January 25, 2026
Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (personal) will return to the lineup on Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights, Julian McKenzie of The Athletic reports. Ullmark, who has missed 14 games for personal reasons, will dress as Mads Sogaard's backup. He hasn't played for the Senators since Dec. 27. Ottawa has a light two-game week coming up, but we will likely see Ullmark's return to action soon. The former Vezina Trophy winner has posted a 14-8-5 record this season, allowing 2.95 goals with a .881 save percentage. A couple of weeks before exiting the lineup, Ullmark notched his first shutout of the season against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
--Taavi PailkSource: Julian McKenzie
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford "does believe he has some good football left" and plans to return for the 2026 season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport notes that he expressed this desire before the Rams clinched an NFC Championship berth, so it's possible that he could change his mind if Los Angeles wins the Super Bowl. However, at the very least, the veteran quarterback feels that he has plenty left in the tank and is trending towards playing next year. Indeed, he has shown no signs of slowing down, completing 65% of his pass attempts for a league-best 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns in his age-37 season. He also threw just eight interceptions. Stafford appears to be the MVP front-runner and has supported huge seasons for both of his top receivers,
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Pat Bryant (hamstring) exited during the first half of Sunday's AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had one catch for two yards. Bryant, who cleared concussion protocol in time to play on Sunday, reportedly injured his hamstring on the opening drive and initially tried to play through it before exiting the game. His absence, even if temporary, leaves the Broncos short-staffed at wide receiver, as they're also without
Troy Franklin (hamstring) for today's game.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey and
Elijah Moore should now earn snaps alongside
Courtland Sutton and
Marvin Mims Jr.--Andersen PickardSource: Mike Klis
January 25, 2026
New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's AFC Championship against the Denver Broncos. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had amassed two tackles. Spillane has been a major contributor during his first season with the Patriots. Through 13 regular-season games, he had 97 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and two interceptions. He was a major reason why the Patriots' defense performed like a top-10 unit this season, and he helped the Patriots secure an AFC East title. Jack Gibbens entered the game in his absence and will wear the green dot.
--Andersen PickardSource: New England Patriots
January 25, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Jonathan Kuminga (knee) has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left knee. Kuminga was forced to make an early exit during Thursday's game. An MRI revealed a bone bruise, so Kuminga is expected to miss more time. His timetable is unknown at the moment, but the Warriors should offer more details in the coming days. The Warriors are likely going to use a committee approach to fill the void in the rotation.
Gui Santos,
Buddy Hield, and
Gary Payton II should all see increased playing time going forward. Hield offers the highest streaming upside at the moment, so fantasy managers should check their waivers to see if he's available.
--Andy WebbSource: Golden State Warriors
January 25, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Norman Powell (back) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Powell has played through a back issue during each of the last two games. The expectation is that he'll continue to play through the issue, but fantasy managers will need to check back closer to tip-off. If he gets downgraded,
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and
Simone Fontecchio would likely both see increased roles in the rotation. Jaquez is the more reliable streaming option between the two players, but fantasy managers will need to check back for another update.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Mitchell has missed each of the last two games due to a left shoulder injury. He's trending in the right direction on Sunday, so fantasy managers should prepare to be without him.
Kasparas Jakucionis (face) has started in each of the last two games, but is tagged as questionable for this game. The absence of both players would likely mean an increased role for
Dru Smith in the rotation. Smith finished with six points, five assists, and 10 rebounds in 26 minutes of action during Saturday's game. He's worth a look as a streaming option with the Heat banged up at the guard spot right now.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Noah Clowney (back) is ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Clowney will take a seat here after playing 43 minutes during Friday's game. He appears to have picked up a back injury during that game, so he'll take a seat here.
Jalen Wilson,
Ziaire Williams, and
Danny Wolf should see increased roles with Clowney sidelined. Among the trio, Williams has the most streaming appeal for Sunday's slate. He finished with 14 points and eight rebounds across 33 minutes on Friday. Fantasy managers in need of help on Sunday should consider adding Williams.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard
Caris LeVert (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings. LeVert will miss his third straight game after being listed as doubtful on the injury report. His next chance to play will be Tuesday versus the Denver Nuggets. The absence of LeVert should mean increased roles for
Jaden Ivey and
Marcus Sasser. Neither guard has great upside right now, but Ivey is the better streaming option between the two with LeVert out.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard
Cade Cunningham (wrist) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings. As expected, Cunningham will suit up for this game after being listed as probable on the injury report. He'll operate in his normal spot in the starting five. He sat out of Wednesday's game, but appears to be over the wrist injury now.
Daniss Jenkins will see his value take a hit with Cunningham back in the mix. Fantasy managers should get Cunningham active in their lineups.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Bryan Woo broke through to the ranks of ace territory in 2025, posting a 15-7 record with a 2.94 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 198 strikeouts across 186 2/3 innings pitched (30 starts). Woo recorded an elite 22.2% K-BB rate and owns a WHIP of 0.98 across 395 2/3 career innings. Entering his age-26 season, Woo should be in a position to build upon his 2025 performance and continue to establish himself as one of the best pitchers in MLB. He also has the benefit of pitching in one of baseball's most pitcher-friendly environments in Seattle. If there's any concern for fantasy managers, it's Woo's questionable injury track record. He dealt with an elbow ailment that limited him to 22 starts in 2024. Still, Woo is a young pitcher with upside who carries clear fantasy SP1 potential heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
In his first season with the Atlanta Braves in 2024, veteran starting pitcher
Chris Sale led MLB in wins and ERA on his way to winning the National League Cy Young Award. While Sale was still productive when healthy in 2025, a rib cage injury limited his availability and held down his overall performance. Across 125 2/3 innings (20 starts), Sale posted a 7-5 record with a 2.58 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 165 strikeouts. Heading into 2026, Sale could return to full Cy Young form with improved health. However, he will turn 37 years old at the end of March and carries an extensive injury track record beyond just 2025. Across a four-season stretch from 2020 through 2023, Sale made just 31 total starts. Still, since joining the Braves, Sale owns a 2.46 ERA and has posted back-to-back seasons with a strikeout rate north of 32%. He carries clear fantasy SP1 upside as long as he can stay on the mound in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
Veteran third baseman
Alex Bregman will have a new home for the 2026 season after signing a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in free agency. The 31-year-old spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Houston Astros before signing a short-term deal with the Boston Red Sox for the 2025 season. Bregman missed time in 2025 due to injury, but produced a .273/.360/.462 slash line with 18 home runs, 62 RBI, and 64 runs scored across 495 plate appearances. In Chicago, he'll likely hit in the middle of what projects to be one of the best lineups in baseball. However, it's fair to wonder if Bregman's power output will decline now that he no longer has the home-field advantage provided by short left fields in Houston and Boston. With just a 6.1% career barrel rate, Bregman does not have elite underlying power metrics. Still, Bregman owns a career slugging percentage of .490 on the road, and 12 of his 18 home runs in 2025 came away from Fenway Park. Given that he still has a strong supporting cast around him in Chicago, Bregman's current average draft position as the eighth third baseman off the board may represent a value for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
Across three seasons from 2022 to 2024, injuries limited Texas Rangers starting pitcher
Jacob deGrom to just 20 total starts. Heading into 2025, many wondered if the two-time Cy Young Award winner would ever return to form. However, deGrom managed to log a full season in 2025, posting a 12-8 record with a 2.97 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 185 strikeouts across 172 2/3 innings (30 starts). While deGrom's 22.1% K-BB rate in 2025 isn't quite the level he posted at his peak, it's still an elite mark that demonstrates how much he still has left in the tank. Still, deGrom will turn 38 years old during the 2026 season, and his extensive injury track record means he still carries a significant health risk. In comparison to other elite starting pitching options, fantasy managers should likely lower their volume-based expectations for deGrom. At the same time, he carries significant upside and currently ranks as RotoBaller's number 11 starting pitcher in standard rotisserie scoring formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
New York Yankees outfielder
Aaron Judge has established himself as arguably the best hitter in baseball, winning three out of the last four American League MVP awards. In 2025, Judge posted a .331/.457/.688 slash line with 53 home runs, 114 RBI, 137 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases across 679 plate appearances. However, Judge will turn 34 years old in April, putting into question just how much longer he can sustain his unbelievable run at the plate. Judge has also been able to stay mostly healthy in recent years, but he played through an elbow injury in 2025 and has missed significant chunks of several seasons due to injury earlier in his career. On the plus side, the Yankees recently re-signed outfielder
Cody Bellinger, providing Judge with some much-needed help around him in the lineup. The Yankees led MLB in runs scored (849) in 2025 and will run it back in 2026 with basically the same team, so Judge should have plenty of opportunities to rack up counting stats. Some age-related decline should be expected, but Judge still profiles as an elite outfield option for fantasy managers as long as he stays healthy heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen), who was listed as questionable going into Sunday's AFC Championship in Denver versus the Broncos, is officially active. The Patriots activated Hollins from Injured Reserve on Saturday, paving the way for him to make his first appearance since injuring his abdomen in the Week 16 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The 32-year-old will provide quarterback
Drake Maye as an extra deep threat on the outside, although fantasy managers should view him as a boom/bust sleeper for playoff lineups. During the regular season in his first year with the Pats, eight-year pro caught 46 of 65 targets for 550 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie
Efton Chism III is a healthy scratch with Hollins returning. Rookie
Kyle Williams and
DeMario Douglas could have fewer opportunities on the field with Hollins coming back as well.
--Keith HernandezSource: New England Patriots
January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Troy Franklin (hamstring) is officially inactive for the AFC Championship game on Sunday against the visiting New England Patriots, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Franklin injured his hamstring early in the Divisional Round win against the Buffalo Bills and never returned. He was limited in practice all week, but the Broncos weren't comfortable making him active. Although Franklin saw his role decline late in the year, it's a notable loss for a Denver offense that is forced to start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidman against New England with
Bo Nix (ankle) out for the rest of the season. The second-year wideout from Oregon was the Broncos' second leading receiver during the regular season with 65 catches, 709 yards, and six touchdowns on 104 targets.
Marvin Mims Jr., rookie
Pat Bryant, and
Lil'Jordan Humphrey will need to step up behind
Courtland Sutton against a solid Patriots defense on Sunday.
--Keith HernandezSource: 9 News - Mike Klis
January 25, 2026
Minnesota Vikings defensive passing-game coordinator Daronte Jones will interview with the Washington Commanders on Sunday for their vacant defensive-coordinator position, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Jones has interviewed for several defensive-coordinator jobs around the league this cycle, including the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers, before they filled their openings. Jones has been with the Vikings since 2022 and has had his current title since 2023. He also served as the DC at LSU in 2021 and has worked as a defensive backs coach for the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins. The Vikings' defense ranked seventh in points allowed per game and led the league in passing yards allowed per game in 2025 under Jones. The Commanders are looking to replace Joe Whitt Jr., who was fired after the season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 25, 2026
The Tennessee Titans have requested to interview Atlanta Falcons defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg for their defensive-coordinator position, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Rutenberg has a long history working with new Titans head coach Robert Saleh, most recently coaching the linebackers with the New York Jets when Saleh was the head coach there. Rutenberg also worked with Saleh in San Francisco with the Niners before he brought him along with him to New York. He should be considered a favorite for the job in Tennessee because of his history with Saleh. Additionally, the Falcons' defense ranked 13th in EPA per drop back allowed and 12th in passing yards allowed per game during the 2025 season under Rutenberg.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
January 25, 2026
The Tennessee Titans are interviewing Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso for their vacant defensive-coordinator job, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Vasso's mentors, Texans DC Matt Burke and Cleveland Browns DC Jim Schwart, have been pushing hard for Vasso behind the scenes. Vasso has held various coaching roles around the NFL, but he's never called plays or been a defensive coordinator. He began his coaching career in the NFL in 2013 under head coach Andy Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs. If Vasso were to be hired by Tennessee, he might not be calling plays with defensive-minded coach Robert Saleh getting the job as the team's new head coach. The 38-year-old began coaching with the Texans in 2021 and has built up their secondary as one of the best units in the league.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 25, 2026
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Seattle Seahawks running backs
George Holani and
Cam Akers are expected to be used in backup roles in Sunday's NFC Championship game against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, with some work expected for each player.
Zach Charbonnet (knee) suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, so
Kenneth Walker III will become Seattle's workhorse RB. Holani was just activated from Injured Reserve this week and last played in Week 12, so he most likely won't have a big change-of-pace role this weekend behind Walker. In 11 games during the regular season, Holani had only 22 rushing attempts for 73 yards and one touchdown. Akers didn't join the Seahawks until midseason, and he's still looking for his first carry with the team. Neither Holani nor Akers should be in fantasy playoff lineups.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Las Vegas Raiders' head-coaching search should come into focus after Sunday. Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is a prime candidate to become the Raiders' next head coach after a strong first interview, according to multiple league sources. Denver Broncos pass-game coordinator
Davis Webb is also mentioned in league circles as a viable option. Los Angeles Rams assistant coaches Mike LaFleur, Chris Shula, and Nate Scheelhaase have also interviewed virtually for the job. The Seahawks had the No. 3 scoring offense this year under Kubiak, and he's an attractive offensive mind with ties to San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. After firing Pete Carroll following his lone season with the team, the Raiders are reportedly looking to hire a young offensive-minded coach who will be able to develop quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be selected by Vegas with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
January 25, 2026
Washington Commanders run-game coordinator Anthony Lynn interviewed on Saturday night in Florida for the Cleveland Browns' head-coaching job, league sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Lynn met earlier in the day with the Buffalo Bills for their head-coaching job as well. Former Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco is working for the Browns as a consultant during their coaching search, and Telesco and Lynn worked together in Los Angeles when Lynn was the head coach. Lynn was also the Browns' running backs coach from 2007 to 2008. In his four years as the head coach for the Chargers, Lynn went 33-31 and won one playoff game. He also worked as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions the year after he was fired as the Bolts' head coach. Although Lynn is a respected offensive mind in the NFL, he'd be an underwhelming hire as head coach for Cleveland.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
As things currently stand, the Philadelphia Phillies don't have a set No. 4 or No. 5 starting pitcher, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzard, and
Aaron Nola are their three healthy starters who are guaranteed rotation spots. The Phillies are hoping top prospect
Andrew Painter and veteran
Taijuan Walker fill out the rotation, but they aren't slam dunks. Both pitchers need to perform in spring training, but even if they don't, they have to be in the initial rotation as
Zack Wheeler continues his recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome. Painter, 22, had a 5.26 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 123:47 K:BB in 118 innings over 26 starts with Single-A Clearwater and Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025 in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. There wasn't a notable dip in Painter's stuff last year, and he could bounce back another year removed from TJ surgery. A lowered price in 2026 definitely makes Painter an intriguing buy-low candidate with elite pitching upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
January 25, 2026
Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is finalizing a deal to be hired as the next offensive coordinator at Ohio State, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Smith had been interviewing for offensive-coordinator and head-coaching jobs in the NFL this cycle, but he'll head to the collegiate level for at least the 2026 season. The 43-year-old previously coached at the collegiate level with North Carolina and Ole Miss, but this will be the first OC job he's held at the level. It's an odd fit for the Buckeyes on paper, but Smith will have plenty of talent to work with. Before Smith was the OC for the Steelers, he was the Atlanta Falcons' head coach from 2021 to 2023. He will be replacing Brian Hartline, who left Ohio State to take the head-coaching job at South Florida. The last time Smith coached at the collegiate level was in 2010, when he was an administrative assistant and defensive intern at Ole Miss.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
The Green Bay Packers are hiring former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon as their next defensive coordinator on Sunday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Cardinals fired Gannon following the 2025 season after three years at the helm. He will take a step back as defensive coordinator and will have big shoes to fill, replacing Jeff Hafley, who has taken the head-coaching job with the Miami Dolphins. In his three years in Arizona, the Cardinals' defense ranked 31st, 15th, and 29th in points allowed under Gannon. The good news for Gannon is that he'll have better talent on the defensive side of the ball in his new home in Green Bay, starting with All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee). Gannon will be head coach Matt LaFleur's fourth defensive coordinator in his eight seasons with the Packers.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos tight end
Evan Engram has continued to occupy a smaller role throughout the regular season and into the playoffs. As a result, he's difficult to trust ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game. Engram finished the regular season with a modest 50 catches, 461 yards, and one touchdown, ranking as the TE29 in full-PPR leagues despite playing 16 games. He added just one reception for seven yards in the Broncos' playoff win last weekend. Moving forward, we expect Engram to remain in a similarly small and discouraging role against the New England Patriots, who allowed the 15th-most fantasy points to tight ends during the regular season. Denver prefers targeting its very talented receiver room, and we could also see the Broncos run the ball more with
Bo Nix (ankle) out. The quarterback change is perhaps the biggest question mark surrounding Engram's outlook. Although he underperformed while catching passes from Nix, we can't exactly project how he'll play with
Jarrett Stidham, who hasn't thrown a pass all year. As a result, we're continuing to temper our expectations. Engram is the overall TE6 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for this weekend.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
Seattle Seahawks tight end
Elijah Arroyo (knee) has been activated from injured reserve, but it's unlikely that he'll have a major role in his return to action against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. In his last five regular-season games before getting hurt, the rookie had caught just two passes for 10 yards, and he played fewer than half of the offensive snaps on all five occasions. Seattle remains encouraged about his long-term value, especially after spending a second-round pick on him, but we don't expect him to be a major threat in the NFC Championship game. Instead, we expect to see a consistently heavier dose of
AJ Barner. Barner had 12 targets and two touchdowns over his final three regular-season games, and in his last outing against the Rams, he exploded for 10 catches and 70 yards. DFS players can avoid Arroyo this week, and bettors can expect him to remain in a minimal role.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams has been playing phenomenally, but the unit will get a tough matchup in the form of the Los Angeles Rams during Sunday's NFC Championship game. It should be an exciting divisional battle between arguably the best offense and the best defense in the NFL. Seattle's defense ranked first in fantasy points during the regular season, allowing the 12th-fewest yards and the fewest points. The Seahawks also intercepted 18 passes, good for the fifth-most. On the other side, the Rams had the most total offense, as well as the most touchdowns and the most total points. This offense has given the Seahawks some trouble in the past, dropping 21 points on them in Week 11 and 37 points in Week 6. Seattle's defense will impose its will, but its trend of allowing 10 or fewer points in each of its last three games may come to an end on Sunday. As it stands, the Seahawks D/ST ranks second among four teams in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for this weekend.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
Houston Astros starting pitcher
Spencer Arrighetti (elbow) doesn't appear to be dealing with any lingering problems from his elbow issues from last season. Arrighetti was sidelined in September due to elbow inflammation, but it didn't require surgery. The right-hander said he's had a fairly normal offseason and feels good right now. Arrighetti believes he'll have no problem being ready for the beginning of Spring Training. This is good news for the Astros, who only got seven starts from Arrighetti last season. The organization is hopeful they can get a full season from the 26-year-old in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Leah Vann
RADIO
