February 4, 2026
Wide receiver
DK Metcalf's first year in Pittsburgh with the Steelers didn't go as planned after he signed a four-year, $132 million contract with the team in March of last year. Metcalf was the team's leading receiver, but he finished under 1,000 yards for the second straight year while catching 59 of a career-low 99 targets for 850 yards and six touchdowns in 15 regular-season games. A two-game suspension to close out the year for punching a fan didn't help his cause. The 28-year-old didn't show much chemistry with quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, but in Metcalf's defense, the Steelers' lack of WR led to plenty of double-teams. The two-time Pro Bowler is still one of the most physically gifted receivers in the game, but the Steelers need to get him some help. His two-year decline will drop his fantasy value in 2026, especially since there's a good chance Metcalf will be working with a new QB in his eighth year in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 4, 2026
Left-handed starting pitcher
Framber Valdez has agreed to a three-year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Valdez was viewed as the top free agent starting pitcher on the market and will now join a rotation that features the two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner,
Tarik Skubal. Passan noted that this contract features an opt-out following the second season. The southpaw has spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Houston Astros. Last summer, the 32-year-old logged 192 innings to the tune of a 3.66 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 187:68 K:BB. Since 2022, the left-hander has been one of the most consistent workhorses in the sport, logging at least 190 innings in three of the four seasons. During this four-year stretch, Valdez has posted an overall 3.21 ERA with a strong 1.16 WHIP. While his strikeout upside is limited, Valdez remains a high-end SP2 in all formats, given his ability to produce high-end ratios while taking on a large workload.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Passan
February 4, 2026
The Houston Texans selected wide receiver
Jayden Higgins in the second round in 2025 out of Iowa State, and he finished his rookie season in the NFL with 41 receptions on 68 targets for 525 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season contests. Higgins was the Texans' third leading receiver behind
Nico Collins and tight end
Dalton Schultz. In the team's two playoff games, the 23-year-old caught nine of his 14 targets for 98 yards. Higgins' success going forward will be tied to whether quarterback
C.J. Stroud can bounce back following a couple of disappointing campaigns after his outstanding rookie year, but either way, he should be Houston's No. 2 behind Collins with
Christian Kirk hitting free agency this March. Higgins has the size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and speed to take a big step forward with more targets in his sophomore season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 4, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Kyren Williams signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension with the team last fall before the start of the 2025 season and then went on to post his third straight 1,000-yard rushing season, along with 10 rushing touchdowns on 259 carries over 17 regular-season games. Williams didn't see as many carries as he did in 2024, but he was more efficient (4.8 yards per carry) and added a career-best 36 catches for 281 yards and three more scores on 50 targets. The 25-year-old has now had double-digit rushing TDs in each of the last three seasons, and he ended the 2025 campaign as the RB8 in half-PPR scoring. Backfield mate
Blake Corum took on a bigger role late in the year as the Rams tried to keep Williams fresh for their playoff run, and he out-touched Corum in all three playoff games, which means he should maintain his lead-back role in 2026. As long as quarterback
Matthew Stafford returns for another season, Williams figures to be a top-10 RB target in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 4, 2026
New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye (shoulder) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, per The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar. It's not much of a surprise after Maye said he felt good while throwing the football around on Monday. The 23-year-old second-year signal-caller put in two limited practices last week before picking up a DNP on Friday due to an illness. The Patriots listed him as questionable on last week's final injury report, but barring a setback this week, he should be fully cleared to suit up for Super Bowl LX this Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif., against the Seattle Seahawks. Maye will be an MVP finalist after throwing for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions with a league best 72% completion percentage during the regular season. It's been a different story in three playoff games, though, as he's completed only 55.8% of his passes for 533 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions while fumbling six times (three lost).
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Michael-Shawn Dugar
February 4, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) remains on the injury report and was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. Darnold injured his left oblique in practice days before the team's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, but he wasn't tagged on last week's final injury report and is fully expected to play this Sunday in Super Bowl LX versus the New England Patriots. The 28-year-old signal-caller only attempted 17 passes in the 41-6 blowout win over the Niners, but he went 25-for-36 for a season-high 346 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the NFC Championship win over the Los Angeles Rams. The former third overall pick by the New York Jets in 2018 out of USC will look to put the finishing touches on an incredible career resurgence.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Michael-Shawn Dugar
February 4, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Lakers. As has been the norm, Embiid didn't suit up for Tuesday's 113-94 win over the Golden State Warriors, the second of back-to-back outings for the club. As expected,
Andre Drummond got the start, finishing with 12 points, 12 boards, one steal, and one block. If all goes according to plan, Embiid should be on the court on Thursday. However, if he's not, Drummond is a must-start in all fantasy setups.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles offensive-line coach and run-game coordinator Jeff Stoutland announced on X on Wednesday that his time coaching with the Eagles "has come to an end." Stoutland joined the organization back in 2013 when Chip Kelly was the head coach, and ever since then, the Eagles have had one of the best offensive lines in the league. The Eagles won both of their Super Bowl titles with Stoutland on the coaching staff, and he was instrumental in the offense's success with the tush push in recent years. It won't be an easy task for new offensive coordinator
Sean Mannion and head coach Nick Sirianni to replace Stoutland, and it will be interesting to see how this affects the Eagles' tush-push success going forward.
--Keith HernandezSource: Jeff Stoutland on X
February 4, 2026
San Antonio Spurs guard
Dylan Harper (ankle) won't play on Wednesday against OKC. The 19-year-old has a sore right ankle, so he'll miss his first contest in over two months. With
Stephon Castle (adductor) a game-time decision,
Keldon Johnson may see even more work after producing a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double in Sunday's 112-103 win over the Orlando Magic.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Matthew Tynan
February 4, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals requested an interview with Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso for their defensive-coordinator job, a source told the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. This will be Vasso's second interview for a DC job this cycle after getting a look from the Tennessee Titans before they went with veteran Gus Bradley. In addition to Vasso, the Cardinals are looking at New York Giants outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen and Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant. Vasso is a rising assistant in the coaching ranks and has been coaching with the Texans since the 2021 season. Before joining the Texans, Vasso coached with the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. The Cardinals' defense could use all the help it can get after allowing the fourth-most points per game (28.7) and sixth-most total yards per game (357.7) in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
February 4, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals requested to interview New York Giants outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen for their defensive-coordinator position, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Bullen was an in-house candidate for the Giants' DC job after John Harbaugh became the new head coach, and he also interviewed for the Dallas Cowboys' DC position. He was the Giants' interim DC in 2025 after the team fired Shane Bowen. If Bullen joins the Cardinals, it will be his second stint as a coach in Arizona after previously working as a position coach under former head coach Kliff Kingsbury from 2019 to 2022. He coached for the Miami Dolphins from 2012 to 2018. In addition to Bullen, the Cardinals have requested an interview with Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and defensive passing-game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
February 4, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
Stephen Curry (knee) won't play on Thursday versus Phoenix. He's dealing with a case of runner's knee and is considered day-to-day. However, with the All-Star break right around the corner, fantasy managers may not see him back on the floor for another week or two. While Curry is out of commission, guys like
Moses Moody,
Brandin Podziemski,
Gui Santos, and
De'Anthony Melton should benefit the most on the offensive end.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
Outfielder
David Peralta announced on his Instagram account on Wednesday that he is retiring from professional baseball. Peralta last played in the major leagues in 2024 with the San Diego Padres, when he hit .267/.335/.415 with a .750 OPS, eight home runs, 28 RBI, and 35 runs scored in 91 games and 260 plate appearances. The 38-year-old Venezuelan didn't play with an affiliated MLB team in 2025 and probably wasn't generating any real interest on the open market this offseason. Peralta will wrap up an 11-year big-league career that saw him play for four different teams -- Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Tampa Bay Rays. Nine of his 11 seasons were spent in Arizona. His best year came in 2018 with the Snakes, when he hit .293/.352/.516 with an .868 OPS, 30 homers, and 87 RBI. Peralta finishes his career with a .278/.335/.448 slash line, .782 OPS, 125 homers, and 569 RBI in 1,232 regular-season games.
--Keith HernandezSource: David Peralta on Instagram
February 4, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels announced on Wednesday that they signed free-agent left-hander Tyler Saucedo to a minor-league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training. Saucedo will stay in the American League West after spending the 2025 campaign with the Seattle Mariners. The 32-year-old veteran southpaw only appeared in 10 games out of the bullpen for Seattle last year, allowing 12 runs (11 earned) on 19 hits (two homers) while walking six and striking out 12 in 13 1/3 frames. The former 21st-rounder by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015 out of Tennessee Wesleyan University has a career 4.36 ERA (4.18 FIP), 1.41 WHIP, 19.9% strikeout rate, and 10.3% walk rate in 148 relief appearances in his five MLB seasons with the M's and Blue Jays. Saucedo will most likely begin the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Salt Lake, and if he joins the Angels' big-league roster, he'll be a low-leverage lefty specialist.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Angels
February 4, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Jalen Green (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Warriors. The former Rocket has appeared in only five contests this season, so his fantasy upside will be limited even if he manages to suit up. With
Devin Booker (ankle) still on the shelf,
Collin Gillespie,
Grayson Allen,
Mark Williams, and
Dillon Brooks should remain in line for larger offensive roles.
Jordan Goodwin would likely continue to gain streaming attention from fantasy managers after finishing with 16 points and 10 boards in the win over the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Wednesday that they signed free-agent right-hander
Mike Clevinger to a minor-league deal that includes a non-roster invitation to major-league spring training, according to Jason Mackey of PG Sports Now. Clevinger, a nine-year MLB veteran, appeared in only eight games in relief in 2025 for the Chicago White Sox and was not effective, allowing five earned runs on five hits while walking eight and striking out three. The 35-year-old veteran was then sent to Triple-A Charlotte, where he remained for the rest of the season. The strength of the Pirates' major-league roster is their starting rotation, so Clevinger is an extreme long shot to get an opportunity as a starter for the Bucs at any point this coming season. Expect him to start at Triple-A Indianapolis if he sticks with the team after spring training.
--Keith HernandezSource: PG Sports Now - Jason Mackey
February 4, 2026
Atlanta Hawks center
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is questionable heading into Thursday's meeting with the visiting Jazz. The 30-year-old was on track to return on Tuesday against Miami after sitting on the shelf since the loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on January 7. Unfortunately, he wasn't feeling well and was ruled out. With
Onyeka Okongwu (mouth) also questionable,
Christian Koloko may draw another start. However, he had only two points and two boards versus the Heat, so he's certainly not a suitable waiver option in any fantasy format.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Cole Anthony (ankle) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. As expected, Anthony is cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report. He twisted his ankle during Wednesday's game, but it's not serious enough to sideline him. This season, Anthony is averaging 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 15.1 minutes per game. He has mostly been playing minutes in the teens and figures to have a hard time getting more action with
Kevin Porter Jr. returning on Wednesday. Anthony won't be an ideal streaming option going forward with Porter finally back in the mix.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
FOX Sports' Jay Glazer said on Wednesday that he believes All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby's time with the Las Vegas Raiders will come to an end this year, potentially via trade before the 2026 NFL Draft. Glazer believes that if Crosby is traded, he should fetch more than Micah Parsons did when the Dallas Cowboys sent him to the Green Bay Packers for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. The 28-year-old defensive end doesn't want to stick around for another rebuild with the Raiders and clearly wants out. He is under contract for three more seasons after signing a three-year, $106.5 million contract in March of last year. Although Crosby finished the 2025 season on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury, he rarely misses time and has racked up 44.5 sacks over the last four seasons. He's already a top-tier defensive lineman in IDP formats, but a trade to a contender could make him even more valuable.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jay Glazer
February 4, 2026
Boston Celtics guard
Jaylen Brown (hamstring, knee) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets. The Celtics are going to take the cautious approach here in the second game of the back-to-back set. Brown is dealing with two nagging injuries, so the Celtics will give him the night off to rest. His absence figures to mean more playing time for
Hugo Gonzalez and
Jordan Walsh. Neither of them has great streaming value, but
Derrick White and
Payton Pritchard should have stronger value with Brown out of the mix. Both White and Pritchard should be asked to pick up the slack with Brown unavailable.
--Andy WebbSource: Boston Celtics
February 4, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard
Cade Cunningham (wrist) is questionable for Thursday's meeting with the visiting Wizards. The Pistons will face the Knicks on Friday, so Cunningham might get the night off to rest for the clash versus one of the worst teams in the National Basketball Association. If the 24-year-old doesn't suit up,
Daniss Jenkins, averaging 15.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in seven starts this season, is the favorite to replace him in the rotation.
Kevin Huerter (trade pending), who is questionable, may also receive some meaningful minutes right out of the gate.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said on the Tiger Territory podcast that he sees relievers
Kenley Jansen,
Will Vest, and
Kyle Finnegan all getting save opportunities in 2026, but he named Jansen as the favorite for most of the closing work since he is 24 saves from reaching the 500-save mark for his career. The 38-year-old veteran was signed to a one-year, $9 million deal in free agency after posting a 2.59 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 29 saves for the Los Angeles Angels in 2025. Hinch said he's not afraid to use any of his three high-leverage relief arms earlier in the game, if necessary, and he's also not opposed to changing up the save hierarchy at any point if it makes sense. Jansen's strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 24.4% last year, and although he was still effective, he has less room for error going forward and will most likely be on a short leash in Detroit. Jansen is ranked as the No. 15 fantasy closer at RotoBaller.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tiger Territory
February 4, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks center
Myles Turner (ankle) is set to suit up Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Turner was previously listed as probable with a left ankle sprain, but he has since been cleared to play. The 29-year-old big man has missed only two of the Bucks' 48 games so far this season. Fantasy managers should expect Turner to continue producing, as he's put together an impressive five-game stretch, averaging 18.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.0 three-pointers, 3.0 blocks, and 1.2 steals per contest over his last five appearances.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Milwaukee Bucks
February 4, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Porter is back in the mix after missing six games due to a lingering oblique injury. He hasn't played since mid-January, so the expectation is that Porter will have a minutes limit during Wednesday's game. It's unclear how many minutes he'll play, but he's expected to be monitored during his first game back. Fantasy managers in season-long formats should still be able to safely deploy Porter for Wednesday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
Free-agent infielder
Isiah Kiner-Falefa and the Boston Red Sox agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Kiner-Falefa will remain in the American League East after ending last season with the Toronto Blue Jays. The utility infielder started the 2025 campaign with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being waived in August after he hit .264/.300/.332 with a home run, 35 RBI, 40 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases in 119 games. He only played in 19 regular-season games in Toronto, going 7-for-30 (.233) with a homer and five RBI. The 30-year-old has never hit more than eight home runs in his eight big-league seasons and hasn't hit the 20-steal mark since 2022 with the New York Yankees. In Beantown, Kiner-Falefa will likely operate in a utility role, leaving him little fantasy appeal in deeper leagues outside of his positional versatility.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
February 4, 2026
Houston Rockets forward
Kevin Durant (ankle) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. As expected, Durant will suit up after being listed as probable on the injury report. Durant will make his return to the court after missing Monday's game due to a minor ankle injury. His return to the starting five should bounce
Reed Sheppard back to the bench. Sheppard will lose steam as a streaming option with Durant back in the mix. Fantasy managers should check their lineups and get Durant in there ahead of tip-off on Wednesday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Anthony Edwards (elbow) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Edwards was questionable coming into this game due to elbow soreness on his non-shooting elbow. It doesn't seem to be serious enough to force him to miss any game action. Edwards has been on a tear lately with 30-plus points in three of his last five games. The superstar guard needs to be started in all fantasy formats. Fantasy managers should check their lineups and make sure Edwards is in there ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: Dane Moore
February 4, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Julius Randle (thumb) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Randle has been upgraded from questionable to available after dealing with left thumb soreness. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to force Randle to the sideline. This season, Randle is averaging 22.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across 33.4 minutes per game. He has been one of the best fantasy contributors at his position and is a must-start in all fantasy formats. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: Dane Moore
February 4, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) won't suit up against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. The 23-year-old guard will miss his seventh consecutive contest due to an abdominal strain. Mitchell's next chance to play is Saturday against the Rockets, but with an unclear timetable for his return, it is doubtful he will take the floor.
Cason Wallace and
Isaiah Joe will continue to log extended minutes for OKC's backcourt while Mitchell is absent.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 4, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Alex Caruso (adductor) won't suit up against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. The two-time NBA champion has been dealing with a right adductor strain and will have the back end off of a back-to-back for injury maintenance. His next chance to get back on the floor is Saturday against the Rockets. Besides, Caruso OKC's backcourt will also be without
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal),
Luguentz Dort (knee), and
Ajay Mitchell (abdominal), so fantasy managers should expect
Cason Wallace and
Isaiah Joe to see more scoring opportunities than usual.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
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