January 11, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Jonnu Smith (glute) was a full participant in practice on Saturday and was cleared from the final injury report, according to Adam Caplan of Sirius XM NFL Radio. Smith will be active for the Wild-Card matchup against the visiting Houston Texans on Monday night. Even though
Darnell Washington (forearm) is done for the year due to injury, Smith is a hard sell for starting fantasy football lineups in playoff formats, especially with receiver
DK Metcalf returning from a two-game suspension. The 30-year-old Smith had only one catch on two targets for two yards in the team's Week 18 regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens, and he caught only 38 passes during the regular season for 222 yards and two touchdowns. If you are going to use a TE from Pittsburgh this weekend, it should be
Pat Freiermuth.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan
January 11, 2026
Houston Texans running back
Jawhar Jordan (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday night's Wild-Card contest against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Adam Caplan of Sirius XM NFL Radio. Jordan suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday and was unable to practice all week. If the Texans advance past the Steelers and to the Divisional Round next weekend, the 26-year-old Jordan still might not be ready to go. With Jordan sidelined against the Steelers, veteran
Nick Chubb should be active to help give the Texans some backfield depth behind rookie
Woody Marks. Before Jordan's injury in the season finale, he had taken over RB2 duties from Chubb, with Chubb being a healthy scratch last Sunday. Chubb shouldn't be in any starting fantasy lineups on Wild-Card weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan
January 11, 2026
The Buffalo Bills announced on Saturday that they placed wide receiver
Joshua Palmer (ankle) on Injured Reserve. Palmer will not play in Sunday's Wild-Card playoff tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars and will not be available for the rest of the postseason if the Bills advance. The 26-year-old did not practice at all this week and will end what has been a disappointing first season in Buffalo in 2025. In 12 games, Palmer caught only 22 of 37 targets for 303 yards and no touchdowns. His absence on Sunday might mean more involvement from the likes of
Brandin Cooks,
Gabe Davis, and
Tyrell Shavers, although all three of the receivers should still be considered deep sleepers in fantasy football playoff formats.
--Keith HernandezSource: Buffalo Bills PR
January 11, 2026
As expected, Buffalo Bills kicker
Matt Prater (quadriceps) is officially active on Sunday to take on the hosting Jacksonville Jaguars on Wild-Card weekend, according to The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia. Prater aggravated a right-quad injury last weekend that had sidelined him for a few games late in the season, but he will give it a go in the first round of the playoffs. The 41-year-old veteran won't be a great kicking option in fantasy playoff formats while likely operating at less than 100 percent. During 15 games in the regular season for the Bills while filling in for the injured
Tyler Bass (hip, groin), Prater made 18 of his 20 field-goal attempts and 46 of his 49 extra-point opportunities. The Jaguars' defense allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing kickers during the 2025 regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
January 11, 2026
Buffalo Bills running back
Ty Johnson (ankle) is officially inactive for Sunday's Wild-Card matchup against the hosting Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Johnson injured his ankle in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Jets last Sunday and will not be available for the first round of the postseason. The 28-year-old wouldn't have been on the fantasy football radar as the RB3 if he was active, but his absence means that
Ray Davis should see a bigger complementary role behind starter
James Cook in a tough matchup against the Jaguars, a team that allowed the fewest rushing yards per game in 2025. The 28-year-old Johnson had 50 carries for 200 yards and three touchdowns while adding 24 catches for 263 yards and two more scores as a pass-catcher in 17 regular-season games for the Bills.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
January 11, 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Parker Washington emerged as one of the top fantasy threats over the final three weeks of the regular season, and he'll look to carry that momentum into the opening round of the playoffs against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Even though Washington is listed as the Jaguars' No. 3 receiver behind
Brian Thomas Jr. and
Jakobi Meyers, he was their most productive pass-catcher from Week 16 through Week 18. During that span, he ranked as the overall WR3 in full-PPR leagues, trailing only
Puka Nacua and
Ja'Marr Chase. That three-week window saw him catch 19 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns. Still, Washington's path to success on Sunday won't come without some difficulty. The Bills have allowed the third-fewest receiving yards and seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. Fortunately, the threat of Thomas and Meyers gives the Jaguars three impressive receiving threats, allowing them to create mismatches against Buffalo's secondary. As it stands, Washington remains capable of handling double-digit targets while pushing for close to 100 yards. Plus, he's as much of a touchdown threat as any other pass-catcher on this team. Bettors and DFS players should remain excited about his upside in a potential pass-heavy game against Buffalo.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 11, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers' future is uncertain, but the team views the 2025 season as a success and would welcome his return in 2026, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The Steelers finished the regular season with a 10-7 record for the third year in a row, largely thanks to Rodgers' steady quarterback play. At 42 years old, Rodgers could retire, and his future might depend on how far the Steelers advance in the playoffs this month, as well as whether head coach Mike Tomlin returns for the 2026 campaign. However, if he does commit to another season, it sounds like the Steelers would like to bring him back. Rodgers is an impending free agent, so Pittsburgh might have to bid against other NFL teams for his services. He has shown that he's capable of continuing to start in the NFL, as he completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and seven interceptions this year. Pittsburgh faces the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs on Monday night.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
January 11, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford (finger) underwent additional testing after Saturday's Wild Card win over the Carolina Panthers, but his X-rays came back negative, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Additionally, medical personnel confirmed that Stafford did not suffer a dislocated finger. Stafford played through the injury and finished the game with 304 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Given that Stafford essentially had his finger bent further than normal and didn't suffer any fracture or dislocation, he should be good to play next weekend against the Chicago Bears or the Seattle Seahawks. Even if he's limited in practice this week, bettors and DFS players shouldn't worry about his availability or effectiveness for the playofs.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
January 11, 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback
Trevor Lawrence was one of the top-scoring fantasy players during the second half of the regular season, and he carries tremendous momentum into Sunday's Wild Card matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Lawrence has 18 passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns over his last seven games, ranking as the highest-scoring fantasy quarterback during that span. Although he has been playing at a high level, he'll run into a difficult matchup this weekend. The Bills have allowed the fewest passing yards and fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2025. On a more positive note, Buffalo has surrendered the fifth-most rushing yards to the position. That bodes well for Lawrence, who has shown a tendency to use his legs, especially against tougher passing defenses. Sunday's game won't be easy, but the former No. 1 pick from Clemson is up for the challenge. His rushing and touchdown upside make him an intriguing DFS play in what could be a higher-scoring game.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 11, 2026
Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (leg) suffered a fractured fibula during Saturday's Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers, head coach Ben Johnson announced. He will miss the remainder of the NFL playoffs. Edwards was carted off during the second quarter with his leg in an air cast. The 29-year-old was an impact defender during the regular season, amassing 67 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception, and half a sack through 10 games (10 starts). Going forward, he'll likely be replaced on defense by D'Marco Jackson, a 2022 fifth-round pick who made four tackles (including one tackle for loss) on Saturday night.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
January 11, 2026
Chicago Bears left tackle Ozzy Trapilo (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs, according to head coach Ben Johnson. Trapilo suffered a patellar injury during the fourth quarter of Saturday's Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers, but not before recovering a Bears fumble. The 24-year-old is a Boston College product who was selected in the second round of the 2025 draft. He played in 14 games during the regular season, making six starts and playing 50% of the offensive snaps. He also started Saturday's playoff game. Candidates to replace Trapilo on the offensive line include Theo Benedet, who lost his job to Trapilo earlier in the season, and Braxton Jones (knee), who is currently on injured reserve.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
January 11, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone matched a franchise record with a seven-game goal streak in Saturday's 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. The Golden Knights captain left it late, but he was able to extend his goal-scoring run with an empty-netter 2:24 from the end of regulation. Max Pacioretty established Vegas' record for most consecutive games with a goal in 2021. Stone, whose work on Saturday included a fight with Brayden Schenn, will attempt to break it on Sunday night against the San Jose Sharks. The veteran forward has been in wonderful form throughout 2025-26, going scoreless in only two of his 27 appearances. He has posted 15 goals and 23 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 11, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov recorded an eighth consecutive multi-point game on Saturday, notching two goals and two assists in a 7-2 road win over the Philadelphia Flyers. He bagged all the points during even-strength play and already had two goals within the opening 6:05 of action. Kucherov has been on a phenomenal run since late December, becoming only the third active player with a multi-point streak of at least eight games. It was last achieved by former Lightning captain Steven Stamkos in 2021-22. The Russian superstar moved to fourth on the NHL's scoring charts, boasting 65 points (22 goals, 43 assists) through 39 appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 11, 2026
Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak racked up six assists in Saturday's 10-2 victory over the New York Rangers. He became the third player in franchise history with as many as six assists in a single game, joining Bobby Orr and Ken Hodge. A Bruins player hadn't had six points in a game since Ray Bourque in 1990. Pastrnak's line was ruthless against the Rangers, combining for 13 points. Marat Khusnutdinov exploded for four goals and one assist. After a six-game losing skid in December, Boston has started to pick up momentum again, with Pastrnak at the heart of it. He has strung together a five-game point streak, posting four goals and 10 assists. The scoring surge has put Pastrnak on track for a fourth consecutive 100-point campaign. He boasts 55 points (19 goals, 36 assists) after 40 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 11, 2026
New Jersey Devils winger Stefan Noesen (knee) will be out long-term after undergoing knee surgery next week. The veteran forward will be placed on Injured Reserve. Noesen has made 38 appearances this season, scoring three goals and seven points. His effectiveness has dropped off the cliff after Noesen was a 40-point guy a season ago. It's possible that Noesen's decline is related to his lingering knee injury, which he will now get fixed. The Devils announced that fellow forward Zack MacEwen (knee), who hasn't played since Nov. 12, also needed surgery and is out for the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
January 11, 2026
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Milwaukee Brewers right-hander
Freddy Peralta remains a top option for the Yankees if they were looking to bolster their rotation. The Yankees were heavily linked to Marlins right-hander
Edward Cabrera before he was dealt to the Chicago Cubs earlier in the week. However, Heyman noted that despite coming up short in that bidding war, the Yankees remain interested in Peralta and Nationals southpaw
MacKenzie Gore. Last summer, Peralta turned in his best season as a major leaguer, serving as the ace for the NL Central-winning Brewers. Across a career-high 176 2/3 innings, Peralta posted a 2.70 ERA with a stellar 1.08 WHIP. He struck out 204 hitters but struggled with his command, allowing walks at a modest 9.1% rate. Peralta carries high-end SP3 upside heading into the 2026 season.
--Andy SmithSource: Jon Heyman
January 11, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (lower body) is considered week-to-week. He is poised to miss several games due to a lower-body injury. Hart has posted a 5-3-3 record during his comeback campaign and holds a 3.28 goals-against average with a .871 save percentage. While Hart hasn't been very effective with his work, the Golden Knights have utilized him often since the start of December. With Hart unavailable, Akira Schmid took on the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night, recording 17 saves in a 4-2 win. Currently, Carl Lindbom is another option between the pipes for the Golden Knights, who have been without regular starter Adin Hill (lower body) since October.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
January 11, 2026
The New York Yankees have remained in contract discussions with top free-agent outfielder
Kyle Tucker, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.com. Earlier this weekend, sources reported that the Yankees and outfielder
Cody Bellinger had their contract talks stall and that the Yankees have begun to shift toward the final stages of free agency, assuming Bellinger will sign elsewhere. As a result, they have continued discussions with the other top available outfielder. Tucker spent the 2025 campaign with the Cubs and finished the season with a .266/.377/.464 line, 22 home runs, and 25 stolen bases. He enjoyed a hot start but saw a calf injury linger during the second half, which hindered his upside. However, his .372 xwOBA suggests he could return to his MVP-level play in 2206. The 28-year-old would see his fantasy value skyrocket if he were to join the Yankees, as his left-handed swing would greatly benefit from playing in the Bronx.
--Andy SmithSource: Buster Olney
January 11, 2026
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (lower body) suffered yet another injury setback in Saturday's 5-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He departed the game after the first period due to a lower-body injury. Demko allowed three goals on six shots before being replaced by Kevin Lankinen. Canucks head coach Adam Foote told reporters postgame that Demko would be re-evaluated over the next few days. Unfortunately, it looks like the 2024 Vezina Trophy finalist is set to miss time again. Injuries have limited Demko to 20 starts this season, during which he has posted an 8-10-1 record. He has logged a 2.90 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage, and one shutout.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 11, 2026
The New York Yankees have begun to pursue a trade for Washington Nationals ace
MacKenzie Gore. After falling short in the bid to acquire Marlins right-hander
Edward Cabrera, Jon Heyman of The New York Post reports that the Yankees have shifted their focus to other top trade targets such as Gore and Brewers right-hander
Freddy Peralta. Gore has flashed immense upside at times, but has yet to sustain it over a full campaign. Last season, the southpaw enjoyed a strong first half, posting a 3.02 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 138:35 K:BB through his first 110 1/3 innings. However, over his last 49 1/3 innings, Gore took a massive step back, posting a hefty 6.75 ERA with a 1.70 WHIP. Gore is a name to closely monitor as he could benefit from a change of scenery. He would also be in line to surpass his previous career-high of 10 wins, pitching for a competing Yankees team.
--Andy SmithSource: Jon Heyman
January 11, 2026
St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg (upper body) was limited to 55 seconds of ice time in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. He exited the action due to an upper-body injury shortly after assisting Robert Thomas on the game's opening goal. It was a sad ending to an exciting day for Broberg, who inked a six-year, $48 million extension with the Blues only a few hours before the game. Broberg's new contract demonstrates the organization's continued confidence in him, even after an underwhelming 2025-26 season. The Swedish blue-liner has recorded 15 points (two goals, 13 assists), 58 shots, and 71 blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 11, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, right-handed pitcher
Chris Bassitt has been linked to the Tigers in free agency. The Tigers continue to pursue depth options for their organization and have also shown interest in signing former Boston Red Sox
Lucas Giolito. After a disappointing 2024 campaign, in which the 36-year-old posted a 4.16 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP, Bassitt showed some improvement in 2025, logging 170 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.96 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. Bassitt generated an 80th percentile hard-hit rate and sat with a 4.16 xERA, suggesting he could face some minor regression in 2026. Bassitt continues to be a workhorse on the bump, making at least 30 starts for four straight seasons. The right-hander would hold high-volume SP5 value if he were to sign with the Tigers.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
January 11, 2026
The Detroit Tigers have shown interest in free agent starting pitcher
Lucas Giolito, according to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic. The Tigers remain active in the starting pitching department on the open market and have also been linked to veteran right-hander
Chris Bassitt. Giolito made his return to the bump in 2025 after missing all of the 2024 campaign recovering from an internal brace procedure. With the Red Sox, Giolito turned in a solid bounce-back campaign, posting a 3.41 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP across 145 innings of work. The 31-year-old struck out 121 hitters and generated a high 5.06 xERA, suggesting he could take a step back in 2026. If Giolito were to join Detroit, he would likely contend with
Troy Melton and
Drew Anderson for a final spot in the rotation and would be left as a deep-league streamer in favorable matchups for fantasy.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
January 11, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds have signed first baseman
Michael Toglia to a minor league contract. The 27-year-old was designated for assignment by the Rockies earlier this offseason and finally found a suitor. The UCLA product enjoyed a breakout season for the Rockies in 2024 when he launched 25 home runs with a .218/.311/.456 line across 116 games. During this campaign, Toglia flashed high-power upside, generating a .499 xwOBACON and a 50.2% hard-hit rate. However, Toglia's production declined significantly last summer, as he hit just 11 home runs over an 88-game stint in the majors. Managers should expect Toglia to be in the mix for a depth role in the Cincinnati lineup. If he were to crack the Opening Day roster, he could have deep-league appeal in NL-only formats given the raw power potential he has shown.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
January 10, 2026
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Chicago Cubs have signed free agent third baseman
Alex Bregman to a massive five-year contract worth $175 million. Bregman was one of the top free-agent infielders still available on the open market, alongside shortstop
Bo Bichette. Bregman spent the 2025 campaign with Boston after playing with the Houston Astros for the first nine seasons of his MLB career. With Boston, Bregman remained a productive hitter, posting a strong .273/.360/.462 slash line with 28 doubles and 18 home runs across 114 contests. Under the hood, he generated a 71st-percentile .337 xwOBA and continued to show an elite eye at the plate, drawing walks at a 10.3% rate and striking out at a 14.1% rate. With the Cubs, Bregman figures to serve as the everyday third baseman, which will likely shift former top prospect
Matt Shaw into a utility role in the infield, as
Dansby Swanson,
Nico Hoerner, and
Michael Busch are expected to remain everyday players. Bregman carries top-10 upside at the third base position in all formats as he moves to Chicago.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Passan
January 10, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (shin) will be back in the lineup on Sunday against the Miami Heat. He missed Friday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies due to shin pain. With
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) out for an eighth consecutive game, Holmgren will be expected to handle much of the heavy lifting in the middle for the reigning champions.
Branden Carlson will also pick up a few extra minutes, despite moving back to the bench with Holmgren's return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Dennis Schroder has been suspended for three games for confronting and attempting to strike another player, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The German veteran reportedly waited 40 minutes after the Kings' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 28 before approaching an unnamed player and initiating an altercation. Schroder's suspension will start with Sunday's matchup against the Houston Rockets. His absence from the lineup will open up more playing time for
Malik Monk,
Nique Clifford, and
Devin Carter.
--Taavi PailkSource: Shams Charania
January 10, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) is considered questionable for an encounter with the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. The Latvian veteran didn't play in Friday's blowout win over the Denver Nuggets due to left Achilles tendinitis. With Porzingis out,
Mouhamed Gueye and
Asa Newell saw more action off the bench. However, neither player impressed, and their impact on Sunday may be even smaller, as Golden State allows the fewest bench points in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Zaccharie Risacher (knee) will remain out on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors, missing a second consecutive game. The French sophomore is sidelined due to inflammation in his left knee. With Risacher out of commission,
Vit Krejci received the starting nod on Friday night against the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, he couldn't get going in a blowout win, finishing with zero points on 0-for-8 shooting. He went 0-for-7 with his three-point attempts. Defensively, Krejci contributed well, notching two steals and two blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks point guard
Kevin Porter Jr. (hip) is listed as probable for Sunday's tilt against the Denver Nuggets. The talented guard is dealing with a hip contusion, but the issue doesn't appear serious enough to knock Porter Jr. out of the lineup. While Porter Jr. has struggled with his three-point shot lately, he has still provided plenty of fantasy value. Across four January appearances, the 25-year-old is averaging nearly a double-double, with 16.7 points and 9.7 assists per game. Porter Jr. also often makes a mark on the defensive end. He had four steals in Friday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers and is averaging 1.7 steals for the month.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
RADIO
