January 23, 2026
Kansas City Royals outfielder/first baseman
Jac Caglianone got his first taste of the big leagues in 2025, earning a promotion from Triple-A Omaha in early June. The 22-year-old struggled across 232 MLB plate appearances, posting a .157/.237/.295 slash line with seven home runs, 18 RBI, 19 runs scored, and one stolen base. However, there is reason to believe that Caglianone has breakout potential in 2026. Known as a high-end power hitter as a prospect, Caglianone logged solid hard-hit (42.4%) and barrel rates (12%) while keeping his strikeout rate at a manageable 22.4% in his first stint with the Royals. He also appears ticketed for every day playing time in right field in Kansas City, given the team's current lack of high-end outfield talent. Finally, the Royals announced that they will be moving in the fences at Kauffman Stadium for the 2026 season, which should boost the power output in what has traditionally been one of MLB's most difficult parks to hit home runs in. For fantasy managers looking for relatively cheap power sources in the middle of drafts, Caglianone should be on their radar.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 23, 2026
The Tennessee Titans have spoken to Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith about their offensive-coordinator vacancy, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Smith was on the Titans' coaching staff from 2011 to 2020 and was a candidate for the head-coaching job before the team hired Robert Saleh. After his long stint with the Titans, Smith departed to take the head-coaching job with the Atlanta Falcons before serving as Pittsburgh's OC the last couple of seasons under Mike Tomlin. Now that Tomlin is out in the Steel City after 19 years, Smith is looking for a new coaching gig. If he were to go back to Tennessee, he'd have a big challenge on his hands with a roster that doesn't have a ton of weapons for young quarterback
Cameron Ward. The tight end situation in Tennessee would be intriguing for Smith, though, with
Gunnar Helm and
Chig Okonkwo.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
January 23, 2026
The New York Yankees and outfielder
Cody Bellinger agreed to terms on a new contract on Wednesday that will guarantee the 30-year-old $162.5 million over five years. Bellinger was excellent in his first season with the Yankees in 2025, posting a .272/.334/.480 slash line with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, 89 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases across 656 plate appearances. Bellinger outperformed his underlying hitting metrics, as he posted middling barrel (7.5%) and hard-hit rates (37.9%). However, playing his home games in front of the short right field porch at Yankee Stadium should continue to boost Bellinger's power. In 2025, Bellinger slugged .544 across 337 plate appearances at home compared to just .414 across 319 plate appearances on the road. He should see every day playing time in left field in New York, and also brings the ability to cover first base or the other two outfield spots. RotoBaller currently ranks Bellinger as the number 19 outfielder in traditional rotisserie scoring leagues.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 23, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers have requested to interview Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr for their vacant defensive-coordinator job, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Orr has been the Ravens' DC for the last two seasons and previously worked alongside former Chargers DC Jesse Minter, who became the new head coach of the Ravens on Thursday. The Ravens defense ranked ninth in points allowed in 2024, but they fell to 18th in that category under Orr in 2025 and also ranked 24th in yards allowed. Meanwhile, the Chargers' defense ranked ninth in points per game (20) and fifth in total yards allowed per game (285.2) under Minter. Orr still has a lot to prove as a defensive coordinator, but if he heads to L.A. to coach under another Harbaugh, he'll have a strong base to work with in what was one of the most underrated defenses in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 23, 2026
Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Philip Rivers and current St. Michael Catholic High School coach Philip Rivers is interviewing on Friday for the Buffalo Bills' head-coaching job, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Rivers surprisingly came out of retirement to play for the Colts again in 2025 after
Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. The 44-year-old eight-time Pro Bowler threw for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in his three starts, but he was unable to help the Colts get into the playoffs before retiring for the second time. Rivers is now interested in coaching at the NFL level, although he feels like more of a long shot to land the Bills' head-coaching job with zero prior coaching experience in the NFL. However, maybe there's a chance he wins over quarterback
Josh Allen, who is going to have significant say in who the next head coach in Buffalo is.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 23, 2026
Buffalo Bills quarterback
Josh Allen will have "significant say" on the next head coach of the team, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The Bills are ensuring that Allen is a significant part of the hiring process, following the firing of Sean McDermott on Monday after nine years at the helm. Buffalo has already met with a few head-coaching candidates, and Allen has been sitting in on everything. The Bills are interviewing a wide range of coaches for the head-coaching vacancy, but reports have suggested that they will probably prefer an offensive-minded individual who can develop strong chemistry with Allen. Despite having one of the weaker receiver rooms in the league in 2025, Allen finished as the QB1 in overall fantasy points, although most of it came because of his rushing prowess. The Bills need to get him more help if they are going to get over the hump in the playoffs.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
January 23, 2026
Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza officially announced on Friday that he is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN. Mendoza is in position to be the first player picked, as a large contingent of Las Vegas Raiders front-office members watched him win the National title game over the University of Miami on Monday. The 22-year-old signal-caller is the overwhelming favorite to go first overall to the Raiders in this year's NFL Draft. In his first and only season at Indiana, Mendoza put himself miles ahead of any of the other college QB prospects, completing 72% of his pass attempts for 3,535 yards and 48 total touchdowns (41 passing). He led the nation in yards per attempt (9.3) and touchdown passes. Mendoza is known as a pocket passer, but he can pick up yards with his legs when needed. The Raiders are hoping he can quickly turn their struggling franchise around, but they have plenty of holes elsewhere on the roster, too.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Pete Thamel
January 23, 2026
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (foot) underwent minor foot surgery this week, according to Joe Cook of Inside Texas. The rising redshirt junior's procedure is described as a preventive minor surgery to address a previous injury. He will be limited this offseason, but he's expected back for Spring practice. After a tough start to his first full season as a starter, Manning came on late in the year as a passer and rusher. Overall, he tallied 3,163 passing yards, 399 rushing yards, 36 total touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The Longhorns' offensive line left a lot to be desired in 2025, but the program is taking steps to surround Manning with talent this offseason. So far, Texas has received commitments from offensive tackles Melvin Siani (Wake Forest) and Jonte Newman (Texas A&M), offensive guard Dylan Sikorski (Oregon State), wide receiver Cam Coleman (Auburn), and running backs Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State). If Manning can build on his late-season surge with his new weapons in place, he could be looking at a true breakout season in 2026.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Joe Cook - Inside Texas
January 23, 2026
The Buffalo Bills are interviewing new Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel for their head-coaching job on Friday, a source told Albert Breer of NBC Sports Boston. McDaniel recently agreed to become the new OC for the Chargers after they fired Greg Roman, but he's going to try one more time for another head-coaching gig. He spent the last four years in the AFC as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. If McDaniel doesn't land the job in Buffalo, he will return to his OC duties under Jim Harbaugh in L.A. Although McDaniel's offense petered out last season with the decline of quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa and the injury to receiver
Tyreek Hill (knee), he'd be an intriguing fit with quarterback
Josh Allen, one of the best QBs in the league. After the firing of Sean McDermott on Monday, the job in Buffalo is the most attractive head-coaching opening in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Boston - Albert Breer
January 23, 2026
Buffalo Bills tight end
Dawson Knox said that TE
Dalton Kincaid (knee) played this season with a torn PCL in his knee, according to Ryan Talbot of Syracuse.com. A source close to Kincaid confirmed what Knox said, saying that Kincaid played the entire 2025 campaign with a torn PCL. The 26-year-old did miss several games late in the season due to knee and hamstring injuries, and he played in a career-low 12 contests in 2025 in his third year in the league, catching a career-low 39 passes on 49 targets for 571 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in the regular season. The fact that he even played as many games as he did on a torn PCL is a minor miracle, and Kincaid had nine catches on 11 targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns in two playoff games. With better health in 2026, Kincaid will be a no-doubt TE1 in fantasy football.
--Keith HernandezSource: Syracuse.com - Ryan Talbot
January 23, 2026
According to On3, the 2026 College Football Playoff will remain at 12 teams, as it has over the last two seasons. There were expansion talks this offseason, with the Big Ten wanting 24 teams, and the SEC, Notre Dame, and the other eight conferences wanting 16 teams. The Big Ten and SEC were unable to come to an agreement, so talks have stalled, and a 12-team field will remain. However, there are some changes coming for next season. Starting in 2026, the champion of the Big 4 conferences (ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, SEC) will all earn auto-bids. This means Duke would have made the CFP in 2025. Additionally, Notre Dame will be automatically in the field if it is ranked inside the top 12 teams. Expansion of the CFP is likely in the future, but it won't come until at least 2027.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
January 23, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard/forward
Duncan Robinson (back) is probable for Friday's matchup against Houston while managing a lower back sprain. His availability is important for a Detroit rotation that remains fluid, especially with
Cade Cunningham (illness) questionable. Robinson's role has stayed stable through the shuffle, as he has averaged 17.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.4 three-pointers in 27.7 minutes over his last five games. He logged 29 minutes with 15 points and four triples in his most recent outing, keeping him locked in as a standard-league source of points and perimeter shooting if active.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard
Ja'Kobe Walter (hip) will miss Friday's game against Portland, extending his absence to seven straight contests as he works back from a right hip contusion. Walter's absence has sustained
Jamal Shead's expanded role, with production holding despite efficiency concerns. Shead is averaging 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 31.8 minutes over his last five games while shooting 34.8 percent from the field. His role could expand further if
RJ Barrett (ankle) remains sidelined, giving Shead short-term standard-league value.
Gradey Dick and
Ochai Agbaji see marginal bumps but remain fringe options.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) is questionable for Friday's matchup against Portland as he works through a left thumb sprain and risks missing a third straight game. His availability matters for Toronto's frontcourt rotation, where
Sandro Mamukelashvili has stepped into a larger role. Mamukelashvili erupted for 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three three-pointers in 32 minutes last game, making him a strong short-term add if Murray-Boyles remains out. Murray-Boyles is a hold in deeper formats, but any absence continues to funnel minutes and usage toward Mamukelashvili.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
According to Spencer Nusbaum, Andrew Golden, and Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post, the Nationals have shopped star shortstop
CJ Abrams on the trade market this offseason. While they have yet to find a trade partner, they are actively looking to move the infielder. On Thursday, the Nationals traded their ace,
MacKenzie Gore, to the Texas Rangers in exchange for numerous top prospects, and could now look to pursue talks for Abrams. Abrams began his career with the Padres but was shipped to Washington in the
Juan Soto trade in August of 2022. Last season, Abrams posted a .257/.315/.433 line with a career-high 35 doubles. He hit 19 home runs and swiped at least 31 bases for the second-straight campaign. The 25-year-old remains a solid No. 1 SS in category formats, given his ability to hit for power and steal bases. If he were to be traded to a contender, he would see his counting stats receive a major boost.
--Andy SmithSource: Spencer Nusbaum, Andrew Golden, Chelsea Janes
January 23, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
RJ Barrett (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game in Portland, a step forward as he works toward a potential return. Barrett's availability directly impacts the backcourt rotation, as
Jamal Shead would likely slide back to the second unit if Barrett plays. Shead has been productive lately, averaging 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 31.8 minutes over his last five, though on a shaky 34.8 percent from the field. Fantasy managers should view Shead as a short-term standard-league option only if Barrett remains sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, free-agent pitcher
Brent Suter continues to draw interest among many clubs on the open market. Murray noted that the left-hander is currently evaluating his options. In 2025, Suter spent the entire campaign with the Reds and logged 67 2/3 innings, primarily as a reliever (three starts). He posted a modest 4.52 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. He struck out just 53 batters but did limit hard contact, generating a 32.9% hard-hit rate with a 7.8% barrel rate. Additionally, Suter showed strong command, serving up free passes at a low 6.2% rate. Managers in deeper leagues that reward holds should monitor his status as he could become a late-inning option for a team. However, he is not expected to compete for any closer role, as he has tallied just three saves in his 10-year MLB career.
--Andy SmithSource: Robert Murray
January 23, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks center
Myles Turner (ankle) is probable to play Friday against Denver after missing one game. His return would tighten Milwaukee's frontcourt rotation, cutting into
Bobby Portis' upside after the veteran big delivered 15 points, six rebounds, and nine assists in 37 minutes Wednesday. Turner's recent play has been uneven, averaging 11.2 points and 4.8 rebounds over his last five, which keeps expectations modest. Fantasy managers should view Turner as a low-end hold, while Portis slides from short-term standard-league value back to a capped bench role when Turner is active.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Free-agent right-handed pitcher
Zack Littell is drawing significant interest on the open market, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.com. Littell spent the 2025 campaign with the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds. Across 186 2/3 innings of work (32 starts), the right-hander posted a 3.81 ERA with a strong 1.10 WHIP. Littell showed elite command, allowing walks at a 4.2% rate, placing him in the 98th percentile among qualified pitchers. However, he generated much higher 4.36 xERA, suggesting he could face some regression in 2026. Additionally, he only struck out 130 batters (12th percentile), which lowers his ceiling for fantasy purposes. Managers should monitor his status, as he could be a viable boost to your WHIP ratio but will not have much impact in the other categories.
--Andy SmithSource: Robert Murray
January 23, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Sam Merrill (hand) will miss Friday's game against Sacramento, marking his fourth straight absence as he continues to manage a right-hand sprain. With Merrill and
Darius Garland (toe) sidelined, Cleveland is again leaning on
Jaylon Tyson for secondary scoring and playmaking. Tyson delivered 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 31 minutes last game, giving him short-term value in standard formats.
Craig Porter Jr. also continues to see an expanded role, though his seven points, one rebound, and two assists in 18 minutes keep him capped as a low-end option.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Free agent infielder
Isiah Kiner-Falefa met with several teams through virtual meetings over the past week, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.com. Kiner-Falefa spent the 2025 season with the Pirates and Blue Jays. Across 138 games, the 30-year-old posted a .262/.297/.334 line with two home runs and 15 stolen bases. While he does not make much of an impact in the batter's box, the infielder can play at numerous defensive positions, which gives him great value as a depth piece. Last summer, Kiner-Falefa had double-digit stats at second base, third base, and shortstop. Earlier in his career, he also saw time in the outfield. Managers in deeper 15-team formats should monitor Kiner-Falefa's free-agent market as he could hold value as a bench option given his defensive versatility.
--Andy SmithSource: Robert Murray
January 23, 2026
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes set up three goals, including Kirill Kaprizov's game-winner, in Thursday's 4-3 overtime victory against the Detroit Red Wings. The star blue-liner also helped Kaprizov net a power-play goal in the first period and assisted Mats Zuccarello early in the third frame. Amazingly, despite this being only his 20th appearance for the team, Hughes already matched a franchise record for the most three-assist games in a single season. It was his fourth hat trick of assists with the Wild. Overall, Hughes has posted 24 points (two goals, 22 assists) in 20 games since moving to Minnesota. He has finished six of his outings with multiple points, including three of the last four.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 23, 2026
Texas Rangers first baseman
Jake Burger (wrist) is fully recovered from offseason wrist surgery and is expected to be a full-go for spring training, according to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News. In 2025, Burger appeared in only 103 games and had a disappointing season in the batter's box, posting a low .236/.269/.419 line with 16 home runs and a high 24.7% K%. During the season, he battled numerous lingering injuries, including a wrist injury that now looks to be behind him. In 2023 and 2024, Burger launched at last 29 home runs in each season and held an overall .250/.205/.488 line with a 793 OPS. Managers should expect the 29-year-old to operate as the primary first baseman in Texas. He is a solid target late in drafts if looking for power, as he should return to his 25+ HR upside following a healthy offseason.
--Andy SmithSource: Shawn McFarland
January 23, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) will miss Friday against Oklahoma City as he continues to recover from a right thumb sprain and has now missed 10 straight games. Indiana will keep leaning on
Aaron Nesmith and second-year wing
Johnny Furphy, though results have been uneven. Nesmith is mired in a slump, shooting 23.1 percent from the field over his last five starts. Furphy has shown flashes with 7.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over that stretch, though the production has been volatile and is best left for deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins winger Anthony Mantha scored two goals in Thursday's 6-2 road win over the Edmonton Oilers. He provided the goals in the span of 22 seconds early in the first period. Sidney Crosby quickly added another one, giving Pittsburgh three goals inside 37 seconds against the team's former goalie, Tristan Jarry. These were Mantha's first goals since the turn of the year. He has struggled in front of the net after wrapping up 2025 with a three-game goal streak. Still, it has been a good campaign for Mantha, who sits on 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists) through 50 appearances. Should he maintain his current scoring rate, the 31-year-old would get to celebrate a new career high at the end of the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 23, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, free agent starting pitcher
Max Scherzer is not in a rush to sign a contract. Scherzer is reportedly fully healthy and prepped to sign with a team. However, the veteran is willing to wait for his offers to find the perfect opportunity. Rosenthal and Sammon even noted that there is a possibility that Scherzer waits until after Opening Day to sign with a preferred club. Last season, Scherzer spent the 2025 campaign with the Blue Jays and posted a 5.19 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 85 innings. He struck out only 82 hitters but showed strong command, allowing walks at a 6.4% rate. In 2024, Scherzer logged only 43 1/3 innings. Once Scherzer does sign with a club, he will likely only hold value in deeper formats given his declining strikeout upside.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
January 23, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Alex Caruso (adductor) will sit out Friday against Indiana, extending his absence as the Thunder continue to manage his workload. With Caruso and
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) sidelined and
Aaron Wiggins (groin) carrying a questionable tag, Oklahoma City's wing rotation thins again. That creates a short-term opportunity for
Isaiah Joe, who logged five points in 25 minutes last game and offers situational three-point streaming value in deeper leagues. Caruso remains a defensive-category specialist when active, but his limited scoring profile keeps his fantasy ceiling capped.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves recorded his first shutout of the season in Thursday's tough matchup against the Dallas Stars, finishing a 1-0 victory with 28 saves. Zach Werenski did the business at the other end. Greaves has become a solid option for fantasy managers as the season has progressed. Currently, he is on an 8-4-1 run over his last 13 starts. The 24-year-old has allowed two or fewer goals six times over that span. For the season, Greaves holds a 15-12-6 record, with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 23, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) will miss Friday's game against Indiana after exiting early Wednesday, sidelined by an abdominal strain. His absence opens short-term backcourt minutes, pushing
Cason Wallace,
Luguentz Dort, and
Isaiah Joe into larger roles. Wallace logged nine points, two rebounds, two assists, and four steals in 31 minutes last game, making him a viable deep-league streamer for defensive stats. Dort adds scoring stability after scoring 13 points with three three-pointers, while Joe remains a low-usage specialist. Mitchell remains a hold in deeper formats, with a return possible Sunday.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 23, 2026
Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak notched a goal and two assists in Thursday's 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. With the Czechia star leading the charge, the Bruins jumped to a 4-0 lead. Pastrnak had two power-play assists, and his even-strength goal ended up being the game-winning marker. Boston improved to 9-2-0 over its last 11 games. During that stretch, Pastnark has been on another level, posting 22 points (six goals, 16 assists). He has become one of only six players in the league this season with at least 20 goals and 40 assists. In 46 appearances, Pastrnak has racked up 63 points (21 goals, 42 assists).
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
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