January 18, 2026
Atlanta Braves shortstop
Ha-Seong Kim (finger) will be sidelined for four to five months after undergoing surgery to fix a torn tendon in his right middle finger. Kim required surgery after suffering a torn tendon in his right middle finger after falling on ice in Korea. The 30-year-old is expected to be sidelined until around late May. That's a tough blow to the Braves after they signed Kim to a one-year, $20 million deal this offseason. It's unclear if the Braves will fill the void internally or look to sign another veteran infielder. Given he'll likely only miss the first two months,
Mauricio Dubon figures to start at shortstop to begin the season. Kim could still be a potential stash option for fantasy managers, with him likely to be an everyday player once he's healthy. He's a player who is capable of hitting around 15 homers and 20-plus steals when he's healthy and playing regularly.
--Andy WebbSource: Atlanta Braves
January 18, 2026
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is a finalist for the Cleveland Browns head coaching job. He will receive a second interview along with Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Los Angeles Rams passing coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase next week. McDaniel was fired by the Dolphins after the regular season ended, following a 7-10 season and a missed playoff berth. He was Miami's coach in 2022, leading the team to back-to-back winning seasons and two consecutive playoff berths. The 42-year-old is also being considered as an offensive coordinator for the Eagles, Chargers, and Lions. If hired by the Browns, McDaniel would take over from Kevin Stefanski and look to revamp Cleveland's offense that finished near the bottom of the league last season. The Browns will continue their second set of interviews this week and look to find their new head coach.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network
January 18, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo (back) is officially active for Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Chicago Bears. He had been listed as questionable after missing back-to-back practices. The veteran signal-caller has spent the entire season backing up
Matthew Stafford, which means he only plays when Los Angeles has a blowout lead or can kneel out the remainder of the clock. As a result, he has zero pass attempts and nine kneel-downs this year. Garoppolo should occupy a similar role on Sunday and can be left on waivers in all fantasy leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Gary Klein
January 18, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) is officially active for Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The second-year receiver missed the final five games of the regular season, and the foot injury has lingered throughout the playoffs, but it hasn't yet forced him to miss a playoff game. It's been an ugly few months for Odunze, who started the season hot but has been hindered by injuries or poor performance ever since the Week 5 bye. There's an argument to be made that he's now below
Colston Loveland,
DJ Moore, and
Luther Burden III in the pecking order. The Rams are a mediocre matchup for the young receiver. They ranked near the middle of the league in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers and are the 10th-best defense in terms of scoring. Odunze ranks as the overall WR10 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings for the Divisional Round.
--Andersen PickardSource: Brad Biggs
January 18, 2026
Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase is a finalist to be the next head coach for the Cleveland Browns. The 35-year-old is set to have a second interview, along with Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, next week. Under the Sean McVay coaching tree, Scheelhaase has been a name to watch for a head-coaching role. Along with Rams OC Mike LaFleur, Scheelhaase has helped the Rams rank among the NFL's top offenses. Scheelhaase would have
Shedeur Sanders and
Dillon Gabriel to work with as Cleveland's starting quarterback unless the Browns select one in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. If hired, he would take over for Kevin Stefanski and look to jumpstart a Browns offense that ranked third-worst in the league in total yards per game in 2025.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network
January 18, 2026
New England Patriots running back
Rhamondre Stevenson (eye) is questionable to return in Sunday's AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans with an eye injury. Stevenson got poked in the eye during the second quarter and exited Sunday's game early. He is getting drops in his eye and could potentially return before the end of the first half. The 27-year-old rushed for 25 yards on three carries while catching one pass for nine yards before leaving. Look for
TreVeyon Henderson and
D'Ernest Johnson to see an uptick in carries with Stevenson out.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: New England Patriots
January 18, 2026
Houston Texans rookie running back
Woody Marks (shoulder) has returned to Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the New England Patriots. Marks had exited during the second quarter and was initially listed as questionable, but he returned to the game just a few minutes later. The Texans trailed by two possessions late in the second quarter, so they'll benefit from getting their No. 1 ball-carrier back as they look to mount a comeback. At the time of his departure, though, Marks had just seven rushing yards on eight carries, plus a six-yard reception. He and the Texans' offensive line will need to play better for the rushing attack to find more success in the final 30-plus minutes of game action.
--Andersen PickardSource: Aaron Wilson
January 18, 2026
Houston Texans running back
Woody Marks (shoulder) exited during the second quarter of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the New England Patriots. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had just seven rushing yards on eight carries, plus a six-yard reception. The rookie has dealt with a variety of minor injuries throughout the regular season and playoffs, and now, he's on the sideline again.
Nick Chubb has taken over as Houston's primary running back in his absence, leading a backfield that also features
Dare Ogunbowale and
British Brooks. The Texans will need more production from both their rushing attack and passing attack as they look to come back from an 11-point deficit late in the first half.
--Andersen PickardSource: Morgan Weaver
January 18, 2026
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz (calf) won't return in Sunday's AFC Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots after suffering a calf injury. Schultz exited the first quarter with a calf issue and has been ruled out for the rest of the game. The 29-year-old caught two passes for 47 yards before leaving.
Cade Stover and
Harrison Bryant will handle tight end duties and will see an uptick in targets with Schultz sidelined.
C.J. Stroud is already without top wideout
Nico Collins (concussion) and will now be without his starting tight end. If the Texans advance to the AFC Championship versus the Denver Broncos, Schultz will have a week to recover, but is considered day-to-day for now.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network
January 18, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is a finalist to be the next head coach for the Cleveland Browns. Minter is set for a second interview with the Browns next week. Rams passing game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase and former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel are also finalists for the position. Minter has been the Chargers' DC the past two seasons and has become a hot name in the head coaching circle after his defense has helped lead the Chargers to back-to-back playoff appearances. He will have some challenges at quarterback, but he would be taking over a Browns' stout defense led by superstar defensive lineman Myles Garrett. Minter would take over as the newly hired Atlanta Falcons head coach, Kevin Stefanski, after he was let go by the Browns after six seasons as Cleveland's head coach. Look for the Browns to make a decision soon as they go through their second round of interviews.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network
January 18, 2026
Houston Texans tight end
Dalton Schultz (calf) is questionable to return in Sunday's AFC Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots with a calf injury. Schultz headed to the locker room during the first quarter after being forced out of the game. He caught both of his targets for 47 yards before exiting early.
Cade Stover and
Harrison Bryant should see an uptick in targets and have an expanded role while Schultz is sidelined. Stay tuned for more updates.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Houston Texans
January 18, 2026
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton praised quarterback
Jarrett Stidham on Sunday. Stidham is "very accurate, and has a lot to his ball," said Payton. Stidham will start in the AFC Championship game vs. either the New England Patriots or the Houston Texans after
Bo Nix (ankle) was ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs due to a broken bone in his ankle. Stidham has been under Payton's offensive system for three years and has shown great strength and mental aptitude. The 29-year-old is a serviceable option for the Broncos with Nix out, but hasn't started a game since Week 18 of the 2023 season. Stidham would be a risky option in playoff leagues and a GPP play in DFS for Championship week, as he will face a brutal matchup against the Patriots or Texans, whichever team advances.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: James Palmer
January 18, 2026
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers are open to quarterback
Aaron Rodgers returning to the team in 2026. "The Steelers players are more than open to Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh; they want the four-time league MVP back and conveyed as much to various members of the Steelers organization during their exit meetings last week," per Schefter. Although it was reported on Saturday that a reunion was unlikely because Mike Tomlin was leaving the Steelers after 19 seasons as Pittsburgh's head coach. However, despite Tomlin's resignation, Pittsburgh hasn't shut the door on Rodgers returning. The veteran quarterback will be a free agent in March and will decide to either retire or return for another year in 2026. In his first year with the Steelers, Rodgers led them to the playoffs and threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while rushing for 61 yards and one score through 16 games. Rodgers likely won't make a decision anytime soon. If he does decide to hang up his cleats, Rodgers will finish with 66,274 passing yards and 527 touchdown passes across 21 NFL seasons. Stay tuned.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Adam Schefter of ESPN
January 18, 2026
Houston Texans running back
Jawhar Jordan is a healthy inactive for the Divisional Round contest on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to the team's official website. Jordan suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts and didn't play in the Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. The 26-year-old returned to practice this week, though, and was eventually removed from Friday's final injury report. Jordan took over RB2 duties from veteran
Nick Chubb late in the year, but Chubb will handle backup duties behind rookie
Woody Marks in New England on Sunday. Chubb had double-digit carries (10) against the Steelers for the first time since Nov. 2, but a lot of his work came in garbage time in the second half in the 30-6 blowout win. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting Chubb to handle much volume against the Pats.
--Keith HernandezSource: HoustonTexans.com
January 18, 2026
The Cleveland Browns have requested a second head-coaching interview with Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. Udinski would become the youngest NFL head coach ever hired if he lands the Browns' job at just 30 years old. Cleveland is also scheduled to have second interviews with Baltimore Ravens OC Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Despite his age, Udinski is very well respected around the league and is credited with quarterback
Sam Darnold's resurgence last year with the Minnesota Vikings. Jaguars QB
Trevor Lawrence also threw for a career high in touchdowns in 2025 under Udinski's watch. The Browns are looking to replace Kevin Stefanski, who was hired as the next head coach for the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 18, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) will miss the remainder of the team's road trip. The multi-time All-Star suffered a left knee contusion during a meeting with the Detroit Pistons just over a week ago. While he managed to suit up for games against the Hornets and Wizards, he'll now head back to Los Angeles for treatment to address irritation in the knee. Leonard will be re-evaluated once the Clippers return home, so there's always a chance he'll miss more than two contests, especially since he's battled numerous knee injuries throughout his career. With that said,
Jordan Miller is in line for an enhanced role, with the 2023 No. 48 overall pick most recently amassing 19 points, six assists, and four steals in Friday's 121-117 win over the Toronto Raptors.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Law Murray
January 18, 2026
The Tennessee Titans have a second head-coaching interview scheduled with Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Titans also have a second interview scheduled with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy could also be a finalist. Hafley is considered the front-runner for the head-coaching job with the Miami Dolphins because of his relationship with new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was previously in Green Bay's front office. There seems to be a pretty good chance that Hafley will be a head coach in 2026 with either the Dolphins or Titans. If he were to be hired in Tennessee, Hafley would need to carefully select his offensive staff to help develop young quarterback
Cameron Ward, who was the first overall pick last April.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 18, 2026
The Tennessee Titans have a second interview scheduled with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy for their head-coaching job, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. In addition to the Titans, Nagy has interviewed for head-coaching jobs with the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals. He's a favorite in Tennessee because of his relationship with former Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi. Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is also a finalist for the Titans' job, and he will receive a second interview. Even if Nagy doesn't land a head-coaching job this cycle, he's expected to leave the Chiefs after his contract expired following the 2025 season. If Nagy were to be hired in Tennessee, he'd be working closely with young quarterback
Cameron Ward after his shaky first year in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 18, 2026
Former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll is expected to interview for the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive-coordinator job, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Daboll has already interviewed for the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching job and is expected to have other interviews as well. Daboll was fired by the Giants during the 2025 season, but he could stay in the NFC East and take over as Philly's OC after they fired Kevin Patullo after just one season in the role. The Eagles have already interviewed Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka and Atlanta Falcons OC Zac Robinson for the position, and they are expected to speak with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as well. Daboll coached quarterback
Jalen Hurts at Alabama, and he's been credited with helping develop MVP QB
Josh Allen when he was the OC for the Buffalo Bills.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 18, 2026
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken will interview with the Cleveland Browns in person on Tuesday for their head-coaching job, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. It will be Monken's second interview with the team as they look to replace Kevin Stefanski. The Browns will also interview defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz for a second time. Reports have suggested that Monken is a top candidate to follow former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to the New York Giants to serve as their OC, but that might not happen if he's offered the head-coaching gig in Cleveland. Harbaugh was officially hired as the Giants' new head coach on Saturday. Monken worked as Harbaugh's OC the last three years in Baltimore. He has never held a head-coaching job at the NFL level, but he did go 13-25 in three years as the head coach in college at Southern Mississippi.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
January 18, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to speak with former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy about their head-coaching job, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. McCarthy is from Pittsburgh and worked with Steelers general manager Omar Khan in New Orleans way back in 2000. McCarthy is also a candidate for the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching job, and the New York Giants had some interest in him before they officially hired John Harbaugh on Saturday. Future Hall of Fame quarterback
Aaron Rodgers is not expected to return to the Steelers after long-time head coach Mike Tomlin resigned this week, but Rodgers might have interest in re-signing with Pittsburgh if they hire McCarthy to replace Tomlin. Rodgers was the Packers' QB from 2008 through McCarthy's firing during the 2018 season, and the two won Super Bowl XLV together.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 18, 2026
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that the team will need to get running back
Zach Charbonnet's knee imaged, but they are "optimistic" that his knee is structurally intact, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. Charbonnet injured his knee in the first half of the Divisional Round blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night and never returned. The 25-year-old ended up with only five carries for 20 yards and wasn't involved at all in the passing game.
Kenneth Walker III saw an expanded backfield role in the 41-6 rout after Charbonnet's injury, and he finished with 19 carries for a season-high 116 yards and three touchdowns. He added three catches for 29 yards. Even though Charb's knee may be structurally sound, it doesn't mean he'll be available for the NFC Championship next weekend against either the Bears or Rams.
Velus Jones Jr. had the second-most carries (six) behind Walker after Charbonnet's injury on Saturday.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
January 18, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed relief pitcher
Yacksel Rios to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. This is a depth signing for the Cubs to add another arm for camp. Rios hasn't pitched in the MLB since the 2023 season with the Athletics. The veteran right-hander holds a 6.32 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, and a 93/56 K/BB ratio across 92 big league appearances. It seems unlikely that Rios is going to make a significant impact on the Cubs' bullpen. They've done a nice job at turning around struggling pitchers in the past, so we'll see what they can do with Rios.
--Andy WebbSource: Francys Romero
January 18, 2026
According to Jon Heyman, the Milwaukee Brewers are still fielding offers on right-handed starter
Freddy Peralta. The stud pitcher is reportedly drawing interest from the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Giants, and Braves. Peralta is extremely valuable right now, given he's only due $8 million for the upcoming 2026 season. That's a steal for the kind of production Peralta has been giving on the mound lately. The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, which makes him a prime trade candidate. We've seen the Brewers trade their star players in contract years many times in the past. This very well could be a storyline throughout the season, assuming a deal doesn't get finalized before the season begins.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Heyman
January 18, 2026
Cincinnati Reds shortstop
Elly De La Cruz won't participate in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic tournament. He was expected to represent the Dominican Republic in the tourney, but that won't be happening now. The Reds reportedly have told De La Cruz to skip the WBC and focus on his health after battling a quad injury during the second half of the season. You can't blame the Reds for wanting to make sure their star infielder is healthy heading into the 2026 season. We've seen players get injured during the tourney before, and the Reds don't want to take that chance. It would be exciting to see De La Cruz play for his home country, but maybe he can play in the next one.
--Andy WebbSource: Cincinnati Enquirer
January 18, 2026
New England Patriots running back
Rhamondre Stevenson has been playing some of the best football of his career lately, and he'll look to carry that momentum into Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Houston Texans. Stevenson has scored double-digit fantasy points (full-PPR) in each of his last six games, re-establishing himself as the primary running back in New England. His last four games have been particularly dominant, as he has tallied 461 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns in that short window. His efficiency has been the most impressive part of his success, as Stevenson posted those absurd numbers while handling 13 or fewer touches in each of the four games. He should handle a similar workload on Sunday afternoon, but he'll admittedly face a tougher test in the form of the Houston Texans' elite defense. Houston's defense has allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards and eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. We still believe that Stevenson's pure talent could allow him to overcome this difficult matchup, but managers should have lower expectations than they did in the last few weeks. As it stands, Stevenson ranks as the overall RB8 in RotoBaller's fantasy rankings for the Divisional Round, putting him one spot ahead of teammate
TreVeyon Henderson.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 18, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) has delivered frustrating results over the last 14 weeks. Between missing time due to injury and struggling to emerge as a top receiving threat, Odunze has been a letdown for fantasy managers who were originally intrigued about his upside. After all, it was hard not to be excited after he opened the season with 20 catches, 296 yards, and five touchdowns through his first four games. The second-year receiver is certainly talented, and his upside remains high going forward. However, managers and bettors will find it challenging to trust him during the Divisional Round of the playoffs on Sunday, especially after he posted a modest line of two catches and 44 yards in the Wild Card Round. Odunze plays in a crowded offense that features
Colston Loveland,
DJ Moore, and
Luther Burden III, all of whom have established themselves as more reliable options. It also doesn't help that Odunze is going up against the Rams, who ranked near the middle of the league in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers but had the 10th-best defense in terms of scoring. Finally, Odunze is banged up coming into this game. He is listed as questionable but expected to play. As it stands, he ranks as the overall WR10 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings for the Divisional Round.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 18, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams returned from a three-game injury absence last weekend, and he immediately made an impact with five catches for 72 yards on 13 targets and a 72% snap share. Adams continued to carve out a sizable role alongside superstar
Puka Nacua. With that being said, the veteran receiver was held without a touchdown for his third consecutive game -- his longest streak without a trip to the end zone since the first half of the 2024 season. Adams is a major touchdown threat, as evidenced by his 14 touchdowns through the first 12 games of the 2025 regular season. As a result, we wouldn't be surprised to see him get back on the board with a score against the Bears on Sunday. After all, this matchup is incredibly enticing and should work in Adams' favor. The Bears have allowed the third-most touchdowns and the third-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2025. Adams ranks as the overall WR3 in RotoBaller's Divisional Round fantasy rankings, putting him behind only Nacua and
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who played on Saturday evening.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 18, 2026
Chicago Bears tight end
Colston Loveland has been playing some of the best football of his young career lately, and he'll look to carry that momentum into Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams. Loveland caught eight of his 15 targets for 137 yards in last Saturday's Wild Card win, and he now has 24 catches, 322 yards, and two touchdowns over his last three games combined. He has stepped up as
Caleb Williams' favorite target, establishing himself as the alpha receiver in this offense over
DJ Moore,
Luther Burden III, and
Rome Odunze (foot). With Odunze questionable and the other two receivers filling modest roles, Loveland is in line for another big game. The matchup should work in his favor, too, as the Rams rank near the middle of the league in terms of production against tight ends. During the regular season, Los Angeles allowed the 18th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Loveland's upside is tremendous, and as a result, he ranks as the overall RB1 in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings for the Divisional round.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 18, 2026
New England Patriots running back
TreVeyon Henderson is getting ready for one of the toughest matchups of his young career. The rookie will be tasked with finding gaps in one of the NFL's strongest run defenses, the Houston Texans, during the Divisional Round of the playoffs on Sunday afternoon. Henderson was impressive during the back half of the regular season, racking up key yardage, earning snaps over
Rhamondre Stevenson, and delivering four different multi-touchdown performances. However, he has started to lose snaps lately, while Stevenson has played incredibly well and is earning more snaps. During the Wild Card Round last week, Henderson had 10 touches for 36 yards on a 41% snap share. Meanwhile, Stevenson had 13 touches for 128 yards on a 63% snap share. Henderson offers a solid change of pace, but he's not a must-start running back this week, especially against a strong run defense. The Texans allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to running backs during the regular season, and they held
Jaylen Warren and
Kenneth Gainwell to a combined 63 rushing yards last Monday. As it stands, Henderson ranks as the overall RB9 in RotoBaller's rankings for the Divisional Round, putting him one spot behind Stevenson and one spot ahead of opponent
Woody Marks.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
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