January 6, 2026
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price shared a backfield with Heisman runner-up Jeremiyah Love for his entire collegiate career, but the 22-year-old flashed enough for many to consider him the second-best RB prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class. While playing second-fiddle to Love over the last two seasons, Price rushed 233 times for 1,420 yards (6.1 YPC) and 18 touchdowns in 28 games. He also secured three touchdown receptions. Price is a dangerous kick returner, tallying 12 returns for 450 yards and two touchdowns in his final collegiate campaign. Love is expected to be the lone first-round NFL Draft pick among running backs, but Price could earn his way into Round 2 with a strong predraft process. Given the lack of high-end talent at the RB position in this rookie class, Price could end up as a consensus first-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 6, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson (foot) is expected to practice on Wednesday for the first time since he suffered a Lisfranc foot injury against the Detroit Lions on Nov. 16, NFL sources told Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Although Johnson has made progress in his recovery, he has yet to test his right foot before the Eagles decide on his availability for the Wild-Card playoff game this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The 35-year-old veteran was playing at a Pro Bowl level despite battling other ailments in 2025. The Eagles went 3-4 in the seven games that he missed with his foot injury, and they are now 18-28 in games that Johnson has missed in his 13-year career. Johnson has missed one of a possible 15 career playoff games, which was a Wild-Card loss to the Seahawks in 2020. It's clear that Johnson is an integral part of the Eagles' success, so we'll keep a close eye on his practice status all week.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bears rookie tight end
Colston Loveland is fresh off his best game of the season in Week 18 against the Lions, catching 10 of his 13 targets for 91 yards and a touchdown. The 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft ends his rookie campaign as the Bears' leading receiver, compiling 58 catches (82 targets) for 713 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. Since Week 9, Loveland scored the second-most PPR points among all tight ends, trailing only
Trey McBride. He recorded at least four receptions in seven of those 10 games and has emerged as one of quarterback
Caleb Williams' go-to targets down the stretch, with receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined. Loveland profiles as one of the best tight ends to roster for fantasy managers in playoff leagues. He'll have a tougher matchup in the Wild-Card round against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, who have allowed the sixth-fewest yards per game (44.9) to tight ends this season. In two games against Green Bay this season, Loveland hauled in seven of his 10 targets for 59 yards and a touchdown.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon had a breakout season as a true junior, collecting 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games. He has already declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, and many draft analysts project the 21-year-old to be a top-20 pick in April. The Trojans ranked fifth in passing yards per game (296.0) in 2025, and Lemon led the program in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He won the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's most outstanding wide receiver, and was named a Unanimous All-American. If Lemon fetches the high-end draft capital he's expected to, he'll be a sure-fire first-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts. His landing spot and quarterback situation will help shape his rookie season outlook in 2026.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
Houston Texans rookie wide receiver
Jaylin Noel showed flashes at times this season, ending with 26 catches for 292 yards and two touchdowns while playing all 17 games. Noel's snap share never climbed above 50% in a game this season, though, and he only cleared 30% in six contests. The rookie third-rounder doesn't project to be a significant piece of Houston's passing game heading into Monday night's Wild-Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Noel's role in the offense not expanding, he doesn't profile as a reliable option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in December, and the two-time All-Big-12 performer is projected to be a top 15 pick in April. Tyson is among the shortlist of wide receivers in contention to be the first player at the position off the board. Naturally, this will make him a top pick in upcoming dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts. Tyson enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, snagging 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was limited to nine games in 2025, but he still produced 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight scores. The 21-year-old is an excellent route runner for his size (6'2", 200), and he has strong body control and leaping ability for contested catches. WR-needy teams with young quarterbacks like the Titans and Saints are potential landing spots for the top-end wide receiver prospect.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 6, 2026
Across 16 games in his rookie campaign, Houston Texans running back
Woody Marks has recorded 196 carries for 703 yards and two touchdowns while adding 24 catches for 208 yards and three scores on 36 targets. Marks has operated as Houston's lead back for most of the season, but he's been one of the least efficient runners in the league, averaging 3.59 yards per carry, which ranks 48th out of 49 RBs with at least 100 carries. The rookie fourth-rounder hasn't been very dynamic on his high volume of touches, and he will now face a stout Pittsburgh Steelers defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards per game (73.3) over the final four weeks of the season. Marks profiles as a risky RB3/flex for the Wild-Card round matchup on Monday night.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has the Hoosiers still alive in the College Football Playoff and has not officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. However, he's the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 pick in April if he forgoes his final year of collegiate eligibility, and the expectation is that he will do so when Indiana's season comes to an end. The QB-needy Las Vegas Raiders officially have the No. 1 pick, so it's easy to connect the dots in the offseason. Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner, has thrown for 3,172 yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions through his first 14 games this year. He's added 256 yards and six scores as a runner. The Miami native isn't a high-end dual-threat quarterback, but he's a tactical scrambler with a touch of rushing upside. Mendoza isn't the most impressive athlete, but he's viewed as an NFL-ready prospect with a great command of the position. If he ends up in Las Vegas, his rookie-season ceiling likely won't excite fantasy managers, but he'd become a valuable piece for a rebuilding superflex dynasty manager. He's projected to be a better "real life" quarterback than fantasy quarterback, but a signal-caller with No. 1 overall pick draft capital has job security baked into his value through a dynasty lens.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) has missed five consecutive games due to a stress fracture in his foot. The 23-year-old wideout was able to practice in a limited capacity on Friday ahead of Week 18's regular-season finale against the Lions, which signals some optimism for his status heading into the Wild-Card matchup versus the division-rival Green Bay Packers. Odunze has totalled 44 catches (90 targets) for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games during his sophomore campaign. He was inconsistent after the team's Week 5 bye, however, recording three receptions or fewer in six of eight games with one touchdown. The emergence of rookies
Luther Burden III and tight end
Colston Loveland muddy the outlook for Odunze heading into the playoffs if he can return. With the game being played on a short week on Saturday, more clarity should emerge regarding Odunze's status in the next few days.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is the consensus top fantasy football rookie in 2026, and the 20-year-old is expected to be a first-round pick in April's NFL Draft. The Missouri native had a fantastic career in South Bend, particularly in his sophomore and junior seasons. In his last 28 collegiate games, Love rushed 362 times for 2,497 yards (6.9 YPC) and 35 touchdowns. He added 55 receptions for 517 yards and five scores through the air. He was named a Heisman Trophy finalist, the Doak Walker Award Winner, and a Unanimous All-American after his final season with the Irish. Love has game-breaking speed, high-end elusiveness, receiving chops, elite vision, and impressive athleticism at 215 pounds. He checks all the boxes of a future NFL workhorse, and if he fetches early-first-round draft capital as expected, he will likely carry an RB1 outlook immediately in his rookie campaign. He's the clear No. 1 pick in single-QB dynasty rookie drafts, and he'll be in play for the top pick in superflex drafts.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on Tuesday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Cowboys will now be on their fourth different defensive coordinator in four seasons. Eberflus gets the boot after the team finished last in the league in points per game (30.1) and 30th in yards allowed per game. It was the first time in team history that the Cowboys allowed more than 30 points per game, and they surrendered a team-record 511 points in 18 games. Dallas traded All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers just a week before the start of the season. They finished with 35 sacks, their fewest since 2020. The Cowboys allowed either a touchdown or a field goal on 91 of 177 drives this season. Additionally, their 12 takeaways were the fewest in a season since 2015. Dallas' run D improved slightly, but they still ranked 23rd.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 6, 2026
The Carolina Panthers activated wide receiver
David Moore (elbow) from Injured Reserve on Tuesday and waived wide receiver
Hunter Renfrow in a corresponding move, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Moore played in only four games with Carolina to begin the year before suffering a serious elbow injury that landed him on IR in late September. The 30-year-old has been practicing in full for several weeks and now appears ready to contribute as WR depth for the Panthers going into the Wild-Card round of the playoffs this Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Rams. Moore will take Renfrow's spot on the active 53-man roster. In his four games played early this season, Moore had just one catch for five yards on one target. If Moore is active this weekend, he'll be a long shot to return any fantasy value in playoff leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 6, 2026
South Florida transfer quarterback Byrum Brown has committed to Auburn, reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel. The 21-year-old spent four years at USF, compiling 7,690 passing yards, 2,265 rushing yards, and 93 total touchdowns in 35 career games. Brown was a 3,000-yard passer and 1,000-yard rusher in his final season with the Bulls. With former USF head coach Alex Golesh now at Auburn, this was an expected move as soon as Brown announced his intention to enter the transfer portal last month. Golesh has the chance to get out to a hot start in his first season as an SEC head coach with continuity at the QB spot.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
January 6, 2026
Former Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons is signing with Missouri, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Simmons was supposed to be the next prolific quarterback in Lane Kiffin's offense in Oxford after Jaxson Dart, but after suffering an injury and struggling early in the 2025 campaign, Trinidad Chambliss seized the QB1 job for the Rebels. The former four-star recruit ended his Ole Miss career with 1,026 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions in limited action. However, he appeared in 17 total games, and he has just two years of eligibility remaining. Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers are hoping to turn their passing game around after a rough showing by Beau Pribula in conference play last season.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
January 6, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe (lower body) will be sidelined for one week, head coach Craig Berube announced. The 32-year-old went down with a lower-body injury in Saturday's loss to the New York Islanders. After 41 games, McCabe leads Toronto with 104 blocks and has picked up 16 points (three goals, 13 assists). He has joined fellow blue-liners Brandon Carlo (foot) and Chris Tanev (groin) on the shelf. However, Carlo participated in Monday's practice and could be ready to fill in for McCabe on Tuesday against the Florida Panthers.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 6, 2026
Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm (undisclosed) is poised to miss some time, Conor Ryan of Boston.com reports. "It's not going to be a day-to-day thing," Bruins head coach Marco Strum said about Lindholm's injury. "Hopefully it's not too long, but he's definitely going to be out for a little bit. We'll have to do more testing when we're back in Boston so we can go from there." Lindholm has made 34 appearances during the campaign, recording 14 points (three goals, 11 assists), 60 shots, and 59 blocks. After missing five weeks, Henri Jokiharju (undisclosed) practiced fully on Monday and could step into Lindholm's spot in the lineup on Tuesday versus the Seattle Kraken.
--Taavi PailkSource: Conor Ryan
January 6, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers center Christian Dvorak has signed a five-year, $25.75 million contract extension. After picking Dvorak up as a free agent on a one-year deal in the summer, the team has moved quickly to lock him up long-term. Following a four-year stint in Montreal, a change of scenery has suited Dvorak superbly, as he is having a career year. Currently, he is on track for a 50-point campaign, sitting on nine goals and 18 assists after 39 outings. While Dvorak has made the score sheet just twice in his last seven appearances, it should only be a matter of time before he ends the slump, as the 29-year-old skates with Philadelphia's top scorers, Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (lower body) exited Monday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth in the first period. The former Vezina Trophy winner couldn't carry on after being involved in a collision with Mammoth forward JJ Peterka. Shesterkin, who saved all nine shots he faced, was replaced in the crease by Jonathan Quick. While exiting the ice, he was unable to put weight on his left foot. Despite the Rangers' home struggles in 2025-26, Shesterkin maintains a solid 17-12-4 record. He has posted a 2.45 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage, and one shutout. Quick, who is 3-6-2 for the season, faces an increased workload if Shesterkin misses time.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Kings right wing Joel Armia (upper body) didn't complete Monday's 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. The Finnish forward departed the game in the second period due to an upper-body injury. With Trevor Moore (illness) out, Armia has recently been on second-line duty. The Kings also lost Anze Kopitar (lower body) on Monday night, meaning further tweaks in the top six could be coming for Wednesday's matchup against the San Jose Sharks. Armia has totaled 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in 41 games during his first season with the Kings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Los Angeles Kings PR
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (lower body) exited Monday's 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild after the first period. He logged 4:54 of action in the first frame and was ruled out for the rest of the game with a lower-body injury. The Kings captain missed time in October with a foot injury and may now have to sit out some action again. Kopitar, who has announced this is his final season in the NHL, is currently on track to match his lowest career scoring total of 42 points. In 37 appearances, he has managed 21 points (six goals, 15 assists). Alex Turcotte, who has recorded assists in back-to-back games, could land a top-six spot on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks if Kopitar isn't ready to play.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 6, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (toe) is considered questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has missed nearly a month of action with a toe injury. For Sunday's clash against the New Orleans Pelicans, Herro was listed as available, but he didn't take the court. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra labeled the star guard as day-to-day on Sunday. Once Herro returns,
Kel'el Ware will probably move to the bench, and
Andrew Wiggins and
Norman Powell could see fewer offensive opportunities. At the same time,
Nikola Jovic and
Pelle Larsson may have their roles reduced in the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (calf) is carrying a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of the first leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Morant missed Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers due to a right calf contusion. Unfortunately, it has been yet another campaign full of health issues for Morant, who has appeared in only 18 of Memphis' 35 games. Another absence on Tuesday will likely keep
Cam Spencer in the first unit. Spencer had a horrible shooting night against the Lakers, finishing with only five points. Still, he is averaging nearly a double-double as a starter this season, posting 10.6 points and 9.0 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) is listed as doubtful for Tuesday's meeting with the Washington Wizards. Last week, Suggs suffered a MCL contusion in his right knee, landing back on the shelf just two games after returning from a hip injury. The doubtful tag indicates that Suggs is expected to miss a second consecutive game. With Suggs out,
Tristan da Silva returned to the starting lineup in Sunday's win over the Indiana Pacers, but his fantasy production has been lacking all season.
Anthony Black, who finished with 27 points, 10 assists, and four blocks against Indiana, is the player to target during Suggs' absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen (illness) could be out for a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report. The big man is working his way through an illness and may return in a good spot, facing a team that allows the 11th-most fantasy points to centers.
Sam Merrill filled in for Allen in the starting unit in Sunday's loss to the Detroit Pistons, scoring 15 points on 5-for-7 three-point shooting. On Tuesday, Merrill could make an even bigger impact, with Cleveland potentially missing two regular starters. The team has already ruled out
Donovan Mitchell (rest) for the matchup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (rest) will take the night off on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers. After seeing him string together a run of three consecutive 30-point games, the Cavaliers have decided to rest Mitchell against the Eastern Conference bottom feeders. Mitchell's absence will put the ball more in
Darius Garland's hands, while
Sam Merrill,
Jaylon Tyson, and De'Andre Hunter may all be more involved in the action as well. Vegas has set the total at 236.5 points for this game, and a high-scoring contest could result in many outstanding fantasy performances.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's contest against the Memphis Grizzlies. The French phenom has missed a pair of games with a bone bruise in his left knee, but he has a chance to return to the lineup on Tuesday. However, as this marks the beginning of a back-to-back for San Antonio, Wembanyama could still sit out some more action this week.
Luke Kornet and
Kelly Olynyk have had larger workloads with Wembanyama out of the lineup. Olynyk could fall out of the rotation once Wembanyama is back at 100 percent.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
The Houston Astros have designated right-handed pitcher
Kaleb Ort for assignment. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for recently acquired pitcher
Tatsuya Imai. Ort has spent each of the last two campaigns with the Astros operating as a relief pitcher. In 2025, the right-hander logged 46 innings to the tune of a 4.89 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP. He earned one save and struck out 49 hitters. However, during the 2024 campaign, Ort enjoyed his most impressive campaign, posting a 2.55 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and a 26:4 K:BB through 24 2/3 innings. Given his previous success, the 33-year-old could draw interest as a middle reliever on waivers. If he goes unclaimed, Ort would begin his 2026 season in the minor leagues with Triple-A Sugar Land.
--Andy SmithSource: Chandler Rome
January 6, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Baltimore Orioles remain "in pursuit" of another starting pitcher. Rosenthal and Sammon report they could look to sign one of the top remaining free agents, such as
Framber Valdez or
Ranger Suarez. In addition, they still have the prospect capital to pursue one of the top names on the trade market, such as
MacKenzie Gore from Washington or
Edward Cabrera of Miami, even after top prospects
Samuel Basallo and
Jackson Holliday made their MLB debuts. Early in the offseason, the Orioles acquired right-hander
Shane Baz in a trade with the Rays and re-signed veteran right-hander
Zach Eflin. However, outside of the roster,
Trevor Rogers and returning
Kyle Bradish, the Orioles do not have as much depth at the position to compete in a high-powered AL East. As of now, Rogers or Bradish are the likely candidates to get the starting nod on Opening Day.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
January 6, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman
Ketel Marte has had his name in many trade discussions throughout the offseason. However, general manager Mike Hazen is expected to move on from the previous trade discussions and plan for Marte to remain on the roster for the 2026 season. According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, "nothing has changed" regarding a potential trade, and the Diamondbacks have always viewed the likelihood of a trade involving their second baseman as a "long shot." The 32-year-old switch-hitter turned in another impressive campaign in 2025 and was named to his second-straight All-Star Game. Through 126 games, he held a .283/.376/.517 line with 28 home runs and four stolen bases. Marte remains a high-end second baseman heading into 2026, as he should provide elite production in four of the standard categories while chipping in a handful of stolen bases.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
January 6, 2026
Free agent outfielder
Randal Grichuk has been linked to the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic. Grichuk would serve as a platoon option in left field alongside
Brandon Marsh. While reports suggest that they are still linked to the remaining top free agents like
Bo Bichette,
Kyle Tucker, and
Alex Bregman, the price tag would need to come down significantly for the Phillies to be a serious contender to acquire them. Grichuk spent the 2025 campaign with the Diamondbacks and Royals. Through 113 games, the 34-year-old held a .228/.273/.401 line but generated a .262 xBA with a 453 xSLG, which suggests he could be in store for a bounce-back campaign in 2026. If he were to sign a deal in Philadelphia, he would have appeal in deeper five-outfielder leagues, given that he would likely only be deployed on the weak side of a platoon.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
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