January 29, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has verbally agreed to become the next Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive coordinator, a league source told Josina Anderson. Graham will replace former DC Teryl Austin, whose contract expired after the 2025 season. It's the first hire for new head coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh. The 47-year-old Graham was the Raiders' DC since 2022. Before coaching in Vegas, Graham had his first DC job with the Miami Dolphins in 2019. After that, he was the New York Giants' DC and assistant head coach in 2020. Pittsburgh's defense/special teams was better in the fantasy football realm than the real-life one, as they ranked third in overall fantasy points thanks to three defensive touchdowns, but they were in the middle of the pack in terms of points allowed per game. Graham will have plenty to work with in defensive stars T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and Jalen Ramsey.
--Keith HernandezSource: Josina Anderson
January 29, 2026
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Chris Olave will be in WR1 territory in 2026 fantasy football drafts in what will be quarterback
Tyler Shough's first full year as the starter. In his fourth year in the NFL in 2025, Olave set career-highs across the board in targets (156), receptions (100), receiving yards (1,163), and touchdowns (nine) despite failing to play in a full season for the fourth time. The 25-year-old former first-rounder missed the Week 18 season finale due to a blood clot in his lung. Thankfully, the expectation is that Olave will be fully ready for the start of next season. If not for an injury last year, Olave most likely would have reached the 1,000-yard mark in all four of his campaigns. Injuries might be a deterrent for fantasy managers, but the chemistry that Olave showed with Shough is a great sign. Olave will come off the board in the early rounds of fantasy drafts later this year.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 29, 2026
In his first year with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, wide receiver
George Pickens had a career year, catching 93 of his 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games in his fourth year in the NFL. It earned the 24-year-old former second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 his first Pro Bowl nod. Only
Jaxon Smith-Njigba and
Puka Nacua had more receiving yards than Pickens, and his 93 receptions ranked sixth among all wideouts. Despite
CeeDee Lamb's presence, Pickens was Dallas' leading receiver and had the eighth-most targets among all WRs in the NFL. Because of the big year he had for the Cowboys, they will almost certainly keep him around in 2026, via either a long-term extension or franchise tag. Pickens always had high-end talent, but the move to Dallas with quarterback
Dak Prescott and a pass-happy offense was the perfect fit. Another big year could be in store in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 29, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander
Blake Snell admitted that his arm was "tired" and "exhausted" after five playoff starts and a relief appearance in Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays last fall, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. The Dodgers have stressed the importance of managing their starting rotation's workload in 2026, which will include Snell. The 33-year-old southpaw has slow-played his winter throwing program. The plan is to be ready for Opening Day in late March, but Harris writes that it is "not seen as a certainty within the organization." Snell still has plenty of strikeout upside and pitches for the back-to-back World Series-champion Dodgers, but he missed four months in 2025 with shoulder inflammation. The two-time Cy Young winner has only reached the 30-start mark twice in his 10-year career. Snell is a risk/reward No. 2 fantasy starter going into his second year in L.A.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
January 29, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons are hiring Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham on Thursday as their new general manager, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Cunningham will replace Terry Fontenot, who was fired after the 2025 season. In his first-ever NFL GM job, Cunningham will work closely with former quarterback and president of football
Matt Ryan moving forward. He got his start in the NFL in 2008 as a personnel assistant with the Baltimore Ravens and was promoted to area scout in 2013. Cunningham has also been the Philadelphia Eagles' director of scouting in 2017 before being promoted to director of player personnel in 2020. He has been with the Bears as the assistant GM since 2021. The Falcons went 37-48 in the five years that Fontenot was the GM. Cunningham will now try to help Atlanta get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 29, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) was listed as limited again on Thursday in practice, according to the team's official website. Hollins has been limited in practice so far this week after he was activated from Injured Reserve last week. The 32-year-old veteran made his return in the AFC Championship victory over the Denver Broncos and led the team with 51 receiving yards on two catches on a snowy day in Denver, in which quarterback
Drake Maye threw for under 100 yards. Hollins has some chemistry with Maye deep down the field, but he'll be a boom/bust fantasy asset in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8, against a nasty Seattle Seahawks defense. During the regular season, Hollins was merely a bye-week streamer in fantasy, catching 46 of his 65 targets for 550 yards and two touchdowns in his first year in New England.
--Keith HernandezSource: Patriots.com
January 29, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard
Mike Conley (back) will sit out the second leg of a back-to-back on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The veteran logged 23 minutes of action off the bench in Wednesday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, but will rest his back on Thursday night. With
Anthony Edwards returning to action,
Bones Hyland was limited to 12 minutes against Dallas. On Thursday, Hyland is likely to have a larger workload, but this is an uncomfortable matchup against a Thunder team that boasts a league-best 105.3 defensive rating.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach
Davis Webb plans to withdraw from the Las Vegas Raiders' head-coaching search and is considered a prime candidate to be promoted to offensive coordinator in Denver, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Webb has also received several offensive-coordinator requests around the league, including with the Buffalo Bills. In addition to interviewing for the Raiders' head-coaching job, Webb interviewed with the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills before they hired Jesse Minter and Joe Brady, respectively. The Broncos fired OC Joe Lombardi earlier this week, likely with the intention of promoting Webb under head coach Sean Payton. A former backup QB, Webb has been a hot name in the coaching cycle this year. Given his experience working with quarterback
Bo Nix (ankle) the last two years, keeping Webb around in 2026 would be a big win for the Broncos.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 29, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Cason Wallace (hip) will return from a one-game absence on Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He recently hurt his left hip and didn't play in Tuesday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans. With
Alex Caruso (adductor) and
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) out of the lineup, Wallace is a welcome addition to the rotation. His return will likely bump
Aaron Wiggins to the second unit, but both players should have a similar workload. Across January, Wallace has averaged 23.0 minutes per game, contributing 5.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves center
Rudy Gobert (ankle) will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The French giant played 21 minutes in Wednesday's win over the Dallas Mavericks and was initially listed as questionable for the second leg of a back-to-back. Gobert was quiet on Wednesday with six points and six rebounds, but he's had a strong month overall. Still, it won't be easy for Gobert to meet fantasy expectations on Thursday, as the Thunder give up the second-fewest fantasy points in the league to centers,
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Collin Gillespie (hand) will return to action on Thursday night against the Detroit Pistons. He has shaken off a right-hand sprain, which kept Gillespie out on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. Gillespie's return will be huge for a Suns backcourt that's without
Devin Booker (ankle) and
Jalen Green (hamstring). On Thursday, Gillespie faces a difficult matchup against the NBA's second-best defense, but he has been among Phoenix's best performers all season. In January, the Villanova product has posted 11.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) has officially been cleared for Thursday's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. He was initially listed as probable as Denver kicks off a back-to-back. Valanciunas has racked up 16.0 points and 12.5 rebounds per game since returning from a calf injury. He's in line for another solid outing on Thursday, as centers have been productive against Brooklyn all season. It's unlikely Valanciunas plays in both games of the back-to-back set, making
Zeke Nnaji an appealing fantasy option for Friday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (hamstring, hip) will suit up on Thursday night against the Brooklyn Nets. The team has upgraded Murray from probable to available, and the Canadian star will continue to lead Denver's offense, with
Nikola Jokic (knee) still out. Murray has averaged 28.5 points and 8.8 assists in January, shooting 50.5 percent from the floor. That said, Murray faces a potential banana skin on Thursday, as Brooklyn has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to point guards in 2025-26.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Dallas Mavericks point guard
Brandon Williams (ankle) will play on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets. He was initially listed as questionable for the game following a 24-minute outing in Wednesday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams has been among Dallas' main offensive threats in 2026, averaging 17.4 points over his last seven appearances. On Thursday, Williams may see even more scoring opportunities than usual with
Naji Marshall (rest) out of the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Klay Thompson (knee) will return to the lineup for Thursday's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. The former All-Star sat out the first game of a back-to-back set on Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Thompson out,
Jaden Hardy returned to the rotation and logged 24 minutes against Minnesota. His minutes will take a hit on Thursday night. After enjoying a brief hot streak earlier this month, Thompson has scored only 12 points across his last two outings, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from him against Charlotte.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
The Kansas City Royals are signing free-agent reliever
Eli Morgan to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Morgan is looking for a bounce-back season after missing most of the year due to elbow issues. He posted an ugly stat line in 12 appearances with the Chicago Cubs. In 2024, Morgan registered a 1.93 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and a 34/11 K/BB ratio in 32 appearances with the Cleveland Guardians. The 29-year-old has posted multiple successful seasons during his time in Cleveland. This is a low-risk move by the Royals, who could end up getting a steal if Morgan can get back to form.
--Andy WebbSource: Kansas City Royals
January 29, 2026
Charlotte Hornets forward/center
Grant Williams (knee) will sit out Thursday's meeting with his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. The Hornets conclude a back-to-back set, and, understandably, Williams won't feature on Thursday after returning from a serious knee injury only a few weeks ago. Across his first eight outings of the campaign, Williams has contributed 4.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 17.4 minutes. His numbers should pick up soon once Williams gets more comfortable on the court, as he is currently making under 32 percent of his field-goal attempts. With Williams out on Thursday,
Tidjane Salaun could re-enter the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Houston Astros starting pitcher
J.P. France has been designated for assignment by the organization on Thursday. The team is acquiring pitcher
Kai-Wei Teng from the San Francisco Giants and must free up a 40-man roster spot. France is the odd man out after failing to make much of an impact over the last two seasons. Since 2024, France has only made five appearances in Houston with an ugly 6.75 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, and 27/14 K/BB ratio. France has been unable to follow up on his successful rookie campaign, where he registered a 3.83 ERA in 24 games with Houston. The 30-year-old should draw some interest as a possible back-end of the rotation or depth option.
--Andy WebbSource: Chandler Rome
January 29, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward
Brandon Miller (ankle) has been upgraded from probable to available on the injury report ahead of Thursday's tip-off against the Dallas Mavericks. Miller has heated up recently, averaging 24.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over his last eight games, while shooting 45.3 percent from deep. Thursday's matchup will be challenging for Miller, as Dallas is among the NBA's top teams at limiting three-point shooting and boasts a top-10 defensive rating.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
The San Francisco Giants are trading starting pitcher
Kai-Wei Teng to the Houston Astros. In exchange, the Giants will receive catching prospect Jancel Villareal. The assumption is that the Giants made this move to free up a 40-man roster spot for newly signed
Harrison Bader. Last season, Teng posted a 6.37 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and a 39/17 K/BB ratio in eight games (seven starts) with the Giants. He posted much better numbers in the minors and could operate in a swingman-type role for the Astros. As for Villareal, he's a 21-year-old catcher who will still need more seasoning in the minor leagues. In a corresponding move,
J.P. France has been designated for assignment by Houston to make room for Teng on the roster.
--Andy WebbSource: Chandler Rome
January 29, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Kel'el Ware (hamstring) will be active on Thursday against the Chicago Bulls. The talented big man returned from a hamstring injury on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic and was listed as probable on the original injury report. After missing four games, Ware was used for only seven minutes in Wednesday's contest. Ware's fantasy value has declined recently, and injuries only make it harder for him to re-establish himself as an important contributor for the Heat.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Houston Rockets center
Alperen Sengun (ankle) has received the green light to play on Thursday night against the Atlanta Hawks. The Turkish star sprained his right ankle in Wednesday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs and was initially listed as questionable. Injuries have taken out Atlanta's two primary centers in
Onyeka Okongwu (mouth) and
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles), and the frontcourt may struggle to contain Sengun, who has averaged 20.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 steals over his last 10 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed relief pitcher
Ryder Ryan to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Ryan will try to latch on with the team in camp and will earn $800K if he makes the 26-man roster. Last season, Ryan posted a 4.73 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and a 61/38 K/BB ratio across 42 games (three starts) in Triple-A Indianapolis in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Ryan did pitch 15 games with the big league club in 2024, but struggled to the tune of a 5.66 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. He'll most likely join his brother River in Triple-A to begin the season.
--Andy WebbSource: Fabian Ardaya
January 29, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (back) will play in Thursday's contest against the Chicago Bulls. The team has upgraded Powell from probable to available. The 32-year-old played through a back issue on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic, scoring 22 points in 28 minutes. With
Tyler Herro (ribs) battling health issues, Powell has been Miami's leading scorer in 2025-26, posting 23.0 points per game on 47.3 percent shooting. Facing one of the league's weakest defenses on Thursday, Powell has an excellent opportunity to surpass his usual production.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher
Osvaldo Bido has been designated for assignment by the organization on Thursday. Bido was claimed off waivers by the Angels from the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. The Halos have given Bido the boot after acquiring
Jayvien Sandridge from the New York Yankees on Thursday. The right-hander has been claimed off waivers four times since the end of the season. Bido posted an ugly 5.87 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, and a 68/35 K/BB ratio across 26 games (10 starts) with the Athletics last season. The 30-year-old looked solid as a swingman with the A's in 2024. It wouldn't be shocking for another organization to claim Bido to use him in a possible swingman type of role.
--Andy WebbSource: Angels PR
January 29, 2026
Miami Heat guards
Tyler Herro (ribs) and
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) won't be in action against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. Due to a rib issue, Herro will sit out an eighth consecutive game, while Mitchell must skip his fifth straight contest with a shoulder injury. As a result of the backcourt injuries,
Kasparas Jakucionis has recently filled in as the starting point guard. After initially showing promise, the rookie struggled in Wednesday's loss to the Orlando Magic, registering two points, one assist, two steals, and two turnovers in 20 minutes.
Dru Smith outperformed Jakucionis off the bench with 13 points, three rebounds, and seven assists in 22 minutes, potentially earning himself a larger role for Thursday's game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (calf) will suit up on Thursday against the Miami Heat. The big man is dealing with calf soreness and was initially listed as probable on the injury report after he logged 28 minutes in Wednesday's loss to the Indiana Pacers. Smith dropped to the bench on Wednesday night as
Josh Giddey (hamstring) rejoined the first unit. However, Giddey has been ruled out for Thursday's game, opening the door for Smith to return to the starting lineup. Smith has been sneaky good in recent weeks, finishing four of his last eight appearances with a double-double.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Chicago White Sox third baseman
Bryan Ramos has been designated for assignment by the organization on Thursday. The team needed to clear a 40-man roster spot with the signing of reliever
Seranthony Dominguez becoming official. Ramos was the odd man out after struggling to swing the bat last season. The 23-year-old has seen limited time on the big league roster since making his debut in 2024. He spent most of his time in Triple-A Charlotte last season. Ramos slashed .216/.309/.396 with 16 home runs, 51 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 105 games in the minors. There seems to be enough upside here that a team could potentially place a waiver claim on him with hopes of a bounce-back campaign in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Francys Romero
January 29, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Tre Jones (hamstring) will miss his fourth consecutive game on Thursday against the Miami Heat. Last Friday, Chicago ruled out Jones for two weeks due to a left hamstring strain, but he popped up on the injury report with a doubtful tag this week, suggesting his comeback may happen sooner.
Josh Giddey (hamstring) also won't play on Thursday, which will give
Coby White more playmaking duties. At the same time,
Jevon Carter could re-enter the rotation, while there will also be additional backcourt minutes available for
Ayo Dosunmu and
Kevin Huerter.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 29, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) was limited in the team's walkthrough practice on Thursday, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. Darnold suffered a left-oblique injury in practice several weeks ago while preparing for the Divisional Round game against the San Francisco 49ers. The 28-year-old played through the injury in the 41-6 win over the 49ers and then threw for a season-high 346 yards and three touchdowns in the NFC Championship game win over the Los Angeles Rams. He was a little sore after last Sunday's game, but Darnold should be completely fine to play in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 8, against the New England Patriots. During the regular season, Darnold averaged 16 fantasy points per game, and the Patriots' defense allowed 16.1 fantasy points per game to the QB position.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
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