 2026
Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson made a big impact in his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut on Sunday against the Boston Bruins, registering three points in a 4-3 win. The Olympic champion led Buffalo's comeback charge in the third period, tying the game at two with a pair of goals. He also had an assist on Alex Tuch's empty-net goal, becoming only the second player in franchise history to pick up three points in their postseason debut. At the same time, Thompson matched Buffalo's record for most points scored in a playoff period. This could be a special series for Thompson, who was one of only 10 players with at least 40 goals and 40 assists during the regular season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 20, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker finished with 23 points, six rebounds, and two assists in 33 minutes during Sunday's Western Conference first-round loss to Oklahoma City. He led the team in scoring and shot efficiently compared to his teammates, but the offense struggled to generate consistent support in a lopsided defeat. Booker remains the focal point with elite usage, keeping his DFS floor stable despite the blowout risk.
Jalen Green and
Dillon Brooks continue to handle secondary scoring roles, though both need improved efficiency to ease the pressure on Booker.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 20, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama finished with 35 points, five rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 33 minutes during Sunday's Western Conference first-round win over Portland. He led the offense, knocking down five triples while converting efficiently inside and at the line. His peripheral stats were lighter than usual, but the scoring output carried DFS value.
De'Aaron Fox and
Stephon Castle handled secondary playmaking, while Wembanyama's usage remains elite, giving him one of the highest ceilings on the slate even if his rebounds and defensive stats don't always follow.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 20, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jake Guentzel contributed on offense with three assists in Sunday's 4-3 overtime defeat against the Montreal Canadiens. He helped Darren Raddysh bag a power-play goal and set up Brandon Hagel twice, with his second goal also coming on the power play. Guentzel became the second player in Lightning history to record a hat trick of assists in a playoff opener. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, the 31-year-old star forward also had a negative impact in the game. With 21 seconds remaining in regulation, Guentzel received a high-sticking penalty, and Montreal scored on the ensuing power play early in overtime. In total, there were five power-play goals in this contest, so it appears special teams will play a crucial role in this matchup.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 20, 2026
Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky led his team to Game 1 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, contributing three power-play goals in a 4-3 overtime win. The 22-year-old became only the 12th player in NHL history to record a playoff hat trick consisting solely of power-play goals. Additionally, he's now the third Montreal player to complete a three-goal game in the postseason with an overtime winner. Slafkovsky, Slovakia's Olympic star, seems to thrive on big occasions, and it's a matchup that has brought him success throughout the campaign. In four regular-season meetings with the Lightning, Slafkovsky tallied four goals and three assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 20, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous (undisclosed) exited Sunday's Game 1 loss against the Montreal Canadiens midway through the second period, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports. The 27-year-old rookie couldn't finish the contest after drawing a charging penalty from Canadiens forward Josh Anderson. With Tampa Bay's blue line battling all sorts of injuries, D'Astous has stepped up this season, recording 29 points (six goals, 23 assists), 80 SOG, 74 blocks, and 96 hits in 70 regular-season games. In an ideal world, the Lightning would love to get Victor Hedman (personal) back in the lineup for Game 2, but Declan Carlile is the likely replacement for D'Astous if needed.
--Taavi PailkSource: Eduardo A. Encina
April 20, 2026
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (lower body) could return to action on Monday night against the Anaheim Ducks, Derek Van Diest of NHL reports. The German superstar didn't play in the final 14 regular-season games due to a lower-body injury. "The way the Edmonton Oilers forward was skating in practice Sunday seemed to indicate he'll be in the lineup for Game 1," Van Diest writes. It was initially feared that Draisaitl would not be healthy for the start of the playoffs. However, he's had a week's worth of practices under his belt and seems to have a strong chance to return on Monday. In two regular-season contests against the Ducks, Draisaitl recorded four assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 19, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies No. 1 prospect
Aidan Miller (back) has resumed baseball activities and is expected to begin swinging a bat this week as he recovers from a lower back injury. Miller, the 27th overall pick in the 2023 draft, has yet to make his major league debut but remains one of the organization's top long-term pieces. The young shortstop owns an .817 OPS across his minor league career and has flashed advanced offensive upside. His recovery has moved slowly with limited updates, but Philadelphia will prioritize a full return. There is no official timetable for Miller's next game action.
--Julian BrookeSource: Todd Zolecki
April 19, 2026
Atlanta Braves catcher
Sean Murphy (hip) will start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday as he continues his rehab assignment for a right hip labral tear. Murphy previously appeared for High-A Rome and is moving closer to a return in the coming weeks if he avoids setbacks. The veteran opened the season on the 10-day injured list and is expected to reclaim regular catching duties once activated. This is Murphy's third season with Atlanta after arriving in a trade from the Athletics. His production dipped last year, as he slashed .199/.300/.409 with a .709 OPS in 94 games. However, a healthy return would give the Braves a needed boost behind the plate.
--Julian BrookeSource: Chad Bishop
April 19, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-hander
Patrick Sandoval (biceps) experienced discomfort after struggling in his second rehab start for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, creating another delay in his recovery. Sandoval was scheduled to pitch Sunday, but that outing has been postponed as he returns to Boston for further evaluation. The left-hander has been on the 15-day injured list retroactive to March 22 and has yet to make his debut with the Red Sox. With this new setback, he is expected to return no sooner than May, but that timeline may vary as he receives a full evaluation. Sandoval has not appeared in a major league game since 2024 after missing all of 2025 with an elbow injury. He owns a 4.01 career ERA across six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
--Julian BrookeSource: Chris Cotillo
April 19, 2026
Athletics outfielder
Brent Rooker (oblique) has resumed light baseball activity as he works back from a right oblique strain and is expected to travel with the club for its upcoming road trip to Seattle on Monday. Rooker has been sidelined since April and is targeting a late May return if his recovery continues on schedule. The 31-year-old slugger opened the season slowly, slashing .146/.245/.293 in 12 games before landing on the injured list. Rooker remains one of the Athletics' most important power threats after producing 30 or more home runs in each of the last three seasons. His return should provide a needed boost to the top of the lineup.
--Julian BrookeSource: Martín Gallegos
April 19, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-hander
Spencer Strider (oblique) is expected to make his second rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Gwinnett as he moves closer to a return in early May. Strider has yet to pitch this season while recovering from a left oblique strain, but his first outing was encouraging. He tossed 3 ⅓ scoreless innings for High-A Rome on Thursday and showed strong command throughout the appearance. The 2023 National League All-Star owns elite strikeout upside when healthy and could provide a major lift for Atlanta's rotation. Strider posted a 4.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 23 starts last season, but his fantasy upside remains high once activated.
--Julian BrookeSource: Chad Bishop
April 19, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said outfielder
Corbin Carroll (back) will start in right field on Tuesday after leaving Sunday's game vs. the Blue Jays with back tightness. Carroll went 0-for-2 with a strikeout before exiting in the fourth inning, with
Jorge Barrosa taking over in right field. The quick return suggests Arizona avoided a more serious issue with one of its top stars. Carroll has been excellent early this season, slashing .309/.400/.618 through 19 games. The Diamondbacks are off Monday before opening a three-game series against the White Sox on Tuesday.
--Julian BrookeSource: Alex D’Agostino
April 19, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander produced 25 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks in 29 minutes during Sunday's Western Conference first-round win over Phoenix. His shot did not fall consistently, but he controlled the game by drawing fouls and creating offense, finishing with heavy free-throw production. The blowout limited his minutes, slightly capping his DFS ceiling despite strong usage.
Jalen Williams and
Chet Holmgren remain key secondary options, while SGA's ability to generate points at the line keeps his floor stable in all formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 19, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward
Paul George recorded 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist in 28 minutes during Sunday's Eastern Conference first-round loss to Boston. He was efficient from the field and active at the free-throw line, but his low shot volume limited his overall impact. With
Joel Embiid (abdomen) sidelined, George will need to take on a more aggressive scoring role to complement
Tyrese Maxey's heavy usage.
Kelly Oubre Jr. and
VJ Edgecombe remain involved offensively, but George's DFS ceiling hinges on increased attempts and a larger share of the offense.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 19, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard
Tyrese Maxey finished with 21 points, eight assists, and one rebound in 37 minutes during Sunday's loss to Boston. He carried the offense, leading the team in both scoring and playmaking, though his efficiency dipped against a disciplined Celtics defense that limited his perimeter looks. With
Joel Embiid (abdomen) sidelined, Maxey remains the clear offensive engine and should continue to command heavy usage in DFS.
Paul George and
Kelly Oubre Jr. are next in line for scoring support, while
VJ Edgecombe may see added opportunities as a secondary option.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 19, 2026
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown scored 26 points with four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two three-pointers in 30 minutes during Sunday's win over Philadelphia. He took control in the second half, driving Boston's offense before sitting out the fourth quarter in a lopsided finish. Brown's efficient scoring and steady role next to
Jayson Tatum give him a high DFS ceiling, especially in closer games. Tatum continues to share primary usage, while
Derrick White handles secondary playmaking duties and remains a reliable floor spacer.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
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