January 8, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans have requested to interview Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for their head-coaching jobs, sources told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. Hafley cannot interview with those three teams until next week, with the Packers facing the division-rival Chicago Bears this Saturday night in the Wild-Card round. He's done a great job building up Green Bay's defense the last two seasons, and it was definitely boosted in 2025 with the trade to acquire All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys right before the start of the regular season. Before becoming a defensive coordinator, Hafley spent seven years in the NFL coaching defensive backs, and he was also a head coach for four years at Boston College.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
January 8, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
P.J. Washington (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz. Washington will miss his second game in a row after spraining his ankle during Saturday's contest. The Mavs will likely use a committee approach with
Klay Thompson,
Naji Marshall, and
Caleb Martin to fill the void on Thursday. Marshall posted 15 points, seven rebounds, and two steals in 32 minutes of action on Tuesday. He's looking like a viable streaming option while Washington is on the bench. Thompson could also be worth a look, but he's more of a low-end option at the moment.
--Andy WebbSource: Joey Mistretta
January 8, 2026
Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was requested to interview for the head-coaching positions for the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach is a popular head-coaching candidate this cycle after he and the Commanders "mutually" agreed to part ways following the 2025 regular season. The 46-year-old went 28-37-1 in the regular season and 0-1 in the playoffs in his four years as the head coach in Arizona. He is one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL, though, and he'd be a nice addition for either Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson or Titans QB
Cameron Ward because of his extensive experience with dual-threat QBs. In addition to helping
Jayden Daniels to an outstanding rookie year in 2024, Kingsbury worked with QBs
Patrick Mahomes and
Baker Mayfield in college at Texas Tech.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 8, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle) will suit up for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Jaquez will make his return to the court after missing each of the last two games due to a right ankle sprain. The return of Jaquez should mean less playing time for
Pelle Larsson and
Simone Fontecchio. This season, Jaquez is averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 5.3 rebounds across 29.1 minutes per game. Jaquez is having a breakout season for the Heat as his averages in points, assists, and rebounds are all career highs. He's flying under the radar and is worth looking at as a streaming option.
--Andy WebbSource: Ira Winderman
January 8, 2026
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) will not play in the Wild-Card matchup on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he was seen running on a side field during practice on Thursday, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. The 29-year-old has been on Injured Reserve since injuring his ankle in Week 6, but if the 49ers pull the upset and beat Philadelphia this weekend, it's possible that Warner could return to provide a big boost to a depleted defensive unit. He could be an option to return as soon as the NFC Divisional Round next weekend, depending on whether the Niners advance, and how much progress he makes in practice next week. The 49ers' defense is down to its fourth middle linebacker after Tatum Bethune (groin) suffered a season-ending injury in last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the Week 18 regular-season finale. San Fran's defense/special teams unit will be one to fade in fantasy on Wild-Card weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
January 8, 2026
Detroit Lions running back
David Montgomery is under contract through the 2027 season, but his future with the team could be up in the air this offseason. "Those are discussions that we're gonna have to have in-depth. We love David Montgomery. He's a good football player. ...He deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized," general manager Brad Holmes said when asked if Montgomery will remain with the team. If the Lions cut the 28-year-old in the offseason, they'll save $11.26 million but will also take on $8.6 million in dead money. Monty took a clear back seat to
Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit's backfield in 2025. He was still a weekly RB3/flex consideration in fantasy football, though, and finished with a career-low 158 carries for 716 yards and eight rushing touchdowns in 17 games, adding 24 catches for 192 yards. Monty's 2026 fantasy value could look drastically different if he's playing in another city.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Colton Pouncy
January 8, 2026
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said the team plans to re-sign quarterback
Daniel Jones (Achilles) this offseason, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. "I'm looking at him both near and long [term]," Ballard said of Jones, adding, "When you're chasing the quarterback all the time, it makes it very hard. Your margin for error really shrinks down. And I feel very good about Daniel Jones and where he's at, where he's going. Yes, he's got the Achilles. But I think Daniel Jones has got a really bright future here in Indianapolis." The 28-year-old tore his Achilles in Week 14, and the Colts ended up missing the playoffs after starting 8-2. Meanwhile, former first-rounder
Anthony Richardson Sr.'s future in Indy is in question after losing the starting job to Jones and then suffering a season-ending orbital fracture in October. Jones threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight picks in 13 starts before his season-ending Achilles tear. He proved in 2025 that he has QB1 upside in the Colts' offense, but his lengthy injury history makes him more of a QB2 target in fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
January 8, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Darius Garland (hand) is officially cleared to suit up for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Garland was a late addition to the injury report due to a right-hand contusion. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to force Garland to miss any action. Garland finished with 29 points, six assists, and two rebounds during Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This hand injury didn't seem to impact him during that game, so fantasy managers shouldn't have anything to worry about. Garland is safe to start in all fantasy formats ahead of Thursday's contest.
--Andy WebbSource: Chris Fedor
January 8, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward
Anthony Edwards (foot) is available to suit up for Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Edwards was previously tagged questionable due to right foot injury management, but he has since cleared to play. The 24-year-old star guard posted 26 points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal across 29 minutes during Tuesday's 122-94 win over the Heat during his last appearance. Edwards is averaging 31.3 points per contest in his previous seven outings and continues to be a fantasy force across all formats this season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Timberwolves PR
January 8, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) was added to the injury report on Thursday and was listed as a limited participant in practice due to a hamstring injury. Mid-week additions to the injury report can be a bad sign, but it's unclear if the 23-year-old suffered a new injury in practice on Thursday. Boutte's status on Friday will give us a little more clarity on whether he can play on Sunday night in the Wild-Card tilt against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. If he's active, Boutte should be considered a low-end, low-ceiling WR2 for fantasy football playoff lineups. The Patriots' offense was one of the most efficient units in the NFL this year, but Boutte was outside the top-50 receivers in half-PPR points per game with 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. If Boutte is limited or out this weekend, it would open the door for both
DeMario Douglas and rookie
Kyle Williams for more targets behind
Stefon Diggs.
--Keith HernandezSource: New England Patriots
January 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) will return to action for Thursday's game against the Miami Heat. White played on Monday after missing three games due to a calf injury. He sat out of Wednesday's game for injury maintenance, but is cleared to suit on for the second leg of the back-to-back set. According to K.C. Johnson, White is going to play roughly 24-26 minutes during Thursday's game. The Bulls want to be cautious with White, who has been limited to 16 games this season due to injuries. The 25-year-old is averaging 18.4 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 27.8 minutes per game this season. His value will take a slight hit with the limitations, but it's not far off his normal allotment of minutes. Fantasy managers should be safe to get White back into their lineups on Thursday.
--Andy WebbSource: K.C. Johnson
January 8, 2026
The Tennessee Titans will interview former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy next Saturday, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. McCarthy also has an interview lined up for the New York Giants' head-coaching vacancy. The veteran head coach knows Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker well from their time together in Green Bay. After being fired by the Cowboys following the 2024 season, McCarthy took the year off from coaching in 2025, but he's ready to return to a head-coaching gig. It remains to be seen if McCarthy's relationship with Brinker will give him a leg up in Tennessee, but general manager Mike Borgonzi will lead the team's search for a new coach after firing Brian Callahan during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 8, 2026
According to Ben Anderson of KSL News, Salt Lake City, Utah Jazz guard/forward
Ace Bailey (hip) is unavailable for Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Bailey will be out of action for the second game of a back-to-back set this evening. The 19-year-old rookie should be back on the floor for Saturday's matchup with the Hornets. With Bailey sidelined,
Brice Sensabaugh could be a solid streaming option across most fantasy formats during tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Ben Anderson
January 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Kevin Huerter (back) is ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Miami Heat. Huerter will sit out the second leg of the back-to-back set due to lower back tightness. This seems like injury maintenance, so Huerter will likely be back in the mix for Saturday's game versus the Dallas Mavericks.
Coby White (calf) is back in the rotation on Thursday, but is only playing around 24-26 minutes. Even with White returning, the absence of Huerter should still benefit
Ayo Dosunmu and
Tre Jones. Fantasy managers cannot go wrong with either Dosunmu or Jones for Thursday's slate. Dosunmu seems to have the slight edge as he's scored 10 or more points in seven straight games coming into Thursday's contest.
--Andy WebbSource: K.C. Johnson
January 8, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back) is officially ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Nembhard was a late addition to the injury report due to lower back soreness. The Pacers will take the cautious approach and hold out Nembhard for Thursday's contest. His absence on the court should free up playing time for
T.J. McConnell and
Ben Sheppard. Both players should see an uptick in value due to the increased playing time. McConnell is the better streaming choice for Thursday's game due to the fact that he has been the more consistent option this season.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeremiah Johnson
January 8, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward
Brandon Miller (knee) is officially cleared to suit up for Thursday's game versus the Indiana Pacers. Miller is back in action after sitting out of Wednesday's contest due to a left knee contusion. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried about the injury, with Miller likely being held out for injury maintenance reasons. He's averaging 20.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 30.7 minutes per game this season. Miller has scored 20 or more points in four of his last five games. When healthy, Miller is worth starting in most fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: Hornets PR
January 8, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard
LaMelo Ball (ankle) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Ball was listed as probable with right ankle soreness, but will officially play in both legs of the back-to-back set. On Wednesday, Ball struggled from the floor, going 7-for-20, but finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in 25 minutes of action. The hope is that Ball will be a more efficient shooter during this favorable matchup against the Pacers. Fantasy managers can safely get Ball active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: Hornets PR
January 8, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal could have a significant role on offense on Wild-Card weekend when the Bolts face off against the New England Patriots on Sunday night, as rookie RB
Omarion Hampton (ankle) has yet to practice this week due to an ankle injury. Hampton was rested in the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the Denver Broncos, but he may have aggravated an ankle injury that landed him on Injured Reserve earlier this year. When Hampton was on the shelf, Vidal filled in nicely as a replacement RB1 for L.A., reaching the 100-yard mark three times while also scoring double-digit half-PPR fantasy points five times. The matchup against New England on the road is not a good one for the Chargers' running game behind a patchwork offensive line, but Vidal's increased volume alone as the RB1 would boost him to high-end RB2 territory in fantasy if Hampton isn't cleared to play.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Chargers
January 8, 2026
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back
Omarion Hampton (ankle) was listed as a non-participant at practice for the second straight day on Thursday, according to the team. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said earlier in the day that Hampton would be "involved some" in practice, but apparently that wasn't the case. The Bolts held the 22-year-old out in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos, along with a lot of their starters, but he's now officially up in the air to be ready to go for Sunday night's Wild-Card clash against the New England Patriots. We'll have a better idea of Hampton's status on Friday, but as of right now, he's a starting RB trending down in a bad matchup. If Hampton is out or limited at all this weekend,
Kimani Vidal would jump into RB1 territory for the volume boost alone.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Chargers
January 8, 2026
Utah Jazz forward/center
Kevin Love (rest) is set to suit up against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. Love has had the last two games off to rest, but he will return to action this evening.
Jusuf Nurkic (toe) is listed as questionable, and if he's unable to play, Love could see extended minutes in his return. The 37-year-old veteran center has averaged 9.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 20.3 minutes per game in his last 10 outings.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Utah Jazz
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Grant Calcaterra (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday, according to the team. Calcaterra was a DNP for Wednesday's practice after injuring his ankle in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. His return to practice on Thursday is a good sign that he'll have a chance to suit up for the Wild-Card playoff tilt this Sunday against the visiting San Francisco 49ers. The 27-year-old caught his only touchdown of the year in the regular-season finale with
Dallas Goedert (knee) being rested, but he's expected to return to a depth role if he's active this weekend, with Goedert expected to return. As long as Goedert is active, Calcaterra is not a realistic starting fantasy option for playoff formats.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Eagles
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Dallas Goedert (knee) was listed as a limited participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday, per the team. Goedert did not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders, but the Eagles rested most of their starters going into the postseason. The 31-year-old should be fine to return for Wild-Card weekend against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, and if he does, he'll be a top-tier option at the position for fantasy managers. Goedert tied for the league lead among TEs with
Trey McBride with 11 trips to the end zone in 15 regular-season games played. In addition to his 11 scores, Goedert's 60 catches were a career high in 2025. Goedert could be in for a big game on Sunday against a banged-up 49ers defense that allowed the eighth-most half-PPR points per game this year to opposing TEs.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Eagles
January 8, 2026
According to NBA writer Justin Russo, Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets due to a right ankle sprain. The 34-year-old veteran forward turned his right ankle after stepping on a fan during a 123-111 loss to the Knicks on Wednesday. If Leonard is unable to suit up,
John Collins,
Kris Dunn, and
Kobe Sanders will likely receive extra minutes and added scoring opportunities during the contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Justin Russo
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale (undisclosed) will miss his first game of the season on Thursday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 23-year-old won't be in the lineup after sustaining an undisclosed injury in Tuesday's win over the Anaheim Ducks. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet has not elaborated on how much time Drysdale will miss. With him sidelined, Philadelphia loses quality from both ends of the ice. Drysdale boasts 18 points (three goals, 15 assists) and 41 blocks from 41 games this season. Noah Juulsen will re-enter the lineup on Thursday but is unlikely to make a significant impact.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 8, 2026
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) was listed as a limited participant at practice again on Thursday, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. Kittle missed Week 17 with an ankle injury, but he returned in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks to play 95% of the offensive snaps. The entire San Fran offense struggled mightily last Saturday night, though, and Kittle caught five passes for only 29 yards on seven targets. Barring a setback on Friday, Kittle should be fine to play in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs on Sunday at the Philadelphia Eagles, where he should be heavily targeted with receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) likely out. Kittle should be in play as one of the most expensive TEs in DFS action this weekend, even though the Eagles allowed the second-fewest half-PPR fantasy points per game to the position during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Bay Area News Group - Cam Inman
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers right wing Bobby Brink (upper body) will not be in the lineup on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brink exited after his first shift on Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks, and it's unclear how much time he will miss. This will be Brink's first absence of the season. He has registered 11 goals and 20 points in 41 contests. Matvei Michkov (foot), who missed his first game of the season on Tuesday, will take Brink's spot in the lineup. Michkov has been a fantasy disappointment in 2025-26 and has finished three of his last five appearances pointless.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 8, 2026
New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (lower body) has been cleared to play on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 21-year-old has been out for 12 games due to a lower-body injury. Nemec's development has been one of only a few bright spots for the Devils during a frustrating season. He has recorded 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists), 50 shots, and 46 blocks in 31 contests, averaging 20:03 of ice time. The Devils may initially limit Nemec's workload due to his long absence. He is projected to skate on the third defensive pairing on Thursday, joining forces with Brenden Dillon.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 8, 2026
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) was limited in practice all week and is considered questionable to play on Wild-Card weekend against the division-rival Chicago Bears on Saturday night, according to Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. Wicks suffered a concussion in the Week 17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and did not suit up for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old still needs final clearance from an independent neurologist to play on Saturday. Already a low-floor flex option for fantasy managers, Wicks is even more risky heading into Wild-Card weekend. He was targeted 46 times during the regular season, catching 30 passes for 332 yards and only two touchdowns. If Wicks is out, both
Romeo Doubs and rookie
Matthew Golden will see the field more behind
Christian Watson and
Jayden Reed.
--Keith HernandezSource: Packers.com - Wes Hodkiewicz
January 8, 2026
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic (toe) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Nurkic may miss the second half of a back-to-back set due to injury maintenance for a left toe sprain. On Wednesday, the 31-year-old big man racked up 15 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, one block, and three steals across 33 minutes during a 129-125 loss to the Thunder. If Nurkic is unable to suit up, center
Kyle Filipowski will take on a heavier workload than usual this evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Utah Jazz
January 8, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Jordan Whittington (knee) is considered questionable for Saturday's Wild-Card playoff contest against the Carolina Panthers, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Whittington injured his knee in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and didn't practice at all this week, suggesting that he's unlikely to play this weekend. The 25-year-old has not been a big part of the offense all year long, catching only 18 passes for 171 yards and no touchdowns. The Rams will be getting
Davante Adams (hamstring) back after he missed the final three games of the regular season, so there won't be a ton of WR targets to go around behind Adams and star wideout
Puka Nacua against the Panthers.
Konata Mumpfield,
Xavier Smith, and
Tutu Atwell will be battling for scraps behind Adams and Nacua.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
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