January 26, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold had one of the best games of his career in his team's NFC Championship Game victory over the Los Angeles Rams, completing 25 of 36 pass attempts for 346 yards and three touchdowns without committing a turnover. The 28-year-old shook off his past demons against the Rams defense, which forced him into six interceptions across two regular-season matchups. Darnold will now have a chance to lead Seattle in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. New England's pass defense has been elite so far this postseason, holding opponents to just 415 total passing yards across three games. However, the Patriots have also been aided by some bad weather and faced backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham in their AFC Championship Game win over the Denver Broncos. If Darnold plays the way he played in the NFC Championship Game in the Super Bowl, he should have a chance to post another stellar stat line.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
January 26, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was one of the stars of his team's NFC Championship Game victory over the Los Angeles Rams, recording 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. The 23-year-old bounced back from a relatively disappointing performance in the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers, in which he was held to just three receptions for 19 yards and a touchdown on four targets. In the Super Bowl, Smith-Njigba will face the New England Patriots. New England's pass defense has been completely dominant so far this postseason, allowing a total of 415 passing yards through three games. However, the Patriots have not exactly faced a murderer's row of opposing offenses, including the backup quarterback-led Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. Regardless of opponent, Smith-Njigba has been arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL this season and carries elite production upside into the Super Bowl.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
January 26, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Stefon Diggs recorded a team-high five receptions on six targets in the AFC Championship Game, but was held to just 17 receiving yards in a win over the Denver Broncos. In fairness to Diggs, there was very little pass-game success for any player on either team in the snowy conditions in Denver on Sunday. Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye finished the game with just 86 passing yards on 21 attempts. Still, Diggs has had a relatively quiet postseason so far, recording 11 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets across three games played. He also played just 47% of New England's offensive snaps against Denver, fewer than fellow Patriots wideouts
Mack Hollins and
Kayshon Boutte. Diggs will face another tough matchup in the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks, who finished the regular season ranked first in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0). The veteran wide receiver should get his chances to contribute, but his production ceiling appears to be somewhat limited heading into the Super Bowl.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
January 26, 2026
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect
Carlos Lagrange is an emerging arm in their system and could debut in the majors in 2026. The 22-year-old spent the 2025 campaign with High-A and Double-A, logging 120 total innings. With High-A, the right-hander posted a 4.10 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP across 41 2/3 innings of work. During this stint, Lagrange struck out 64 batters while allowing just 12 free passes. During his first look at Double-A, Lagrange posted an impressive 3.22 ERA with a slightly higher 1.29 WHIP. He struck out 104 batters through 78 1/3 innings but served up a much higher 50 walks. While Lagrange won't be in a position to break camp with the MLB roster, he could begin the 2026 season with Triple-A, opening the door for a first-half MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 26, 2026
New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye certainly did not have his best game as a passer in his team's AFC Championship Game win over the Denver Broncos, completing 10 of 21 pass attempts for 86 yards and taking five sacks. However, the 23-year-old rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts and did not commit a turnover after coughing up five turnovers over New England's first two postseason games. Given the snowy conditions in Denver and the fact that the Broncos' offense was without QB1
Bo Nix (ankle), it made sense for Maye and the Patriots to opt for a more conservative approach. He will likely be forced to take a few more chances in the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks, who have scored a combined 72 points across two games so far this postseason. Seattle finished the regular season ranked first in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0), so Maye has a difficult task ahead of him.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
January 26, 2026
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect
Emmanuel Rodriguez is a name to closely monitor during spring training as he could crack the Opening Day roster. According to MLB.com, Rodriguez is viewed as the No. 69 overall-ranked prospect in the sport and the No. 4-ranked in the Minnesota system. Rodriguez has battled numerous injuries during his minor league career, but has flashed immense upside when on the field. Last summer, the 22-year-old appeared in only 65 games in the minor leagues. He spent most of the year with Triple-A St. Paul (52 games), where he held a .258/.429/.423 line with seven doubles, six home runs, and nine stolen bases. While
Byron Buxton is slated to cover center field, the corner outfield positions could be open for Rodriguez to claim. Managers in deeper five-outfielder leagues should keep a close eye on Rodriguez during spring training.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 26, 2026
Former NFL quarterback
Philip Rivers has withdrawn from the Buffalo Bills' head coaching search, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Garafolo reports that NFL head coaching "might very well be in (Rivers') future, just not right now." After initially hanging up his cleats at the end of the 2020 season, Rivers came out of retirement at age 44 and finished the 2025 season as the starting quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts. He has coached high school football, but has no coaching experience at the NFL level. Buffalo moved on from long-time head coach Sean McDermott after the team's recent AFC Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos. McDermott went 98-50 in the regular season across nine years as the head man in Buffalo and led the team to seven consecutive double-digit win seasons from 2019 through 2025. However, Buffalo has not yet broken through past the AFC Championship Game since the emergence of star quarterback
Josh Allen. A clear favorite to replace McDermott has yet to emerge, but the Bills appear to be casting a wide net in their search.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
January 26, 2026
Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect
Enrique Bradfield Jr. is nearing his eventual promotion to join the MLB roster. Bradfield is currently considered the No. 4-ranked prospect in the Orioles system on MLB.com. Bradfield spent most of his 2025 season with Double-A Chesapeake, where he posted a .269/.393/.386 line. While he showed minimal power potential as he hit only two long balls, he flashed elite speed, swiping 26 bags. The former 17th overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft would then finish his 2026 season with Triple-A Norfolk, where he posted a much lower .179/.226/.286 line with only three extra-base hits across a 15-game stint. However, he would continue to show high-end speed, stealing six bags. While Bradfield won't compete for a spot on the MLB roster given Baltimore's current outfield depth, he is a name to monitor in the first half, as he may be the first name called following an injury.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 26, 2026
Chicago White Sox outfield prospect
Braden Montgomery could contend for his MLB debut during the second half of the campaign. The team's top prospect, according to MLB.com, made his professional debut at the start of the 2025 season with Low-A. However, the former 12th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft quickly progressed through the Chicago system and finished the campaign with Double-A Birmingham. Across 121 total contests, Montgomery posted a strong .270/.360/.444 slash line with an .804 OPS. He hit 34 doubles, four triples, and added 12 long balls. The Texas A&M product swiped 14 bags as well. Given his quick progression through the lower levels, managers in deeper 12+ team leagues should continue to monitor Montgomery during the first half, as he could put himself in a great position to debut later in the season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 26, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks infield prospect
Tommy Troy is a name to closely monitor during spring training as he could push to break camp with the MLB roster. Troy is considered the No. 5-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com. The former 12th overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft began the 2025 season with Double-A but needed only 87 games to make the jump to Triple-A Reno. At Double-A, Troy held a .286/.382/.461 line with a strong .843 OPS. Through his first 38 games with the Reno Aces, Troy continued to perform at a high level, carrying a .295/.381/.429 line with eight doubles, three home runs, and three stolen bases. While Troy has spent most of his time at the keystone, he has experience at other positions in the infield and could operate in a utility role if he has a productive spring training.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 26, 2026
Colorado Rockies top prospect Ethan Holliday will likely begin the 2026 regular season with Low-A Fresno. The Rockies selected the infielder with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft out of Stillwater HS. However, the Rockies gave Holliday a brief taste of the pros following the draft. Holiday earned a small 18-game stint with Low-A Fresno, where he had mixed results. The 18-year-old posted a .239/.357/.380 line with a .737 OPS. Holliday hit four doubles and went deep twice. However, he struck out a hefty 33 times (39.2% K%) and only drew 12 walks. Managers in dynasty formats should continue monitoring his strikeout rate, as that appeared to be a significant concern during his first look at the profession. If Holliday can find his footing, he could push for a midseason promotion to High-A.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
January 26, 2026
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (personal) was activated from the non-roster list. He is ready to rejoin the action after missing Sunday's win over the Toronto Maple Leafs for personal reasons. Wedgewood's wife, Brittany, gave birth to their second child on Thursday. Wedgewood is having an extraordinary season, sharing the league lead with a 2.18 goals-against average and ranking second with a .918 save percentage. He boasts a 20-3-5 record and has produced two shutouts. However, Wedgewood has lost some momentum recently, posting a 2-2-1 record in his last five starts.
--Taavi PailkSource: Colorado Avalanche
January 26, 2026
According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, Chicago Cubs second baseman
Nico Hoerner would be a "perfect fit" for the Boston Red Sox. While the Cubs appear hesitant to move Hoerner in a trade, the Red Sox could offer them a high-end, budding pitcher, which is what they have been seeking on the trade market this offseason. With the Red Sox signing
Ranger Suarez earlier this month, they could look to move one of their top emerging arms,
Payton Tolle or
Connelly Early, in a trade to acquire the second baseman. In 2025, Hoerner posted a strong .297/.345/.394 line with seven home runs and 29 stolen bases. He generated an elite 98th percentile xBA with a 7.6% K%. If Hoerner were to move to Boston, he would see a full-time role at second base, shifting
Romy Gonzalez and potentially
Kristian Campbell to a utility role.
--Andy SmithSource: Jen McCaffrey
January 26, 2026
Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov (lower body) didn't practice on Sunday, Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald reports. The Russian veteran was injured during Saturday's 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens. While he was able to finish the game, it's unclear whether Zadorov can play on Monday against the New York Rangers. So far, he has appeared in all 52 games this season, ranking third on his team with 130 hits and 76 blocks, while notching 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) on the offensive end. Bruins head coach Marco Sturm called Zadorov a game-time decision. If he can't play on Monday, Henri Jokiharju will step into the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Steve Conroy
January 26, 2026
According to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, New York Mets third baseman
Brett Baty is considered a potential option for the Red Sox. The Red Sox have been actively looking to improve their depth at third base during the offseason. They heavily targeted top infielders
Bo Bichette and
Alex Bregman in free agency but were unable to get a deal done. While they have also been linked to Houston's third baseman,
Isaac Paredes, Baty appears to also be in the mix. With the Mets signing Bichette, reports in New York suggest they may view Baty as a corner outfielder going forward, as their infield is now quite crowded. Last season, Baty took a massive step forward in his development, posting a .254/.313/.435 line with a career-best 13 doubles and 18 home runs. Baty would take on an everyday role in Boston and would carry sneaky sleeper appeal as a corner infielder, given his productive showing last season.
--Andy SmithSource: Christopher Smith
January 26, 2026
Ottawa Senators forward Stephen Halliday (undisclosed) didn't finish Sunday's 7-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. He left the game in the third period after Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl hit him into the stanchion. It was an unfortunate end to a big performance, as Halliday was one of the stars in the win. The 23-year-old had his first career multi-goal game, finishing with two goals and one assist. Halliday recently entered the lineup as a replacement for David Perron (groin). He has made 21 appearances this season, scoring three goals and 10 points. Senators captain Brady Tkachuk commented after the game that Halliday "feels good, feels okay. So hopefully it's nothing too severe." Still, the rookie could miss some time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 26, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder
Nick Yorke is expected to compete for a utility role during spring training, according to Danny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now. Yorke made his MLB debut during the 2024 campaign but has yet to earn an extended stint in the big leagues. In 2024, Yorke appeared in only 11 games and saw his role slightly increase last summer, logging 22 games. Across these 33 contests, the former 17th overall pick has held a .226/.272/.340 line with a low .612 OPS. Yorke has hit just three home runs and swiped three bags. However, through 104 games with Triple-A Indianapolis last season, Yorke carried a .287/.348/.406 line with seven home runs and 17 stolen bases, showing his potential to be a five-category contributor. With
Brandon Lowe covering the keystone, Yorke will likely compete for a utility role in the infield, serving as a complementary option to third baseman
Jared Triolo and shortstop
Nick Gonzales. He is worth monitoring in camp for managers in deeper 15+ team formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Danny Demilio
January 26, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Jack St. Ivany (upper body) exited Sunday's 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the first period. He saw only 2:54 of ice time before leaving the action due to an upper-body injury. St. Ivany had collected four assists over his last two outings before Sunday's game, providing a creative spark from the blue line while Erik Karlsson (lower body) and Kris Letang (upper body) dealt with injuries. Overall, St. Ivany has contributed seven assists in 17 appearances this season, but he is still searching for his first goal. Connor Clifton or Ilya Solovyov will come into the lineup if St. Ivany is ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Chicago Blackhawks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 26, 2026
Houston Astros second baseman/third baseman
Isaac Paredes remains a top trade candidate for the Boston Red Sox. Houston currently has a logjam in the infield and may not be able to provide Paredes with everyday at-bats. Additionally, the Red Sox have a glaring need at third base and have attempted to fill this role throughout the offseason. They were linked to top free agents
Alex Bregman and
Bo Bichette, but were unable to reach an agreement. The Red Sox have also been linked to free agent
Eugenio Suarez. Paredes missed significant time during his first campaign in Houston but was very productive when on the field, posting a .254/.352/.458 line across 102 games. The infielder went deep 20 times and showed a strong eye at the plate, posting a 17.4% K% with an 11.4% BB%. If Paredes were to move to Boston, managers should expect him to operate as their everyday third baseman, potentially limiting
Marcelo Mayer's at-bats.
--Andy SmithSource: Christopher Smith
January 26, 2026
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (head) was on the receiving end of a high hit at the end of Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Penguins forward Bryan Rust hit Boeser in the head with an extended elbow as time expired. Canucks head coach Adam Foote called it a "vicious headshot." "I'm sure the league will take a look at it," Foote added. Boeser had scored in back-to-back games before the Penguins neutralized him. The 28-year-old has notched 12 goals and 25 points in 50 games this season. He has been a disappointment to fantasy managers after averaging 0.66 points per game last campaign. David Kampf was scratched on Sunday and could return to the lineup if Boeser has to miss time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 26, 2026
According to Chris Henrique of The Boston Sports Journal, the Red Sox have received interest in right-handed starting pitcher
Brayan Bello. Henrique notes that, given Boston's starting pitching depth, teams have begun to call to acquire Bello. Additionally, the team has started "quietly" gauging his value on the trade market. Bello logged a career-high 166 2/3 innings last season and posted a 3.35 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP. He struck out 124 hitters and showed solid command, allowing walks at an 8.4% rate. However, he posted a rather high 4.48 xERA, suggesting he may regress in 2026. With
Ranger Suarez joining the rotation and several budding arms in contention for a lead role like
Connelly Early and
Payton Tolle, the Red Sox may look to move Bello to improve their starting lineup instead.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Henrique
January 26, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (undisclosed) appeared to have gotten hurt during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. He was seen grabbing his shoulder on the bench as the Penguins celebrated their win at the end of the game. Malkin scored Pittsburgh's first goal on Sunday and has looked fantastic since returning from an upper-body injury. Across his last 10 appearances, Malkin has produced five goals and six assists. He is averaging over a point per game for the season, with 13 goals and 27 assists in 40 outings. We should know more about what happened to Malkin before Thursday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 26, 2026
Chicago Cubs catching prospect
Moises Ballesteros appears poised to take on a larger role in the major leagues this season. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com notes that with outfielder
Owen Caissie now in Miami, Ballesteros faces minimal competition for everyday at-bats and should be in a great position to take on a lead role early in the campaign. Last summer, Ballesteros made his MLB debut and had success during his brief 20-game stint, holding a .298/.394/.474 line with two doubles, one triple, and two home runs. He spent most of the season with Triple-A Iowa, where the 22-year-old posted an impressive .316/.385/.473 line with an .858 OPS, 29 doubles, and 13 home runs. Given his projected role as the primary DH, Ballesteros carries sleeper appeal in all 12-team formats heading into 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Jordan Bastian
January 26, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Sam Merrill (hand) is questionable for Monday's game against Orlando as he works through a right-hand sprain that has already sidelined him for five straight contests. If Merrill remains out,
Jaylon Tyson continues to be the clear fantasy beneficiary, especially with
Darius Garland (toe) still unavailable. Tyson has started five straight games and is averaging 20.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers in 34.0 minutes during that span.
Craig Porter Jr. and
Tyrese Proctor are tough to trust, offering only matchup-based fantasy value.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Deni Avdija (back) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Boston as he works through a lower-back strain that already cost him one contest. If Avdija sits again, Portland's wing rotation stays fluid.
Sidy Cissoko logged 33 minutes on Friday but managed just three points with three rebounds, limiting his fantasy appeal to deep leagues.
Caleb Love is the cleaner streamer after producing 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 29 minutes, while
Rayan Rupert remains a minutes-based flier with inconsistent usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Zaccharie Risacher (knee) will sit again Monday against Indiana, extending his absence to nine straight games as he continues to recover from a left knee bone bruise. The second-year forward has recently ramped up activity with a G League assignment, suggesting a return may be getting closer. Until then, Atlanta's wing rotation remains unsettled.
Corey Kispert and
Vit Krejci continue to pick up minutes, but neither has delivered consistent fantasy value. Kispert has reached eight points just twice in his last five games and rarely clears 20 minutes, while Krejci's fluctuating role keeps him limited to deep-league consideration.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) will miss Monday's game against Indiana, extending his absence to nine straight contests as he continues to manage left Achilles tendinitis. A clearer return window could emerge soon, with Wednesday next on the schedule. His continued absence locks
Onyeka Okongwu into a featured frontcourt role. Okongwu delivered 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 36 minutes in the win over Phoenix and remains a strong fantasy start. His expanded workload keeps him firmly in must-roster territory, while Atlanta's frontcourt rotation stays condensed.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward
Austin Reaves (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Chicago as he continues to work back from a left calf strain. Reaves has advanced to full-contact practice, but the Lakers are opting for caution with his return, eyeing Wednesday as his next chance to play. His absence keeps
Marcus Smart in a stable rotation role. Over his last five games, Smart is averaging 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers in 28.6 minutes, making him a serviceable short-term fantasy hold.
LeBron James and
Luka Doncic also maintain elevated usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Kris Dunn (ankle) exited in the second quarter Sunday after turning his right ankle and was unable to return, though he remained on the bench for the second half. Dunn finished with two points, three rebounds, and one steal in 13 minutes, putting his availability for the next game in question. If he sits,
Kobe Sanders profiles as the primary minutes beneficiary after logging 30 minutes off the bench and posting nine points, four rebounds, and two assists. Sanders becomes a short-term deep-league streamer, while
Jordan Miller also gains fringe appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
January 26, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Cason Wallace (groin) was ruled out for the second half Sunday after developing left groin soreness, finishing with three points, one rebound, and one assist in 16 minutes. His status is worth monitoring ahead of Tuesday's matchup with New Orleans. If Wallace misses additional time,
Aaron Wiggins and
Isaiah Joe are lined up for expanded wing minutes. Wiggins logged 30 minutes and delivered 11 points with four assists, while Joe provides low-end three-point streaming appeal in deeper fantasy formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Clemente Almanza
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