March 18, 2026
Free agent wide receiver
Deebo Samuel Sr. remains unsigned after one week of free agency. While teams and players can take as much time as they need to negotiate, today's style of free agency places a strong emphasis on bidding wars within the first few days of the legal tampering window. Therefore, it's a bit surprising that Samuel remains unsigned, and even more surprising that we haven't heard many rumors about where he might end up. The Miami Dolphins are one potential landing spot, given that they said goodbye to both
Tyreek Hill and
Jaylen Waddle this offseason. He might not be a real playoff contender there, but Samuel's rushing ability and short-route success would fit a system that's expected to run the ball a lot with
Malik Willis and
De'Von Achane. Some contenders that could benefit from Samuel's skills and veteran experience include the Panthers, Patriots, Chiefs, Ravens, or Eagles. We can't rule out a return to Washington, either. He's coming off a modest 2025 campaign in which he totaled 72 catches, 727 receiving yards, 75 rushing yards, and six total touchdowns.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 18, 2026
New York Giants wide receiver
Darius Slayton briefly entered this offseason as the team's No. 2 receiver with
Wan'Dale Robinson departing in free agency. However, the pass-catching room has quickly become crowded after new head coach John Harbaugh brought in his hand-picked class of free agents. The Giants signed
Darnell Mooney and
Calvin Austin III, both of whom had very disappointing 2025 seasons but are candidates for positive regression in a new system in 2026. Specifically, Mooney's style of making plays downfield and winning in coverage makes him a threat to steal plenty of Slayton's snaps and targets. The Giants also brought in tight end
Isaiah Likely, pairing him with
Theo Johnson, who was already ascending into a larger role. Training camp will offer more insight into what the pecking order looks like in New York, but for now, managers should be at least a little concerned that Slayton could fall behind any combination of
Malik Nabers, Mooney, Austin, Likely, and Johnson. He's worth holding in deeper dynasty leagues in case he does end up as
Jaxson Dart's No. 2 target, but with such a wide range of outcomes, he can be left on waivers in shallower formats or redraft leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 18, 2026
Since signing with the Philadelphia Phillies ahead of the 2022 season, designated hitter
Kyle Schwarber has established himself as one of baseball's premier power hitters. Over the last four years, Schwarber has belted 187 home runs while collecting 434 RBI and scoring 429 runs. 2025 was Schwarber's best season to date, as he slashed .240/.365/.563 with 56 home runs, 132 RBI, 111 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across 724 plate appearances. Batting average is the main risk in Schwarber's fantasy profile, as he is a career .231 hitter who has struck out in at least 27% of his plate appearances in six consecutive seasons. The 33-year-old is also limited to UT-only eligibility in most fantasy formats, as he made just eight appearances in the outfield in 2025. Still, Schwarber is as bankable a power and run production threat as there is in MLB. His status as a full-time designated hitter may also help him stay in the lineup every day, as he's logged at least 660 plate appearances in four consecutive campaigns. The first round of fantasy drafts may be a bit rich for Schwarber, but he remains one of the safest hitters in fantasy baseball heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 18, 2026
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen recorded a 28-save shutout in Tuesday's 2-0 road win against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Finnish netminder played a key role in a tight contest, which featured a late first-period goal and an empty-netter inside the final minute of play. Buffalo established a new franchise record with an 11-game road point streak. Luukkonen, who picked up his first shutout of the season, appears to enjoy traveling, as he has won six consecutive road starts. Overall, he boasts a 16-8-2 record, a 2.60 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage. Luukkonen has been splitting starts with Alex Lyon for several weeks, so he will likely skip Thursday's matchup with San Jose and return to work on Saturday against L.A.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 18, 2026
After a slow start to the year, J.J. Spaun finally posted his first top-25 result of the season at The Players, finishing T24. He looks to carry that momentum into the Valspar Championship, where he has played four times, missing the cut in three of those appearances. Success at Innisbrook typically hinges on accuracy over raw power, along with strong approach play and putting. Spaun ranks 96th in total strokes gained (-0.236 per round), 58th on approach (+0.246), and 34th in driving accuracy. He also sits in the 88th percentile in proximity from 150-200 yards, a range that accounted for 41.2% of approach shots here last year. TPC Sawgrass was the first event where he gained strokes with the putter (+1.8), as he still sits 151st overall in putting. Spaun may have finally broken free from what held him back earlier in the season, and despite poor course history, he presents as a decent (though likely popular) play at $8,700 on DraftKings.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 18, 2026
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser finished Tuesday's 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers with three assists. The Canucks made a hot start in front of their home crowd, with Boeser already celebrating a hat trick of assists after the first period. Two of his helpers came on the power play. Boeser has had a tough year, and he has only now reached his second three-game point streak of the season. The 29-year-old has managed one goal and five assists during the run, giving him 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists) in 60 games for the season. Boeser's hot streak will face a major test in the next matchup, as Vancouver gets ready to host the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have the league's fourth-best defensive record.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 18, 2026
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that shortstop
Jeremy Pena (finger) will resume throwing and swinging this weekend and that an Opening Day return has "not been ruled out," per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Pena is recovering from a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger. The 28-year-old was excellent across 543 plate appearances in 2025, slashing .304/.363/.477 with 17 home runs, 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases. Even if Pena ends up missing Opening Day, it does not appear as though he will be facing an extended absence to open the season. Once healthy, he should be locked into everyday playing time at the top of the Astros lineup. Fantasy managers may be able to score some extra value in late-spring drafts if Pena's injury results in him slipping down draft boards.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 18, 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback
Trevor Lawrence is coming off a very strong 2025 season, and that trend should continue into 2026. Plenty of the credit belongs to Lawrence himself, who took off for a career-high 359 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. The threat of his legs forced defenses to adjust their game plan and perhaps play a little more conservatively in pass coverage. However, the Jags' receiving corps also deserves plenty of praise. What started as an already encouraging duo of
Brian Thomas Jr. and
Travis Hunter blossomed into an exciting trio of Thomas,
Jakobi Meyers, and
Parker Washington (with Hunter landing on injured reserve). These four receivers complemented each other nicely and picked up the slack when one was underperforming, which was helpful given that Thomas specifically had a down year. The Jags' receivers (plus tight end
Brenton Strange) led to a career-high 29 passing touchdowns from Lawrence. This same pass-catching group will be back in 2026, and Hunter should be fully healthy, even if he plays fewer snaps on offense and more on defense. Not only can Lawrence repeat his strong season, but he could push for 30-plus passing touchdowns for the first time in his career. He remains firmly entrenched as a mid-range QB1 in redraft and dynasty leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 18, 2026
Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber stood out as a playmaker in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks, recording three assists. He had a pair of helpers in the first period, including a power-play assist, and added a third one to his tally in overtime when Mats Zuccarello finished the game. Faber was also actively chasing a goal, ending with five shots on net. His defensive efforts included three hits. In his previous four outings, Faber had managed only one point, so he will be relieved to be back on track. The defensive talent will now look to start a point streak on Thursday in a rematch with the Blackhawks. Across 69 games this season, Faber has totaled 46 points (14 goals, 32 assists) and sits just two away from setting a new career-high.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 18, 2026
Aaron Rai missed his first cut of the year at THE PLAYERS, though he had recorded T28 and T23 finishes in his two prior events. He looks to get back on track at the Valspar Championship, where he missed the cut in his only start here in 2024. Success at Innisbrook typically hinges on accuracy over raw power, along with strong approach play and putting. Rai sits 105th in total strokes gained (-0.421 per round), 73rd on approach (+0.100), and 12th in driving accuracy. He hasn't been as strong with the flat stick, losing strokes putting in three of five events, including over 6.4 strokes at Pebble, and sits 90th on tour. While he has not shown the elite ball-striking that we saw from him last year, the weaker field at the Valspar presents a bounce-back opportunity. At $7,900 on DraftKings, Rai offers a solid floor with his accuracy and iron play, though upside remains limited until he starts rolling the rock more consistently.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 18, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Charlie Coyle played the leading role in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring the game-winning goal and delivering three assists. He matched his career high with the four-point effort. Two points, including his goal, came on the power play. This was already Coyle's third four-point game of the season, which ties a single-season franchise record. He's been an excellent fit for the Blue Jackets, and Coyle might reach his new scoring record at 34 years old. The veteran is currently five points shy of tying his all-time best, with 55 points (17 goals, 38 assists) in 67 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 18, 2026
Johnny Keefer has been solid so far in his first full year on tour, making four of six cuts and finishing as high as T27 at the AMEX. He now turns to the Valspar Championship, where he is making his Innisbrook debut. Success here typically hinges on accuracy over raw power, along with strong approach play and putting. Keefer ranks 81st in total strokes gained (+0.010 per round), 34th on approach (+0.348), seventh off the tee, and 19th in total driving. Where he has struggled is in his short game, ranking just 159th around the green and 146th putting. Keefer also sits second in greens in regulation percentage (74.17%), so if he can put together a neutral short game week, he offers strong upside at just $7,100 on DraftKings.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 18, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov was unstoppable on Tuesday night against the Seattle Kraken, scoring a hat trick and adding two assists in a 6-2 road win. Playing alongside him on the top line, Brandon Hagel finished with four points (one goal, three assists), and Anthony Cirelli had three points (one goal, two assists). This was Kucherov's second five-point effort of the season and the ninth of his career. Jari Kurri (16) and Peter Stastny (12) are the only players born outside North America to record more five-point games in NHL history. At the same time, Kucherov became only the seventh player to post four straight 110-point seasons. The former MVP has totaled 111 points (37 goals, 74 assists) in 62 appearances as he continues to chase his third consecutive Art Ross Trophy.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 18, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins center Blake Lizotte (upper body) will be re-evaluated in four weeks, the team announced. He was unavailable for Monday's matchup with Colorado, and it looks like Lizotte will miss the rest of the regular season. Lizotte has played well in a bottom-six role for the Penguins, recording 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists), 49 shots, 35 blocks, 49 hits, and a plus-six rating in 55 appearances. After recovering from an upper-body injury, Justin Brazeau took Lizotte's spot in the lineup on Monday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Pittsburgh Penguins PR
March 18, 2026
Billy Horschel put together his best result of the season at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, finishing T13 while gaining over 7.1 strokes with the putter. He will look to carry that momentum into the Valspar Championship, where he has recorded finishes of T12 and T4 over the past two seasons. Success at Innisbrook typically hinges on accuracy over raw power, along with strong approach play with mid and long irons. Horschel ranks 109th in total strokes gained (-0.504 per round), 102nd on approach (-0.170), and 131st in driving accuracy. He also sits in just the 40th percentile in proximity from 150-200 yards, a range that accounted for 41.2% of approach shots here last year. At $7,200 on DraftKings, he offers some upside at a course where he has had success, but still carries significant risk given his inconsistent play this season.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 18, 2026
Ottawa Senators defenseman Nick Jensen (knee) will be sidelined for six weeks due to meniscus surgery, Post Media's Bruce Garrioch reports. The 10-year veteran has been out for two games, and unfortunately, he might not get a chance to return to the ice this campaign. His six-week recovery timeline means that the regular season is certainly over for Jensen. He finishes his second year as a Senator with 17 points (four goals, 13 assists), 36 shots, 66 blocks, 38 hits, and a minus-two rating in 61 games. Dennis Gilbert has played instead of Jensen in recent games, but he may be bumped out of the lineup when Jake Sanderson (upper body) returns. Sanderson is expected to resume skating next week.
--Taavi PailkSource: Bruce Garrioch
March 18, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Jonathan Kuminga (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's action against the Dallas Mavericks. The 23-year-old is dealing with a knee problem, but he managed to return to action Monday night against Orlando. However, Kuminga had only seven points on 2-for-7 shooting. Over his last two appearances, Kuminga has shot 18.2 percent from the field and hasn't made a positive impact since beginning his Hawks career with a strong three-game stretch. If Kuminga can't play on Wednesday, the rest of the bench will absorb his minutes, but no one stands out as a strong fantasy contributor.
Jock Landale was the only other reserve to play more than 10 minutes on Monday, so Hawks head coach Quin Snyder doesn't seem to trust his second unit much.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
Ben Griffin has not been at his best to start the season, with four straight finishes of T37 or worse, including back-to-back missed cuts. He looks to turn things around at the Valspar Championship, where he has results of T45, T17, and a missed cut. Success at Innisbrook typically hinges on accuracy over raw power, along with strong approach play using mid and long irons. Griffin ranks 74th in total strokes gained (+0.134 per round), 114th on approach (-0.266), and 26th in driving accuracy. He has also been solid around the green (11th) and with the putter (46th). However, struggles off the tee (131st) and on approach, including just the 19th percentile in proximity from 150-200 yards, have held him back. That range accounted for over 41% of approach shots here last year. The Valspar presents a solid bounce-back spot, but at $9,200 on DraftKings, fantasy managers should weigh their options carefully.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 18, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward
GG Jackson II (foot) will return from a two-game absence on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets. The team has removed Jackson II from the injury report after he missed some time due to a sore right foot. Jackson II's return will push
Rayan Rupert back to the bench. After a tough night against Chicago on Monday, Rupert's fantasy value takes a further hit with a return to bench duties. Jackson II has been a solid option for fantasy managers since the All-Star break, averaging 17.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
Corey Conners put together an impressive performance at THE PLAYERS, gaining over six strokes on approach and finishing T13. He looks to carry that momentum into the Valspar Championship, where he has posted finishes of T16, T21, and T8 in three appearances. Ball-striking is emphasized at Innisbrook, along with accuracy off the tee and strong putting. Conners ranks 85th in total strokes gained (-0.060 per round), 26th on approach (+0.498), and fourth in driving accuracy. He has also been solid from key ranges, sitting in the 83rd percentile in proximity from 150-200 yards, a distance that accounted for 41.2% of all approach shots here last year. His biggest weakness has been on the greens, where he has lost -0.593 strokes per round putting, 147th on tour. Despite this, Conners offers winning upside with his ball-striking and should be strongly considered by fantasy managers at $9,000 on DraftKings.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 18, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ty Jerome (shoulder) has been removed from the injury report, indicating he is available for action on Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets. Jerome has been in and out of the lineup since the All-Star break and missed Monday's loss to Chicago due to a shoulder contusion. Even when available, Jerome has averaged only 22.2 minutes per game. Nevertheless, he offers plenty of fantasy value, posting averages of 20.1 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. As a result of Jerome's return,
Rayan Rupert and
Jahmai Mashack (ankle) will have significantly smaller roles.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
Utah Jazz guard/forward
Ace Bailey (concussion) is questionable for Wednesday's meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He sustained a concussion last week and could sit out a second straight game. With nothing left to play for the Jazz, Bailey was gearing up for a big finish to the season, but the concussion has been a setback for him. Bailey's absence on Wednesday night could lead to another start for
Andersson Garcia, who posted three points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in 43 minutes on Sunday against Sacramento.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Isaiah Collier (knee) is not on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 21-year-old sophomore hurt his right knee on Sunday against Sacramento and didn't finish the contest. Fortunately, Collier avoided a serious injury and should make his 19th start of the campaign in Wednesday's contest. As a starter, he is averaging 15.7 points, 8.4 assists, and 1.5 steals this season. Collier draws a favorable matchup on Wednesday night, as Minnesota ranks 11th in fantasy points allowed to point guards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers point guard
Darius Garland (toe) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans. The former Cavalier produced a 25-point, 10-assist double-double in Monday's loss to San Antonio, but he continues to manage a toe injury and appears likely to sit out one game during the team's upcoming back-to-back set.
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is also questionable for Wednesday's game, and
Bennedict Mathurin (toe) is out, so the rest of the group may need to step up on the offensive end.
John Collins,
Derrick Jones Jr., and
Kris Dunn could all get extra touches.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. He sprained his left ankle in Saturday's loss to Sacramento and wasn't available for Monday's matchup with San Antonio. The team announced that Leonard is considered day-to-day. Leonard apparently isn't dealing with a severe sprain, but his absence might extend beyond just one game. On Monday night,
John Collins took Leonard's spot in the starting lineup, finishing with 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Jordan Miller, who tallied 22 points, nine rebounds, and three assists off the bench, also benefits from Leonard's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
Seattle Mariners infielder
Cole Young has begun to flash high-end power in spring training and appears to be the favorite to be the team's Opening Day second baseman. Across 15 spring games, Young has held a .273/.343/.614 slash line with four home runs and three stolen bases. Young is in competition with fellow young infielder
Colt Emerson, who is considered the team's top-ranked prospect. While Young does have MLB experience, which gives him a slight edge, Emerson has also enjoyed a strong showing in camp. Last summer, Young made his MLB debut and held a .211/.302/.305 line with a low .607 OPS over a 77-game stint. While he only had four home runs and stole one base last season, Young appears to be taking the next step in his development in camp. If he earns the starting second base job, he is worth a late-round flyer in deeper formats as a middle infielder with upside.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 18, 2026
Chicago White Sox infield prospect
William Bergolla Jr. will begin the 2026 regular season but make his Triple-A debut. Bergolla spent his entire 2025 season in Double-A and showed enough progress in camp to reach the top level of the minor leagues. Last summer, the team's No. 11-ranked prospect would log 125 games with Double-A Birmingham and hold a .286/.342/.333 line with no home runs. However, he would flash elite upside on the basepaths, swiping 40 bags and chipping in 19 doubles. In the previous campaign, Bergolla spent 89 games at the High-A level and posted a strong .300/.359/.381 line with 27 stolen bases. While he is not an option for power, managers in deeper redraft leagues should monitor his progression as he could be a high-end source for stolen bases later in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: Brooke Fletcher
March 18, 2026
Chicago White Sox top prospect
Braden Montgomery will begin the 2026 regular season at Double-A. Montgomery is considered the team's No. 1 prospect on MLB.com and the No. 36 overall prospect in the sport. Montgomery joined the White Sox in the trade that sent
Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox last offseason. He was initially the 12th overall pick in the 2024 class out of Texas A&M. Last summer, Montgomery spent most of his time at High-A before moving up to Double-A later in the second half. At High-A, the outfielder would hold a .260/.348/.445 line with eight home runs and five stolen bases. With Double-A (34 games), Montgomery would look quite comfortable, holding a .272/.364/.416 line but would only hit one round-tripper. If Montgomery can tap into his power early in the season, he should remain on track to join Triple-A later in the first half.
--Andy SmithSource: Brooke Fletcher
March 18, 2026
Chicago White Sox left-handed pitching prospect
Hagen Smith will be starting the 2026 regular season with Triple-A Charlotte. Smith was in the mix to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster but will instead begin the campaign by making his Triple-A debut. Smith spent the entire 2025 campaign with Double-A Birmingham. Through 75 2/3 innings at this level, Smith held a 3.57 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP. The southpaw struck out an impressive 108 hitters but struggled to command his pitches, allowing a high 58 free passes. In 2024, Smith made his professional debut with High-A and tossed only 7 2/3 innings with a 7:2 K:BB. Given how quickly Smith has progressed through the minor leagues, the former fifth overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft remains on track for an early promotion to the major leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Brooke Fletcher
March 18, 2026
According to Sonja Chen of MLB.com, Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitching prospect
River Ryan is trending towards opening the season at Triple-A Oklahoma City, not in the MLB rotation. Ryan is currently in consideration for one of the final spots in the starting rotation with
Blake Snell (shoulder) and
Gavin Stone (shoulder) both on the shelf. However, it appears Ryan is behind both
Emmet Sheehan and
Justin Wrobleski in the competition, given their prior major-league experience. Additionally, the Dodgers see Ryan as a full-time starter and want to ensure he remains in that role with either club and not demoted to a swingman role. This spring, Ryan has been one of the most impressive pitchers on the roster, logging 9 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.86 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 12:4 K:BB. He would be viewed as a solid stash candidate once demoted to Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: Sonja Chen
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