January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Blake Corum handled only six touches in the team's Divisional Round win over the Bears, and in Sunday's Conference Championship, he faces a Seahawks defense that ranked as the most formidable against fantasy running backs in the regular season. In their Divisional Round thrashing of the 49ers, Seattle held MVP finalist
Christian McCaffrey to 35 rushing yards and 39 receiving yards on 17 total opportunities. Should Corum find himself drastically out-touched by
Kyren Williams as he was against Chicago, he'll need elite efficiency to see any relevance in playoff fantasy leagues -- a tall order, given Seattle's track record. Corum is RotoBaller's RB6 for the week.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Throughout his NFL career, Denver Broncos quarterback Jarett Stidham has played at a representative level from a clean pocket, while struggling mightily under pressure, with his completion rate dropping roughly 30% in such situations. Against a mostly healthy Patriots defense that has allowed 74 total yards to running backs through their first two playoff games, Denver may be forced into enough third-and-long looks to keep their offense out of rhythm. New England has employed an aggressive, blitz-heavy approach to great success against
Justin Herbert and
C.J. Stroud. With Denver's running game struggling as a whole since losing
J.K. Dobbins in Week 10, Stidham may find himself battling against the chains for much of Sunday. He is RotoBaller's QB4 for Conference Championship Weekend.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson has seen the team's third-highest target share through two playoff games, trailing only All-Pro receivers
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams. His 90 receiving yards through those two contests also rank third, but with rookie
Terrance Ferguson returning for the Rams' Divisional Round victory over the Bears, and Los Angeles regularly employing two or even three tight end sets, Parkinson's fantasy ceiling is capped and largely touchdown-dependent. Given his season-long usage in the red zone, he still profiles as the safest option in a crowded tight end room, and with few elite options remaining in the playoffs, he is RotoBaller's TE2 in fantasy playoff leagues. That said, he should not be relied on for a week-winning performance against a stingy Seattle defense.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers are working towards a deal to make Mike McCarthy their fourth head coach since 1969. A former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers, the 62-year-old McCarthy is a Pittsburgh native who will now take over for Mike Tomlin after a year away from coaching. His ties to quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, whom he coached for 13 years in Green Bay, including a Super Bowl-winning season in 2010, will likely become a major talking point as Rodgers mulls over his options following his 21st season in the NFL. Including the postseason, McCarthy has a career record of 185-123-2, though none of his teams have made it past the Divisional Round of the Playoffs since 2016.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Tom Pelissero
January 24, 2026
New York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (elbow) is coming off an excellent 2025 season in which he posted a .267/.346/.466 slash line with 31 home runs, 86 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases across 732 plate appearances. The 32-year-old underwent offseason elbow surgery, but he's expected to be fully ready to go once 2026 Spring Training gets underway. Lindor should plug in as the everyday leadoff hitter at the top of a new-look Mets lineup. New York lost star first baseman
Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles in free agency, which could hurt the team's offense. However, the Mets pivoted by signing infielders
Bo Bichette and
Jorge Polanco, as well as trading for outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. Of course, New York also retains outfielder
Juan Soto, who drove in 105 RBI in his first season with the Mets in 2025. All in all, Lindor should be in a position to record his fourth consecutive season of at least 100 runs scored as long as he remains healthy. He remains an elite fantasy shortstop option heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
After struggling through much of his rookie season in 2024, Baltimore Orioles second baseman
Jackson Holliday provided much more stable production throughout 2025. Across 649 plate appearances, Holliday slashed .242/.314/.375 with 17 home runs, 55 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases. While those numbers don't exactly leap off the page, Holliday is still just 22 years old and showed real signs of improvement at the plate, cutting his strikeout rate from 33.2% in 2024 to 21.6% in 2025. Entering 2026, Holliday should see everyday playing time at second base and could be locked in at the top of a Baltimore lineup that looks much improved after adding superstar first baseman
Pete Alonso in free agency. With another offseason to get stronger and work on his game, Holliday profiles as a possible breakout candidate for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
San Diego Padres outfielder
Jackson Merrill was one of the stars of the 2024 MLB season, winning a Silver Slugger award and finishing ninth in the National League MVP vote as a rookie. However, the 22-year-old battled through injuries and underperformance in a disappointing 2025 sophomore campaign. Across 483 plate appearances overall, Merrill posted a .264/.317/.457 with 16 home runs, 67 RBI, 59 runs scored, and one stolen base. His strikeout rate rose from 17% in 2024 to 22.5% in 2025, and his slugging percentage dipped from .500 to .457. Entering 2026, Merrill should be back to full strength and could be in line for a bounce-back campaign. In addition to a potential rebound at the plate, improved lower-body health could help Merrill push closer to the 16 stolen bases he logged as a rookie. RotoBaller currently ranks Merrill as the number 16 outfielder in traditional rotisserie scoring fantasy formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
After spending the first seven years of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, infielder
Bo Bichette will suit up in 2026 for the New York Mets. The soon-to-be 28-year-old inked a three-year $126 million contract with New York that will see him move from shortstop to third base. Bichette had an excellent year with Toronto in 2025, posting a .311/.357/.483 slash line with 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 628 plate appearances. While Bichette had a strong lineup around him with the Blue Jays, there's an argument to be made that he's in a better position to rack up counting stats with the Mets. Bichette will likely hit at the top of the lineup alongside outfielder
Juan Soto and shortstop
Francisco Lindor, both of whom topped 200 combined runs and RBI in 2025. If there's a reason for concern with Bichette, it may be the adjustment period that could come with learning a new position. However, he will gain multi-position eligibility early in the season, which only boosts his 2026 fantasy value.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Boston Red Sox second baseman
Kristian Campbell got off to a strong start to the 2025 season, earning a starting role in Spring Training and signing an eight-year extension in April. However, the 23-year-old faded over the course of the season and spent the last three-plus months of the year in Triple-A. Across 263 MLB plate appearances overall, Campbell posted a .223/.319/.345 slash line with six home runs, 21 RBI, 24 runs scored, and two stolen bases. As things currently stand, the Red Sox project to enter 2026 Spring Training with opportunities for playing time at both second and third base. As such, Campbell could be competing for a job with infielders
Marcelo Mayer and
Romy Gonzalez, as well as utility men
Nate Eaton and
Nick Sogard. Boston may also be looking to move Campbell to the outfield, although the team's outfield depth chart is significantly more crowded. Campbell's progress in Spring Training will be a storyline for fantasy managers to monitor closely.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward
Paul George (knee) is probable for Saturday's game against the Knicks as he continues left knee injury management. George has played through the issue recently, averaging 14.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.8 steals in 31.7 minutes over his last five appearances. His availability slightly redistributes usage, trimming opportunities for
Kelly Oubre Jr. and dialing back secondary touches for
VJ Edgecombe and
Quentin Grimes. George remains a hold in standard leagues, with moderate production tied to health and workload alongside
Joel Embiid and
Tyrese Maxey.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (elbow) will be reevaluated in roughly three weeks after suffering a left elbow UCL sprain, effectively sidelining him until after the All-Star break. The extended absence shifts short-term fantasy value to the backcourt replacements.
Cam Spencer has been the most reliable option, averaging 12.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 24.7 minutes over his last five games while handling primary creation duties.
Vince Williams Jr. remains a secondary play, while
Ty Jerome (calf) profiles as a speculative add once healthy.
--Brian DailisanSource: Grizzlies PR
January 24, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (ankle) is probable for Saturday's matchup against the Knicks after sitting earlier this week for ankle management. He returned Thursday and delivered 32 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, one block, and one steal in 46 minutes, signaling full workload capability. Over his last five appearances, Embiid is averaging 28.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 51.7 percent in 34.5 minutes. If active, he remains a top-tier anchor across formats, though managers should note occasional rest risk tied to schedule density.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) is probable for Saturday's game against the Lakers as he manages a right ankle sprain, which matters for a Dallas frontcourt thinned further with
Anthony Davis (finger) still sidelined. When available, Gafford has handled interior responsibilities and averaged 6.2 points and 9.0 rebounds in 21.9 minutes over his last five appearances. That role keeps him relevant for rebounds and blocks if his minutes hold.
Dwight Powell's fantasy appeal takes a hit, while Gafford carries moderate upside tied to health and workload.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) is probable to return Saturday against Cleveland after missing eight games with a right knee MCL contusion. A minutes cap or bench role remains possible, but his presence reshapes Orlando's backcourt. Suggs averaged 17.0 points, 4.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 27.5 minutes over his last five appearances.
Anthony Black has thrived during Suggs' absence, though his role bears monitoring as the rotation tightens. Suggs remains a hold with upside if his workload ramps quickly.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Khris Middleton (foot) will miss Saturday's game against Charlotte as he continues to recover from a left foot injury, with Tuesday against Portland next on the schedule. His absence reshapes Washington's wing rotation and opens short-term fantasy opportunities.
Justin Champagnie is the best bet to benefit after logging a start recently and averaging 9.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals over his last five games in 24.8 minutes.
Will Riley could see added run, though his production has been inconsistent of late.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
After missing the final three games of the regular season with a hamstring injury, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams returned for the start of his team's postseason run. However, the 33-year-old has been largely held in check through the Rams' first two playoff games, hauling in a combined seven receptions for 96 yards on 19 targets. Things may not get any easier for Adams in the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle finished the regular season ranked first among NFL defenses in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0) and held the San Francisco 49ers to just 128 passing yards in the NFC Divisional Round. In the lone regular-season matchup between the Rams and Seahawks that he was healthy for, Adams recorded one catch for one yard and a touchdown on eight targets. While the veteran wideout should have his chances for production in the NFC Championship Game, he may not yet be 100% healthy and faces a difficult matchup. Adams remains a high-upside wide receiver option, but fellow Rams wideout
Puka Nacua is a much safer choice at the position for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (back) will miss Saturday's game against Charlotte, extending his absence to five straight contests after being ruled out a day in advance. His continued unavailability keeps Washington's wing rotation unsettled for fantasy managers.
Justin Champagnie has been the most usable option, averaging 8.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.7 steals over his last three games while logging consistent minutes.
Will Riley and
Jamir Watkins can chip in on certain nights, but the lack of a stable role makes them hard to trust.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Kyren Williams has been one of his team's offensive stars so far this postseason, recording 192 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 40 touches across two games. The Rams split backfield work fairly evenly between Williams and second-year back
Blake Corum down the stretch of the regular season. However, the team has leaned more heavily on Williams in the playoffs, with Corum earning just six touches to Williams' 25 in the NFC Divisional Round. On paper, Williams has an extremely difficult matchup in the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle finished the regular season ranked first among NFL defenses in yards per carry allowed (3.7) and second in rushing touchdowns allowed (nine). On the bright side, Williams had some success against the Seahawks in the regular season, totaling 181 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 39 touches across two matchups. He may not have his most efficient game in a tough matchup, but Williams should see a heavy workload in the NFC Championship Game.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Cleveland Guardians All-Star third baseman
Jose Ramirez signed a restructured seven-year, $175 million contract extension on Saturday that will carry him through the 2032 season, according to
Hector Gomez. In April of 2022, Ramirez and the Guardians agreed to a five-year, $124 million extension. Ramirez has been one of the best all-around players in baseball, dating back to the 2017 season. The 33-year-old Dominican switch-hitter can do it all, and he's hit .279/.353/.504 with an .857 OPS, 285 homers, 949 RBI, and 287 stolen bases in 13 big-league seasons. Not only does he contribute in all categories for fantasy managers, but he's been durable, playing in 150-plus games in each of the last five seasons. J-Ram has 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBI in three of the last five years despite playing in Cleveland. He's a top-five overall fantasy selection heading into spring drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
January 24, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) will miss Saturday's game against Cleveland as he continues to manage soreness following a recent return from a high-ankle sprain. The repeated absences create short-term opportunity but little stability for fantasy managers.
Noah Penda flashed across the stat sheet with 13 points, two rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block in 19 minutes last time out, yet his role has fluctuated sharply.
Jett Howard and
Tristan da Silva also remain volatile, offering scoring or minutes in spurts but lacking consistent usage. Wagner should be held, though durability concerns cap his ceiling.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
By his own lofty standards, Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford struggled in his team's NFC Divisional Round win over the Chicago Bears. The 37-year-old completed just 20 of 42 pass attempts for 258 yards and zero touchdowns while taking a season-high four sacks. However, Stafford was playing through a sprained right index finger, which may have been impacting his performance. While the veteran quarterback may still be feeling the lingering effects of the finger injury, he was not listed on the team's injury report leading into its NFC Championship Game matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. On paper, the Rams face a difficult test against the vaunted Seahawks defense. Seattle finished the regular season ranked first among NFL defenses in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0) and held the San Francisco 49ers to just six points in the Divisional Round. At the same time, Stafford and the Rams were one of the few teams to have success against the Seahawks in the regular season. Across two matchups, Stafford threw for 587 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He remains a high-end quarterback option for fantasy managers in the NFC Championship Game.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will sit Saturday against Minnesota after exiting Wednesday's loss early with left knee soreness. The absence halts recent momentum created by Jimmy Butler's (knee) continued unavailability and shifts short-term fantasy value to the wings.
De'Anthony Melton is the top beneficiary after posting 22 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in 23 minutes against Dallas.
Brandin Podziemski started and delivered nine points and ten rebounds in 33 minutes, while
Moses Moody added 12 points and three rebounds in 23 minutes. Kuminga should be held, but managers should monitor lingering risk.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Courtland Sutton recorded four catches for 53 yards on a team-high nine targets in Denver's AFC Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills. Sutton played 85% of the Broncos' offensive snaps against Buffalo, and he should play a lead pass-catching role once again in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. However, Denver's offense will be led by backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham, who is filling in for the injured
Bo Nix (ankle). The Broncos are also facing an uphill battle against a Patriots defense that has held each of its first two postseason opponents under 200 passing yards. In Stidham's most recent start for Denver, which came at the end of the 2023 regular season, Sutton recorded one catch for two yards on four targets. While much has changed for the Broncos' offense overall since that game, Sutton may struggle against a tough opponent in the AFC Championship Game, given the less-than-ideal circumstances around him.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Jalen Green (hamstring) exited in the first quarter Friday due to right hamstring tightness, finishing with four points, one rebound, and one assist in four minutes. The setback is notable given Green has appeared in only four games all season, struggling to stay on the floor since returning from a lengthy absence. His unreliable availability limits his fantasy utility outside of deeper formats.
Collin Gillespie remains the top beneficiary, averaging 15.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 three-pointers over his last five starts.
Grayson Allen offers steady shooting, while
Jordan Goodwin and
Ryan Dunn remain inconsistent fantasy options.
--Brian DailisanSource: Amanda Pflugrad
January 24, 2026
Denver Broncos running back
RJ Harvey provided underwhelming production in his team's AFC Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills, recording 66 scrimmage yards on 11 touches. On the bright side, Harvey helped fantasy managers in PPR scoring formats by doing most of his damage as a receiver, hauling in five catches for 46 yards on six targets. However, Harvey will now be working with Broncos backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. The Patriots' defense has been dominant so far this postseason, allowing just 19 total points and forcing six turnovers through two games. Harvey should at least maintain RB1 status in Denver, as veteran back
J.K. Dobbins (foot) will remain sidelined by a foot injury. Harvey could also see plenty of work as a short-area target for Stidham, particularly if Denver falls behind early in the game. Still, Harvey is facing an uphill battle with a backup quarterback against a tough defense and may struggle in the AFC Championship Game.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton (finger) is scheduled for imaging after hurting his right pinky during Friday's double-overtime loss, though he played through it and closed the game. Claxton posted 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 39 minutes, keeping his per-game production intact but introducing short-term risk. If he misses time,
Day'Ron Sharpe becomes a priority streamer after averaging 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 31.0 minutes across two recent starts. Sharpe offers strong category juice, while Claxton should be held until his status is clearer.
--Brian DailisanSource: Erik Slater
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 former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel pulled out of his scheduled meeting with the Buffalo Bills for their head-coaching job. 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
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