February 8, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Spencer Jones (concussion) will miss a second straight game on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 24-year-old suffered a head injury against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night and must clear concussion protocol before he can return to action. Jones has been a regular starter for Denver since late November, averaging 7.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in the first unit. With Jones unavailable on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls,
Julian Strawther got a look in the starting lineup, picking up 19 points, five rebounds, and two steals. He may have an even more important role on Monday, depending on
Jamal Murray's (hip) status.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Christian Braun (ankle) is listed as probable for Monday's matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is set to make his fourth consecutive appearance despite nursing a left ankle sprain. Due to health issues, it's been a tough season for the 24-year-old. Since returning from his most recent injury, Braun has managed only 7.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 33.7 minutes per game. Denver will want to see more from him, especially with
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Payton Watson (hamstring) out of the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic (ankle) is considered probable for Monday's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Serbian superstar is dealing with a left ankle sprain. However, Jokic played through the issue on Saturday against Chicago and appears ready to do so again on Monday night. With
Jamal Murray (hip) potentially on the shelf against Cleveland, having Jokic available will be crucial for the Nuggets. After recovering from his knee injury, Jokic has quickly returned to form, averaging 23.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, free-agent guard
Cam Thomas agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 2021 No. 27 overall pick has spent his entire career in Brooklyn. While he hasn't had the best year, he's coming off a solid 2024 campaign, at least when he was available, averaging a career-high 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. The Nets weren't looking to keep Thomas beyond this season, so the team ultimately waived him after failing to trade him ahead of the deadline. Without question, the former LSU Tiger is a menace offensively. However, he won't offer much else to fantasy managers outside of his contributions on the scoring end. Thomas has also battled numerous injuries over the years, which has significantly capped his fantasy value. All things considered, Thomas should receive ample playing time immediately, and he will presumably draw some starts if
Kevin Porter Jr.,
Ryan Rollins, or
Kyle Kuzma aren't available.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
February 8, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (hip) is listed as questionable for Monday's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers. A hip issue forced Murray to make an early exit on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls, and his streak of consecutive appearances might come to an end at seven games. Murray also missed a few games last month, with
Jalen Pickett taking over his starting role. This may be the case again on Monday if Murray can't play, though even as a starter, Pickett hasn't done much from a fantasy perspective. He has posted 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in the first unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end
Elijah Arroyo is officially active for Super Bowl LX after being a healthy scratch for the NFC Championship Game. The second-round pick out of Miami had missed the final four games of the regular season and the Seahawks' Divisional Round win over the 49ers with a knee injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. He was activated before Seattle's matchup with the Rams but was ultimately made a healthy scratch after carrying no injury designation into the game. He will now make his first appearance since a Week 14 win over the Falcons, in which he was targeted once before exiting early. Since catching his lone touchdown of the season in Week 9, Arroyo has caught only two of six targets for 10 yards across his last five games. Super Bowl heroes come in all shapes and sizes, but it would be surprising if Arroyo makes a meaningful impact on Sunday.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Seattle Seahawks
February 8, 2026
New England Patriots edge rusher Harold Landry III (knee) is active for Super Bowl LX after missing the team's Conference Championship win over Denver with a knee injury that has plagued him across the second half of the season. The 29-year-old Landry began the season as New England's most disruptive pass rusher, but has been managing a knee issue and has seen his usage and effectiveness wane down the stretch. He missed the final two games of the regular season before playing a limited role in New England's two home playoff victories. Landry had carried a questionable designation into the game, and it remains to be seen how he'll be utilized on Sunday. Still, the Patriots will have one of their defensive captains for a game that profiles as a low-scoring slugfest.
--Patrick McGrathSource: New England Patriots
February 8, 2026
New England Patriots linebacker and defensive signal-caller Robert Spillane (ankle) is active for Super Bowl LX after leaving the team's Conference Championship win over the Broncos with an ankle injury and carrying a questionable designation into Sunday. Spillane led the Patriots in tackles, despite missing four games at the end of the season, and while he's been in the lineup, New England's run defense has been among the league's elite units. The Patriots' clearest path to victory is to limit
Kenneth Walker III and force
Sam Darnold to beat them in obvious passing situations. It's a blueprint that has worked through three straight playoff games, and it becomes increasingly more feasible with Spillane at the center of the defense.
--Patrick McGrathSource: New England Patriots
February 8, 2026
Seven of the last nine Super Bowl MVPs have been quarterbacks, and if Seattle Seahawks signal-caller
Sam Darnold can limit his mistakes against the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, he stands a strong chance to extend that streak. Darnold, who led all players with 20 regular-season turnovers, has not thrown an interception in either playoff game, and though he has fumbled twice, both have been recovered by the Seahawks. While his opponent,
Drake Maye, has shown an ability to quickly put mistakes behind him all season long, Darnold has a history of allowing bad plays to stack. If he's able to keep the ball out of harm's way against an opportunistic Patriots defense that has forced eight turnovers through three playoff games, Seattle will have every opportunity to win what many are projecting as a low-scoring game.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 8, 2026
42-year-old quarterback
Aaron Rodgers is weighing his options following the 20th season of his NFL career, and the odds of a return to the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly increasing, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Rodgers has spoken with Steelers teammates and new head coach Mike McCarthy, for whom he played the first 13 years of his career in Green Bay, and there is a growing sense he could sign a new deal this offseason. Rodgers led the Steelers to an AFC North title in his first season in Pittsburgh, completing over 65% of his passes for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns to seven interceptions. In a year with few quarterback options available on the open market and a rookie class relatively thin on elite talent, the team is hoping for a decision from Rodgers before the start of free agency in mid-March.
--Patrick McGrathSource: NFL Network
February 8, 2026
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Poeltl has been out since December 21 due to a lower back strain. He's reportedly very close to returning to the court, but his main focus is reconditioning right now. His next chance to play will be against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. His continued absence should mean more minutes for
Collin Murray-Boyles and
Sandro Mamukelashvili. It's also possible that
Trayce Jackson-Davis makes his team debut, but he probably wouldn't have a significant role. Fantasy managers should check back on Wednesday to see if Poeltl will be cleared to play.
--Andy WebbSource: Blake Murphy
February 8, 2026
After he posted the best season of his career with the San Diego Padres in 2024, outfielder
Jurickson Profar landed a three-year, $42 million contract from the Atlanta Braves heading into the 2025 season. Unfortunately for Atlanta, Profar was handed an 80-game PED suspension early in the year, immediately starting his Atlanta tenure on a sour note. Around the suspension, the 32-year-old quietly posted solid production. Across 371 plate appearances, Profar hit .245/.353/.434 with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, 56 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. Profar also held his barrel rate (7.3%) steady relative to his 2024 breakout, while improving his walk rate from 11.4% to 12.9%. Heading into 2026, the switch-hitting Profar should be locked into an everyday role at or near the top of the lineup in Atlanta. With a full season's worth of plate appearances, Profar could provide steady production across all five categories for fantasy managers in traditional rotisserie scoring formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 8, 2026
Washington Wizards guard
Bilal Coulibaly (back) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. Coulibaly is back in the mix after sitting out Saturday's game due to a lower back issue. The third-year guard is feeling good enough to suit up on Sunday, but it wouldn't be shocking to see the tanking Wizards be cautious with his minutes. This season, Coulibaly is averaging 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 26.7 minutes per game. He's not offering enough upside to warrant rostering in anything other than deep leagues right now.
Jamir Watkins and
Justin Champagnie should see reduced roles with Coulibaly back on Sunday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
After posting consecutive seasons with front-line numbers in 2023 and 2024, Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher
Tanner Bibee's production fell back down to earth in 2025. Across 182 1/3 innings (31 starts), the 26-year-old posted a 12-11 record with a 4.24 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts. Bibee's strikeout rate dropped from 26.3% in 2024 to 21.3% in 2025, while his walk rate jumped from 6.2% to 7.1%. Still, Bibee's 3.62 xERA in 2025 suggests he suffered from some poor luck. His 71.9% strand rate was well below his career average of 76%. Additionally, Bibee was much better down the stretch of the season, logging a 1.30 ERA with 26 strikeouts across 27 2/3 innings in September and October. Heading into 2026, Bibee remains locked into a starting rotation spot in Cleveland and looks like a quality bounce-back candidate. With a current average draft position of pick 185, Bibee could end up as a value selection for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 8, 2026
Washington Wizards guard
Kyshawn George (knee) will suit up for Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. George sat out the front end of this back-to-back set due to a knee issue. It doesn't seem to be serious enough to hold him out of both games. His return to the rotation will send
Will Riley back to the bench, while
Keshon Gilbert sees a reduced role as well. George is averaging 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds across 30.5 minutes per game this season. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get George active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Norman Powell (hand) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Washington Wizards. Powell has been upgraded from questionable to probable and is now cleared to suit up. He missed three games due to a hand injury before suiting up for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. Powell finished with 24 points, three rebounds, and four assists across 35 minutes of action during Friday's loss. The hand injury didn't seem to impact him during that game, so fantasy managers should feel comfortable getting Powell active in their lineups on Sunday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Chicago Cubs outfielder
Ian Happ has established himself as one of the most consistent players in MLB. Dating back to 2023, the 31-year-old has posted three consecutive seasons with at least 650 plate appearances, a .240 batting average, 85 runs scored, 20 home runs, and 75 RBI. Happ also owns an excellent 12.1% walk rate for his career, which makes him a consistent on-base presence at or near the top of a strong Cubs lineup. While Happ's steady and well-rounded production makes him an extremely valuable real-life player, his profile is a little less exciting for fantasy managers. In addition to his middling batting average, Happ's stolen base total dipped to six in 2025 after consecutive years with at least 13 in 2023 and 2024. Happ is still locked into everyday playing time in left field in Chicago, which should lead to quality counting stats in the run and RBI categories. He may be slightly undervalued as the 178th player off the board by average draft position, but Happ's profile is also one without high-end fantasy upside.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 8, 2026
Miami Heat center
Bam Adebayo (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Sunday's game against the Washington Wizards. As expected, Adebayo is cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report due to right hip tightness. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep him out of action, so fantasy managers should expect Adebayo to have his normal workload. Over his last 10 games, Adebayo is averaging 21.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 32.6 minutes per game. Fantasy managers need to make sure Adebayo is active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Washington Wizards center
Alexandre Sarr (ankle) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. Sarr is returning after sitting out Saturday's game due to an ankle injury. His return to the rotation should shift
Tristan Vukcevic back to the bench, where he won't have as much streaming appeal. This season, Sarr is averaging 17.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across 28.3 minutes per game. The second-year big man needs to be rostered and started in basically all fantasy formats. Fantasy managers should get him active ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 8, 2026
Across 167 2/3 innings (31 starts) in 2025, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Ryan Pepiot posted an 11-12 record with a 3.86 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts. Since being acquired by Tampa Bay from the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2024 season, Pepiot has emerged as a consistent source of quality strikeout rate (25.4%) and WHIP (1.16). However, he's allowed an average of 1.4 home runs per nine innings pitched, which has led to a relatively elevated ERA. Heading into 2026, Pepiot will have the advantage of returning to Tropicana Field for his home games after making his home starts in a Minor League park in 2025. That could help the 28-year-old put it all together and log his best MLB season to date. Even if Pepiot's underlying metrics hold steady, he's still proven himself a capable starting pitcher option for fantasy managers. With a current average draft position of pick 146, Pepiot profiles as a solid fantasy SP3.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 8, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher
Roki Sasaki struggled in his first MLB season in 2025. Across 36 1/3 innings, the 24-year-old posted a 1-1 record with a 4.46 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts. Sasaki ended up spending nearly as much time with Triple-A Oklahoma City as he did in the Majors. He didn't get much better results against Triple-A hitters either, pitching to a 6.10 ERA across 20 2/3 innings. Down the stretch of the season, Los Angeles featured Sasaki out of the bullpen. However, it appears as though the hard-throwing right-hander will get another chance to carve out a rotation role in 2026. Sasaki was widely considered to be a high-end pitching prospect when he was initially coming up in Japan, so he still carries upside despite his rookie-year struggles. Still, the Dodgers have a multitude of quality pitching options, which means Sasaki could get optioned or moved to the bullpen if his performance does not improve. With a current average draft position of pick 224, Sasaki profiles as a high-risk, high-reward starting pitcher option for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 8, 2026
New England Patriots second-year quarterback
Drake Maye finished second in MVP voting for his brilliant regular-season performance, but he has faltered through his first three playoff appearances. For the Patriots to have any chance of defeating the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, Maye will need to play like the regular-season quarterback who led the league in completion percentage, yards per attempt, EPA, and passer rating, making him a smart Super Bowl MVP bet for anyone taking the underdog. Maye's struggles have notably come in poor-weather games, both in the playoffs and in a rain-soaked first half against the Buccaneers in Week 10. With clear skies and a game-time temperature projected in the low-to-mid-60s, Maye and the number two-ranked Patriots offense should have Josh McDaniels' full playbook at their disposal. If they are able to hit on a handful of the explosive plays that they seemingly executed with ease in the regular season, and which Seattle struggled to defend against the Rams' number one offensive unit, New England has a puncher's chance.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 8, 2026
New England Patriots rookie running back
TreVeyon Henderson has had a quiet postseason run following an often electric regular season that earned him an Offensive Rookie of the Year Nomination, but he has a chance to make his impact felt in Super Bowl LX. The Patriots, who have played with a lead more than any team in the NFL, come into Sunday's matchup with the Seahawks as 4.5-point underdogs, putting them in a position where they may need to play aggressively and hunt for the big plays that were a staple of their 14-3 regular season. While the Seahawks have boasted one of the most formidable run defenses in the league, the strength of their defensive line resides in the middle with Byron Murphy II and Leonard Williams. If the Patriots are able to replicate some of the outside zone success that saw
Blake Corum run for over six yards per attempt in the NFC Championship, Henderson has the speed to turn any play into a long touchdown, putting him in position to be one of the game's most impactful players on minimal touches.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 8, 2026
Former Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints quarterback
Derek Carr could be tempted to come out of retirement for the right situation, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. The Saints still control the rights of the now 34-year-old Carr, who retired in May of 2025 following a season-ending labral tear, and New Orleans could seek trade compensation should he unretire. In his abbreviated two seasons with the Saints, Carr completed over 68% of his passes for 40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. While Carr himself has not publicly declared any intentions of an NFL return, a weak 2026 rookie quarterback class and a higher-than-normal coaching turnover could leave several teams in search of a veteran quarterback.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Ian Rapoport
February 8, 2026
Atlanta Falcons rookie defensive end James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Saturday on two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing/eluding police. The arrest came in Florida after Pearce crashed his car, following a police chase. Pearce, whom the Falcons traded their 2026 first-round pick to acquire in the 2025 draft, was in San Francisco days earlier for the NFL Honors, where he was nominated for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Falcons have issued a statement, saying, "We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time." In addition to the criminal charges he faces, Pearce is now subject to investigation under the NFL's personal conduct policy that will likely lead to suspension.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Mike Garafolo
February 8, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place their franchise tag on Second-Team All-Pro wide receiver
George Pickens. Dallas acquired Pickens via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers before the 2025 season, and in his first season with the Cowboys, the fourth-year wideout set career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. Should Pickens hit the open market, he would be the unquestioned prize of the wide receiver free agency class and could easily demand a top-of-the-market deal. By placing the franchise tag on him, the Cowboys would retain Pickens' rights at the cost of roughly $28 million for 2026, with the hope of working toward a long-term extension. Pickens is a borderline top-10 dynasty wide receiver, and his value should continue to rise if the Cowboys succeed in making Dallas his home for the foreseeable future.
--Patrick McGrathSource: ESPN
February 8, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder
Christian Yelich put together a standout season in 2025. He slashed .264/.343/.452 with 29 home runs, 103 RBI, and 16 stolen bases across 150 games. The 29 long balls were the most for Yelich since the 2019 season, when he blasted 44 homers. The increased power also came with a much higher strikeout rate. Yelich recorded a 25.9% strikeout rate, which is his highest since the 2020 season. The other concern is his health, as Yelich only played 73 games in 2024 due to lingering back issues. Yelich played less than 20 games in the outfield in 2025 and is basically limited to designated hitter duties at this point in his career. The 34-year-old offers five-category upside, but the risk of injury and age-related decline are certainly a factor. The three-time All-Star should still be productive, but another 29-homer campaign seems unlikely.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
February 8, 2026
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher
Emilio Pagan became the top option in the bullpen last season. Pagan took over as the primary closer and ran away with the job. He finished the season with a 2.88 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and an 81/22 K/BB ratio with 32 saves in 70 appearances. The biggest concern is the fly-ball rate in a hitter's park in Cincinnati. His 56.7% fly-ball rate is too high to continue having the type of success he experienced last season. Pagan gave up 10 long balls across 68.2 innings, which was his most since the 2022 campaign. His 29.1% ground-ball rate doesn't do him any favors. The 34-year-old will likely need to miss bats and record strikeouts at a higher rate to replicate the same success. Given the lack of competition, Pagan should be a safe bet for around 20 saves, but another 30-plus season seems unlikely.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
February 8, 2026
The Colorado Rockies have signed outfielder
Conner Capel to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Capel spent all of the 2025 season with Triple-A with the Atlanta Braves organization. He slashed .234/.314/.360 with 10 home runs, 39 RBI, and 21 steals during his 119 games in Triple-A Gwinnett. Capel has only played 59 career big league games since making his debut in 2022. This is looking like a depth move for the Rockies. The 28-year-old will need to compete with
Brenton Doyle,
Jake McCarthy,
Jordan Beck,
Mickey Moniak, and
Tyler Freeman for playing time in Colorado. The expectation is that Capel will begin the season in the minors.
--Andy WebbSource: Milb Central
February 8, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies have re-signed relief pitcher
Lou Trivino to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Trivino made appearances with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers before finishing out the season in Philly. In total, Trivino registered a 3.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a 37/18 K/BB ratio in 47 games between the three teams. The 34-year-old has a ton of late-inning experience with 116 games finished and 37 saves across his six big league seasons. The Phillies already have a closer, so Trivino would probably work mostly in middle relief, assuming he makes the team. Trivino is unlikely to offer fantasy value, but could be a sneaky solid pickup for the Phillies.
--Andy WebbSource: Ken Rosenthal
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