January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston took fantasy managers on a rollercoaster ride in 2025. After recording 28 receptions for 407 yards and five touchdowns over his first six games of the season, Johnston hauled in just 14 catches for 126 yards and two scores over his next six contests. However, Johnston re-emerged late in the year. Across his final two games played of the regular season, the 24-year-old recorded nine catches for 202 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets. Johnston was also among the players Los Angeles chose to rest in Week 18 in preparation for the playoffs, signifying his value in the eyes of Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. Los Angeles will face one of the league's better pass defenses in their Wild Card Weekend matchup against the New England Patriots. Still, Johnston has proven he can have success against challenging opponents, recording at least 14.9 PPR fantasy points in matchups during the regular season against the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and Kansas City Chiefs. Fantasy managers in playoff leagues should view Johnston as a high-upside wide receiver option entering the postseason.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Brandin Cooks has mostly played a minimal role since signing with the team in late November. However, Cooks had a breakout game in Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles, recording four catches for 101 yards on six targets. The Bills have been searching for a reliable wide receiver option to pair with wideout
Khalil Shakir for most of the season. Notably, Cooks was among the players Buffalo chose to rest during their Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Jets. While the Bills will likely continue to rotate wide receivers, Cooks' Week 18 status could indicate the team plans to heavily feature him in its Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 32-year-old has postseason experience, recording 35 receptions for 494 yards across seven career playoff games. Cooks had just five total catches across five games played for Buffalo this season, so expectations should remain limited. However, Cooks could be an under-the-radar wide receiver option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Across 16 games played in 2025, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Rodgers delivered a bit of a vintage performance in Week 18 to help power Pittsburgh into the playoffs, completing 31 of 47 pass attempts for 294 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. Entering Wild Card Weekend, Rodgers will get some much-needed pass-catching help in the form of wide receiver
D.K. Metcalf, who missed the final two games of the regular season due to a suspension. However, Rodgers will face one of the league's best defenses in the Houston Texans in the first round of the AFC playoffs. In the regular season, Houston ranked seventh among NFL defenses in both passing yards (3,486) and passing touchdowns (20) allowed. Rodgers has played some of his best football of the season in recent weeks, but fantasy managers in playoff leagues may want to be cautious given his matchup against Houston.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
After missing Week 17 due to a knee injury, Buffalo Bills tight end
Dalton Kincaid returned in Week 18 and recorded three catches for 48 yards on three targets in his team's blowout win over the New York Jets. Multiple injuries limited the 26-year-old to just 12 games played in 2025, and he finished the season with 39 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns on 49 targets. On a per-play basis, Kincaid is a highly efficient and productive tight end. However, playing time and target volume are issues for Kincaid's fantasy outlook. He has not played more than 38% of Buffalo's offensive snaps in any game since Week 5 and has not earned more than five targets in a game since Week 9. Heading into his Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kincaid profiles as a high-ceiling, low-floor tight end option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Draymond Green (ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Green could already miss his second game this month after spraining his left ankle during Monday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Quinten Post and
Trayce Jackson-Davis are candidates for increased playing time if Green misses Wednesday's action. That said, it's a difficult fantasy matchup for the duo, as Milwaukee allows the third-fewest fantasy points to centers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (concussion) will be sidelined for a second consecutive game on Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons. Smith entered concussion protocol over the weekend after sustaining a head injury during a game against the Charlotte Hornets. Chicago's frontcourt is also currently without
Zach Collins (toe), opening up a spot in the rotation for
Lachlan Olbrich. The 22-year-old rookie failed to impress on Monday night against the Boston Celtics, finishing scoreless in 12 minutes and recording two rebounds and two assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate is leaving school early and declaring for the 2026 NFL draft, per ESPN's Pete Thamel. Tate is expected to be one of the top wide receivers off the draft board and could be an early first-round selection in April. Across 11 games for the Buckeyes in 2025, Tate recorded 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. He established himself as one of the premier downfield threats in college football, averaging over 17 yards per reception in 2025 and 15.5 yards per reception across 39 career college games. Speculatively speaking, Tate could be a good fit for a wide receiver-needy team with a top ten pick like the Cleveland Browns or the New Orleans Saints. Regardless of where he ends up, Tate is a name for fantasy managers in all league formats to monitor heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Pete Thamel
January 6, 2026
The San Francisco Giants have designated outfielder
Justin Dean for assignment to make room for right-hander
Tyler Mahle, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Dean never appeared in a game for the Giants after being claimed off waivers in early November. The 29-year-old most recently played for the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers, appearing in 18 games last season, primarily as a pinch-runner. Mahle joins a Giants starting rotation that includes
Logan Webb,
Robbie Ray,
Adrian Houser, and
Landen Roupp. The 31-year-old righty spent the past two seasons with the Texas Rangers, where he posted a 2.54 ERA with 76 strikeouts across 99 1/3 innings. However, durability remains a major concern. Since 2022, Mahle has undergone Tommy John surgery and hasn't made more than 20 starts in a season. In 2025, he missed 85 games with right-shoulder fatigue, and his declining velocity only adds to the concerns. His fastball, which averaged around 94 mph in 2021, dipped to roughly 92 mph last season. While Mahle still does a solid job locating the ball, and Oracle Park is pitcher-friendly, he's mainly a fantasy option for deeper formats, like 15-team leagues. Even then, it's best to leave him on the waiver wire to start the season until he proves he can stay healthy and that his stuff can still play at the major-league level.
--Marty TallmanSource: Susan Slusser
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (illness) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. He is dealing with an illness, and if Buzelis can't shake it off before tip-off, he would miss his first game of the season. The 21-year-old sophomore has taken an impressive leap in 2025-26, averaging 14.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
Patrick Williams and
Julian Phillips will likely be called upon to take on larger roles Wednesday night if Buzelis is unavailable.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) is considered questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the Detroit Pistons. On Monday, White made a sooner-than-expected return to the lineup from a right calf injury, but he may sit out some action again.
Tre Jones and
Kevin Huerter will likely see more time on the court if White is unavailable, although Wednesday presents a challenging matchup for the Bulls against the league's second-ranked defense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (wrist) is considered probable for Wednesday's contest against the Chicago Bulls. Detroit's leading man is dealing with a right wrist injury, but the probable designation indicates that Cunningham isn't expected to miss time. The 24-year-old is averaging a double-double for a second consecutive month. He has notched 29.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 2.0 steals per game through his first few outings of 2026. If Cunningham experiences a setback,
Jaden Ivey and
Daniss Jenkins will take on a greater workload against Chicago.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
The New York Yankees are running out of viable options to replace outfielder
Cody Bellinger, which, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, is giving Bellinger significant leverage in his free-agent talks with New York. Rosenthal added that free-agent outfielder
Kyle Tucker is likely too expensive for the Yankees' taste, while third baseman
Alex Bregman and shortstop
Bo Bichette don't appear to be great fits for their roster. Last week, the New York Post's Jon Heyman reported that Bellinger is still the Yankees' top priority. However, other teams, such as the Mets, Angels, Dodgers, and Blue Jays, have also shown interest in the former National League MVP. In 2025, Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs, 89 runs scored, 98 RBI, and 13 stolen bases with a career-low 13.7% strikeout rate. If Bellinger does re-sign with New York, he'll be a clear top-25 outfielder heading into fantasy drafts in 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Ken Rosenthal
January 6, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will miss a sixth consecutive game on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz. Hartenstein is recovering from a right soleus strain and doesn't have a return timeline.
Chet Holmgren has operated as the starting center during Hartenstein's absence, with
Branden Carlson seeing additional action off the bench. Wednesday's matchup is a juicy spot for the Thunder bigs against a team that struggles against centers.
Aaron Wiggins and
Cason Wallace have filled in for Hartenstein in the starting lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) has been upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's contest against the Washington Wizards. The veteran has been sidelined since Nov. 14 due to a knee sprain, but he could be ready to return to the court against his former team. Before injuring his left knee, Oubre Jr. was performing well. He has averaged 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 34.8 minutes this season. Initially, Oubre Jr.'s workload is likely to be limited upon his return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. The veteran sniper is dealing with an illness and wasn't available for Monday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Denver was short-handed on Monday and could be in a similar situation on Wednesday, with
Jamal Murray (ankle),
Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and
Christian Braun (ankle) all also questionable. Players like
Jalen Pickett,
Spencer Jones, and
Zeke Nnaji stepped up on Monday night and may be asked to do it again against Boston.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Christian Braun (ankle) carries a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's meeting with the Boston Celtics. On Sunday, the 24-year-old returned to the lineup from a seven-week absence, but Braun didn't play in Monday's contest against the Philadelphia 76ers. He may now miss a second straight game. Braun's absence would give additional fantasy value to
Bruce Brown and
Spencer Jones. However, Wednesday's matchup is unattractive from a fantasy perspective, as Boston plays at the slowest pace in the league.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
The Detroit Lions are kicking off their search for a new offensive coordinator with former Lions quarterback
David Blough, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Blough worked as the assistant quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders in 2025, but he served as the QBs coach after Tavita Pritchard left to become the head coach at Stanford. Detroit let go of Johnny Morton as their offensive coordinator after just one season in the role. Blough last played in the NFL in 2023 and began his coaching career with Washington in 2024. The 30-year-old former undrafted rookie out of Purdue played in just four seasons in the NFL with Detroit and Arizona and completed 57% of his passes for 1,435 yards, six touchdowns, and nine interceptions. The Lions have high expectations for their high-scoring offense after scoring 28.3 points per game in 2025, the fifth-most in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 6, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired left-hander
Justin Bruihl from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for cash considerations, as announced by both teams. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cardinals designated right-hander
Zak Kent for assignment. Bruihl has pitched five years in the majors, posting a 4.72 ERA, 69 strikeouts, and a 1.37 WHIP across 89 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old does a solid job of keeping the ball on the ground and has held left-handed hitters to a .224 batting average over his career. Bruihl appears to be a replacement for lefty reliever
John King, who was non-tendered by St. Louis following the 2025 season. Outside of very deep leagues that count holds, Bruihl can safely be left off fantasy radars heading into 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: St. Louis Cardinals X account
January 6, 2026
The Colorado Rockies are expected to pursue veteran starting pitching ahead of the 2026 season, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. The club is reportedly looking to add two experienced starters who can provide innings stability. Colorado's rotation struggled mightily in 2025, finishing with a 6.65 ERA, which is one of the worst marks by a starting staff in MLB history. As things currently stand, the Rockies have
Kyle Freeland,
Chase Dollander,
Tanner Gordon,
Ryan Feltner, and
McCade Brown projected as their starting five. Feltner posted the best ERA among that group at 4.75, though he logged just 30 1/3 innings. It is unlikely that Colorado will pursue top-tier free-agent starters such as
Framber Valdez,
Ranger Suarez, or
Zac Gallen. Instead, Darragh McDonald of MLB.com suggests the Rockies could target older veterans like
Wade Miley,
Miles Mikolas,
Alex Cobb,
Jose Quintana,
Patrick Corbin, or
Martin Perez. Unless Colorado changes its usual offseason approach, their rotation is probably best avoided for fantasy in 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Thomas Harding
January 6, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a minor-league deal with free-agent left-hander
Tucker Davidson, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. It is currently unclear whether the contract includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Davidson has spent parts of five seasons in the majors, pitching for the Braves, Angels, and Orioles. The 30-year-old lefty owns a 5.76 career ERA (5.13 SIERA) across 129 2/3 innings. In 2025, he pitched in Korea for the Lotte Giants, where he started 22 games and posted a 3.65 ERA, a 22.5% strikeout rate, 9.1% walk rate, and a 46.4% ground-ball rate. If Davidson earns a spot on the Phillies' roster, he would likely serve as depth out of the bullpen. As such, he is not expected to have any fantasy relevance heading into the 2026 season.
--Marty TallmanSource: Will Sammon
January 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's meeting with the Boston Celtics. After he returned from a hamstring injury on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets, Gordon sat out the second leg of a back-to-back on Monday night versus the Philadelphia 76ers. The team will not want to risk an injury setback and may keep Gordon out of action again on Wednesday.
Peyton Watson and
Zeke Nnaji are in a position to contribute more if Gordon doesn't play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's clash against the Boston Celtics. He is dealing with a left ankle sprain, which may sideline Murray for a second consecutive contest. Overall, Murray has shown impressive durability this season, skipping only two games. With Murray out,
Jalen Pickett had an outstanding game in Monday's overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Pickett could make some noise again on Wednesday if he maintains a starting role.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Max Strus (foot) will be out for at least another month, the team announced Tuesday. Strus underwent foot surgery on Aug. 26 and was initially expected to resume basketball activities in three to four months. However, the 29-year-old has yet to play this season. It's now clear that Strus will remain out at least until February.
Jaylon Tyson and
Sam Merrill have capitalized on Strus' absence this season, both showing major improvement in their offensive production.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard
Vince Williams Jr. (knee) is returning to the lineup on Tuesday as the Grizzlies face the San Antonio Spurs. Williams has missed the previous eight games with left patellar tendinitis but is off the injury report and set to play. The fourth-year guard has averaged 7.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 22 games this season, starting in just half of them. With
Ja Morant (calf) ruled out for Tuesday, Williams could have a legitimate role despite likely seeing a minutes restriction. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Morant's status moving forward, as Williams could become a key option for the Grizzlies if Morant ends up missing more time.
--Nathan HarveySource: Memphis Grizzlies
January 6, 2026
Atlanta Hawks point guard
Trae Young (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. The four-time All-Star has been out for five games with a right quadriceps contusion. If he returns on Wednesday, it could be one of Young's final games as a Hawk, since he has been heavily linked with a trade in recent days.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and
Vit Krejci have benefited from Young's absence and will continue to have additional fantasy value if he remains out.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (calf) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Morant is set to miss his second straight game with a calf injury, which has already cost him several games earlier this season. The two-time All-Star has gotten off to a slow start to his seventh season, averaging 19.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists. With Morant sitting against the Spurs, expect
Cam Spencer and
Vince Williams Jr. to make an impact in his absence. With the Grizzlies playing back-to-backs, fantasy managers should cross their fingers that Morant didn't suffer a reinjury and is simply managing his health.
--Nathan HarveySource: Memphis Grizzlies
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
James Harden (shoulder) is considered questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the New York Knicks. He may miss a second straight game due to a sore right shoulder. Harden's absence on Monday night versus the Golden State Warriors gave
Kobe Sanders his fourth start of the season, and the 23-year-old rookie had the best outing of his young career. Across 36 minutes, Sanders notched 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, shooting 9-for-16 from the field. If Harden remains out on Wednesday, Sanders will likely remain in the first unit. Meanwhile,
Kawhi Leonard and
Kris Dunn are expected to have larger offensive roles.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee, ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's juicy fantasy matchup against the Washington Wizards. Despite managing knee and ankle injuries, the former MVP has made four consecutive appearances. On Monday night, Embiid logged 40 minutes in an overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets, and it looks like he may take some time off to rest on Wednesday. If needed,
Adem Bona and
Andre Drummond will help fill the void left by Embiid's absence. It's an excellent opportunity for the Sixers' centers to post big numbers, as Washington has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing fives this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
The Cleveland Browns have requested permission to interview Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde for their vacant head-coaching job, a source told Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Browns have also requested permission to interview Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken for the position, among others. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has called the plays on defense, but Durde has done a fine job as the D coordinator in Seattle the last two seasons. The Browns are looking to replace Kevin Stefanski, who they fired from the head-coaching gig on Monday. Durde started his NFL coaching career as an intern with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 and also coached with Atlanta and Dallas. He's probably a long shot to win the Browns' job.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Gabe Vincent (back) will remain out on Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Earlier in the day, the team downgraded Vincent from questionable to doubtful, and he has now been ruled out, marking his ninth consecutive absence. Speaking at his pregame press conference, Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters that he expects Vincent to be available for the second leg of a back-to-back on Wednesday versus the San Antonio Spurs. With Vincent out of the rotation,
Nick Smith Jr. and
Dalton Knecht have seen increased minutes, though neither has emerged as a reliable fantasy option.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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