June 28, 2025
Although he has yet to make it into victory lane since the repave and reconfiguration of Atlanta Motor Speedway (now known as EchoPark Speedway), Kyle Busch has been one of the best on the new surface. Over the last five races at this track, Busch has the second-best average finish (6.4), the fifth-best driver rating (89.6), and he hasn't finished worse than 10th in any race. That should be music to the ears of DFS players considering Kyle Busch qualified 29th for Saturday night's Quaker State 400 race and has very high Place Differential upside if he can perform at his normal level in this weekend's race. At $8,800 on DraftKings and with his strong track history, expect Kyle Busch to be one of the higher-owned drivers on the slate, but he's also likely to be one of the highest-scoring DFS plays this weekend.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
June 28, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie fourth-round running back
Dylan Sampson received work "as a running back and a receiver" during minicamp, according to RBs coach Duce Staley. Staley went on to add that Sampson "is able to go play in the slot and also he's able to go and play on third down and maybe sprinkle in a little second down." The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Dan Labbe thinks that heading into training camp, rookies
Quinshon Judkins and Sampson figure to be the top two backs, with
Jerome Ford serving as the primary third-down back. The 20-year-old Sampson rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns (5.8 yards per carry) in 2024 at Tennessee, but he wasn't all that involved as a pass-catcher. He's a speedy back that could be worth a dart throw in deep PPR formats, but most likely he'll be an inconsistent fantasy performer unless Judkins misses time with an injury.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Dan Labbe
June 28, 2025
According to MassLive's Christopher Smith, Boston Red Sox right-hander
Tanner Houck (elbow) will pitch in relief in his next rehab outing with Triple-A Worcester. Relaying quotes from Red Sox Manager Alex Cora, Smith writes that the Red Sox aren't looking to move Houck to the bullpen full-time. Houck has been on the injured list since May 14 with a right flexor pronator strain. Before the injury, he had pitched to an 8.04 ERA and 1.69 WHIP across 43 2/3 innings (nine starts), recording zero wins and just 32 strikeouts. Things haven't gone much better for Houck in his rehab appearances so far, as he's allowed five earned runs and three walks in 2 2/3 innings. Until Houck shows signs of turning his season around, he should remain off the radar of fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: Christopher Smith - MassLive
June 28, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie second-round linebacker Carson Schwesinger figures to be in a full-time role that could include calling defensive signals at some point early in his first year in the NFL, according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson. The Browns used the No. 33 overall pick on Schwesinger in April with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's (neck) football future in question. Schwesinger is big, instinctual and will also contribute on special teams for Cleveland right away. The 22-year-old was only a one-year starter in college at UCL, but he has a high motor and led all FBS linebackers in 2024 with 136 tackles (90 solo). With Owusu-Koramoah not expected to play at all in 2025, Schwesinger should start at weakside linebacker for the Browns and could have some IDP fantasy value sooner than later because of his tackling ability.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
June 28, 2025
Ross Chastain will roll off the starting grid from 34th place when the Quaker State 400 goes green on Saturday night, making him one of the top DFS targets on the slate in a race where place differential is king. And even though Chastain wasn't able to find a ton of speed in qualifying, he should be just fine once the green flag waves. Since Atlanta was repaved and reconfigured prior to the 2022 season, Chastain ranks fifth-best in average finish (11.4) among active drivers and sixth-best in average driver rating (85.5). Back here in February, he started way back in 33rd but ended up eighth once the checkered flag flew. Chastain could easily have a similar performance here this weekend. Getting up front at this "new" Atlanta requires aggressiveness and precision, and we all know Chastain is capable of both, especially the former.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
June
28,
2025
The
Athletic's
Zac
Jackson
writes
that
the
Cleveland
Browns
are
banking
on
wide
receiver
Cedric
Tillman
building
on
his
big
stretch
in
the
middle
of
last
season
since
they
didn't
draft
a
receiver
and
only
added
read more...
June 28, 2025
Boston Red Sox right-hander
Jordan Hicks (toe) was throwing gas in his most recent rehab outing with Triple-A Worcester. According to MassLive's Christopher Smith, he hit 100.1 mph while recording a scoreless inning with two strikeouts, allowing one hit and one walk. He could be activated as soon as Monday. Acquired from the San Francisco Giants as part of the
Rafael Devers trade, Hicks has yet to pitch for the Red Sox while rehabbing a toe injury. With Hicks' move back to the bullpen, he could be an interesting addition for fantasy managers. In his last full season as a reliever in 2023, Hicks recorded 12 saves and 81 strikeouts across 65 innings pitched. He's likely behind
Aroldis Chapman in the pecking order for saves in Boston, but could be next in line should Chapman falter.
--Will BradySource: Christopher Smith - MassLive
June 28, 2025
Daniel Suarez hasn't won in over 50 races, since he took the three-wide victory in dramatic fashion at Atlanta back in February 2024. And with contract concerns looming--Suarez is in the final year of his contract at Trackhouse Racing--nothing would help move negotiations along like another win at the 1.54-mile track. Since Atlanta was repaved and reconfigured before the 2022 season, Suarez has been one of the best here--at least in terms of average finish. In addition to that aforementioned victory, Daniel has two runner-up finishes along with five total results of sixth or better in the seven races on this "new" track. This weekend, the No. 99 Chevrolet ended up 31st-fastest in qualifying, which means Suarez has a ton of Place Differential upside for Saturday night's race. He's a strong DFS play when you combine that with his strong track history.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Motorsport
June 28, 2025
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. qualified 37th for Saturday night's Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta), making him one of the most obvious DFS picks on this weekend's slate. Constructing a solid DraftKings lineup at Atlanta is all about focusing on place differential, and Stenhouse's upside in that category is sky-high for this race. Additionally, Atlanta is a good track for Ricky, as he has posted finishes of fifth, 14th, sixth, 10th, and 17th in the last five races here. At just $6,900 on DraftKings and with super-high place-differential upside, DFS managers should have plenty of Stenhouse exposure on Saturday night, unless you want to take a strategy play and go underweight on him and hope he has issues (as he will likely be one of the highest-owned drivers). Over the last five Atlanta races, Stenhouse has a plus-92 place differential.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Driver Averages
June 28, 2025
The Athletic's Joseph Person writes that Carolina Panthers quarterback
Bryce Young has shown an increased comfort level in his second year in head coach Dave Canales' offensive system, especially when he carved up the first-team defense in the red zone during minicamp. Young's intensity also caught the eyes and ears of media members this offseason. Pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney said that Young needed to play with more energy last year, and the former first overall pick has engaged in trash-talk sessions with cornerback Jaycee Horn. The 23-year-old was pretty bad in his first year and a half, but he looked different down the stretch in 2024 after being benched and threw seven TDs and no picks in his final three games. He's going to need to improve his accuracy and decision-making to take the next step in Year 3, but Young at least showed some signs to give fantasy managers hope that he can be a solid QB2 with upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joseph Person
June 28, 2025
Keep an eye on Todd Gilliland this weekend in the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta). The Front Row Motorsports driver has shown upside at this track in the Next Gen era, and has posted four finishes between 15th and 17th in the last six races here. Additionally, Gilliland has had a driver rating of 88.4, 72.0, and 91.8 over the last three races at Atlanta, which is much better than his typical performance at other tracks. Looking at this weekend, the No. 34 Ford will roll off the starting grid from 17th-place when the race goes green on Saturday night. For DFS purposes, Todd Gilliland makes for a risky play, but his $6,500 salary on DraftKings also makes him an affordable one. He should be considered for tournament-style lineups but don't go overboard on Gilliland this weekend.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
June 28, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Alek Manoah (elbow) is scheduled to throw a two-inning bullpen session on Tuesday. Manoah threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on June 24, but this one will be a little longer. The right-hander continues to work his way back from right elbow surgery. The hope is that Manoah can go on a rehab assignment soon, assuming Tuesday's session goes well. He would need a few rehab games before being cleared to rejoin the Blue Jays rotation. Manoah might be able to help the Jays at some point in August. That being said, Manoah isn't someone that needs to be rostered in fantasy formats right now.
--Andy WebbSource: Arden Zwelling
June 28, 2025
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Parker Meadows is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Meadows will get a day off after playing in each of the last eight games. He has struggled since returning from the injured list, so maybe some time on the bench will help him.
Matt Vierling (shoulder) has been activated off the injured list and will cover center field versus right-hander
Bailey Ober on Saturday. Meadows figures to lose playing time going forward with Vierling back in the mix.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
June 28, 2025
New York Yankees first baseman
Ben Rice is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Athletics. Rice will take a seat here after starting in each of the last three games. During that span, Rice went 1-for-10 at the plate, so it looks like he could use a day off. In his absence,
Austin Wells will do the catching, while
Giancarlo Stanton serves as the designated hitter versus left-hander
JP Sears. Rice figures to be back in the mix following this contest.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
June 28, 2025
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Matt Vierling (shoulder) has been activated off the 10-day injured list ahead of Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Vierling is back in the mix after missing most of the season due to right shoulder inflammation. Vierling was a valuable bat last season, so hopefully he can pick up where he left off. He'll cover center field and bat seventh versus right-hander
Bailey Ober on Saturday. In a corresponding move, infielder
Trey Sweeney has been optioned to Triple-A Toledo. Vierling should have at least deep league value, assuming he plays regularly in the outfield.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
June 28, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar
Shohei Ohtani gave his team a big lift during Friday's game against the Kansas City Royals. Ohtani got the fun started early with a leadoff home run off left-hander
Noah Cameron in the first inning. He would later hit an RBI-triple in the fifth inning. Ohtani now has seven hits over his last five games. He finished this game 2-for-3 with a home run, triple, two RBI, two runs scored, and a walk in the win. This was Ohtani's 29th blast of the season, which puts him on pace to hit nearly 60 long balls this season.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
June 28, 2025
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
David Festa bounced back nicely on the mound during Friday's outing against the Detroit Tigers. Festa looked like a completely different pitcher as he tossed arguably his best outing of the season. The right-hander threw 5 ⅔ scoreless innings, allowing two hits, and striking out six batters in the win. It has been an ugly start to the season for Festa who holds a 5.40 ERA, 1.42 WHIP across 36.2 innings of work. He'll look to keep the good times rolling against the Miami Marlins next week. Festa has some low-end streaming value for that one.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
June 28, 2025
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher
Robert Stephenson (biceps) is expected to begin throwing again on Monday. Stephenson continues to work his way back from a right biceps injury that has sidelined him since early June. The right-hander still remains without a timetable, but is likely going to need a rehab assignment before returning to the Angels bullpen. The hope is that Stephenson can be back around the All-Star break. Stephenson doesn't offer enough upside in the bullpen to warrant rostering in fantasy formats right now.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeff Fletcher
June 28, 2025
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Yu Darvish (elbow) pitched a simulated game this past Wednesday at Single-A Lake Elsinore, and it went well, so the team is "getting closer to putting together a plan" for when the veteran hurler will return to the mound for the Padres. While vague, it appears he's continuing to progress, so one would expect a couple of rehab starts to follow before rejoining San Diego's rotation, which would put him on track to return after the All-Star break in a best-case scenario. The Padres are also without
Michael King, so they could use the rotation help. The 38-year-old has yet to pitch for the team this season, but was effective in his 16 starts in 2024, posting a 3.31 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and a 16.9 percent K-BB%, so fantasy managers in need of pitching help could consider stashing him for when he returns.
--Jarod RuppSource: 97.3 The Fan
June 28, 2025
New York Yankees starting pitcher
Marcus Stroman (knee) will start Sunday's home game against the Athletics, according to manager Aaron Boone. The veteran has been sidelined with knee inflammation, but has recovered and completed three minor league rehab starts, although they came with a 6.97 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, and a 9:5 K:BB in 10 1/3 IP. Before the injury, the 34-year-old righty made three starts for New York, posting an 11.57 ERA, 2.04 WHIP, and a 7:7 K:BB in 9 1/3 IP. Fantasy managers thinking of picking up the former 2x All-Star may want to see him string together a couple of solid outings before doing so, although the Athletics have been shut out in three of their last five games, so perhaps it is a good spot for Stroman to get going.
--Jarod RuppSource: Gary Phillips
June 28, 2025
AJ Allmendinger has only made three starts on the "new" Atlanta race track, but he's made the most of them. In addition to his third-place finish here back in the summer 2023 race, Dinger has also posted results of 14th and 16th in his two other starts at this track. Additionally, he's been able to rack up fastest laps in these events, averaging 7.667 fastest laps per start here in the Next Gen era. This weekend, Allmendinger qualified 21st for Saturday night's Quaker State 400 race. This gives him some Place Differential upside for DFS but, at the same time, many DraftKings players will probably overlook AJ (especially at his $6,100 salary). He's worth a roll of the dice in tournament formats and single-entry contests.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Driver Averages
June 28, 2025
The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Gavin Brindley, a 2027 second-round draft pick, and a 2025 third-round selection. Coyle spent only a few months with the Avalanche, joining from Boston in March. Following a big 60-point year, he had a tough campaign, notching only 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists) in 83 games with the Avalanche and Bruins. Wood's year was ruined by health issues, as he was limited to 37 outings, scoring eight points (four goals, four assists). Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell rates both players highly, and it will be interesting to see their impact in Columbus.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
June 28, 2025
If you're looking for a low-tier fantasy pick to roll the dice with in this weekend's Quaker State 400, consider Justin Haley. The Spire Motorsports driver has an average finish of 14.9 over the seven Next Gen races at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta), and over the last three summer races he has walked away with finishes of 12th, eighth, and seventh. This weekend, Haley qualified in 22nd-place, which gives him some Place Differential upside but doesn't make him an obvious DFS choice by any means. At $5,600 on DraftKings, Haley is a tournament option to have some exposure to (but don't go overboard). One other thing to note is that the Spire Chevrolets have racked up fastest laps on superspeedways this season. Haley put up nine fastest laps here at Atlanta in February and had eight fastest laps at Daytona earlier this year as well.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
June 28, 2025
Buffalo Sabres right wing Jack Quinn has signed a two-year, $6.75 million contract extension with the team. The 23-year-old was a pending restricted free agent. Health issues disrupted Quinn's development in 2023-24, but the former top-10 pick is coming off a decent season. Over 74 appearances, Quinn notched 15 goals and 39 points. He has amassed 97 points (39 goals, 58 assists) in 178 career games. While Quinn hasn't quite reached the level expected of him as a high draft pick, he's still a young player, and Buffalo is expected to give him opportunities to succeed.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
June 28, 2025
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Michael King (shoulder) played catch on Wednesday, a step in the right direction in what will hopefully be the beginning of a ramp-up that will eventually lead to his return to the mound. The 30-year-old has been on the shelf with a nerve issue affecting his throwing shoulder, but tests have determined that his shoulder is structurally sound, so there is hope that he'll be able to return in the second half of the season. The righty had been having a great season for the Padres before the injury, registering a 2.59 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and a 20.9 percent K-BB% in 10 starts (55 2/3 IP).
--Jarod RuppSource: MLB.com
June 28, 2025
The NASCAR Cup Series is at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) this weekend, and that means it wouldn't be too crazy to see some of the underdog drivers perform well in the race. One of those is Corey Lajoie, who has a pretty good history at this race track. In addition to his fourth-place finish here back in 2023, Lajoie also has a fifth-place finish to his credit at this track and has ended up 15th or better in four of the seven Next Gen races. This weekend, Corey will be in the No. 01 Ford for Rick Ware Racing and will roll off the starting grid from 25th-place. That gives him some Place Differential upside in DFS, but is also high enough that his ownership should be relatively low. Lajoie is a cheap tournament option ($5,500 on DraftKings) for this weekend's Quaker State 400.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Driver Averages
June 28, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brandon Saad has signed a one-year, $2 million contract extension. Saad joined Vegas on Jan. 31 on a $1.5 million deal after his contract with the St. Louis Blues was mutually terminated. The 32-year-old had a solid few months with the Golden Knights, amassing 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 29 games. Combining his time in St. Louis, Saad finished the campaign with only 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists). However, his late-season performance suggests he could return to being a 40-point scorer in 2025-26.
--Taavi PailkSource: Vegas Hockey Now
June 28, 2025
Edmonton Oilers forward Trent Frederic has landed an eight-year, $30.8 million extension with the team. The 27-year-old was only a few days away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Edmonton acquired Frederic from the Boston Bruins in a three-team trade on March 4 that also involved the New Jersey Devils. Due to an ankle injury, he made only one regular-season appearance with the Oilers. He had 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 57 outings with the Bruins. It was a disappointing campaign for Frederic, but he had an impressive season the year before, logging a career-high 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) and 204 hits in 82 games. Frederic's new deal suggests that the Oilers are confident that he can replicate his 2023-24 form going forward.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
June 28, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman
Josh Naylor (neck) exited Friday's 9-8 loss to the Marlins before the seventh inning due to neck stiffness, according to manager Torey Lovullo. For now, the 2024 All-Star should be considered day-to-day, although he likely will not be in Arizona's lineup on Saturday. The 28-year-old is having a productive first season with the D-backs, hitting .304 with 10 home runs, 53 RBI, 42 runs scored, and 10 steals with a .361 wOBA and 130 wRC+, so hopefully he can get back out there soon.
--Jarod RuppSource: Jose M. Romero
June 28, 2025
The New York Islanders picked up forward Emil Heineman on Friday in a deal with the Montreal Canadiens, as the team traded away defenseman Noah Dobson. The transaction also included two first-round draft picks. Incredibly, this is the third time Heineman has been traded. He was originally a Florida Panthers draft pick but was traded to Calgary in 2021 in a deal that saw the Panthers acquire Sam Bennett. A year later, Heineman landed in Montreal after the Canadiens shipped out Tyler Toffoli. Heineman had his rookie campaign in 2024-25, recording 10 goals and 18 points with 173 hits. He will likely slot into a middle-six role in New York and may see some power-play time. Five of Heineman's 18 points this season, including three goals, came with the man advantage.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
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