January 22, 2026
Across 17 games in the 2025 regular season, Seattle Seahawks tight end
AJ Barner set career-highs across the board with 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets. However, the 23-year-old was held without a catch and earned zero targets in Seattle's NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. Barner may also see a drop in playing time in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. Seahawks tight end
Elijah Arroyo (knee), who has been on Injured Reserve since Week 14 due to a knee injury, has returned to full practice participation and may be nearing his return. It's worth noting that Barner performed well in the regular season against the Rams, hauling in 14 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets across two matchups. Still, it may be difficult for him to repeat his success, given that Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) will likely be playing through an oblique injury. Given his underwhelming outing in the Divisional Round and the uncertain situation around him in Seattle, Barner may be a player for fantasy managers to avoid on Sunday.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Washington Wizards forward/center
Marvin Bagley III (illness) won't suit up against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. Bagley is under the weather and will be held out of tonight's contest. The 26-year-old big man is averaging 10.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 19.3 minutes per contest across 36 outings so far this season. Washington's frontcourt will also be without
Tristan Vukcevic (hamstring), so
Alexandre Sarr, with extended minutes, could make some noise in fantasy during tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Cooper Kupp had one of the least impactful regular seasons of his career in 2025, recording 47 receptions for 593 yards and two touchdowns on 70 targets across 16 games. However, the 32-year-old had one of his better performances in Seattle's NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, hauling in five catches for 60 yards on five targets. Kupp's numbers may not jump off the page, but they are made more impressive when considering that Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) threw for just 124 yards on 17 pass attempts in the team's 41-6 win. In the NFC Championship Game, Kupp will face the organization he spent the first eight years of his career with in the Los Angeles Rams. Kupp was held in check by the Rams in the regular season, recording six catches for 62 yards on 11 targets across two matchups. Still, Kupp played his highest snap share of the season (93% of offensive snaps) in the most recent meeting between the two teams in Week 16. Between the revenge-game motivation and Kupp's encouraging Divisional Round performance, he could be in for a big game in the NFC Championship.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye has led his team to victory in each of his first two postseason starts, completing 58.9% of his pass attempts for 447 yards and four touchdowns along the way. However, ball security has been a major concern for the 23-year-old, as he has taken 10 sacks, thrown two interceptions, and fumbled six times (three of which were lost). Maye will now face a difficult matchup in the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos. Denver's defense finished the regular season ranked second in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.1) and first in sacks (68). In the Divisional Round, the Broncos' defense forced Buffalo Bills quarterback
Josh Allen to commit four turnovers. Additionally, Denver's offense is working with backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham, which could lead New England to lean into a run-heavy and conservative offensive approach. As a result, Maye could be a player for fantasy managers to avoid on Sunday.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford did enough to lead his team to victory, but did not have his best performance in the Divisional Round against the Chicago Bears. The 37-year-old completed 20 of 42 pass attempts (47.6%) for 258 yards without finding the end zone, and also took four sacks. However, it's worth noting that Stafford was playing through a sprained right index finger. The veteran quarterback has been removed from the injury report heading into his NFC Championship Game matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, so he may now be feeling closer to 100%. The Seahawks fielded one of the NFL's best pass defenses during the regular season, but Stafford was the one quarterback they seemingly could not contain. Across the two regular-season matchups between the two teams, Stafford completed 44 of 77 pass attempts for 587 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Particularly given his improved health status, Stafford profiles as a high-end quarterback option for fantasy managers on Sunday.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) is currently battling an oblique injury as his team prepares to host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game. The 28-year-old reportedly plans to play through the ailment, just as he did in Seattle's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. However, Darnold did not have to do much in the 41-6 win over San Francisco, completing 12 of 17 pass attempts for 124 yards and one touchdown. Darnold struggled in his two regular-season matchups against the Rams, throwing a combined six interceptions and taking four sacks. Dating back to the regular season, the dominant Seahawks' defense has held six of its last seven opponents to 16 points or fewer. Given Darnold's health status, Seattle may look to lean on its defense and run game to get past Los Angeles. Fantasy managers may want to avoid starting Darnold against the Rams.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) was a late addition to his team's injury report ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Trail Blazers. Mitchell missed two games with a shoulder contusion before returning Monday and playing 25 minutes against the Warriors. He also played on Tuesday against the Kings, logging 19 minutes, but apparently the shoulder is still an issue, since he is uncertain to be able to give it a go on Thursday. With
Tyler Herro (ribs) out, there should be plenty of work for Mitchell if he can play through the injury, but if not,
Dru Smith and
Kasparas Jakucionis are candidates to fill in at point guard for the Heat's injury-depleted starting five.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
The Washington Nationals acquired right-hander Alejandro Rosario (elbow), third baseman Gavin Fien, shortstop Devin Fitz-Gerald, first baseman
Abimelec Ortiz, and outfielder Yeremy Cabrera from the Texas Rangers on Thursday in exchange for left-hander
MacKenzie Gore, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Rosario, 24, was considered Texas' No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The former fifth-rounder out of Miami delayed having Tommy John surgery for almost an entire year after missing the 2025 campaign in the minor leagues. It means that Rosario will miss two full seasons, but the Nationals were still interested in the right-hander. In 18 outings (17 starts) for Single-A Down East and High-A Hickory in 2024, he had a 2.24 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 129:13 K:BB in 88 1/3 innings on the farm. Rosario has the upside of a front-line starter, but his development has been delayed due to his elbow injury.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
January 22, 2026
Miami Heat center
Kel'el Ware (hamstring) was downgraded from questionable to out for his team's Thursday night game in Portland. He also missed Tuesday's game against the Kings, and he's likely day-to-day at this point since no clear timetable has been given. With Ware missing a second straight game, the Heat will most likely go small, using
Bam Adebayo more at center and giving more playing time to
Nikola Jovic. Ware's next chance to return will be Saturday in Utah, which would be a great fantasy matchup for him if he's available.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Julius Randle (foot) was a mid-day addition to the injury report for his team's home game against the Bulls on Thursday. Randle is dealing with foot soreness, and if he's ruled out,
Naz Reid would likely step into even more work off the bench and be a great play against the Bulls in a smash spot for the Timberwolves frontcourt.
Rudy Gobert could also get a little more work if Randle is sidelined and be a good option in this contest. Check back to see if Randle can play through the issue Thursday night, but the team will likely be cautious with Randle since he has been such a big part of their offense this season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
The Washington Nationals are acquiring infield prospect Gavin Fien, the 12th overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft, and four other players from the Texas Rangers on Thursday in exchange for left-hander
MacKenzie Gore, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Before the trade, Fien was considered the Rangers' No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Nats will also receive Alejando Rosario,
Abimelec Ortiz, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Yeremy Cabrera. The 18-year-old Fien hit .220/.267/.341 with seven RBI and four runs scored in 45 plate appearances at Single-A in 2025 in his first taste of pro ball. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder hits from the right side and has a quick swing that gives him plus raw power. Fien was drafted as a shortstop, but scouts believe he'll profile better as a third baseman long term.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
January 22, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) will not play Thursday in his team's first game back after two international matchups against the Grizzlies over the last week. Wagner was sidelined for over a month due to a sprained left ankle before returning for the games in Germany and London, but he won't be ready for Thursday's game in Orlando. With Wagner out again on Thursday,
Tristan da Silva seems to be the most likely choice to replace him in the starting five. In his 13 starts, Da Silva has averaged 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 26.3 minutes per game.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
The Texas Rangers are acquiring left-hander
MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals on Thursday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Nationals will receive third baseman Gavin Fien, the 12th overall pick last year out of high school. Gore was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his third year in D.C., going 5-15 with a 4.17 ERA (3.74 FIP), 1.35 WHIP, career-high 185 strikeouts, and 64 walks in 30 starts over 159 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old southpaw looked like he was on his way to becoming a high-end fantasy starter in the first half, with a 3.02 ERA and 11.3 K/9 in his first 19 outings. But then everything fell apart, and Gore had a rough 6.75 ERA in his final 11 starts while also missing some time with ankle and shoulder injuries. Gore's strikeout upside gives him a decent floor, and the potential for more wins in Texas should raise his ADP going into the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
January 22, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard
LaMelo Ball (thumb) is listed as questionable for the second game of his team's back-to-back, which is scheduled for Thursday night in Orlando. Charlotte played the star guard off the bench on Wednesday against the Cavaliers, and he went just 1-for-15 from the field in 22 minutes while also picking up this thumb contusion that has his status uncertain for Thursday. If Ball is out,
Brandon Miller and
Kon Knueppel would have to pick up the scoring slack, while
Collin Sexton would also need to step into more usage. Sexton has been excellent lately, so if Ball is out, he should be a strong play in Orlando, where the Magic will also remain without
Jalen Suggs (ankle), who was ruled out earlier on Thursday.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Moussa Cisse (illness) will likely be active on Thursday night for his team's home game against the Warriors. He was upgraded from questionable to probable and will likely serve as the team's primary backup center behind
Dwight Powell since
Daniel Gafford (ankle) was downgraded to doubtful. Cisse has put together three straight strong games with Gafford out, with at least nine points and nine rebounds in each of those three games. He had a double-double to start that run against the Jazz and finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, four blocked shots, and a steal in only 20 minutes against the Knicks on Monday. If he's active and Gafford is out as expected, Cisse could be a sneaky source of rebounds and blocks against Golden State on Thursday's slate.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) was downgraded from questionable to doubtful for Thursday night's home game against the Warriors. Gafford has missed three straight games with his right ankle sprain and doesn't look likely to return Thursday. With
Anthony Davis (finger) also sidelined,
Dwight Powell and
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will likely get most of the playing time in the middle, although
Moussa Cisse (illness) was upgraded from questionable to probable and will probably be able to serve as Powell's primary backup against Golden State.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Khris Middleton (illness) was upgraded from questionable to available for his team's rematch with the Nuggets on Thursday. The veteran forward had 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in Denver last Saturday and has been turning in good numbers in the absence of
Bilal Coulibaly (back) for the last week. Middleton will likely start alongside
Kyshawn George in the frontcourt on Thursday, with
Justin Champagnie and rookie
Will Riley carrying the workload off the bench. With Couliably downgraded to out, Middleton, George, and Champagnie are interesting options as value DFS plays or streamers against the Nuggets.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (back) was downgraded from questionable to out for Thursday night's game against the Nuggets. Coulibay has been sidelined since last Wednesday when he left his team'sloss to the Clippers in the second quarter with lower back tightness. While he has been out,
Justin Champagnie has been getting more work, while
Kyshawn George has been getting more usage.
Khris Middleton (illness) was also listed as questionable but was upgraded to available for Thursday night's matchup and will likely help pick up some of Coulibaly's workload as well.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) was upgraded from questionable to probable for Thursday night's matchup in Minnesota. Giddey has been sidelined for more than three weeks since Dec. 29 with his hamstring injury, and his return will be a huge boost for the Bulls' offense. Before the injury, Giddey averaged 19.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 0.9 steals in 33 minutes per game. He will likely need to ramp up after such a long time off, but his return will take playing time and usage from
Tre Jones,
Kevin Huerter, and
Ayo Dosunmu.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Orlando Magic point guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) was downgraded from questionable to out on Thursday ahead of his team's home game against the Hornets. Suggs will miss his eighth straight game due to right knee MCL contusion, although he seems to be nearing a return. Head coach Jamahl Mosley said that Suggs responded well after a full practice on Wednesday, so he could be back in action soon. His next chance to return will be Saturday against the Cavaliers, and until then,
Anthony Black will continue to take on more work with
Tyus Jones and
Jase Richardson playing more minutes as well.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) returned to practice on Thursday, according to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. Head coach Mike Vrabel said the team wouldn't open Hollins' 21-day practice window on Wednesday, but they did so a day later. It's good news for the veteran 32-year-old pass catcher, who has been on Injured Reserve since Dec. 27, but it doesn't mean he'll officially be activated and play in the NFC Championship game this Sunday versus the hosting Denver Broncos. In his first year with the Patriots in 2025, Hollins served as a deep threat for young quarterback
Drake Maye, hauling in 46 of his 65 targets for 550 yards and only two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games. If Hollins returns this weekend, his snap count could be limited, making him hard to trust for fantasy purposes against a strong Denver defense.
--Keith HernandezSource: Boston Herald - Doug Kyed
January 22, 2026
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, multiple teams remain interested in free-agent first baseman
Luis Arraez. Feinsand noted that, given his ability to play both first and second base, he has multiple suitors in the open market. Last season, the 28-year-old posted a .292 AVG, which was the lowest mark of his seven-year MLB career. He hit eight home runs and swiped 11 bags. Under the hood, he generated an elite 96th percentile xBA with a 3.1% K%, placing him within the 100th percentile among qualified hitters. From 2022 through 2024, Arraez held an overall .328/.371/.426 line with a .797 OPS. While his power production remains low, Arraez will be a top batting-average contributor in 2026, given his elite quality of contact. His counting stats could also see an uptick if he were to join a competing lineup.
--Andy SmithSource: Mark Feinsand
January 22, 2026
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Boston Red Sox are a team that could make a push for top free-agent third baseman
Eugenio Suarez. Saurez has been linked to the Red Sox throughout the winter, and following the signings of
Kyle Tucker,
Alex Bregman,
Bo Bichette, and
Cody Bellinger, the third baseman is likely the top bat available. According to Feinsand, the Red Sox were pursuing both Bregman and Bichette before they signed their respective contracts. The 34-year-old would take on an everyday role at the hot corner in Boston and would shift young infielder
Marcelo Mayer back to the middle of the infield, where he spent most of his minor league career. Last summer, Suarez enjoyed a resurgent campaign, hitting 49 home runs with a .228 AVG and an .824 OPS. Surez would carry a mid-range starting third base value in all formats if he were to join the Red Sox.
--Andy SmithSource: Mark Feinsand
January 22, 2026
According to Gary Phillips of The New York Daily News, the Yankees could look to further bolster their starting rotation ahead of spring training. Phillips noted that, even though a target of theirs,
Freddy Peralta, was shipped to the Mets on Wednesday evening, they remain linked to several high-end trade targets, including
MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals and
Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins. The Yankees have also shown interest in Minnesota's top arms,
Joe Ryan and
Pablo Lopez, but reports suggest the Twins are likely to hold them for the time being. Earlier in January, the Yankees acquired
Ryan Weathers, who projects to hold a spot towards the back of their rotation. However, given that
Gerrit Cole (elbow) and
Carlos Rodon (elbow) will likely miss the start of the season, the Yankees could look to further bolster their rotation. If they were to make a trade, Phillips noted that the price would be high and could involve a trade of top outfield prospect
Spencer Jones or current outfielder
Jasson Dominguez.
--Andy SmithSource: Gary Phillips
January 22, 2026
According to Will Sammon and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher
Robert Gasser could be a name to watch to earn a role in the starting rotation. On Wednesday evening, the Brewers traded their top pitcher,
Freddy Peralta, to the New York Mets in exchange for two top prospects,
Brandon Sproat and
Jett Williams. While veteran
Brandon Woodruff is expected to lead the rotation with emerging right-hander
Jacob Misiorowski slotting behind him, the back of the rotation is open.
Quinn Priester and
Chad Patrick are projected to operate as the No. 3 and No. 4, but Gasser could be a name to watch for one of the final positions. The young southpaw has made seven MLB starts over his career and logged 33 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.67 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Through 205 2/3 innings at Triple-A, Gasser has struck out 250 hitters with a 3.72 ERA. While
Logan Henderson would likely have the edge for the final position, Gasser could make a strong claim to operate as the No. 6 starter if the team uses a six-man rotation. He is a name to monitor in spring training and could be worth a late-round selection in deeper formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Will Sammon and Chad Jennings
January 22, 2026
New York Mets right-handed pitcher
Christian Scott appears ticked for a depth role to begin the 2026 regular season. According to Will Sammon and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, Scott is projected to sit behind newly-acquired ace
Freddy Peralta and the other primary starting pitchers on the roster, such as
Sean Manaea,
David Peterson,
Kodai Senga,
Nolan McLean, and
Clay Holmes, leaving him a role as a middle reliever. Scott made his MLB debut during the 2024 campaign and posted a 4.56 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP across 47 1/3 innings. Earlier that season, the Florida product posted an impressive 2.76 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP across his first 42 1/3 innings at Triple-A. However, the right-hander would undergo a hybrid Tommy John operation in late 2024, which kept him on the shelf all last season. While he appears to be at full strength, Scott does not expect to hold much fantasy value to begin the 2026 campaign.
--Andy SmithSource: Will Sammon and Chad Jennings
January 22, 2026
According to Will Sammon and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect
Jonah Tong may be on the outside of the team's starting rotation to begin the 2026 season. On Wednesday evening, the Mets acquired right-handed pitcher
Freddy Peralta from the Brewers, who is now slated to lead the rotation. In exchange, the Mets sent two top prospects,
Jett Williams and
Brandon Sproat. While Tong was already sitting towards the back of the current rotation, Sammon and Jennings project the young right-hander to open the season as a depth option, sitting behind Peralta,
Sean Manaea,
David Peterson,
Clay Holmes,
Nolan McLean, and
Kodai Senga. While Tong could be shifted to the bullpen, it appears the team's No. 4 prospect may begin the season with Triple-A to continue his development. During his first look at the majors, Tong held a high 7.71 ERA across 18 2/3 innings. For now, he is best left for deeper NL-only formats as a late-round stash option.
--Andy SmithSource: Will Sammon and Chad Jennings
January 22, 2026
Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons to become their offensive coordinator, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. New Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski didn't waste much time bringing of play-caller from the Browns over to the NFC South. To begin the 2025 season in Cleveland, Stefanski called the plays for the Browns' offense, but Rees was allowed to take over once the team went with rookie quarterbacks
Dillon Gabriel and
Shedeur Sanders. It's unclear at this time who will call plays to start the year in Atlanta next season. The lack of success from Cleveland's offense under Rees wasn't a huge surprise, given the lack of experience in the room, but in Atlanta, Rees and Stefanski will have a lot more to work with on offense with running back
Bijan Robinson, receiver
Drake London, and tight end
Kyle Pitts Sr.--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
January 22, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have requested to interview Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson for their offensive-coordinator role, a source told Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Quarterback
C.J. Stroud thrived while working with Johnson in his rookie campaign in 2023, but he's regressed in each of the last two seasons. If Johnson were to land in Miami, it's unclear who he'd be working with at the QB position, with the Dolphins likely to move on from
Tua Tagovailoa now that previous head coach Mike McDaniel is no longer in town. Johnson was a candidate to replace former OC Bobby Slowik in Houston, but the job eventually went to Nick Caley, who is expected to stick around for a second season in 2026. The 37-year-old has also been an assistant coach with the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, and Minnesota Vikings.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
January 22, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles requested to interview Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle for their offensive-coordinator position, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Doyle was hired last offseason as the league's youngest offensive coordinator, and he previously coached under head coach Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos. With a move to Philly, Doyle would be able to call the plays for the first time in his career. Under Doyle in 2025, Chicago's offense finished ninth in points per game and made it all the way to the Divisional Round, where they nearly beat the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. Quarterback
Caleb Williams also showed marked improvement in his second NFL season under Doyle and first-year head coach Ben Johnson. If Doyle joins the Eagles, he will be looking to spark an Eagles offense that became stagnant this past season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
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