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Ildemaro Vargas Carries Waiver-Wire Appeal Amidst Red-Hot Start to 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks utility man Ildemaro Vargas has been one of the biggest surprise success stories of the 2026 season so far, hitting .351/.368/.649 with five home runs, 16 RBI, and 15 runs scored across 77 plate appearances. The 34-year-old has worked his way into everyday playing time with Diamondbacks first basemen Pavin Smith (elbow) and Carlos Santana (thigh) both currently on the injured list. Vargas has spent the majority of his MLB career to this point in a utility role, including his 38-game stint with Arizona in 2025. His .350 batting average on balls in play is likely to regress to his career average of .271 over a larger sample, and his 7.6% barrel rate does not support a full-scale power breakout. Still, Vargas is taking advantage of his opportunity with the Diamondbacks and should not be ignored as a potential waiver-wire target for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Phil Maton a Sneaky Injured Stash Option for Saves?
Chicago Cubs reliever Phil Maton (knee) is currently on the 15-day injured list as he makes his way back from a knee injury. However, the 33-year-old began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Friday and could be nearing a return to the big leagues. Maton has been an effective reliever throughout his MLB career, most recently posting a 2.79 ERA with 81 strikeouts and five saves across 61 1/3 innings split between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers in 2025. With Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (lat) currently on the injured list due to a strained lat, Maton could emerge as Chicago's preferred ninth-inning option. In deeper fantasy leagues, managers in need of saves may want to consider stashing Maton off the waiver wire ahead of his impending activation off the injured list.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Landen Roupp a Must-Roster Waiver-Wire Target Amidst Hot Start to 2026
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp is off to an excellent start to the 2026 season, as he's posted a 4-1 record with a 2.28 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 31 strikeouts across his first five starts (27 2/3 innings). In his two most recent outings combined, Roupp has allowed just two hits and one earned run across 11 innings against the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers. While the 27-year-old's elevated 10.9% walk rate is less than ideal, he's raised his strikeout rate from 21.4% in 2025 to 28.2% so far this season. Roupp has also yet to allow a home run in 2026 and owns a 50.8% ground-ball rate. Particularly given his pitcher-friendly home environment in San Francisco, Roupp looks like a potential breakout starting pitcher in 2026. In any fantasy league where he's not already rostered, Roupp profiles as a high-priority waiver-wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin will start the Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway from the third position. The last time Hanlin started inside the top five at the Alabama track was in the October 2022 race. In 40 races at Talladega, Hamlin has two wins and 17 top-10 finishes. After nine races so far this year, Hamlin has one win, six top-10 finishes, 575 laps led (most of all drivers), and an average finish of 9.6 while sitting second in the regular-season standings. While Hamlin does have some decent history at Talladega, fantasy players should consider fading him overall for the week, as his starting position towards the front provides almost no upside.
Source: DriverAverages.com
Source: DriverAverages.com
Abner Uribe Emerging as a Waiver-Wire Priority
Across 12 games (10 1/3 innings) so far in 2026, Milwaukee Brewers reliever Abner Uribe has posted a 4.35 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and two saves. While the 25-year-old's numbers are down across the board from his dominant showing in 2025, he may still be emerging as the team's preferred ninth-inning option. Uribe has earned two saves and a win over his last five appearances, all of which came in the ninth inning. Uribe's main competition for the closer job in Milwaukee is right-hander Trevor Megill, who currently owns an 8.00 ERA through his first 10 games of 2026. Although Uribe hasn't been perfect this season himself, he looks like the current favorite for saves in Milwaukee and profiles as a clear waiver-wire target in most fantasy formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Xavier Worthy a Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers Following NFL Draft?
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy turned in an underwhelming season in 2025, recording 42 receptions for 532 yards and a touchdown on 73 targets across 14 games. Despite abundant target-earning opportunities in Kansas City for much of the season, Worthy's numbers fell across the board from his rookie year in 2024. Due to his poor performance, Worthy's dynasty value is declining heading into 2026. However, the Chiefs have yet to make notable changes to their pass-catching group this offseason. Kansas City used a fifth-round pick on University of Cincinnati wide receiver Cyrus Allen, but he's unlikely to play a significant role as a rookie. As a result, Worthy should have plenty of chances to put together a bounce-back campaign in 2026. While Worthy's NFL production to this point does not inspire a ton of confidence, dynasty managers may want to consider buying low on him given his expected role in Kansas City.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing will start fourth in this week's Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway after qualifying was canceled due to rain. This will mark the first time that Wallace will start inside the top five in a Cup race at Talladega. In 16 Cup races at the site, Wallace has one win and four top-10 finishes. Through nine races so far this year, Wallace has five top-10 finishes, including both of the prior races at drafting tracks at Daytona and Atlanta. Despite having some positive history at drafting tracks and at Talladega in recent years, Wallace is only a justifiable play in tournament lineups. The No. 23 Toyota driver has almost no upside from his starting position to be playable in cash game lineups.
Source: DriverAverages.com
Source: DriverAverages.com
Skyler Bell Earning Comparisons to Elite NFL Wideout Following NFL Draft
Former UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Per Ryan Talbot of syracuse.com, Bell has drawn comparisons to current Cincinnati Bengals superstar Ja'Marr Chase for his athleticism and big-play skillset with the ball in his hands. Bell was highly productive as a college senior in 2025, recording 101 receptions for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns across 13 games. A comparison to Chase is probably unfair to any young wide receiver, let alone a fourth-round pick. However, Bell should have a chance to make an immediate impact in a Bills' wide receiver room that appears to be searching for consistent contributors outside of D. Moore and Khalil Shakir. In dynasty formats, Bell could be a sleeper for managers to keep an eye on heading into 2026.
Source: syracuse.com - Ryan Talbot
Source: syracuse.com - Ryan Talbot
Jayden Daniels' Supporting Cast in Washington Remains Similar Following NFL Draft
After an electric rookie season in 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered through a disastrous sophomore campaign in 2025. Knee, hamstring, and elbow injuries limited him to just seven games played. Daniels also saw his efficiency as both a passer and a rusher drop across the board in the games he was healthy for. He averaged just 6.7 yards per pass attempt and 4.8 yards per carry in 2025, down from 7.4 yards per pass attempt and six yards per carry in 2024. Daniels should enter 2026 fully healthy, which obviously improves his odds for a bounce-back year. However, Washington used its lone selection in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft on the defensive side of the ball. While the Commanders did add Clemson wideout Antonio Williams in the third round, they left the offensive line in front of Daniels largely unchanged. Daniels elite dual-threat ability means his dynasty upside remains sky-high. Still, there are question marks around Daniels' supporting cast in Washington heading into his third NFL season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tatsuya Imai to Make Rehab Start on Tuesday
Houston Astros rookie right-hander Tatsuya Imai (arm) will make his first minor-league rehab start on Tuesday with Double-A Corpus Christi, manager Joe Espada told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Imai has gotten off to a rough start in the big leagues with the Astros and was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 13 with right-arm fatigue. The good news is that the Japanese native doesn't have any structural damage in his arm. The 27-year-old will be eased back into the Astros' starting rotation at some point in early May after his arm is built up some more in the minors. In his first three starts covering 8 2/3 innings in major-league baseball, Imai allowed seven earned runs on seven hits while walking 11 and striking out 13 batters. Imai is worth holding in deeper-mixed fantasy leagues -- he's rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues -- but fantasy managers may want to play it safe with him upon his return to Houston's starting rotation.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Joe Burrow's Dynasty Value Remains Impacted by Injury Concerns
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow battled through yet another injury-marred season in 2025, missing nine games due to a toe injury. Dating back to the start of the 2023 season, Burrow has been sidelined by injury for 16 contests. When healthy in 2025, the 29-year-old remained highly productive, completing 66.8% of his pass attempts for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Throughout Burrow's career, the offensive line play in front of him in Cincinnati has consistently been problematic. The Bengals added a pair of offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Auburn center Connor Lew in the fourth round and Duke guard Brian Parker II in the sixth round. However, neither player projects as an immediate difference-maker for a line that remains questionable heading into 2026. While Burrow is more than capable of turning in elite fantasy seasons, his dynasty value remains shrouded by his injury track record.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Naylor Absent on Sunday With Quad Tightness
Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (quadriceps) is not in the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals due to quadriceps tightness, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. With Naylor sidelined at Busch Stadium, Connor Joe will make the start at first for the M's and will bat seventh against St. Louis right-hander Michael McGreevy. Until we know more about Naylor's injury, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day as the team heads into their series opener on Monday in Minnesota against the Twins. Although Naylor is barely over the Mendoza Line early on in the 2026 campaign, he's been carrying Seattle's offense of late and has gone 12-for-25 (.480) with a homer, two doubles, four RBI, four stolen bases, and three runs in his last seven games, dating back to April 17. Hopefully, Naylor's quad injury won't interrupt his recent hot streak at the plate. Joe has just two hits in 10 at-bats so far in 2026 and has never faced McGreevy in his career.
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Andrei Iosivas Facing New Competition for Bengals' WR3 Role After NFL Draft
Across 17 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas recorded 33 receptions for 435 yards and two touchdowns on 58 targets. Over the past two seasons, the 26-year-old has established himself as the clear WR3 in Cincinnati behind star wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. When both Chase and Higgins are healthy, Iosivas does not have a clear path to consistent fantasy production. However, Higgins has missed 12 games over the past three seasons, which has periodically opened up opportunities for Iosivas. In the 2026 NFL Draft, Cincinnati used a fourth-round pick on talented Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young. While Young is far from a lock to beat out Iosivas for the Bengals WR3 role, Iosivas could now face yet another impediment to fantasy-relevant target opportunity in Cincinnati. As he heads into his fourth NFL season, Iosivas' dynasty value would likely be improved by a change in scenery.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyjae Spears Facing Competition in a Contract Year
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears will face added competition in the backfield during the 2026 season. Spears and teammate Tony Pollard survived the first two days of the draft without the team selecting a running back, but that changed on Day 3 when they selected Penn State standout Nicholas Singleton. Singleton had an explosive 2024 season but cooled off in 2025, dropping his draft stock significantly. Still, the Penn State product has proven that he is a talented player capable of contributing on the ground or through the air. That's bad news for Spears, who is a pass-catching specialist and typically gets on the field for third downs. Singleton had 91 catches and 902 receiving yards over his final three collegiate seasons. It's a contract year for Spears, so he'll do everything he can to fight for playing time so that he can showcase himself ahead of free agency. Day 3 picks typically don't contribute right away, so Spears will at least have an opportunity to solidify his role early in the season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Giancarlo Stanton Still Out Sunday Versus Astros
New York Yankees outfielder/designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (calf) is out of the starting lineup for a second straight game on Sunday in the series finale against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park, according to MLB.com. Ben Rice will serve as the DH and bat second, while Paul Goldschmidt will play first base and hit sixth against Astros right-hander Spencer Arrighetti. Stanton will miss a second straight game after he was pulled from Friday's contest early in Houston with right-calf tightness. For now, the right-handed slugger is considered day-to-day, but with manager Aaron Boone saying on Saturday that Stanton's injury is "not ideal," we wouldn't be surprised if the oft-injured DH goes on the 10-day injured list at some point. If Stanton lands on the IL, Goldschmidt would benefit from more playing time in the Yankees' lineup. The 36-year-old Stanton remains a great source of power when he's healthy, and he came into Sunday's game with three homers and 14 RBI while slashing .256/.302/.422 in 90 at-bats. Fantasy managers will want to check back to see if Stanton is cleared to play in Monday's series opener against the Texas Rangers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jaylen Wright Remains an Appealing Handcuff Option Following NFL Draft
Across 10 games in 2025, Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright recorded 332 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 75 touches. Wright got off to a slow start to the year after suffering a leg injury that caused him to miss time. However, he gradually worked his way past fellow Dolphins back Ollie Gordon II on the depth chart and finished the year as Miami's primary RB2 behind De'Von Achane. The Dolphins did not add any notable competition to the running back room in the 2026 draft, but they did add offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor with a first-round pick. As long as Achane is in Miami, Wright's path to consistent fantasy production is largely blocked. Still, Wright offers clear handcuff appeal to fantasy managers heading into 2026, provided he can stay in front of Gordon II on the depth chart.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Willi Castro Still Out on Sunday for Rockies in Game 1 of Doubleheader
Colorado Rockies infielder Willi Castro (knee) remains out of the starting nine for Sunday's first game of a doubleheader at Citi Field against the New York Mets, according to MLB.com. Edouardo Julien is starting at second base and batting leadoff against Mets right-hander Nolan McLean. Castro left Thursday's game early with knee soreness and hasn't played since, and it's unclear if he'll be ready to return to the lineup for Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader. The 29-year-old switch-hitting Puerto Rican utility man is quickly losing value in deeper fantasy leagues due to poor performance and injuries early on in 2026. He has hit .246 (17-for-69) with a homer, nine RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his first 21 games, and he could continue to lose playing time at the keystone to both Julien and Tyler Freeman, even when fully healthy. Castro is only rostered in 12% of Yahoo leagues currently.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ollie Gordon II Fighting for a Roster Spot?
Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II's roster spot isn't guaranteed ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Gordon entered this week's draft as the team's No. 3 running back behind De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright. While the Dolphins didn't draft a running back, they did still bring in competition for Gordon by signing Texas A&M running back Le'Veon Moss as an undrafted free agent. Moss' best season at school came in 2024, when he rushed for 765 rushing yards, 141 receiving yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns. As the returner on this roster, Gordon has an early advantage over Moss for the third running back spot, but the true test will come during training camp and the preseason. Because the Dolphins have a new-look coaching staff and front office, Gordon may have to prove himself as much as Moss or any other player on the roster. The Oklahoma State product had a modest 231 scrimmage yards, but he added four touchdowns along the way. As it stands, Gordon is the RB69 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Helsley Returns From Bereavement List on Sunday
The Baltimore Orioles announced on Sunday that they reinstated right-handed closer Ryan Helsley from the bereavement/family medical emergency list and designated right-hander Albert Suarez for assignment in a corresponding move. Helsley was away from the team for four days. With the 31-year-old veteran away for personal matters, Anthony Nunez picked up the team's last save on Wednesday. Helsley is so far having a bounce-back season in 2026 in his first year with Baltimore, posting a 2.79 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 15 strikeouts, seven walks, and six saves in 9 2/3 innings over his first 11 appearances. Fantasy managers will want to get him back into their starting lineups to close out the week now that he's back with the big-league club as their primary ninth-inning option. Helsley is a two-time All-Star and led baseball with 49 saves in 2024 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Nationals Place Clayton Beeter on Injured List With Forearm Soreness
The Washington Nationals announced on Sunday that they placed right-handed reliever Clayton Beeter (forearm) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 23) with right-forearm soreness and recalled right-handers Paxton Schultz and Andre Granillo from Triple-A Rochester in corresponding moves. Beeter has not appeared in a game for the Nats since Tuesday, and it's unclear how long he might be sidelined with his forearm injury. The 27-year-old Texas native already has a career-high two saves for Washington in his 10 relief appearances so far in his third year in the big leagues, to go along with a 3.48 ERA (6.54 FIP), 1.26 WHIP, nine strikeouts, and eight walks in 10 1/3 innings pitched. Beeter has been fortunate to have an ERA under 4.00, as he's been pretty wild. He leads the league with five wild pitches. The Nats will continue a closer-by-committee approach late in games with Beeter sidelined, with Gus Varland being the favorite for most of the save chances in D.C. Varland is currently rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Nationals Communications
Source: Nationals Communications
Colby Parkinson Facing More Competition Than Ever Before
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson ended up leading his position group in fantasy points last year, but his position atop the depth chart may be in jeopardy ahead of the 2026 season. The Rams have 2025 second-round pick Terrance Ferguson set to make a Year 2 leap, and they also spent a second-round pick on Ohio State tight end Max Klare this past Friday. All the while, veteran Tyler Higbee was brought back on a new contract. This is a very crowded tight end room, and common sense would indicate that the Rams want to get Ferguson and Klare more involved, since they're the presumptive tight ends of the future in Los Angeles. We wouldn't be surprised if Parkinson's 2026 looks similar to the first half of 2025 -- handling a decent snap share but not being heavily involved in the passing game. He was the TE67 from Week 1-9 last season, then jumped to TE4 from Week 10-18. As it stands, he ranks as the overall TE52 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings. For comparison, Ferguson is the TE25 and Klare is the TE27.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Steven Kwan Back in Sunday's Lineup
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan (neck) is starting in center field and batting in his customary leadoff spot for the Guards on Sunday in the series finale against the hosting Toronto Blue Jays and left-hander Patrick Corbin, according to MLB.com. Kwan was held out of the first two games of this series in Canada on Friday and Saturday with neck stiffness, but he's feeling good enough to return for the third game of the series on Sunday. Fantasy managers will be hoping that Kwan can snap out of his recent slump, as he's gone just 2-for-18 in his last seven games. The 28-year-old former fifth-rounder in 2018 out of Oregon State is hitting just .227/.315/.289 with a .604 OPS, one home run, eight RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 112 plate appearances across 26 games in the early going in his fifth year in the big leagues. The two-time All-Star has faced Corbin eight times in his career and has had some success, batting .375 against him with an .819 OPS and an RBI.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brent Rooker Activated and Starting on Sunday Against Rangers
The Athletics announced on Sunday that they reinstated outfielder/designated hitter Brent Rooker (oblique) from the 10-day injured list and designated infielder Andy Ibanez for assignment in a corresponding move. Rooker is serving as the DH and is batting cleanup in his return on Sunday in Texas against the Rangers and right-hander Kumar Rocker. The 31-year-old veteran right-handed slugger is back after originally landing on the IL on April 10 with an oblique strain. Rooker has game-changing power in a hitter-friendly home ballpark in Sacramento, but he had been struggling mightily at the plate early on in 2026 before his oblique injury, batting just .146 (6-for-41) with two home runs, eight RBI, four runs scored, two stolen bases, six walks, and 17 strikeouts in 12 games played. It's still early, though, so nobody should be giving up on Rooker just yet. He is 96% rostered in Yahoo leagues and should be returned to starting fantasy lineups on Sunday. Rooker is hitting .400 with an .800 OPS in just five career at-bats against Rocker.
Source: A's Communications
Source: A's Communications
Omarion Hampton Faces Minimal Competition After the NFL Draft
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton remains the clear-cut No. 1 option on the depth chart heading into May. The Chargers didn't select a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving Hampton in the lead-back role and Keaton Mitchell as his projected backup. Mitchell has flashed burst and productivity in the past, and he averages 6.34 yards per carry so far in his career. While his speed fits nicely in offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system, he offers an occasional burst or big play, rather than every-down consistency. The every-down role should remain with Hampton, who averaged 60.6 rushing yards, 3.6 catches, 21.3 receiving yards, and 0.6 touchdowns per game while dodging injuries as a rookie last year. He remains the overall RB8 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Roman Anthony Returns as DH on Sunday
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (back) has returned to the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the hosting Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Kyle Bradish at Camden Yards, serving as the designated hitter and batting third in the order, per MLB.com. Anthony missed a fourth straight game on Saturday after feeling upper-back tightness on a swing in Tuesday's game against the division-rival New York Yankees. Anthony ended up missing a little more time than originally expected, but he's now back in the starting lineup on Sunday in Baltimore. Fantasy managers will be hoping that the 21-year-old former second-round pick in 2022 can get things going at the plate after a quiet start to his first full season in the big leagues in 2026. Anthony comes into Sunday's tilt with a .225/.361/.325 slash line with a homer, four RBI, 11 runs scored, and two steals in his 80 at-bats. Despite the slow start, Anthony has high-end power/speed potential in all fantasy formats. He's gone 1-for-3 in his career against Bradish.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Commanders Interested in Brandon Aiyuk, Waiting for His Release
The Washington Commanders are expected to have interest in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk if he is released by the San Francisco 49ers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. There seems to be a bit of a stalemate at this point in the offseason. The Niners have said they are in no rush and would like to trade Aiyuk. However, they've also said that Aiyuk will not play for them in 2026, so at some point, if a trade doesn't come to fruition, he'll have to be released. As a result, the Commanders are in no rush because they expect him to become a free agent before the regular season. Therefore, while Aiyuk to the Commanders is not imminent, it does seem like Washington is the early favorite to acquire him. He'd offer an enormous boost to their wide receiver room, which is relatively thin behind Terry McLaurin. Aiyuk hasn't played an NFL snap since 2024, when he tore his ACL seven games into a 25-catch, 374-yard campaign.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Tyler Reddick ended up in victory lane yet again last weekend, grabbing his fifth victory of the 2026 season at Kansas Speedway. Now, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Talladega Superspeedway, and all eyes will once again be on Reddick, as he looks to get yet another victory early on this season. And honestly, it wouldn't be too surprising if he does win. Reddick won here at Talladega back in 2024 and has finished seventh or better in four of his last 11 starts at this track. Additionally, the No. 45 Toyota is undefeated on drafting tracks this year, winning at both Daytona and Talladega thus far. As far as DFS goes, though, you should probably stay away from Reddick. With his pole position starting spot, the downside for Reddick with negative Place Differential is significantly higher than his upside with winning, so it's best to stay away from the hottest driver in the series right now--at least in daily fantasy contests.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Ryan Blaney is a more than capable driver at Talladega Superspeedway. He's a three-time winner at this race track and also has a couple of runner-up finishes to his credit. Lately, though, it's been a rough go of things for the Team Penske driver, as Blaney hasn't finished better than 20th in the last four races at this track. Can this be the weekend that the No. 12 team turns it around, though? Pit stops are still important at Talladega, but they're not quite as important as other tracks, so that lessens the impact of his bad pit crew on race day. As far as DFS goes, Blaney is a solid pick with race-winning upside and some Place Differential room (as he starts 15th). However, if you want to go contrarian, there is definitely a strategy move to go underweight on the Team Penske driver and hope his bad luck continues at Talladega.
Source: Heavy
Source: Heavy
Austin Cindric Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Don't be surprised if Austin Cindric contends for another Talladega win on Sunday. Cindric is the defending spring race winner at Talladega Superspeedway and had led laps in each of the last five races at the track. Additionally, the Team Penske driver has the fifth-best average driver rating (84.8) over the last four Talladega races, and the fourth-best average driver rating (84.2) over the last 14 drafting track races overall. Cindric starts 13th for this weekend's Jack Link's 500, which makes him a very interesting DFS play. There isn't a ton of Place Differential upside there, but Cindric can absolutely win this race. There could be a good leverage opportunity in play with the Team Penske driver in daily fantasy tournaments this weekend.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
Kyle Busch an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Kyle Busch will start from 34th place when Sunday's Jack Link's 500 goes green at Talladega Superspeedway, and that means he's going to be one of the highest-rostered drivers in DraftKings contests because of his sky-high place-differential potential. Additionally, superspeedways are really the only track types where Busch has been competitive over the last couple of years. With that being said, Rowdy only has one good finish over the last nine races at drafting tracks, and that was a seventh-place finish at Atlanta back in February of 2025. When it comes to DFS strategy on Sunday, Busch is an easy Place Differential pick, but if you want to be contrarian and go underweight on him to gain leverage on other players, there's certainly an opportunity to do so. We'll also have to keep an eye on the Denny Hamlin/Kyle Busch rivalry, as that could come to a head this weekend.
Source: Field Level Media
Source: Field Level Media
