January 25, 2026
Veteran third baseman
Alex Bregman will have a new home for the 2026 season after signing a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in free agency. The 31-year-old spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Houston Astros before signing a short-term deal with the Boston Red Sox for the 2025 season. Bregman missed time in 2025 due to injury, but produced a .273/.360/.462 slash line with 18 home runs, 62 RBI, and 64 runs scored across 495 plate appearances. In Chicago, he'll likely hit in the middle of what projects to be one of the best lineups in baseball. However, it's fair to wonder if Bregman's power output will decline now that he no longer has the home-field advantage provided by short left fields in Houston and Boston. With just a 6.1% career barrel rate, Bregman does not have elite underlying power metrics. Still, Bregman owns a career slugging percentage of .490 on the road, and 12 of his 18 home runs in 2025 came away from Fenway Park. Given that he still has a strong supporting cast around him in Chicago, Bregman's current average draft position as the eighth third baseman off the board may represent a value for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
Across three seasons from 2022 to 2024, injuries limited Texas Rangers starting pitcher
Jacob deGrom to just 20 total starts. Heading into 2025, many wondered if the two-time Cy Young Award winner would ever return to form. However, deGrom managed to log a full season in 2025, posting a 12-8 record with a 2.97 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 185 strikeouts across 172 2/3 innings (30 starts). While deGrom's 22.1% K-BB rate in 2025 isn't quite the level he posted at his peak, it's still an elite mark that demonstrates how much he still has left in the tank. Still, deGrom will turn 38 years old during the 2026 season, and his extensive injury track record means he still carries a significant health risk. In comparison to other elite starting pitching options, fantasy managers should likely lower their volume-based expectations for deGrom. At the same time, he carries significant upside and currently ranks as RotoBaller's number 11 starting pitcher in standard rotisserie scoring formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
New York Yankees outfielder
Aaron Judge has established himself as arguably the best hitter in baseball, winning three out of the last four American League MVP awards. In 2025, Judge posted a .331/.457/.688 slash line with 53 home runs, 114 RBI, 137 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases across 679 plate appearances. However, Judge will turn 34 years old in April, putting into question just how much longer he can sustain his unbelievable run at the plate. Judge has also been able to stay mostly healthy in recent years, but he played through an elbow injury in 2025 and has missed significant chunks of several seasons due to injury earlier in his career. On the plus side, the Yankees recently re-signed outfielder
Cody Bellinger, providing Judge with some much-needed help around him in the lineup. The Yankees led MLB in runs scored (849) in 2025 and will run it back in 2026 with basically the same team, so Judge should have plenty of opportunities to rack up counting stats. Some age-related decline should be expected, but Judge still profiles as an elite outfield option for fantasy managers as long as he stays healthy heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen), who was listed as questionable going into Sunday's AFC Championship in Denver versus the Broncos, is officially active. The Patriots activated Hollins from Injured Reserve on Saturday, paving the way for him to make his first appearance since injuring his abdomen in the Week 16 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The 32-year-old will provide quarterback
Drake Maye as an extra deep threat on the outside, although fantasy managers should view him as a boom/bust sleeper for playoff lineups. During the regular season in his first year with the Pats, eight-year pro caught 46 of 65 targets for 550 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie
Efton Chism III is a healthy scratch with Hollins returning. Rookie
Kyle Williams and
DeMario Douglas could have fewer opportunities on the field with Hollins coming back as well.
--Keith HernandezSource: New England Patriots
January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Troy Franklin (hamstring) is officially inactive for the AFC Championship game on Sunday against the visiting New England Patriots, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Franklin injured his hamstring early in the Divisional Round win against the Buffalo Bills and never returned. He was limited in practice all week, but the Broncos weren't comfortable making him active. Although Franklin saw his role decline late in the year, it's a notable loss for a Denver offense that is forced to start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidman against New England with
Bo Nix (ankle) out for the rest of the season. The second-year wideout from Oregon was the Broncos' second leading receiver during the regular season with 65 catches, 709 yards, and six touchdowns on 104 targets.
Marvin Mims Jr., rookie
Pat Bryant, and
Lil'Jordan Humphrey will need to step up behind
Courtland Sutton against a solid Patriots defense on Sunday.
--Keith HernandezSource: 9 News - Mike Klis
January 25, 2026
Minnesota Vikings defensive passing-game coordinator Daronte Jones will interview with the Washington Commanders on Sunday for their vacant defensive-coordinator position, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Jones has interviewed for several defensive-coordinator jobs around the league this cycle, including the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers, before they filled their openings. Jones has been with the Vikings since 2022 and has had his current title since 2023. He also served as the DC at LSU in 2021 and has worked as a defensive backs coach for the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins. The Vikings' defense ranked seventh in points allowed per game and led the league in passing yards allowed per game in 2025 under Jones. The Commanders are looking to replace Joe Whitt Jr., who was fired after the season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 25, 2026
The Tennessee Titans have requested to interview Atlanta Falcons defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg for their defensive-coordinator position, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Rutenberg has a long history working with new Titans head coach Robert Saleh, most recently coaching the linebackers with the New York Jets when Saleh was the head coach there. Rutenberg also worked with Saleh in San Francisco with the Niners before he brought him along with him to New York. He should be considered a favorite for the job in Tennessee because of his history with Saleh. Additionally, the Falcons' defense ranked 13th in EPA per drop back allowed and 12th in passing yards allowed per game during the 2025 season under Rutenberg.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
January 25, 2026
The Tennessee Titans are interviewing Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso for their vacant defensive-coordinator job, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Vasso's mentors, Texans DC Matt Burke and Cleveland Browns DC Jim Schwart, have been pushing hard for Vasso behind the scenes. Vasso has held various coaching roles around the NFL, but he's never called plays or been a defensive coordinator. He began his coaching career in the NFL in 2013 under head coach Andy Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs. If Vasso were to be hired by Tennessee, he might not be calling plays with defensive-minded coach Robert Saleh getting the job as the team's new head coach. The 38-year-old began coaching with the Texans in 2021 and has built up their secondary as one of the best units in the league.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 25, 2026
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Seattle Seahawks running backs
George Holani and
Cam Akers are expected to be used in backup roles in Sunday's NFC Championship game against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, with some work expected for each player.
Zach Charbonnet (knee) suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, so
Kenneth Walker III will become Seattle's workhorse RB. Holani was just activated from Injured Reserve this week and last played in Week 12, so he most likely won't have a big change-of-pace role this weekend behind Walker. In 11 games during the regular season, Holani had only 22 rushing attempts for 73 yards and one touchdown. Akers didn't join the Seahawks until midseason, and he's still looking for his first carry with the team. Neither Holani nor Akers should be in fantasy playoff lineups.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Las Vegas Raiders' head-coaching search should come into focus after Sunday. Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is a prime candidate to become the Raiders' next head coach after a strong first interview, according to multiple league sources. Denver Broncos pass-game coordinator
Davis Webb is also mentioned in league circles as a viable option. Los Angeles Rams assistant coaches Mike LaFleur, Chris Shula, and Nate Scheelhaase have also interviewed virtually for the job. The Seahawks had the No. 3 scoring offense this year under Kubiak, and he's an attractive offensive mind with ties to San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. After firing Pete Carroll following his lone season with the team, the Raiders are reportedly looking to hire a young offensive-minded coach who will be able to develop quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be selected by Vegas with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
January 25, 2026
Washington Commanders run-game coordinator Anthony Lynn interviewed on Saturday night in Florida for the Cleveland Browns' head-coaching job, league sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Lynn met earlier in the day with the Buffalo Bills for their head-coaching job as well. Former Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco is working for the Browns as a consultant during their coaching search, and Telesco and Lynn worked together in Los Angeles when Lynn was the head coach. Lynn was also the Browns' running backs coach from 2007 to 2008. In his four years as the head coach for the Chargers, Lynn went 33-31 and won one playoff game. He also worked as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions the year after he was fired as the Bolts' head coach. Although Lynn is a respected offensive mind in the NFL, he'd be an underwhelming hire as head coach for Cleveland.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
As things currently stand, the Philadelphia Phillies don't have a set No. 4 or No. 5 starting pitcher, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzard, and
Aaron Nola are their three healthy starters who are guaranteed rotation spots. The Phillies are hoping top prospect
Andrew Painter and veteran
Taijuan Walker fill out the rotation, but they aren't slam dunks. Both pitchers need to perform in spring training, but even if they don't, they have to be in the initial rotation as
Zack Wheeler continues his recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome. Painter, 22, had a 5.26 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 123:47 K:BB in 118 innings over 26 starts with Single-A Clearwater and Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025 in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. There wasn't a notable dip in Painter's stuff last year, and he could bounce back another year removed from TJ surgery. A lowered price in 2026 definitely makes Painter an intriguing buy-low candidate with elite pitching upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
January 25, 2026
Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is finalizing a deal to be hired as the next offensive coordinator at Ohio State, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Smith had been interviewing for offensive-coordinator and head-coaching jobs in the NFL this cycle, but he'll head to the collegiate level for at least the 2026 season. The 43-year-old previously coached at the collegiate level with North Carolina and Ole Miss, but this will be the first OC job he's held at the level. It's an odd fit for the Buckeyes on paper, but Smith will have plenty of talent to work with. Before Smith was the OC for the Steelers, he was the Atlanta Falcons' head coach from 2021 to 2023. He will be replacing Brian Hartline, who left Ohio State to take the head-coaching job at South Florida. The last time Smith coached at the collegiate level was in 2010, when he was an administrative assistant and defensive intern at Ole Miss.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
The Green Bay Packers are hiring former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon as their next defensive coordinator on Sunday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Cardinals fired Gannon following the 2025 season after three years at the helm. He will take a step back as defensive coordinator and will have big shoes to fill, replacing Jeff Hafley, who has taken the head-coaching job with the Miami Dolphins. In his three years in Arizona, the Cardinals' defense ranked 31st, 15th, and 29th in points allowed under Gannon. The good news for Gannon is that he'll have better talent on the defensive side of the ball in his new home in Green Bay, starting with All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee). Gannon will be head coach Matt LaFleur's fourth defensive coordinator in his eight seasons with the Packers.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos tight end
Evan Engram has continued to occupy a smaller role throughout the regular season and into the playoffs. As a result, he's difficult to trust ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game. Engram finished the regular season with a modest 50 catches, 461 yards, and one touchdown, ranking as the TE29 in full-PPR leagues despite playing 16 games. He added just one reception for seven yards in the Broncos' playoff win last weekend. Moving forward, we expect Engram to remain in a similarly small and discouraging role against the New England Patriots, who allowed the 15th-most fantasy points to tight ends during the regular season. Denver prefers targeting its very talented receiver room, and we could also see the Broncos run the ball more with
Bo Nix (ankle) out. The quarterback change is perhaps the biggest question mark surrounding Engram's outlook. Although he underperformed while catching passes from Nix, we can't exactly project how he'll play with
Jarrett Stidham, who hasn't thrown a pass all year. As a result, we're continuing to temper our expectations. Engram is the overall TE6 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for this weekend.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
Seattle Seahawks tight end
Elijah Arroyo (knee) has been activated from injured reserve, but it's unlikely that he'll have a major role in his return to action against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. In his last five regular-season games before getting hurt, the rookie had caught just two passes for 10 yards, and he played fewer than half of the offensive snaps on all five occasions. Seattle remains encouraged about his long-term value, especially after spending a second-round pick on him, but we don't expect him to be a major threat in the NFC Championship game. Instead, we expect to see a consistently heavier dose of
AJ Barner. Barner had 12 targets and two touchdowns over his final three regular-season games, and in his last outing against the Rams, he exploded for 10 catches and 70 yards. DFS players can avoid Arroyo this week, and bettors can expect him to remain in a minimal role.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams has been playing phenomenally, but the unit will get a tough matchup in the form of the Los Angeles Rams during Sunday's NFC Championship game. It should be an exciting divisional battle between arguably the best offense and the best defense in the NFL. Seattle's defense ranked first in fantasy points during the regular season, allowing the 12th-fewest yards and the fewest points. The Seahawks also intercepted 18 passes, good for the fifth-most. On the other side, the Rams had the most total offense, as well as the most touchdowns and the most total points. This offense has given the Seahawks some trouble in the past, dropping 21 points on them in Week 11 and 37 points in Week 6. Seattle's defense will impose its will, but its trend of allowing 10 or fewer points in each of its last three games may come to an end on Sunday. As it stands, the Seahawks D/ST ranks second among four teams in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for this weekend.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
Houston Astros starting pitcher
Spencer Arrighetti (elbow) doesn't appear to be dealing with any lingering problems from his elbow issues from last season. Arrighetti was sidelined in September due to elbow inflammation, but it didn't require surgery. The right-hander said he's had a fairly normal offseason and feels good right now. Arrighetti believes he'll have no problem being ready for the beginning of Spring Training. This is good news for the Astros, who only got seven starts from Arrighetti last season. The organization is hopeful they can get a full season from the 26-year-old in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Leah Vann
January 25, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard/forward
Zach LaVine (back) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against Detroit after being a late addition to the injury report with lower-back soreness. His status is a key swing factor for Sacramento's rotation. If LaVine sits,
Malik Monk would be in line for a sizable usage bump after averaging 18.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 rebounds over his last four games while shooting 54.0 percent from the field.
Dennis Schroder would also see expanded minutes, but remains a volatile, matchup-driven option.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
The New England Patriots defense/special teams will be tasked with slowing down a Denver Broncos offense led by backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham during Sunday's AFC Championship game. After
Bo Nix (ankle) was ruled out for the playoffs, Denver named Stidham its starter, even though he didn't attempt a pass during the regular season. By all accounts, Stidham is one of the better backup quarterbacks in the NFL. However, there's no denying that this quarterback change should offer a major boost to the Patriots D/ST in DFS and betting formats. Not only could Stidham be more turnover-prone than Nix, but his lack of NFL game experience this year could weaken his ability to dissect defenses and make adjustments mid-play. We could see a slight uptick in turnovers and, even though
J.K. Dobbins (foot) was ruled out, the Broncos will likely run the ball more. New England's defense is certainly no joke, either. The unit ranked 10th in fantasy points among D/ST units during the regular season, and it picked off
C.J. Stroud four times last weekend. The Patriots D/ST ranks first among four teams in the latest RotoBaller fantasy football rankings for this weekend.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
Atlanta Braves outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. won't be making a positional change this upcoming season. The Braves have confirmed that they have no plans to move Acuna out of the outfield. There was some speculation that the Braves could move Acuna to shortstop, given
Ha-Seong Kim (finger) is expected to miss multiple months. That won't be the case as the Braves are likely to keep Acuna in right field for the foreseeable future. The Braves are just hopeful to keep Acuna healthy as he's only played over 100 games in a single season twice over the last five seasons.
--Andy WebbSource: Mark Bowman
January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos quarterback
Bo Nix (ankle) is expected to be sidelined for 12 weeks as he recovers from surgery on his broken ankle, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Nix suffered the injury during last week's Divisional Round win overthe Buffalo Bills and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs. The second-year signal-caller finished the regular season with a 63.4% completion rate, 3,931 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 356 yards and an additional five scores. Nix didn't take a very big leap during his second season in the league, but that was partly because he already had such an impressive rookie year. While he won't be available for the AFC Championship against the Patriots or the Super Bowl, should Denver qualify, Nix will be healthy and ready for training camp. In the meantime, Jarett Stidham will step up as the Broncos' starter.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
Stephen Curry (knee) and guard
De'Anthony Melton (rest) are both questionable for Sunday's rescheduled matchup in Minnesota, with the Warriors now staring at a Sunday-Monday back-to-back. Curry logged 38 points in his last outing, but could get a maintenance day with knee soreness lingering, while Melton may also be managed after heavy recent usage. Any absence would open extra ball-handling and wing minutes for
Brandin Podziemski,
Pat Spencer,
Gary Payton II, and
Will Richard, with Podziemski offering the safest short-term fantasy floor if rotations thin.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder
Oneil Cruz has reportedly worked hard this offseason to improve his body and the issues he had last season. Cruz said there was no time to relax and immediately got back to work when he got home. The 27-year-old wants to focus on getting better, which is exactly what the Pirates want to hear from Cruz, who struggled last season. In 2025, Cruz posted a .200/.298/.378 slash line with 20 home runs, 61 RBI, and 38 stolen bases in 135 games. Before that, Cruz was a 2.5 WAR player during the 2024 campaign. The Pirates are hopeful that Cruz and bounce back and return to the type of production that he was giving during the 2024 season.
--Andy WebbSource: Jason Mackey
January 25, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's matchup in Memphis after sitting out Friday while managing soreness in both ankles. Given how thin Denver is up front, his status has clear fantasy implications.
Zeke Nnaji would be the primary beneficiary if Watson remains out after posting 11 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks in 37 minutes against Milwaukee.
Julian Strawther would likely stay in the starting group but remains a fringe option, while
Spencer Jones offers volatile, minutes-driven appeal. Watson's outlook is shaky as Denver continues to deal with multiple injuries.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) is questionable for Sunday's matchup in Memphis after sitting out Friday following a brief return from an extended absence. His status bears close watching, as another scratch would suggest ongoing management rather than routine rest. If Valanciunas sits,
Zeke Nnaji would step in as the primary frontcourt fill-in after posting 11 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks in 37 minutes against Milwaukee, making him a viable short-term streamer.
DaRon Holmes II could also re-enter the rotation in a limited role. Valanciunas carries a clear risk for fantasy managers, while Nnaji is best viewed as a situational play tied to matchups and minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
San Francisco Giants pitcher
Hayden Birdsong is reportedly excited heading into Spring Training after making some mechanical adjustments during the offseason. Birdsong is happy about how he's throwing, and he even received praise from his teammate,
Logan Webb. The 24-year-old came into the league with some hype after posting strong numbers in the minor leagues. Since making his debut in 2024, Birdsong hasn't quite performed as well as the Giants had hoped. Last season, Birdsong posted a 4.80 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and a 68/37 K/BB ratio across 21 games (10 starts) with the Giants. The hope is that these adjustments will help Birdsong be a more productive option for the Giants in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Susan Slusser
January 25, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard
Jamal Murray (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against Memphis as he manages right hamstring and left hip inflammation. A potential absence would again thin Denver's backcourt and open short-term fantasy value.
Jalen Pickett has stepped into a larger role with
Christian Braun (ankle) already sidelined and would see another bump if Murray sits. Pickett logged 13 points, seven assists, and one steal in 34 minutes last time out, giving him short-term value for assists with some scoring help.
Bruce Brown's role would remain steady, while Murray still carries a clear risk of unavailability.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Houston Astros pitcher
Hayden Wesneski (elbow) is reportedly feeling good heading into Spring Training. Wesneski reportedly threw from 90 feet as he continues to work his way back from injury. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in May of last year. He's aiming to throw off the mound in April. Given the long road ahead of him, Wesneski is hopeful to make his return to the big league mound after the All-Star break. He'll hopefully serve as a nice second-half boost for this Astros pitching staff. Before going down last season, Wesneski posted a 4.50 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 29/6 K/BB ratio across six starts.
--Andy WebbSource: Leah Vann
January 25, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard
Cade Cunningham (wrist) is listed as probable for Sunday's matchup against Sacramento after returning Friday from a brief absence. The designation appears precautionary, and he is expected to handle his normal workload if cleared. Cunningham logged 12 points, eight assists, two steals, and one rebound in 38 minutes in his return, a reminder that his usage remains secure despite a recent dip in scoring efficiency. If active, Cunningham's presence pushes
Daniss Jenkins back into a limited bench role after the rookie posted 17 points, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in 26 minutes as a spot starter.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
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