January 24, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) aggravated his right hamstring Friday and did not return after logging 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 16 minutes. Gordon recently missed extended time with the same injury, placing his short-term availability in doubt.
Peyton Watson remains the safest fantasy option regardless of Gordon's status, averaging 20.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks over his last five starts.
Zeke Nnaji becomes a situational streamer only if Gordon sits, while
Spencer Jones lacks consistent production to trust.
--Brian DailisanSource: Katy Winge
January 24, 2026
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that free agent coach Mike McDaniel pulled out of his scheduled meeting with the Buffalo Bills. Per Russini, McDaniel remains a candidate in the Las Vegas Raiders' head coaching search. However, if he takes an offensive coordinator job, the expectation remains that it will be with the Los Angeles Chargers. McDaniel, who turns 43 years old in March, spent the last four seasons as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. He led Miami to top-six offenses in total yardage and playoff appearances in each of his first two seasons at the helm, but the team regressed to 26th in offense and a 7-10 record in 2025. If McDaniel eventually lands in Los Angeles, he will have a chance to work with arguably the most talented quarterback of his coaching career in
Justin Herbert.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
January 24, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) finished Friday despite discomfort but is set for imaging after appearing limited late in a 102-100 loss. The timeline remains unclear, adding short-term risk for fantasy managers given his prior calf absence earlier this season. If Antetokounmpo misses time,
Bobby Portis profiles as a strong streamer after averaging 16.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 three-pointers in 28.9 minutes during the previous absence.
Kyle Kuzma brings steady volume at 16.4 points and 6.7 rebounds in 30.4 minutes, while
Ryan Rollins offers upside with 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.9 three-pointers in 26.6 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Eric Nehm
January 24, 2026
Houston Astros third baseman
Isaac Paredes may have to earn a starting role during spring training, given the current state of the team's infield. During his first stint with the Astros last season, Isaac Paredes logged 89 of his 102 games at the hot corner, with the other 13 coming as the designated hitter. However, after Paredes suffered a significant hamstring injury in July, the Astros opted to acquire
Carlos Correa ahead of the trade deadline to bolster their infield. With Correa slated to play third base, Paredes will have to compete for the first base job alongside
Christian Walker. He could also see time as a DH if
Yordan Alvarez is moved back to left field. Paredes has also been linked in several trade discussions, including the Boston Red Sox, which could open up a full-time role. However, in his current situation, managers should expect him to potentially see limited at-bats, which will hinder his early-season upside.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
New York Yankees first baseman
Ben Rice is expected to play "a lot "against left-handed pitching, according to Greg Joyce of The New York Post. Last season, Rice was typically held out against left-handed pitchers, with the Yankees instead deploying
Paul Goldschmidt at first base, who performed well against southpaws. However, with Goldschmidt off the roster, Rice appears not only poised to be the primary first baseman but also to be penciled into the starting lineup on a daily basis. During the 2025 campaign, Rice flashed elite upside, posting a .255/.337/.499 line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. Under the hood, Rice generated an elite .394 xwOBA, .283 xBA, and a .557 xSLG, suggesting he could be primed for an even more productive 2026 season. Given that he is projected to earn nearly full-time at-bats, Rice should be viewed as a high-end caliber starting first baseman in all formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Greg Joyce
January 24, 2026
According to Evan Pezold of The Detroit Free Press, the Tigers have shown interest in free agent right-handed pitcher
Nick Martinez. Additionally, the Tigers have also shown interest in other proven options on the open market, such as
Jose Quintana and
Chris Bassitt. The Tigers are likely looking to add one more stable option to the back of their rotation ahead of spring training. Martinez spent the entire 2025 campaign with the Reds and was deployed as both a starter and a reliever. Through 165 2/3 innings, Martinez held a 4.45 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP. He struck out only 116 batters but generated a 4.04 xERA, suggesting he could see some minor positive regression during the upcoming season. If Martinez were to agree to terms with the Tigers, he would likely bounce between the rotation and a long-relief role, making him only worth targeting in deeper 15-team/AL-only leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Evan Petzold
January 24, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitcher
Matthew Liberatore wants to be the team's Opening Day starter and hopes to "force their hand" in any way during spring training. Jim Hayes of the FanDuel Sports Network reported that the southpaw has added a new pitch that he plans to unveil during camp. After spending most of 2024 in the bullpen, Liberatore was able to log a career-high 151 2/3 innings with the Cardinals last season, operating as a full-time starter. During this stretch, Liberatore posted a 4.21 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. He struck out 122 hitters but showed high-end command, allowing walks at a low 6.2% rate. Under the hood, he generated a modest 4.90 xERA, suggesting he could take a step back in the upcoming season. Liberatore figures to compete alongside
Michael McGreevy,
Dustin May, and
Richard Fitts for the Opening Day nod.
--Andy SmithSource: Jim Hayes
January 24, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect
Aidan Miller earned an invite to spring training. Miller is considered one of the top shortstop prospects in the sport on MLB.com and is viewed as the team's No. 2 overall prospect. The 21-year-old joined Philadelphia in the opening round (27th overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft. The infielder began the 2025 campaign with Double-A Reading, where he held a .259/.382/.427 line with an .809 OPS. Miller hit 25 doubles, 13 home runs, and stole 52 bases. He then finished the season with a brief eight-game stint at Triple-A, where Miller posted a strong .333/.514/.519 line with one home run and an impressive seven stolen bases. Given that Miller has only had a brief stint in Triple-A, he will likely begin the 2026 season there. However, if he has a successful spring training, he may contend for an early 2026 MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: Philadelphia Phillies
January 24, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect
Justin Crawford has earned an invite to spring training. Crawford is currently considered the team's No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline and is the No. 54 overall prospect in the entire sport. Last season, the 17th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft spent his entire season with Lehigh Valley. Through 112 contests with the Iron Pigs, the outfielder posted a .334/.411/.452 line with an .863 OPS. During this stretch, Crawford hit 23 doubles, added seven home runs, and swiped an impressive 46 bags. In 2024, Crawford held a similar .313/.360/.444 line with 25 doubles, nine home runs, and 42 stolen bases across 110 games, placed between High-A and Double-A. Managers should expect Crawford to compete for the starting center field role in camp. If he does earn the job, he will carry sleeper appeal in category leagues given his elite contact skills and speed.
--Andy SmithSource: Philadelphia Phillies
January 23, 2026
New York Yankees relief pitcher
Kaleb Ort has been designated for assignment by the organization on Friday. Ort was claimed by the Bronx Bombers earlier this month from the Houston Astros. He'll now be placed on waivers to open up a roster spot for outfielder
Michael Siani. Last season, Ort posted a 4.89 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a 49/27 K/BB ratio across 49 games with the Astros. Over the course of his five-year career, Ort has a 5.00 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP across 118 big league games. The 29-year-old could land with another organization as a depth option in Spring Training.
--Andy WebbSource: New York Yankees
January 23, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (ankle) exited Friday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks and did not return. The 29-year-old was cooking, amassing 31 points before abruptly exiting late in the third quarter due to a sprained right ankle late. He was in obvious discomfort and required assistance off the court, so it certainly doesn't look like he'll be available at least for Sunday's meeting with the visiting Miami Heat. With
Jalen Green (hamstring) also not a lock to suit up for that one,
Dillon Brooks,
Grayson Allen, and
Collin Gillespie could find themselves handling the bulk of the scoring load.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Michael Scotto
January 23, 2026
Minnesota Twins catcher
Jhonny Pereda has been designated for assignment by the organization on Friday. Pereda was the odd man out after the Twins signed catcher
Victor Caratini this week. They needed to make room on the 40-man roster, so Pereda will be placed on waivers. Last season, Pereda slashed .246/.325/.333 with four RBI across 28 games with the Athletics and Twins. The 29-year-old put together strong numbers during his time in Triple-A last season. It wouldn't be shocking to see a team give him a chance this spring. He'll likely serve as a depth option wherever he lands, which won't result in much fantasy value.
--Andy WebbSource: Aaron Gleeman
January 23, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward
RJ Barrett (ankle) will play on Friday against Portland. He's missed the last seven games because of a sprained ankle. While the former Duke Blue Devil will probably be limited in his first game back from the extended layoff, he'll return to his usual role in the starting lineup. Barrett was averaging 19.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists before going down with the injury, giving him upside for fantasy managers despite the chance of a reduced workload. With Barrett on the court,
Jamal Shead will head back to the bench after logging 12.9 points and 7.6 dimes in seven appearances with the first five.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Zulfi Sheikh
January 23, 2026
Baltimore Orioles shortstop
Gunnar Henderson (shoulder) wasn't 100 percent healthy during the 2025 campaign. According to Matt Weyrich, Henderson was playing through a shoulder impingement and inflammation last season. This injury could be part of the reason why Henderson's stats regressed last season. His slash line took a hit; most notably, his OPS went from .893 in 2024 to .787 last season. Henderson saw his home run numbers go from 37 during the 2024 campaign to 17 long balls last season. The good news is that Henderson is now fully healthy heading into Spring Training. Fantasy managers should expect a bounce-back campaign from Henderson in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Matt Weyrich
January 23, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
DeMario Douglas scored in the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans last weekend, but he had only two catches and 36 yards otherwise. Douglas never had more than four catches in a single game during the regular season, and he hasn't caught more than two passes in a contest since the Dec. 1 win over the New York Giants. The 25-year-old had a total of 31 receptions (46 targets) for 447 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. Douglas finished fifth on the team among receivers in last Sunday's win with just 17 snaps on offense. He has played over 34% of the snaps in a game just once, and that was all the way back in Week 1. With Douglas not seeing the field much and quarterback
Drake Maye spreading targets around, it seems unlikely that Douglas will have breakout potential in the AFC Championship against a Denver Broncos team that allowed the fifth-fewest half-PPR points per game to WRs. During the regular season, Douglas averaged just 5.0 half-PPR points per game.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
Baltimore Orioles outfielder
Heston Kjerstad (fatigue) will be a full participant during Spring Training, according to O's manager Craig Albernaz. Kjerstad didn't play after late July last season due to fatigue issues. He later underwent treatment for an undisclosed medical condition, but appears to be fully healthy now. The 26-year-old slashed .192/.240/.327 with four home runs, 19 RBI, and one steal in 54 games with the Orioles last season. The former first-round pick hasn't quite put it all together at the MLB level yet. He doesn't exactly have a clear path to consistent playing time in Baltimore to begin the season. Kjestad still has promising potential, so he's someone to keep an eye on during camp.
--Andy WebbSource: Jacob Calvin Meyer
January 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks tight end
AJ Barner put up a donut in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers despite the team scoring 41 points. Barner was the TE14 overall in half-PPR points during the regular season, catching 52 of his 68 targets for 519 yards and six touchdowns as Seattle's primary tight end. Seattle didn't really need to throw the ball much last weekend, though, with quarterback
Sam Darnold attempting only 17 passes. The 23-year-old second-year TE will most likely need to get involved on Sunday in the NFC Championship if they are going to keep up with the high-scoring Los Angeles Rams. Barner is poised to bounce back, but he'll also become more volatile with rookie tight end
Elijah Arroyo (knee) returning from Injured Reserve. It's worth noting that Barner looked good in both previous games against the Rams, combining for 14 receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown on a healthy 17 targets.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
The New York Mets have traded right-handed pitcher
Cooper Criswell to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations. Criswell was designated for assignment by the Mets following the trade for
Freddy Peralta and
Tobias Myers. Criswell was the odd man out in New York, but should compete for a 26-man roster spot in camp with Seattle. Last season, Criswell posted a 3.57 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, and a 9/5 K/BB ratio across seven appearances with the Boston Red Sox. Criswell registered a 4.08 ERA in 26 games (18 starts) with Boston during the 2024 campaign. This is a low-risk move for the Mariners, who could get a decent swingman in Criswell.
--Andy WebbSource: Seattle Mariners
January 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Cooper Kupp will have a revenge game in the NFC Championship on Sunday against his former team, the Los Angeles Rams. Kupp is coming off one of his better games of the year in the Divisional Round blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers, catching all five of his targets for 60 yards. The 32-year-old took a clear back seat to star wideout
Jaxon Smith-Njigba in his first year in Seattle, and he wasn't even among the top 50 WRs in half-PPR points per game. Kupp caught 47 of 70 targets during 16 regular-season games for 593 yards and only two touchdowns. He didn't stand out in either of the two previous games against L.A. this year, catching a combined six passes for 62 yards on 11 targets. The Rams have allowed the most half-PPR points per game to WRs in the last five weeks, but Kupp will continue to be a low-upside, touchdown-dependent receiver for fantasy purposes.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kayshon Boutte has had two of his better performances of the season in two postseason games this year, combining for seven catches, 141 yards, and a touchdown on nine targets in wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans. Can Boutte keep it going heading into Sunday's AFC Championship tilt in Denver against the Broncos? The 23-year-old former sixth-rounder wasn't even in the top-50 wideouts during the regular season in terms of half-PPR points per game, but he's peaking at the right time. In 14 regular-season games, Boutte had 33 catches for 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns. It's going to be tough for Boutte to maintain his recent output, considering the Broncos' defense allowed the fifth-fewest half-PPR points per game (21.2) to wideouts, including a league-low six touchdown receptions.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
Despite just one catch for five yards in the Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans last weekend, New England Patriots tight end
Hunter Henry has the most upside at the position going into the AFC Championship on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Of the remaining tight ends playing this weekend, Henry was by far the most productive for fantasy managers during the 2025 regular season, catching 60 of his 87 targets for 768 yards and seven touchdowns. Through two postseason games, he has four grabs on seven targets for 69 yards and one touchdown. The 31-year-old veteran is a good bet to bounce back from his stinker last weekend, and he'll be facing off against a Broncos defense that was middle of the pack in terms of half-PPR points allowed per game to tight ends. Henry should be a strong safety blanket for quarterback
Drake Maye in hostile territory.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Stefon Diggs will be faced with a challenging matchup against the hosting Denver Broncos and star cornerback Patrick Surtain II in the AFC Championship this Sunday. Diggs has had modest production in two playoff games this year, catching six of 11 targets for 56 yards, but he did manage to find the end zone in last weekend's Divisional Round victory over a tough Houston Texans defense. During 17 regular-season games, Diggs ranked 26th among WRs with 102 targets and 29th in half-PPR points per game (9.9). The 32-year-old relied on efficiency (11.9 yards per catch and 68.7% catch rate) over volume in his first year in New England. Diggs scored just four times during the regular season, and he'll be facing a lockdown Denver defense that allowed a season-low four TD catches to receivers in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
Coming off a season-low 19 receiving yards in the Divisional Round victory over the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba feels like a lock for big production in Sunday's NFC Championship game against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. Not only has the Rams' defense allowed the most half-PPR points per game (30.8) to opposing wideouts over the last five weeks, but JSN tormented L.A. in their previous two meetings in 2025. In two contests against the Rams in the regular season, Smith-Njigba caught 17 of his 25 targets for 201 yards and one touchdown. He was second to only
Puka Nacua in overall half-PPR points during 17 regular-season games and led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards on 119 receptions. In what could very well be another shootout between these two teams in Seattle on Sunday, Smith-Njigba has arguably the most fantasy upside of any WR this weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye is on the doorstep of his first Super Bowl appearance in just his second year in the league, but he will need to limit turnovers if he's going to lead his team to a victory on Sunday in the AFC Championship against the Denver Broncos. In his first two playoff games, Maye threw for 447 yards on 56 pass attempts for four touchdowns and two interceptions, but he also fumbled four times (lost two) in the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. The 23-year-old put himself in the MVP discussion during the regular season by leading the league in completion percentage (72%), yards per attempt (8.9), and QBR (77.1). Maye also finished as the QB3 in overall fantasy points in his sophomore campaign. He'll have his work cut out for him this Sunday in Denver, though, with the Broncos' defense allowing the seventh-fewest passing yards per game (187.2) and sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing QBs during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
So far in two postseason games, New England Patriots running back
Rhamondre Stevenson has been the preferred backfield option over rookie
TreVeyon Henderson. Stevenson has 26 carries for 123 yards rushing while adding seven catches on eight targets for an additional 86 yards in wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans. Meanwhile, Henderson has only 52 scrimmage yards. The 27-year-old Stevenson had 16 carries for 70 yards and added four receptions for 11 yards in the Divisional Round win over Houston. He should continue to be a big part of the game plan in Sunday's AFC Championship tilt against the hosting Denver Broncos. It's a poor matchup on the road against one of the top-ranked defenses in the NFL. The Broncos D allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game (91.1) during the regular season and the fewest half-PPR points per game allowed to RBs.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
New England Patriots rookie running back
TreVeyon Henderson has not really moved the needle in fantasy football in his first two career playoff games in wins against the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans, carrying the ball 21 times for 52 yards while catching two passes for seven yards. The 23-year-old second-rounder out of Ohio State showed plenty of upside in his first 17 regular-season games, racking up 911 rushing yards and nine rushing TDs on 180 carries, but so far in the postseason, he has taken a back seat to
Rhamondre Stevenson. Henderson's production tends to come in bunches; the last four games that he's scored in were all two-touchdown performances. The odds are against a multi-score outing in Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos, a defense that allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game (91.1) and the fewest half-PPR points per game (15.7) to opposing RBs during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III should be considered one of the top RB options in fantasy football playoff leagues heading into Sunday's NFC Championship game against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. Walker had season-highs in carries (19), rushing yards (116), and rushing touchdowns (three) in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, and he should see heavy volume again as the unquestioned lead back now that
Zach Charbonnet (knee) is out with a torn ACL. Walker excelled in two regular-season games versus the Rams, too, carrying the ball 27 times for a combined 167 yards (6.19 yards per carry) and two touchdowns while adding six receptions for another 108 yards. L.A.'s defense hasn't been as great late in the year, either, and they've allowed the 11th-most half-PPR points to RBs in the last five weeks.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Herbert Jones (ankle) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Jones is back in the mix following an eight-game absence due to an ankle sprain. The expectation is that his minutes will be closely monitored, given he hasn't played since January 8. When healthy, Jones is a reliable contributor, so fantasy managers should check their waivers to see if he's available. This season, Jones is averaging 9.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 28.3 minutes per game. He's probably more of a deep league option, but could have more value in the future.
Saddiq Bey and
Yves Missi could see reduced playing time with Jones returning on Friday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Boston Celtics guard
Derrick White (rest) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. This appears to be a routine maintenance day for White during the first game of the back-to-back set. The assumption is that White will be back in the starting five for Saturday's game against the Chicago Bulls.
Baylor Scheierman will take over in the starting five for only his third start of the season. During his last start, Scheierman posted nine points, seven rebounds, and four assists across 32 minutes of action. He'll offer some low-end streaming appeal for Friday's slate. He figures to return to being irrelevant in fantasy formats once White returns.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is currently considered probable for Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. This is the second game of a back-to-back set, so it's not shocking to see the Nuggets being cautious with Gordon. He looked fine on Thursday, when he finished with 16 points, five assists, and five rebounds across 33 minutes of action. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update ahead of tip-off.
Spencer Jones and
Zeke Nnaji would see increased roles if Gordon is downgraded to out.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
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