January 27, 2026
Across 15 games in 2025, Chicago Bears wide receiver
Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. While the 22-year-old's full-season numbers may not jump off the page, he closed his rookie season on a strong note. Across his final seven games, including postseason play, Burden III hauled in 31 catches for 423 yards and a touchdown on 46 targets. In that same seven-game stretch, Burden III earned at least six targets in every game but one. Heading into 2026, Burden III could be poised to hit the ground running as one of the featured pieces in the Chicago passing game. It's worth noting that the Bears have other talented pass-catchers in wide receivers
Rome Odunze and
DJ Moore, as well as tight end
Colston Loveland, who are also worthy target-earners. Still, Burden III's late-season breakout demonstrates his upside. He profiles as a wide receiver option on the rise for fantasy managers in both dynasty and redraft leagues.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 27, 2026
Free-agent starting pitcher
Aaron Sanchez has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Royals after an impressive showing in the Dominican Winter League. Sanchez compiled a 1.55 ERA with 34 strikeouts and 9 walks in 46 1/3 innings to earn the Pitcher of the Year award in that league. Sanchez hasn't pitched in the majors since 2022, but he was an All-Star in 2016, going 15-2 with a 3.00 ERA. In 2022 and 2023, he spent time with the Nationals, Twins, and Diamondbacks before returning to the Blue Jays to pitch in Triple-A in 2024. The former top-prospect struggled at Triple-A Buffalo, giving up a 7.92 ERA in 61 1/3 innings. After re-emerging with his dominant work this winter, he'll get a shot to earn a spot in the Royals rotation as he continues to author his comeback story. He has been plagued by health issues, but if he's 100% and ready to go, he could be a SP worth watching in AL-only leagues. His strikeout numbers are strong enough that he could be a good streaming or DFS option to monitor as well if he earns a spot going into the season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Robert Murray
January 27, 2026
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne is one of the top 10 ball carriers in the 2026 NFL Draft class after finishing his career in Winston-Salem with two seasons of at least 1,040 yards from scrimmage. Over the last two years, he tallied 458 total touchdowns for 2,350 yards and 23 touchdowns in 24 games as the engine of the Wake Forest offense. Claiborne has absurd lateral agility and homerun speed, making him a perfect pairing with a physical bruiser in a committee in an NFL backfield. The two-time All-ACC performer is currently projected to be a fifth-round pick, but an impressive predraft process could give him a shot at Round 3 or Round 4 in April.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 27, 2026
Most people wouldn't have had this sentiment a few years ago, but Maverick McNealy has grown his golf game to the point where playing well at one of the PGA Tour's longest venues seems much more attainable. He's now averaging over 300 yards off the tee while maintaining the strength of being lights out with the putter and a respectable wedge and iron player. His time spent at Torrey Pines has been acceptable, with only one missed cut in seven previous appearances. It's only translated into one top 20 finish, but his ability to consistently make cuts here is admirable. As long as his long iron game and his average of -0.075 strokes gained around the green from last season have improved, he should be a safer play this week, even if his ceiling appears limited.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
January 27, 2026
The Buffalo Bills are promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Brady, who has spent the last four years on Buffalo's coaching staff, will be replacing Sean McDermott after his nine-year run as the Bills' head coach. Brady took over as the OC for Ken Dorsey and has been in the role the last two seasons, developing a close relationship with star quarterback
Josh Allen. All along, the Bills wanted their new head coach to be offensive-minded and someone who could develop a strong relationship with Allen. Brady already has a strong working relationship with Allen, so the move makes plenty of sense. He'll have big shoes to fill, as McDermott led the team to eight playoff victories in his nine years at the helm. Ultimately, the move to promote Brady to head coach is great news for Allen's fantasy outlook in the years to come.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 27, 2026
Indiana running back
Roman Hemby was likely considered an undrafted free agent NFL prospect following four years at Maryland, but his performance in his final season with the College Football Playoff National Champion Indiana Hoosiers could propel him into being a Day 3 pick in April's 2026 NFL Draft. After compiling 3,268 total yards and 27 touchdowns in 42 games with the Terps, Hemby led the Indiana running backs in attempts (230), rushing yards (1,120), receptions (17), and receiving yards (165). While Fernando Mendoza and the passing attack rightfully got a ton of shine, Hemby was an unsung hero of the offense and ran hard throughout the College Football Playoff. Hemby is an explosive runner with good vision, but his lack of size will likely keep him in a complementary back role in the NFL.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 27, 2026
Free-agent outfielder
Nelson Velazquez has reached an agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals on a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training. Last year, Velázquez played 51 games in Triple-A for the Royals and Pirates, hitting .234 with 11 homers, 31 RBI, and a .334 wOBA. The 27-year-old righty showed some power potential while slashing .212/.286/.433 with 31 homers in 615 plate appearances for the Cubs and Royals from 2022-24. He played in the Dominican and Puerto Rican Winter Leagues and showed enough upside to earn his opportunity to earn a spot in St. Louis as a right-handed platoon option. He's an option to monitor in Spring Training, but he doesn't have to be on your fantasy radar yet in most formats.
--Zach ThompsonSource: MLB.com
January 27, 2026
ESPN's Rich Cimini writes that the New York Jets still believe in head coach Aaron Glenn and are optimistic that he can turn things around in 2026 after a miserable 3-14 season in his first year on the job. It won't be easy, as only four head coaches out of 23 since 2000 to win three or fewer games in their first season have rebounded to make the playoffs during their tenure, so Glenn could be fighting an uphill battle. A former general manager with four decades in personnel said he thinks Glenn's first-year decisions were very poor. "He did nothing with the culture," the former GM said. Jets players praised Glenn for being consistent and a good communicator, but that just didn't translate on game days. Owner Woody Johnson said Glenn is "the real deal." The Jets may believe in Glenn, but he'll have to turn things around quickly if he's going to last beyond Year 2. New York's defense was the first in league history to go the entire season without an interception, and the Jets also became the first team in NFL history to lose five straight games by 23 or more points.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
January 27, 2026
After a turbulent couple of weeks, Brooks Koepka is the first--and so far the only--player to return to the PGA Tour since leaving for the rival LIV Golf League. It will be his first tour-sanctioned event that he's played in since May of 2022. From a DFS perspective, Koepka is still on a heavy "wait and see" approach. For starters, Torrey Pines was never a good spot for the 35-year-old, as he has three missed cuts in four appearances. The only outlier was the 2021 U.S. Open, where he finished T4. However, course conditions and field strength are hardly comparable between the two. Secondly, the short game and putting statistics needed to produce good rounds here don't exactly work in his favor. Koepka hasn't played a competitive round since October, so while most are glad to see him return, it's best to let him get reacquainted with PGA Tour golf before inserting him into DFS lineups.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
January 27, 2026
Kentucky running back Seth McGowan is expected to be a Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he could carve out a role as an early-down grinder with the right landing spot in April. McGowan had an eventful collegiate career, starting in 2021 at Oklahoma. He did not play in 2022 after being dismissed from the Sooners' program. He then spent one season at Butler Community College, one season at New Mexico State, and one season with the Wildcats. In 2025, he rushed 165 times for 725 yards and 12 touchdowns. At 6'1" and 215 pounds, McGowan is a violent downhill runner, but he lacks big-time ability to evade tackles and doesn't have high-end speed at the position. Either way, he could make his mark as a goal-line back and in short-yardage situations at the next level.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 27, 2026
Free-agent infielder/outfielder
Dylan Moore has had conversations with the Boston Red Sox, which makes sense since the team still has a ways to go before finalizing its infield setup for 2026. After
Alex Bregman departed via free agency, the team has potential openings at 2B and 3B, with youngsters
Marcelo Mayer and
Kristian Campbell potentially ready to step in, but both coming with serious question marks as well. While the team could still try to add a bigger, more established name at either spot, the 33-year-old Moore is a utilityman who brings good defense at multiple positions and a little speed and power with double-digit homers in each of the last two seasons. However, he hit only .201 in each of those two years and had a .280 wOBA in 106 games with the Mariners and Rangers last season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chris Cotillo
January 27, 2026
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said after the Los Angeles Rams' loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship on Sunday that quarterback
Matthew Stafford plans to return for the 2026 season. But on Monday's new episode of the Let's Go podcast, Stafford made it sound like he's still contemplating retirement. "It'll be a lot that goes into it," Stafford told Jim Gray. "It's a physical, a mental, and emotional decision, a personal and a family decision as well. So, we'll figure all that kind of stuff out with some time." The 37-year-old is the front-runner to win the 2025 NFL MVP award after leading the league in passing yards (4,707), touchdown passes (46), touchdown percentage (7.7%), and yards per game (276.9) in 17 regular-season starts. It was arguably the best year of his 17-year career, so he'll most likely run it back in 2026, when he'll be a popular QB1 target as he looks for another Lombardi Trophy.
--Keith HernandezSource: Let's Go Podcast
January 27, 2026
Free agent first baseman
Paul Goldschmidt does not have a contract for 2026, but the 38-year-old is still planning to play in the upcoming season. After eight seasons in Arizona and six in St. Louis, he spent last year with the Yankees. His power production dropped, and he hit only 10 homers in 146 games, with 45 RBI, a .129 ISO, and a .316 wOBA. He did still hit for a good average at .274, but that was supported by a .325 BABIP that is like unsustainable. At this stage of his career, he could be a nice platoon option, and last year he hit .336 with seven homers and a .412 wOBA against lefties. He could also be a solid veteran presence for a young team, but there hasn't been much buzz about where he could land this offseason, with the Mets as the only team tied to him by earlier reporting this offseason.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jon Morosi
January 27, 2026
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Bryce Miller is looking for a bounce-back 2026 season, and he reported on X that he's added 12 pounds this offseason and gained a little velocity. Miller went a solid 12-8 in 31 starts in 2024, with a 2.49 ERA and 3.58 FIP. He battled multiple injuries in 2025, making 18 starts and pitching about half the innings of the previous season, while going a disappointing 4-6 with a 5.68 ERA and a 5.17 FIP. Miller is still expected to be a key part of the team's rotation in 2026, and potentially, the extra bulk will make him more durable and give him some extra velocity to be more effective this season. He'll definitely be a pitcher to watch early in spring training to see if he can get things going in the right direction.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Bryce Miller
January 27, 2026
Former Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi has officially signed with Michigan, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Fowler-Nicolosi spent the last four years with the Rams, tallying 6,938 passing yards, 51 rushing yards, and 51 total touchdowns in 31 career games. The 22-year-old left the program last October. With Bryce Underwood locked into the starting role, Fowler-Nicolosi is expected to be the Wolverines' backup in 2026. However, should Underwood have to miss any time, Fowler-Nicolosi is a servicable signal caller with tons of game experience.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Nakos - On3
January 27, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks winger Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) is expected to re-enter the lineup on Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild. He has been absent for six games due to an upper-body injury. On Monday, Teravainen practiced on the first line with Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. He will also join the first power-play unit for Tuesday's tilt. 11 of Teravainen's 21 points this season have come with the man advantage this season. He has totaled four goals and seven assists on the power play. Overall, Teravainen has contributed nine goals and 12 assists in 45 contests. Given Minnesota's poor penalty kill (27th in the league), Teravainen could be poised for a big performance on Tuesday night. The Finnish veteran will take Nick Lardis' spot in the lineup after Chicago reassigned him to the minors on Monday.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 27, 2026
Quarterback Darian Mensah and Duke have reached a settlement to allow him to enroll at a new school, according to On3. The University sued the signal-caller after he announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, and a judge ruled on a temporary restraining order, allowing Mensah to enter the portal but not enroll at a new school before a preliminary injunction hearing on February 2. The new settlement comes with Duke dropping its suit against Mensah, and he is now expected to land at Miami, along with the Blue Devils' leading receiver Cooper Barkate. With Mensah taking over for Carson Beck in South Florida, the Canes should have a great chance to compete for the ACC Championship and make a second run at the College Football Playoff. Assuming Mensah officially signs with Miami, he'll have plenty of weapons to work with, including a receiver he is already familiar with and stud rising sophomore, Malachi Toney.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
January 27, 2026
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (lower body) won't return to the lineup until after the Olympics. He has missed two games due to a lower-body injury and won't be available for five more contests. Edvinsson has formed an effective top defensive pairing in Detroit with Moritz Seider, logging 17 points (six goals, 11 assists), 57 shots, 104 blocks, and 63 hits with a plus-six rating in 48 games. Jacob Bernard-Docker has become Seider's new partner in crime, while Travis Hamonic replaced Edvinsson in the lineup last week.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 27, 2026
Buffalo Sabres center Josh Norris (upper body) isn't expected to return this week, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports. While Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff labeled Norris day-to-day on Monday, he will be out for at least three more games. Norris is dealing with an upper-body injury and will miss a seventh consecutive contest on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. It's unfortunate to see Norris back on the sidelines after he amassed 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 19 appearances. Norris' absence has given Kosta Helenius a spot in the lineup, and the 2024 first-round pick has made an encouraging start to his NHL career. Helenius has posted four points (one goal, three assists) in four games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Bill Hoppe
January 27, 2026
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Zeev Buium (face) was placed on Injured Reserve on Monday. He was hit in the face by a puck during Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Buium managed to finish the game wearing a bubble visor on his helmet, but he will now be out for at least three contests. On Sunday, Buium made his 20th appearance as a Canuck. He has logged six points (two goals, four assists), 18 shots, and 16 blocks since the Minnesota Wild traded him as part of the Quinn Hughes deal. The team has replaced Buium on the roster with Victor Mancini, who was recalled from the AHL on Monday.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 27, 2026
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (head) was placed on Injured Reserve. The 28-year-old took an elbow to the head on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins and will miss at least the next three games. This marks another setback for Boeser during a rough campaign. He has been limited to 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) in 50 games. The Canucks have recalled Jonathan Lekkerimaki from the minors to bolster their frontline, while David Kampf is also an option to replace Boeser in the lineup on Tuesday night against the San Jose Sharks. Conor Garland may take Boeser's spot on the second line.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 27, 2026
Utah Mammoth defenseman Sean Durzi (undisclosed) missed the final few minutes of Monday's 2-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Brogan Houston of the Deseret News reports. Durzi has battled several health issues in recent seasons and could now miss more time. Utah will return to the ice on Tuesday against the Florida Panthers. Durzi has registered 15 points, 54 shots, and 55 blocks across 31 outings this season. Olli Maatta will step into the lineup if Durzi isn't ready to play on Tuesday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brogan Houston
January 27, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) is expected to rejoin the lineup on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports. The team has officially listed Markkanen as questionable for the game. Markkanen has missed the past seven games due to illness. He will return at a good time, as Utah won't have
Keyonte George (rest) in the lineup on Tuesday. His absence will put more of the ball in Markkanen's hands on the offensive end. Meanwhile,
Svi Mykhailiuk will likely have to give up his spot in the first unit to the Finnish star.
--Taavi PailkSource: Andy Larsen
January 27, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Keyonte George (rest) won't be in action on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. He will take the night off to rest as Utah kicks off a back-to-back. George is likely to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors. In George's absence,
Isaiah Collier and
Walter Clayton Jr. are in line for extra work, with one of them likely jumping into the starting unit. Collier is the more proven fantasy option, averaging 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists during his sophomore campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Malik Monk (ankle) is questionable to play on Tuesday against the New York Knicks. He's dealing with soreness in his right ankle, which could sideline him during what has been his best stretch of the season. Monk has posted 18.6 points and 3.2 assists per game over the past five contests. On Tuesday, Monk could make an even bigger impact if
Zach LaVine (back) isn't in the lineup. At the same time,
Dennis Schroder and
Keon Ellis would benefit from Monk's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard/forward
Zach LaVine (back) is considered questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the New York Knicks. He may have to skip a second straight game due to a sore lower back. LaVine's absence on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons resulted in
Nique Clifford getting his fourth career start. The 23-year-old rookie had a good outing, scoring 15 points on 2-for-4 three-point shooting and grabbing three assists across 33 minutes of action. He will probably remain in the first unit if LaVine doesn't return against the Knicks. Additionally, LaVine's absence allows the rest of the group to make more plays offensively.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the Utah Jazz. Last week, he returned to the lineup from a three-game absence, but the two-time Finals MVP still isn't fully healthy. Still, Leonard has previously played despite his knee issue and a questionable tag, so there's a good chance he will suit up on Tuesday. After his most recent absence, Leonard has been limited to 25.5 minutes per game. Even with a lighter workload, he has made a significant impact, posting 26.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
Kobe Sanders and
Nicolas Batum are the candidates to replace Leonard in the starting unit if he can't play on Tuesday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) doesn't have a timetable for his return, head coach Doc Rivers said on Monday. The former MVP suffered a right calf strain on Friday night against the Denver Nuggets. After the game, Antetokounmpo said he expects to miss 4-6 weeks. The same injury sidelined Antetokounmpo for most of December, when he sat out eight games. Milwaukee also recently lost
Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique), leaving the team without its two top scorers. The rest of the team must now step up offensively, while
Bobby Portis and
Kyle Kuzma are likely to see more playing time due to Antetokounmpo's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 27, 2026
Seattle Mariners second base prospect
Michael Arroyo is quickly ascending the system and nearing Triple-A. In 2025, Arroyo began the season at High-A but needed only 65 games to move up to Double-A Arkansas. With High-A, Arroyo posted a .269/.422/.512 line with 14 doubles, 15 home runs, and three stolen bases. Through his first 56 games at the Double-A level, the team's No. 5-ranked prospect continued to perform at a high level, posting a .255/.376/.341 line with two home runs and nine stolen bases. While his power production declined, he still showed an elite eye at the plate, holding a 39:30 K:BB. Additionally, Adam Jude of The Seattle Times reported that Arroyo began seeing time in the outfield during winter league games, which could open even more opportunities for the young hitter. Managers should monitor his progress as he could earn an early-season promotion to Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 27, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (ankle) won't be available this week, sitting out a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. On Sunday, the team announced that it plans to re-evaluate Booker in one week, meaning he will be unavailable for at least a few more games after Tuesday night. Phoenix lost its leader to an ankle injury during a game against the Atlanta Hawks last Friday.
Grayson Allen moved back into the first unit for Sunday's matchup against the Miami Heat, bagging 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists. The veteran sniper has been hot recently, but he finished with a 1-for-11 record from behind the arc against Miami. Booker's absence also adds fantasy appeal to
Collin Gillespie and
Jordan Goodwin.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA.com
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