January 10, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward/center
Isaiah Stewart (illness) won't be in the lineup on Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reports. Stewart was a late addition to the injury report due to illness and hasn't been able to shake off a questionable tag. With
Jalen Duren (ankle) and
Tobias Harris (hip) also out, the Pistons' frontcourt will have a completely different dynamic.
Paul Reed will presumably operate as the starting center, and players like
Ron Holland II,
Tolu Smith, and
Javonte Green may see more action.
--Taavi PailkSource: Hunter Patterson
January 10, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will play on Saturday against Detroit. The team is usually overly-cautious with the multi-time All-Star, so it's surprising to see him suit up for the second game of a back-to-back. He had 26 points, five boards, five assists, three steals, and one block in Friday's win over the Brooklyn Nets. However, Leonard and company should have a tougher time on both ends of the floor versus one of the best teams in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (wrist) will sit out a second straight game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reports. The team has ruled him out of the contest after initially listing Cunningham as questionable. His absence from the lineup boosts the fantasy value of
Jaden Ivey and
Daniss Jenkins. The Clippers are a weak defensive team, giving the two an opportunity to make a significant impact on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Hunter Patterson
January 10, 2026
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher
Ken Waldichuk was designated for assignment by the organization on Saturday. This is a short-lived stint in Atlanta for Waldichuk, who was claimed by the organization off waivers from the Athletics on Thursday. The team needed to make room for newly signed reliever
Tyler Kinley, and Waldichuk is the odd man out. The southpaw missed all of the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. He posted an ugly 8.17 ERA, 1.96 WHIP, and 68/42 K/BB ratio across 17 games (16 starts) in Triple-A with the Athletics in 2025. He hasn't pitched in the MLB since the 2023 season with the A's, where he posted a 5.36 ERA in 35 games. The former fifth-round pick will likely be organizational depth if he's claimed by another team.
--Andy WebbSource: Atlanta Braves
January 10, 2026
Boston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas (knee) has resumed baseball activities and is optimistic about playing in Spring Training. Casas is working his way back from a serious knee injury that limited him to 29 games. It seems that Casas is heading in the right direction, but might not be ready for Opening Day. The 26-year-old is likely going to be limited to designated hitter duties with
Willson Contreras joining the club this offseason. The Red Sox have enough organizational depth that they could potentially send Casas to the minors until he's ready to contribute again. Casas has only played one full season since making his MLB debut in 2022. There's decent upside here, but Casas is looking more like a late-round option.
--Andy WebbSource: Mac Cerullo
January 10, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back) is available on Saturday versus Miami. He didn't play on Thursday against the Hornets, opening the door for
T.J. McConnell to finish with 23 points, eight boards, and four steals from off the bench. While McConnell will still have a role, his outlook isn't as favorable, so fantasy managers should temper their expectations for a meeting with a tough defensive squad.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Seattle Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday and will return to the lineup against the Carolina Hurricanes. In a corresponding move, Chandler Stephenson (personal) was placed on the non-roster list. Stephenson will miss his first game of the season. Fortunately for the Kraken, they will have Schwartz available after a 19-game absence. Before sustaining a lower-body injury, the veteran was having a fine campaign, notching 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 23 contests. On Saturday, Schwartz should be part of the top-six group and skate on the first power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 10, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen won't play on Saturday against Charlotte. He had 33 points, seven boards, and four assists in 40 minutes in Thursday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, so fantasy managers can understand why he'll get the night off. The veteran is expected back on Monday versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. With
Jusuf Nurkic (toe) and
Ace Bailey (hip) also out,
Keyonte George,
Brice Sensabaugh,
Isaiah Collier, and
Walter Clayton Jr. should all be considered must-start options in all fantasy setups, especially since this contest is projected to be one of the highest-scoring on the slate.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
The Atlanta Braves have agreed to terms with relief pitcher
Tyler Kinley on Saturday. The two sides have agreed to a one-year, 4.25 million contract for the upcoming 2026 season. That deal includes a $5.5 million club option that carries a $1.25 million buyout. Kinley returns to Atlanta after posting excellent numbers during his time with the organization. He registered a 0.72 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, and 22/6 K/BB ratio in 24 appearances with the Braves. Overall, Kinley posted a 3.96 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 73/33 K/BB between 73 games with the Colorado Rockies and Braves. He figures to serve as a middle relief option with
Robert Suarez and
Raisel Iglesias being the late-inning relievers.
--Andy WebbSource: Mark Feinsand
January 10, 2026
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic (toe) won't play on Saturday versus Charlotte, marking his second-straight absence. He's been battling a toe injury, so fantasy managers may see him miss more time moving ahead until things clear up. With
Lauri Markkanen (rest) and
Ace Bailey (hip) ruled out,
Keyonte George and
Brice Sensabaugh could surge from a scoring standpoint.
Kevin Love, who is coming off a double-double in Thursday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, can be considered for streaming purposes in deeper fantasy formats.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brandon Saad (undisclosed) will miss this weekend's back-to-back set against the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks, per SinBin.vegas. The veteran forward is considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Saad has not had a great campaign with Vegas, posting only seven points (two goals, five assists) in 39 games. In Saad's absence, Cole Reinhardt is projected to enter the lineup on Saturday night. Reinhardt will be limited to a fourth-line role and won't offer fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: SinBin.vegas
January 10, 2026
Charlotte Hornets center
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) will play on Saturday against Utah after missing the last 10 games because of a sprained left elbow. The rookie, who has averaged 8.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks this season, will presumably return to the starting lineup. However, he'll likely be limited in his first game back. With that said, Kalkbrenner still has a favorable outlook versus one of the worst defensive teams in the league.
Moussa Diabate is expected to head back to the bench, significantly lowering his fantasy ceiling.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 10, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is on track to play on Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. The talented rearguard has missed nearly a month of action due to an upper-body injury, sitting out 11 games. Theodore will be part of the second defensive pairing and the second power-play unit. This season, Theodore has managed 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 31 games, adding 48 blocks to his tally. With him now available, Dylan Coghlan was reassigned to the minors.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
January 10, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and will end a 10-game absence on Saturday night against the Seattle Kraken. Overall, Slavin has appeared in only five games this season due to health issues. Slavin was paired with Jalen Chatfield during the morning skate, and he will also have a role on the penalty kill. Joel Nystrom will make room for Slavin in the lineup and has been reassigned to the AHL. While Slavin strengthens the Hurricanes' blue line with his experience and steady play, he offers little in terms of fantasy production.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 10, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (upper body) will miss his first game of the season on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He will sit out at least one game due to an upper-body injury sustained in Thursday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, Bobby Brink (upper body) will be absent for a second straight game, giving Matvei Michkov a spot on the first line. This enhances Michkov's fantasy value, though Saturday's matchup is a tough one against the third-best defensive team in the NHL.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 10, 2026
Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (undisclosed) will remain sidelined on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators. The veteran forward was on the ice Saturday morning but will sit out his second consecutive game. With Marchand out of the lineup, the Panthers are without their top scorer. Marchand has registered 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) in 41 games. Sandis Vilmanis will make his NHL debut on Saturday, while A.J. Greer will continue in a second-line role. Marchand's next opportunity to return will be on Monday when the Panthers face the Buffalo Sabres.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 10, 2026
Los Angeles Kings right wing Corey Perry (personal) will likely play on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers, Sportsnet's Jack Michaels reports. The veteran was activated from the non-roster list after he missed two games for personal reasons. In a corresponding move, Anze Kopitar (lower body) was placed on Injured Reserve. With Kopitar out and a couple of other forwards also missing, Perry could play a more prominent role on Saturday night against his former team. The veteran forward has notched 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 35 games this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jack Michaels
January 10, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve and will return from a six-game absence on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. Nylander is available after missing a couple of weeks due to a lower-body injury. Despite missing time, Nylander remains Toronto's top scorer. He has amassed 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in 33 games. The Swedish star makes his return in a good matchup, as only the Anaheim Ducks have allowed more goals than the Canucks this season. He'll be on the second line with Matias Maccelli and John Tavares and will also join the first power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 10, 2026
Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (groin) was activated from Injured Reserve ahead of Saturday night's Wild-Card game against the Green Bay Packers, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gordon practiced in full on Thursday after being limited the first two days of practice this week. The 26-year-old cornerback has appeared in just three games this season due to calf, hamstring, and groin injuries, last playing in Week 13 before being placed on IR for a second time. In the three game Gordon has played, the Bears have allowed just 18 points per game, compared to their season average of 24.4. Gordon will make his return on Saturday night and provide a major boost to the Chicago secondary.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Adam Schefter
January 10, 2026
Green Bay Packers quarterback
Jordan Love managed to stay off the injury report a week after clearing the league's concussion protocol, and he heads into Saturday night's Wild Card matchup against the Bears with no limitations. In his only full game against Chicago this season, Love threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns, finishing as the QB10 on the week. The Bears have been one of the most favorable defenses for opposing quarterbacks this season, and with Green Bay's injury-stricken defense struggling to keep points off the board down the stretch, this should be a matchup to target in fantasy playoff leagues. Love is RotoBaller's QB9 for Wild Card Weekend, but he could easily outperform that projection in a game that might see fireworks.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 10, 2026
Chicago Bears quarterback
Caleb Williams will get his first taste of postseason action in Saturday night's Wild Card matchup with the Packers, and it appears he will do so with his full complement of wide receivers. After missing the past five games with a foot injury, second-year wideout
Rome Odunze (foot) carried no injury designation after managing a full practice on Thursday.
Luther Burden III, who missed Week 16 with an ankle injury and popped up on the Week 18 injury report with a quad issue, enters the playoffs having stayed off the injury report for the first time in weeks. With his offense as healthy as it's been in weeks, and facing a Green Bay defense that can not make the same claim, Williams is RotoBaller's QB6 for the first week of fantasy playoff leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 10, 2026
Chicago wide receiver
DJ Moore, along with most of the Bears' pass catchers, has had an up-and-down fantasy season, finishing as a top ten receiver four separate times in Half-PPR formats, while landing outside the top 50 in six different weeks. With
Rome Odunze (foot) carrying no injury designation into Saturday night's Wild Card matchup with the Packers and
Luther Burden III (quad) completely clear of the injury report, Chicago's receiving core enters the playoffs as healthy as it has been in weeks. With so many mouths to feed, someone may be left hungry, and too many times this season that distinction has fallen to Moore. He is RotoBaller's WR15 for the week on the strength of his big-play upside, but he is a risky play in the opening round of fantasy playoff leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 10, 2026
Chicago Bears running back
D'Andre Swift finished the regular season just south of 1,400 yards from scrimmage, while scoring double-digit touchdowns for the first time in his career, and in Saturday night's Wild Card opener, he faces an injury-stricken Packers defensive front. Without their most impactful front-seven defender, Micah Parsons (knee), Green Bay allowed an average of 198 yards on the ground across their final three games. While Swift was unable to find the end zone or crack 65 rushing yards in either of his late-season matchups with the Packers, his usage has still been encouraging despite the growing impact of rookie
Kyle Monangai. Swift should continue to provide a safe fantasy floor for as long as Chicago is still competing, and he is RotoBaller's RB6 for Wild Card Weekend.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 10, 2026
Green Bay Packers running back
Josh Jacobs is off the injury report for the first time since Week 11, after a late-season knee injury limited his impact down the stretch. After being rested for the team's Week 18 season finale, Jacobs recently told reporters that he's feeling better than he has in six weeks, and if he can regain the burst that he came out of the gates with, he figures to be an impactful player in fantasy playoff leagues. Through the first ten weeks of 2025, Jacobs was on a full-season pace of nearly 1,600 yards from scrimmage and over 20 touchdowns. Green Bay opens the playoffs on the road against a Bears team with whom they split the season series, and Jacobs is RotoBaller's RB7 for the first week of playoff fantasy leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 10, 2026
Before being rested for the season finale, Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Christian Watson had emerged as the team's most dangerous downfield threat, averaging 65.6 yards and almost a touchdown per game across his last five outings. Against a Chicago defense that has allowed more than five fantasy points above expectation to the position, he is in line for a solid performance in Saturday night's Wild Card matchup. The Bears allowed 300+ passing yards in each of their final two regular-season games, and with quarterback
Jordan Love now clear of the league's concussion protocol, Green Bay's offense could find more success than it did in a Week 16 loss to Chicago that saw
Malik Willis handling primary duties under center. Watson is RotoBaller's WR12 for the opening round of the playoffs.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 10, 2026
Boston Red Sox outfielder/infielder
Ceddanne Rafaela might not shift positions as frequently in 2026. Recently, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it was unlikely that Rafaela would play second base this season. Due to their logjam in the outfield, Rafaela played 24 games at second base in 2025. His defensive abilities are a much better fit in center field, as Rafaela committed three errors in a little over 20 games at the keystone. The Red Sox would rather have Rafaela in center field, a position where he won a Gold Glove this past season. If he remains in the outfield, Rafaela would likely lose his second-base eligibility, which would be a bummer for fantasy managers. The elite defensive ability in the outfield should keep Rafaela in center field on an everyday basis.
--Andy WebbSource: Gabrielle Starr
January 10, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson (foot), who has been out since Week 11 with a foot injury, is listed as questionable for Sunday's Wild Card matchup with the 49ers, but there is a growing sense that he could suit up and play this week. Johnson has been a limited practice participant leading up to the game, which is a positive step after several weeks of DNPs. The Eagles' offense has been one of the more frustrating units to watch this season, particularly for fantasy purposes, but Johnson's steadying presence could help to put things back on track for
Saquon Barkley and the rest of the defending champions. After an up-and-down season, Barkley is RotoBaller's RB5 for the opening week of fantasy playoff leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Jeremy Fowler
January 10, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) is well ahead of schedule in his rehab work, according to the team's general manager Mike Hazen. Gurriel underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee during September of last year. Even with a great recovery, Gurriel is likely going to be sidelined until at least mid-season. When healthy, Gurriel is a viable middle-of-the-order bat that could give this lineup a boost once he's back. He slashed .248/./295/.418 with 19 home runs, 80 RBI, and 10 steals in 129 games in 2025. He's not an ideal stash option given he'll probably miss half of the season, but fantasy managers should monitor his status closer to Spring Training.
--Andy WebbSource: Alex Weiner
January 10, 2026
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Keon Coleman, who has been a healthy scratch for several games this season, is expected to play in the team's Wild Card matchup with the Jaguars and could see an expanded role, according to Cameron Wolfe.
Joshua Palmer has been downgraded to Out ahead of Sunday's contest, leaving Coleman and
Khalil Shakir firmly atop the wide receiver depth chart. With the two of them combining for just over 1,000 yards and four touchdowns on the year, one or both will need to take a monumental leap forward if Buffalo hopes to notch its first road playoff victory since 1992.
Josh Allen is 0-4 in road playoff games and will be looking for contributions from his receiver room wherever he can find them.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Cameron Wolfe
January 10, 2026
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher
Kutter Crawford (wrist) has progressed to throwing off the mound. Crawford is reportedly a bit behind schedule, but is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. He missed all of the 2025 campaign due to a wrist issue that required surgery. Crawford has been a viable back-end option for the Red Sox, but it's unclear if he'll remain in the starting rotation. The expectation is that youngsters
Connelly Early and
Payton Tolle will make a push for a rotational spot. Also,
Patrick Sandoval and recently acquired
Johan Oviedo should get a chance to earn a spot in camp. Crawford could end up in a swingman-type role, which could be beneficial to the Red Sox, but won't offer much long-term fantasy value.
--Andy WebbSource: Gabrielle Starr
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