January 13, 2026
Houston Texans rookie wide receiver
Jayden Higgins caught three of his four targets for 39 yards in Monday night's Wild-Card win over the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers. Higgins finished second on the team in receiving yards behind
Christian Kirk's 144. It was a bit of a disappointing showing for the 23-year-old rookie after top wideout
Nico Collins suffered a concussion in the second half and never returned. Higgins also broke a streak of two straight games with a touchdown reception. He finished third on the team in receiving during the regular season, with 41 catches for 525 yards, and his six touchdowns were tied with Collins for the most on the team. If Collins cannot clear the league's concussion protocol in time for Sunday's Divisional Round contest at the New England Patriots, Higgins will have much more fantasy upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
January 13, 2026
Houston Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud wasn't at his best on Monday night, but the Texans were still able to pull it out and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers by a score of 30-6 in the Wild-Card playoff matchup. Stroud finished the game 21-for-32 passing for 250 yards with one touchdown and an interception. The 24-year-old signal-caller also lost two fumbles. He was sacked three times for a loss of six yards and ran the ball once for no gain. Stroud fumbled the ball a third time in the second half, but thankfully, he was able to recover it. The Steelers couldn't take advantage of Stroud's miscues, as they only scored three points on his three turnovers. Stroud just didn't look comfortable in the pocket on Monday and missed a couple of easy throws that could have gone for big yardage. He'll need to play much better if Houston is going to go into New England and beat the Patriots on Sunday in the Divisional Round.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
January 13, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kenneth Gainwell had 10 touches for 46 scrimmage yards in Monday night's 30-6 loss in the Wild-Card round to the visiting Houston Texans. He also added 100 yards on four kickoff returns. The 26-year-old carried the ball six times for 20 yards and caught four of his six targets for 26 yards. Gainwell's performance didn't stand out on offense, but it was a career year for him in 2025 in his first season in Pittsburgh, as he finished with a career-high 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns on a career-high 114 carries in 17 regular-season games. He added a career-best 73 receptions on 85 targets for 486 yards and three touchdowns. The Steelers will most likely be interested in re-signing Gainwell, who will be an unrestricted free agent in March. Gainwell's 2026 fantasy value could change drastically if he's not in Pittsburgh.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
January 13, 2026
The San Francisco Giants are looking to fill in their infield with another strong bat this offseason, and they are aggressively pursuing an addition at second base, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Passan mentions both the Cubs'
Nico Hoerner and the Cardinals'
Brendan Donovan as options they have been engaged about recently. Last offseason, the Giants added
Willy Adames as a free agent, and then they traded for
Rafael Devers in the middle of the season. With
Matt Chapman at 3B, they already have a strong infield, but adding a top 2B would give them one of the better offensive infields in baseball. The Giants have added
Adrian Houser and
Tyler Mahle as free agents to the rotation and are looking to boost their offense via trade. They're definitely worth watching in the coming weeks leading up to Spring Training.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jeff Passan
January 13, 2026
The Houston Texans were able to run the ball effectively on Monday night against a stout Pittsburgh Steelers run defense in the Wild-Card playoff game, with rookie running back
Woody Marks going for 112 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground on 19 carries. Marks was unable to reel in his only target in the passing game. The 25-year-old left the game briefly to be checked for a concussion in the first half, but he was able to get back on the field to produce the first 100-yard game of his career. Marks spent most of the first half of the 2025 season splitting backfield work with veteran
Nick Chubb, but he took over lead-back duties around the halfway mark and hasn't looked back since. He'll have a tough time producing back-to-back 100-yard performances in the Divisional Round on the road against a New England Patriots team that allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR fantasy points to RBs during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
January 13, 2026
Out of nowhere, Houston Texans wide receiver
Christian Kirk had a breakout game in the 30-6 blowout win over the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild-Card round on Monday night. Kirk, who disappointed with only 28 catches for 239 yards and one touchdown on 52 targets in 13 games during the regular season in his first year with the team, caught eight of his nine targets for a season-high 144 yards and one touchdown to help send the Texans to the Divisional Round this weekend against the New England Patriots. It helped the 29-year-old's cause when top wideout
Nico Collins left with a concussion in the second half and never returned. Fantasy managers probably shouldn't expect a repeat performance for Kirk against New England, but he'll definitely see more targets this weekend if Collins is unable to clear the league's concussion protocol.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
January 13, 2026
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio writes that it's hard to imagine Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin not coaching in 2026 after another early playoff exit in Monday night's 30-6 Wild-Card round loss to the Houston Texans. "I'm not even in that mindset as I sit here tonight," Tomlin said. "I'm more in the mindset of what transpired in this stadium, and certainly what we did and didn't do. Not a big-picture mentality as I sit here tonight." If Tomlin were to coach for a different team, it would likely require a trade, unless the Steelers let him walk without compensation in honor of the 19 years he's given to the organization. The question for now is whether Tomlin wants to come back to the Steel City for a 20th year. Tomlin, 53, has been coaching since the mid-90s, and he's won 63% of his games in his tenure with the Steelers.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Talk - Mike Florio
January 13, 2026
After a frustrating year that included only three finishes inside the top 25, Tom Kim's tour membership is on life support. His 70th ranking in strokes gained on approach (+0.152) and 33rd ranking in strokes gained around the green (+0.197) weren't enough to overcome the abysmal game off the tee and on the greens. Kim was too inaccurate with the driver when compared to his middling distance, and he's never been one to make a whole lot of putts. He needs a solid year to get back into the fold of golf's elite, but until we see signs of life, he'll need to remain in DFS purgatory.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
January 13, 2026
Free-agent shortstop
Jax Biggers has signed a minor-league contract with the Houston Astros after spending the first seven seasons of his career in the Rangers' system. Biggers hit only .214 in 79 games in Double-A and Triple-A last season with one home run and 11 stolen bases. He showed more upside in 2024, posting a solid .275/.390/.382 slash with 22 doubles, three home runs, 12 stolen bases, and a 71:87 BB:K ratio. He has never reached the MLB level, but with a change of scenery, he could be an interesting defense-first, contact-heavy middle infield option for the Astros. The team initially assigned him to Triple-A, but his position in the organization could change as major and minor league Spring Training unfolds.
--Zach ThompsonSource: MLB.com
January 13, 2026
After losing most of last season to a hip surgery in May, Billy Horschel was able to sneak in a few events before the year ended. He last played at the Hero World Challenge in December, following his participation in a couple of fall events. Due to the lack of data, opinions about his ability this week will be more rooted in feelings than statistics. However, it is unquestioned that the things Horschel has done well throughout his career are what should spell success at Waialae. The 39-year-old closed out the year with an average of +0.81 strokes gained putting and +0.52 strokes gained on approach. If that trend continues, there's no reason to think he can't make a run at an early victory this week.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
January 13, 2026
Free-agent pitcher
Bryan Sammons is coming back to the United States after spending last year in Japan. The 30-year-old lefty went 5-5 in 16 games (15 starts) for the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball last year, posting a 3.78 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 7.7 K/9. He made six appearances out of the bullpen for the Tigers in 2024, posting a 3.62 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings. The tall southpaw will likely serve as organizational depth this season but will get an invitation to Spring Training, so he'll have his chance to earn a larger role. He will likely start the year in Triple-A but could have a chance to earn some starts if injuries strike the Tigers' rotation this season. He's someone to monitor in Spring Training and be aware of for streaming purposes in AL-only leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jon Morosi
January 13, 2026
While there were some solid finishes last season for Corey Conners, it wasn't exactly up to the same level of play that we had come to expect. The Canadian's ball-striking prowess slipped a little in 2025, ranking 39th in strokes gained on approach (+0.315), which was his lowest performance output since the 2017-2018 season. For a guy who lives and dies by the ability to hit quality approach shots to take pressure off a mediocre putter, if he isn't top 15 in approach, we're probably going to see a similar outcome this year. However, expect Conners to figure it out and get back to contending for leads. He is making his eighth start in this event, where he has had plenty of success outside of last year's missed cut. It will again come down to what he does on the greens. For someone looking for solid upside, the 34-year-old is a decent option to start the new season.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
January 13, 2026
Chicago Cubs third baseman
Matt Shaw could lose playing time after the signing of
Alex Bregman, or the team could look to move him in a trade. There was initial speculation that the team could move the top prospect to 2B and look to trade
Nico Hoerner, but The Athletic's Keith Law reported that Shaw has shown "resistance to help from the Cubs' staff" and could be a trade candidate as a result. Shaw hit .226 in his 126 games last season with 13 home runs, a .300 wOBA, and an elevated 21.5% striekout rate. The 24-year-old Shaw would be an interesting acquisition for any team looking for young infield help since he has shown so much promise, but struggled to put it together in the majors. In 2024, he hit .284 between Double-A and Triple-A with 21 homers and 31 stolen bases. He has great upside but comes with some coachability questions, which makes him an intriguing but risky potential addition this offseason.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Keith Law
January 13, 2026
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken will interview in person for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive-coordinator opening on Wednesday in Tampa, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Monken is a former Buccaneers assistant who worked with quarterback
Baker Mayfield for one year with the Cleveland Browns. Monken will almost certainly leave Baltimore after the Ravens fired long-time head coach John Harbaugh last week. Reports suggested that Monken could follow Harbaugh to his next destination and serve as his OC again, but that remains to be seen. Monken is drawing some consideration for open head-coaching jobs around the league, as he already met with the Cleveland Browns. Tampa fired OC Josh Grizzard and are looking for their fifth OC in the last five years. Hiring Monken to run the offense would be great news for Mayfield.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
January 13, 2026
Houston Astros first baseman
Christian Walker seems to be in an overcrowded situation in Houston, but according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, there isn't much interest in him on the open market. The Astros have
Carlos Correa back in the mix, most likely at 3B, with
Yordan Alvarez locked in as DH for most of next season. That leaves Isaac Parades without an everyday spot unless he moves to 1B, or he could be moved in a trade. Parades would likely get more in return, but it makes more sense for the Astros to try to move Walker. The veteran has two years, $40 million left on his contract, and could end up being moved in a salary dump if the Astros can find a taker. While he did have 27 homers last year, he only hit .238 with a .310 wOBA in 154 games. Walker's market doesn't seem to be heating up, though, so the Astros may have to get creative to solve their infield logjam.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chandler Rome
January 13, 2026
The Tennessee Titans will interview former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll for their open head-coaching job on Friday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. It's the first known head-coaching interview for Daboll this cycle. Daboll was fired by the Giants in the middle of the 2025 season after going 20-40-1 over three-plus seasons in the Big Apple. In his first year as the head coach, the Giants went 9-7-1, made the playoffs, and even won a postseason game. However, Daboll then posted records of 6-11, 3-14, and 2-8 in the three years that followed. He'll be more of a long shot to get the Titans' head-coaching job, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Daboll resurface in the NFL in 2026 as an offensive coordinator somewhere.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
January 13, 2026
After a breakthrough season in 2025, Chris Gotterup will begin his new season at the year's first event. We've already seen him take some swings with his involvement in the early TGL season as well, but that's very different than playing actual 72-hole competitions. His highlights last season were unsurprisingly heavy in success off the tee, as he was the seventh-longest hitter on tour (316.7) and ranked ninth in strokes gained off the tee (+0.566). The low ranking in putting and approach play was marred by a rough start to the year, but improved as things went along, culminating in a victory at the Scottish Open. While distance doesn't always spell success at Waialae Country Club, the game he showed as things were wrapping up shows he's more than capable of having success in other ways.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
January 13, 2026
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora views first baseman
Willson Contreras as the cleanup hitter for the 2026 season, according to Christopher Smith of Mass Live. If Contreras does indeed become the BoSox's cleanup hitter this year after being acquired in a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals, the 33-year-old former catcher will have plenty of RBI opportunities, even if the team was unable to re-sign third baseman
Alex Bregman. Outfielder
Jarren Duran, shortstop
Trevor Story, and outfielder
Roman Anthony should hit in the top three spots to help set the table for Contreras. The three-time All-Star had an OPS under .800 for the first time in four seasons in 2025, but he also produced career highs in RBI (80), doubles (31), and runs scored (70) with more playing time (135 games) at first base. There will be plenty of RBI opportunities in the cleanup spot, but Contreras is more of an average fantasy first baseman without a high-end power profile.
--Keith HernandezSource: Mass Live - Christopher Smith
January 13, 2026
St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg is in concussion protocol and is doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic reports. On Monday, Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said the team's medical staff is "very happy" with Broberg's progress. But he is poised to miss time after getting hurt during Saturday's loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Broberg, who inked a six-year, $48 million contract extension last week, has registered 15 points (two goals, 13 assists), 58 shots, and 71 blocks with a plus-one rating in 46 outings this season. Matthew Kessel is expected to take Broberg's place in the lineup on Tuesday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jeremy Rutherford
January 13, 2026
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba (personal) was back at practice on Monday, Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune reports. This is a strong indication that Trouba will rejoin the lineup on Tuesday night against the Dallas Stars. The powerful blue-liner missed Saturday's loss to the Buffalo Sabres for the birth of his second child. In 44 outings this season, Trouba has amassed 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists), 85 shots, 78 blocks, and 85 hits with a plus-one rating. His return to the lineup is expected to bump Drew Helleson to the press box.
--Taavi PailkSource: Zach Cavanagh
January 13, 2026
Gary Woodland always seems to produce positive numbers. The American golfer only had one Top 10 result in 2025 but was T-16 at last year's Sony Open. He did have three straight Top 25 finishes to start off 2025. One of the big reasons was his ability to hit off the tee. Overall, he ranked 18th in driving distance (313 yards). That is impressive for someone in their early 40's. Waialae features a few holes where driving well is an asset. Yes, accuracy concerns are always lurking (59% -115th last season). His overall birdie average was troubling at 3.7 (142nd). However, when Woodland is hitting the ball well he is capable of shooting all four rounds in the 60's.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 13, 2026
San Jose Sharks forward Will Smith (upper body) has been upgraded to day-to-day, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports. The 20-year-old sophomore has been out since mid-December due to an upper-body injury. However, Smith appears close to returning and will join the team for a four-game road trip that begins Thursday night in Washington. Smith was almost a point-per-game player early in the season, notching 12 goals and 17 assists in 33 outings. When Smith is cleared to play, he will likely reclaim a top-six role and rejoin the first power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sheng Peng
January 13, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid extended his point streak to 19 games with a pair of assists in Monday's 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Oilers captain set up Zach Hyman in the first period and Evan Bouchard in the second, tying the seventh-longest point streak in franchise history. McDavid heated up in December and has been on a special run since. His 19-game point streak includes 13 multi-point games, and he has tallied 19 goals and 25 assists during that stretch. On Monday night, McDavid reached 80 points for the season in his 46th game, becoming the fifth player in NHL history with 10 consecutive 50-assist campaigns.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 13, 2026
Keith Mitchell often lingers around contending at events like the Sony Open. However, the American golfer finished 30th in 2025. The worst thing probably was the time off after the Grant Thornton Invitational. Mitchell had fired eight straight rounds in the 60's and his form was solid. Now, he has to start all over again this week in Hawaii. Mitchell's 29.08 putts per round in 2025 was high but slightly improved from the 29.33 in 2024. It explains a lot of the up and down in the past. His most balanced event was the Truist Championship last year where he finished T-7. Waialae is not an extremely tough course unless the birdies do not fall. It may be wise to fade Mitchell this time around.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 13, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks winger Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) didn't finish Monday's 4-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. He left the contest in the first period due to an upper-body injury. "He could be OK. I just don't know yet for sure. He couldn't finish the game," Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill said postgame. "We'll go under evaluation here tomorrow and it might be something where he's OK, might not be." Recent weeks have been rough for Teravainen from an offensive point of view, as the Finnish forward has been held scoreless in 16 of his last 20 appearances. He has recorded 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 45 games during the season. Chicago's frontline also lost Connor Bedard (illness) as a late scratch on Monday, while Frank Nazar (upper body) remains out of the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 13, 2026
Robert MacIntyre came close several times to winning in 2025. The golfer from Scotland finished inside the Top 10 six times on the PGA Tour. He did win over in Europe at the Alfred Dunhill in October. However, he only finished T-7 at The Open. That one stung MacIntyre who felt he was better that week. Courses that favor high birdie volume do not suit him often, however. His putting strokes gained was less than optimal in Hawaii in 2025. That included losing 1.37 at the Sony Open alone. Macintyre was off putting in 2025 compared to 2024. He lost more than a half a putt per round and his one-putt percentage dipped under 40%. If those numbers pick up, MacIntyre makes a nice DFS choice this week.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 13, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Nicholas Robertson (lower body) was limited to 1:14 of ice time in Monday's 4-3 overtime victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. He was injured while blocking a shot during his second shift of the game. Robertson entered Monday's action in great form, averaging a point per game over his last eight appearances. He has tallied 10 goals and 22 points in 43 games across the season. Robertson's early exit from Monday's games leaves him questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the Utah Mammoth. Bobby McMann, who scored Toronto's second goal on Monday night, is likely to have a larger role if Robertson can't play.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 13, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (lower body) was injured while scoring a goal in Monday's 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Flyers defenseman Cam York landed on Point's right leg as he potted a power-play goal early in the second period to make it 3-0 for the Lightning. Point has enjoyed an offensive surge recently, but that might now be disrupted by injury. Fantasy managers should consider him questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Point has totaled 11 points (five goals, six assists) across the last eight games. He has 11 goals and 30 points in 37 outings for the season. On Tuesday, Yanni Gourde may jump into the top six as Point's replacement.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 13, 2026
Michael Kim did not win on the PGA Tour in 2025. The American golfer did have four Top 10 results. Kim did end up tied for second at the WM Phoenix Classic. It was one of two events where the golfer shot all four rounds in the 60's in 2025. VidantaWorld in Mexico was the other. When it came to the Sony Open last season, Kim started off with a 73 which caused him to miss the cut. Poor starts happened pretty often in signature and major events. There was that 77 at the Farmers. Even at the Arnold Palmer, Kim had to recover from an opening round 75. One cannot start slow at Waialae. That may tend to cause Kim to be faded in DFS and betting circles this week.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 13, 2026
Tom Hoge had three top-10 results in the first half of 2025. The American golfer had a chance to win the Valero Texas Open until a 76 dropped him to a T5. It was his most balanced performance of 2025. Again, his second half was littered with misfortune. He missed all three cuts in July and six of eight events in a 2 1/2-month span. Driving accuracy and driving length were two significant issues. The Sony Open measures 7,044 yards and is a par 70. However, the accuracy of 60.54% in 2025 ranked 93rd. It was 96th in 2024, and Hoge consistently drives the ball around 296 yards. If his accuracy is solid, Hoge is a nice DFS option. If it is not, then look out.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
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