Packers, Matt LaFleur Will Discuss Extension After the Season
The Green Bay Packers and current head coach Matt LaFleur plan to meet and discuss an extension following the end of the season, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport reports that there is a "mutual goal of extending (LaFleur's) contract," and that LaFleur is "not coaching for his job" in Saturday night's Wild Card round matchup against the Chicago Bears. LaFleur, who turned 46 in November, has won 65.4% of his regular-season games since taking over as the head coach in Green Bay in 2019. He's led the Packers to playoff appearances in six out of his seven seasons at the helm and reached the NFC championship game twice. If LaFleur were to somehow hit the open market, he'd undoubtedly be an extremely sought-after head coaching candidate. However, it appears as though both LaFleur and the Packers are motivated to make sure he remains in Green Bay long term.
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
Puka Nacua a Must-Start Wide Receiver for Wild-Card Weekend
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had a dominant 2025 season, recording a league-leading 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns on 166 targets across 16 games played. Nacua earned double-digit targets in five straight games to finish the regular season and recorded six touchdown grabs in that stretch. The Rams will get wide receiver Davante Adams back for their Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Carolina Panthers after Adams missed the final three games of the regular season with a hamstring injury. Nacua's red zone usage may drop off with the return of Adams, who had 14 touchdown catches in the regular season. The Panthers were also a solid pass defense in the regular season, ranking 14th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (3,657) and tied for seventh in passing touchdowns allowed (20). Still, Nacua has proven to be one of the most consistent pass-catchers in football and profiles as a must-start wide receiver for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colby Parkinson Should Stay Involved in Wild-Card Round
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson scored his seventh and eighth touchdowns of the year in the regular season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, capping a career year for the 27-year-old. Despite the return of top tight end Tyler Higbee, Parkinson matched a season high with seven targets while playing 84% of the snaps. Higbee also had a strong game in his return from Injured Reserve, catching five of six targets for 91 yards and a score. Parkinson figures to stay involved in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Panthers, though the return of Davante Adams (hamstring) could reduce his looks in the red zone. Rookie TE Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) is questionable to play Saturday, which could help Parkinson stay on the field more often. Parkinson was quiet in the Rams' first meeting against the Panthers in Week 13, with four catches for 27 yards. He projects as a touchdown-dependent option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Stafford Remains Elite Option for Wild-Card Round
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered an MVP-caliber campaign in his age-37 season, completing 65% of his passes for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 17 games. Stafford became the eighth QB of all time to throw at least 46 touchdowns in a season and the first since Aaron Rodgers' MVP season in 2020. The veteran signal caller will get one half of his star-studded WR duo back on Saturday's Wild Card game, with Davante Adams (hamstring) set to return after missing the final three games of the regular season. Stafford had one of his worst games of the year in Week 13's loss at Carolina, completing 18 of 28 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns while matching a season high with three turnovers. Stafford still projects as one of the top QB options for Wild Card weekend and the entire playoffs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Blake Corum Profiles as Decent Option Against Panthers
Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum enjoyed a strong season working in tandem with Kyren Williams. He handled 145 yards for 746 yards and six touchdowns with eight catches (14 targets) for 36 yards as a receiver while suiting up for all 17 games. The second-year back recorded double-digit carries in seven games this season, averaging 65.3 yards per game to go with four touchdowns. With how dynamic Corum has been on his touches, he should continue to split touches with Williams in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Panthers. The Panthers allowed the ninth-highest yards per carry (4.4) this season, and Corum went for 7-81 and a touchdown in the Rams' Week 13 meeting in Carolina. Corum ranks as RotoBaller's RB15 in PPR leagues for Wild Card weekend.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Davante Adams Good to Go for Wild-Card Game
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) was cleared from the injury report and will play in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Carolina Panthers. Adams missed the final three games of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury in Week 15. Despite missing time, the 33-year-old wideout still led the league with 14 receiving touchdowns. Adams and QB Matthew Stafford developed an elite connection in the red zone, and the two should pick up where they left off on Saturday in Carolina. The six-time Pro Bowler caught four of five targets for 58 yards and two scores in Week 13's matchup against the Panthers and projects again as a high-end receiver option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle Lacks Upside for Wild-Card Matchup
Across 17 games this season, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle finished with 236 carries for 1,079 yards and six touchdowns while adding 39 catches (50 targets) for 297 yards and another score as a receiver. Dowdle was producing like a top running back in the league early in the season after taking over lead back duties over Chuba Hubbard, but his production had slid down the stretch as Hubbard became more involved. The 27-year-old's efficiency has also dipped significantly in the second half, handling 105 carries for 341 yards (3.2 YPC) since Week 10. He notched only nine touches in the regular season finale, his lowest since Week 8. Dowdle profiles as a borderline RB2/RB3 for Saturday's Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, who have allowed the ninth-fewest PPR points per game to running backs this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tetairoa McMillan Profiles as Strong Option for Wild-Card Weekend
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan put together an impressive rookie campaign, finishing with 70 catches for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns while playing all 17 games. McMillan is currently a heavy favorite to take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after serving as the engine of Carolina's passing attack. The 22-year-old wideout earned a team high 25.8% target share and recorded at least five receptions in seven games. He caught only one of his two targets in Carolina's Week 13 matchup against the Rams, but he thought it went for a 43-yard touchdown. McMillan is in a good position for a better statistical output in Saturday's rematch, as the Rams have allowed the third-most catches per game (5.4) and third-most yards per game (72.6) to opposing teams' WR1s this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Panthers Expected to Pick Up Bryce Young's Fifth-Year Option
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Carolina Panthers are expected to pick up quarterback Bryce Young's fifth-year option this offseason. All eight quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall since 2011 have had their fifth-year options exercised. Young has had an up-and-down third season in the league, completing 63.6% of his passes for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions to go with 54 carries for 216 yards and two scores on the ground in 16 games. The 24-year-old signal caller has reached extreme heights, throwing for the fifth-most yards in a game this season with his 448-yard performance in Week 11. However, Young has also thrown for under 200 yards in 12 games. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick will look for more consistency in the future as he aims to establish himself as the Panthers' franchise quarterback.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Kyren Williams Projects as High-End Option in Wild-Card Game
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams delivered another highly productive season, compiling 259 carries for 1,252 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 36 catches (50 targets) for 281 yards and three more scores as a receiver in all 17 games. The 25-year-old split carries with second-year RB Blake Corum for a good stretch of the season as the Rams reportedly aimed to manage Williams' workload to keep him fresh for the playoffs. Williams should be in line to handle an increased workload in Saturday's Wild Card game against the Carolina Panthers, who have been solid against the run down the stretch, ranking sixth in defensive rushing success rate (36%) over the final five games. Williams had a productive game in the Rams' first meeting versus Carolina in Week 13, rushing for 72 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. He profiles as a high-end RB1 for the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Falcons Hire Matt Ryan as President of Football Operations
The Atlanta Falcons are hiring former star quarterback Matt Ryan to be their new president of football operations, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. Atlanta created the position specifically for Ryan, who will now have the final say as the Falcons' decision-maker. Falcons owner Arthur Blank spoke highly of the 2016 MVP, saying, "Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt's leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game, and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise's history. I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role." The Falcons fired general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris after finishing 8-9 in 2025, and Ryan will look to bring the franchise back to the playoffs for the first time since his playing days in 2017.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Isaiah Stewart Downgraded to Questionable Saturday with Illness
Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart (illness) has been downgraded to questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Clippers. Stewart is coming off a dominant outing, posting 31 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks in 30 minutes on Wednesday. He has stepped into a larger role with Jalen Duren (ankle) and Tobias Harris (hip) sidelined, averaging 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in 31.0 minutes over the last four games. Paul Reed would likely see a meaningful workload increase and move from a modest option to a more intriguing short-term fantasy play if Stewart sits, especially with Detroit thin in the frontcourt.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Rui Hachimura Optimistic to Return vs. Kings
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) is trending toward a return Monday against Sacramento, with head coach JJ Redick expressing optimism Friday. Hachimura has not played since Dec. 28 and could face a minutes restriction initially. His return carries clear fantasy ripple effects. Jake LaRavia, who thrived during the absence, averaged 15.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.5 three-pointers in 36.2 minutes over the last six games, delivering third-round nine-category value. That production likely regresses with Hachimura back, pushing LaRavia toward streamer status.
Source: Daniel Starkand
Source: Daniel Starkand
RJ Barrett Ruled Out for Remainder of Friday with Ankle Injury
Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett (ankle) was ruled out for the rest of Friday's game against Boston after logging 28 minutes. He finished with 19 points, four rebounds, and seven assists before exiting. Barrett's next chance to play comes Sunday versus Philadelphia. Toronto's injury list remains crowded, with Brandon Ingram (thumb), Scottie Barnes (knee), and Jakob Poeltl (back) sidelined. Immanuel Quickley stands to absorb primary usage after posting 17 points and 13 assists, while Ja'Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, and Gradey Dick gain short-term fantasy appeal as streamers in expanded roles.
Source: Blake Murphy
Source: Blake Murphy
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Exits in Second Quarter Friday
Memphis Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (jaw) exited Friday's loss to Oklahoma City in the second quarter and did not return, finishing with two points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 10 minutes. His availability for Sunday against Brooklyn is uncertain. If Caldwell-Pope misses time, Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson II stand to see increased wing minutes. Williams recently logged 13 points, three rebounds, and five assists in 23 minutes, while Jackson offers scoring upside but remains inconsistent, making both situational fantasy streamers.
Source: Grizzlies PR
Source: Grizzlies PR
Robert Williams III Exits Early Friday With Knee Injury
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) will not return to Friday's game against Houston after suffering a right knee injury and logged just seven minutes. He finished with three rebounds and one assist before exiting. Williams' status is worth monitoring ahead of Sunday's matchup with New York. If he misses time, Donovan Clingan should continue handling heavy minutes after posting eight points, 15 rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 33 minutes, while Yang Hansen could see a modest uptick as the primary backup. Hansen profiles as a deep-league watch option only.
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Source: Trail Blazers PR
Tari Eason Exits Friday with Ankle Sprain
Houston Rockets guard/forward Tari Eason (ankle) did not return to Friday's game against Portland after suffering a right ankle sprain and logged just 16 minutes. He finished with six points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block before exiting in the third quarter. Eason's status bears close monitoring after he averaged 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers in 26.1 minutes over his last eight games. If he misses time, Josh Okogie and Dorian Finney-Smith gain minutes but remain volatile fantasy options.
Source: Will Guillory
Source: Will Guillory
Kevin Huerter May Miss Saturday's Game vs. Mavericks
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Kevin Huerter (back) is questionable for Saturday against Dallas after missing Thursday's game. With Josh Giddey (hamstring) sidelined for multiple weeks, Huerter's status carries added fantasy weight. If he sits, Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones should continue handling expanded roles. Over his last five games, Dosunmu has averaged 16.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.6 three-pointers in 26.5 minutes, while Jones has posted 10.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 27.5 minutes. Both remain viable streamers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Julian Champagnie May Sit Saturday vs. Boston
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Julian Champagnie (back) is questionable for Saturday's game against Boston due to mid-back soreness. With Devin Vassell (adductor) sidelined, Champagnie has stepped into a larger role, starting and averaging 19.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 32.0 minutes. If he sits, wing minutes open up. Keldon Johnson becomes the primary beneficiary after posting 27 points in 28 minutes last game. Dylan Harper has shown inconsistent production, while Lindy Waters III has barely played lately, keeping both as risky deep-league options.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Mark Scheifele Scores Twice as Jets End Skid
Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele scored two goals in Friday's 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, helping the team end an 11-game losing streak. Scheifele popped up with two goals late in the second period after Quinton Byfield had put the Kings on the board. Gabriel Vilardi assisted on both Scheifele goals, including a power-play marker. Scheifele had multiple goals in a game for the fifth time this season. Judging by his numbers, you wouldn't guess that the Jets have declined from Presidents' Trophy winners to the worst team in the league. Across 43 games, Scheifele has picked up 52 points (22 goals, 30 assists), giving him a good opportunity to reach the 100-point plateau for the first time in his career.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Smith Could Sit Again Saturday
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (concussion) is questionable for Saturday's game against Dallas after missing two straight contests while progressing through the league's concussion protocol. If Smith remains out, Lachlan Olbrich is expected to handle backup center duties behind Nikola Vucevic, with Zach Collins (toe) still sidelined. Olbrich logged 16 minutes last game, posting two points and five rebounds. The role offers limited fantasy upside. Vucevic continues to shoulder heavy frontcourt usage, while Smith remains a cautious hold until cleared.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ace Bailey Misses Second Straight Game
Utah Jazz guard/forward Ace Bailey (hip) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Charlotte, missing a second straight contest with a left hip flexor strain. His absence opens additional wing minutes and usage. Brice Sensabaugh continues to benefit but has delivered modest returns, averaging 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 three-pointers in 31.0 minutes over his last seven games. With Lauri Markkanen (rest) also sidelined, Sensabaugh remains a low-end streamer, while Svi Mykhailiuk gains situational depth appeal.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
John Carlson Records Two Assists Friday
Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson had two assists in Friday's 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. He collected both helpers during the first period, which Washington won 3-0. After he had a five-game slump, someone pushed the right buttons on Carlson, as he has notched five points (one goal, four assists) across the last three games. Carlson has been a 50-point guy in recent seasons, but in 2025-26, he has a chance to reach 60 points for a fifth time in his career. In 41 outings, Carlson has tallied nine goals and 25 assists. He is also a busy man in the defensive zone, recording 59 blocks this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Isaiah Jackson's Absence Extends to 10 Games
Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson (concussion) will miss Saturday's game against Miami, extending his absence to 10 games as he continues through the league's concussion protocol. The Pacers' center rotation has been fluid, creating uneven fantasy value. Jay Huff has recently regained momentum, averaging 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.8 three-pointers over his last four games in 22.9 minutes, after Micah Potter briefly flashed earlier. Still, the shifting minutes make Huff a risky streamer. Potter and Tony Bradley remain watchlist options only.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Karel Vejmelka Picks Up Win No. 20
Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka saved 26 of 28 shots in Friday's 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues, improving to 20-11-2 for the season. Impressively, he became the first goalie this season to reach 20 wins. His recent form has been a major factor in Vejmelka reaching that milestone first, as he has gone 8-2-0 since Dec. 12. In 2026, Vejmelka has allowed only 11 goals across five starts. The 29-year-old has posted a 2.63 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage for the season, picking up one shutout. Vejmelka's fantasy stock is on the rise and could improve further in upcoming games against Eastern Conference strugglers Columbus and Toronto.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike Conley Ruled Out Saturday for Rest
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (rest) will sit out Saturday against Cleveland, with his next chance to play Sunday versus San Antonio. The rest day opens short-term value in Minnesota's backcourt. Bones Hyland should see a usage bump after contributing during Conley's last absence, averaging 11.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.0 three-pointers in 22.5 minutes. Second-year guard Rob Dillingham could also enter the rotation. Hyland gains streamer appeal, especially if Anthony Edwards (foot) or Julius Randle (thumb) are limited.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Clayton Keller Dishes Out Three Assists Friday
Utah Mammoth winger Clayton Keller recorded three assists during Friday's 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Nick Schmaltz benefited twice from his playmaking, while Lawson Crouse also scored off Keller's feed. This was Keller's second multi-assist game in a row and already his third such performance of the month. He has started 2026 strong, recording eight points (one goal, seven assists) over five games. Compared to last year, Keller has taken a step back, but he could still average a point per game. In 45 outings, Keller has notched 13 goals and 28 assists.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jamie Benn to Remain Out Saturday
Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn (face) will miss a third consecutive game on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks. He is, however, expected to join the team in Los Angeles on Sunday and looks to be an option for Monday's matchup against the Kings. Benn departed the lineup at the start of the week after being injured against the Montreal Canadiens last Sunday. The Stars captain has made 23 appearances this season, recording 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) and 34 hits. Once he's ready to return, Benn will return to a middle-six role.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Will Robertson Sent to Triple-A Norfolk
Outfielder Will Robertson has passed through waivers unclaimed and has been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Robertson was designated for assignment earlier but went unclaimed on waivers and will remain in the Baltimore organization. Last season, Robertson made his MLB debut, sharing time with the Blue Jays and White Sox. Across 27 games, Robertson posted a .129/.173/.143 slash line with a 27:2 K:BB. The former fourth-round pick out of Creighton has spent the majority of their career in the minor leagues. Through 208 career games at the Triple-A level, Robertson has carried a .253/.348/.490 line with a promising .838 OPS. Managers should expect Robertson to spend the majority of the season in the minor leagues. If he can continue to flash some power upside, he could earn a stint in Baltimore.
Source: Rich Dubroff
Source: Rich Dubroff
Ilya Mikheyev Expected to Play Saturday
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ilya Mikheyev (illness) will return to the lineup on Saturday against the Nashville Predators, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The Blackhawks have a stomach bug going through the locker room, and Mikheyev didn't play in Friday's loss to the Washington Capitals. Mikheyev has been sharp offensively in his recent appearances, averaging a point per game over four contests. Overall, he has recorded 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 39 games this season. While Mikheyev has made a quick recovery, the Blackhawks may have other absences on Saturday.
Source: Ben Pope
Source: Ben Pope
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