January 20, 2026

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions in the first half of the Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots, becoming just the second QB since 1991 to throw four picks in a playoff half. The No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL draft has rapidly regressed since his impressive rookie season. The Texans are expected to pick up his fifth-year option, but so far, the Texans are non-committal on a long-term contract extension for Stroud. Under first-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley in 2025, Stroud completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions. Despite having three playoff wins in his three seasons, Stroud has just five TDs with six interceptions and seven fumbles (two lost) in the postseason. Stroud said he was still "getting adjusted" to the new offense this year. Perhaps he'll be better in 2026 if Caley sticks around as the OC, but for fantasy purposes, Stroud has become a QB2 instead of a legitimate QB1 option.--Keith Hernandez
Source: FOX Sports - Ben Arthur

January 20, 2026

The New York Giants are expected to be aggressive in targeting ex-Baltimore Ravens players in free agency, sources told Connor Hughes of SNY. New Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who coached the Ravens for 18 seasons, wants people who know his way to carry out his message in the locker room in his new home in the Big Apple. Hughes writes that center Tyler Linderbaum is a player to keep an eye on this offseason. Linderbaum played for Harbaugh with the Ravens from 2022-25 and will be an unrestricted free agent in March. Upgrading the offensive line will be one of Harbaugh's and the Giants' front office's biggest priorities going into 2026, so Linderbaum makes a lot of sense. Fullback Patrick Ricard and tight end Isaiah Likely are other Ravens players who could be pursued heavily by Harbaugh and the Giants this offseason.--Keith Hernandez
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes

January 20, 2026

Despite head coach Sean McDermott leading the Buffalo Bills to the playoffs eight times in his nine seasons at the helm, he was fired on Monday. McDermott won 98 games in the regular season and eight in the playoffs during his time with the team, but he was let go because of the fact that he couldn't get over the hump and get Buffalo to the Super Bowl. McDermott leaves Buffalo as the second-winningest coach in franchise history. Vic Carucci writes that McDermott's firing is "already being met with skepticism by players who held McDermott in high regard." In addition to the firing of McDermott, the Bills promoted general manager Brandon Beane to president of football operations. It means that getting a strong head coach to replace McDermott might be difficult if they have to answer to Beane instead of the owner.--Keith Hernandez
Source: WGRZ - Vic Carucci

January 20, 2026

The Green Bay Packers have requested to interview Minnesota Vikings passing-game coordinator/defensive backs coach Daronte Jones for their defensive-coordinator job, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The Packers need a new DC after previous defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley left to take the Miami Dolphins' head-coaching job. Jones interviewed in-person for the DC job with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets, and the New York Giants have also requested an interview with him. The 47-year-old helped the Vikings' secondary allow the fewest passing yards per game (159) this year while working under respected defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who is receiving interest around the league for a few head-coaching positions. Jones would have a nice base to work with in Green Bay with All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee).--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

January 20, 2026

The Baltimore Ravens will interview Denver Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi for their head-coaching job, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Before the New York Giants hired John Harbaugh, Rizzi had an interview with them. Rizzi is in his first year with the Broncos as their special teams coach. He also worked with head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints and became the Saints' interim head coach during the 2024 season, following Dennis Allen's firing, compiling a 3-5 record. Rizzi also coached with the Miami Dolphins from 2009-18, including nine seasons as their special teams coordinator. The Ravens are looking to replace Harbaugh after 18 seasons with the organization. Rizzi is a respected coach around the NFL, but it would be a pretty big surprise if he landed one of the top head-coaching positions in the league.--Keith Hernandez
Source: 9 News - Mike Klis

January 20, 2026

Super-Bowl-winning coach Mike McCarthy will interview on Wednesday with the Pittsburgh Steelers for their head-coaching job, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. McCarthy was a candidate for the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching job before withdrawing his name on Monday morning. He has turned other inquiries down as well and is focused firmly on the Steelers' gig, where he's considered a strong candidate to replace long-time head coach Mike Tomlin. McCarthy is from Pittsburgh and could help the Steelers bring future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who will be a free agent in March, back to the Steel City for one more season. With McCarthy, Pittsburgh would be getting a head coach who has won 61% of his games over 18 seasons in the NFL. He took a year off from coaching in 2025 after being fired by the Cowboys, but McCarthy is ready to get back into coaching.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

January 20, 2026

Indiana quarterback Alberto Mendoza plans to enter the transfer portal, according to On3. Mendoza spent the 2025 season as the backup to his brother, Fernando, for the 2026 College Football Playoff National Champion Hoosiers. In two seasons with the program, he tallied 19 completions on 25 attempts for 292 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. Indiana has already signed former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover to be its starter in 2026, with the assumption that Fernando Mendoza will enter the 2026 NFL Draft. Alberto Mendoza was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2024. Given his name and ties to the Indiana program, he could see plenty of interest from lower-conference schools.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: On3 on X

January 20, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson was designated for assignment on Tuesday when the team officially re-signed J.T. Realmuto. Wilson was behind both Otto Kemp and Edmundo Sosa as utility bench pieces for the Phillies, and he'll now be available via trade or waiver wire claim to the rest of the teams in the majors. Over the last three years, he has played 103 games for the Phillies, slashing .242/.328/.428 in 245 career plate appearances. While he played mostly left field in the majors, he's also received time at second base, third base, first base, shortstop, and right field in the minors. His versatility and decent numbers could help him catch on as a utility piece with another team, or if no one claims him, the Phillies will likely give him the option of heading to the minors, where he could provide non-roster depth in 2026.--Zach Thompson
Source: Phillies

January 20, 2026

St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (knee) feels healthy and says he is extremely excited to take the field again, facing no limitations in Spring Training. The Gold Glove-winning shortstop was shut down in mid-September for an arthroscopic procedure on his knee to deal with a torn meniscus. He impressed with a .253/.310/.363 triple-slash line despite playing through the knee issue most of the season. The injury may have limited his aggression on the basepaths, where he finished with nine stolen bases to go with his nine homers, 51 RBI, and 72 runs scored. He's expected to be a key part of the Cardinals' lineup in 2026, and he could be a sneaky source of steals and run production if fully healthy and hitting at the top of the order. The Cardinals did lose some key bats, though, so the lineup could struggle as a whole next season.--Zach Thompson
Source: Derrick Goold

January 20, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder Mookie Betts says he "for sure" plans on retiring at the end of his current contract, which runs through the 2032 season. Betts pointed out that he'll be 40 at that point and will be looking to spend more time with his family at that point. The 2018 AL MVP and four-time World Series champ signed a 12-year monster deal with the Dodgers after being traded from the Red Sox in 2020. He hit .258 in 158 games last year with 20 homers and a .318 wOBA. While his numbers were down a bit, he should bounce back this season while hitting near the top of a stacked lineup. While he still has several years to go, it looks like he has a clear plan at this point to hang them up after seven more seasons in Dodger Blue, which would give him a 19-year career in the majors.--Zach Thompson
Source: MLB.com

January 20, 2026

Free-agent pitcher Zach Penrod and the Washington Nationals reached an agreement on a minor-league deal. The 28-year-old lefty spent last year in the Red Sox and Dodgers minor-league systems, going 2-1 in 26 appearances (six starts) with a 7.83 ERA and 6.80 FIP. He pitched in seven games out of the bullpen in the majors for Boston in 2024, allowing one earned run in four innings on three hits with four walks and three strikeouts. Penrod will look to work his way back to the majors this year, but he'll likely start the season in Triple-A as bullpen depth for the Nats.--Zach Thompson
Source: Will Sammon

January 20, 2026

Free-agent first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger could come off the market soon, since MLB Network's Jim Bowden reports that Bellinger is mulling over multiple offers from multiple teams and is expected to make his decision soon. Last season, Bellinger hit .272 in 152 games with the Yankees, smashing 29 homers and posting a .207 ISO and a .347 wOBA. Bellinger has been linked to the Mets and Yankees in recent reports, with the Giants, Phillies, Blue Jays, Angels, and Reds also mentioned as teams with interest in the power-hitting lefty. He could be the next free agent domino to fall as teams try to get their lineups locked in before Spring Training begins in a few weeks.--Zach Thompson
Source: Jim Bowden

January 20, 2026

Free Agent first baseman/outfielder Seth Brown signed a minor league contract with the Yankees on Monday, and he will also receive an invite to Spring Training. The 33-year-old lefty has provided good power production in the past and could be a good fit for Yankee Stadium if he finds his way to playing time at some point this season. He split last year between the Athletics and Diamondbacks, playing a total of 38 MLB games and 35 games in Triple-A. He hit .185 in the majors but .352 with 13 homers in his 35 minor-league games, showing there could be some gas left in the tank. He has been a predominantly pull hitter with a high home run rate and high strikeout rate throughout his career. His pull-heavy approach could be a nice fit for Yankee Stadium, and he could be a cheap source of home runs if he works his way into playing time with a good spring.--Zach Thompson
Source: Aram Leighton

January 20, 2026

Washington Nationals right-handed pitching prospect Jarlin Susana is a name to monitor in spring training. The right-hander is currently considered the No. 87 overall prospect on MLB.com and the No. 4-ranked prospect in the Washington system. He began the 2025 campaign with High-A but needed only nine innings to prove he was ready to join Double-A Harrisburg. With the Senators, Susana flashed immense strikeout upside, tallying 79 across 47 1/3 innings of work. In this stint, the 21-year-old posted a solid 3.61 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP. However, Susana underwent right lat surgery late in the second half, which could potentially limit him in spring training. While Susana was not in the mix to debut in Washington in the first half of 2026, if he continues this high-end production, he could make a strong case to debut later in the year.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 20, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed prospect pitcher Hunter Barco is expected to compete for a role in the starting rotation during spring training. Last season, the southpaw was promoted in September for his MLB debut. Across three innings of work (all out of the bullpen), the lefty did not allow a run and struck out three hitters. He began 2025 with Double-A but needed only 25 2/3 innings to prove he was ready to join Triple-A. During this brief stint at Double-A, the left-hander did not allow a run and held a dominant 0.70 WHIP. At Triple-A Indianapolis, Barco logged 73 2/3 innings with a 3.79 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. He tallied 82 strikeouts and 42 walks. Managers in deeper leagues should keep an eye on his progress in camp, as he will likely be competing for a starting role alongside Thomas Harrington. If he can crack the rotation, he would have sleeper appeal in deeper 12+ team formats, given his strikeout potential.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 20, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitching prospect Logan Henderson looked quite comfortable in his first taste of the majors last season and appears primed to take on a large role in 2026. Through his first 25 1/3 innings with the Brewers (five starts), the former fourth-round pick posted an elite 1.78 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP. Henderson struck out 33 batters and allowed free passes at an 8.1% rate. He generated a strong 32.8% hard-hit rate and a 32.6% chase rate, suggesting his strikeout totals should remain high over a full season. However, the right-hander saw his workload closely monitored and dealt with injuries and was eventually shut down with a flexor strain in the second half. Fortunately, he is not expected to face any limitations in spring training. With Freddy Peralta's name in many trade discussions, Henderson appears poised not only for a spot in the rotation but also to take on a significant role in the pitching staff in the upcoming season.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 20, 2026

According to Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals plan to give top infield prospect J.J. Wetherholt a chance to make the Opening Day roster. Goold noted that the team will give him "every opportunity" to be in the team's Opening Day lineup. Wetherholt, who is viewed as St. Louis' top prospect and the No. 5 overall prospect in the sport on MLB.com, was in strong contention to debut in the second half of 2025. The former seventh overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft opened the season with Double-A but needed just 62 games to reach Triple-A Memphis. Through his first 47 games with Triple-A, Wetherholt held a stellar .314/.416/.562 line with 14 doubles, 10 home runs, and nine stolen bases. With third baseman Nolan Areando now in Arizona, Wetherholt faces even less competition to earn a key role. Managers should closely monitor his status in camp as he would become a must-draft player in all formats once named to the final roster.--Andy Smith
Source: Derrick Goold

January 20, 2026

Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Connelly Early could enjoy a breakout season in 2026. The team's No. 4-ranked prospect (according to MLB Pipeline) made his MLB debut in the second half and looked quite comfortable, logging 19 1/3 innings to the tune of a 2.33 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. During this stint, the southpaw struck out an eye-catching 29 hitters while allowing only four free passes. He began the 2025 campaign with Double-A but was able to reach Triple-A Worcester after just 71 2/3 innings. With Double-A, he tallied 96 punchouts with a 2.51 ERA and contended to show similar productivity at Triple-A, logging 28 2/3 innings with a 2.83 ERA. However, managers should closely monitor his status in camp as he may not be guaranteed a spot in the rotation. With the Red Sox bringing in Ranger Suarez and having other budding arms like Payton Tolle, Early may have to earn his spot in spring training. If he can claim the No. 5 spot, he would become a top late-round target in all formats, given his high-end command and elite strikeout upside.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 20, 2026

New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jonah Tong is a name to closely monitor in spring training. Tong progressed through the Mets' system quite quickly in 2025, but stumbled as soon as he reached the big leagues. Through his first 18 2/3 innings with the Mets, Tong posted a hefty 7.71 ERA with a 1.177 WHIP. He struck out only 22 hitters while allowing walks at a high 10.3% rate. However, in the minor leagues, Tong looked like a budding ace as he tossed 113 1/3 innings (primarily at Double-A) to the tune of a 1.43 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and a 179:42 K:BB. At Double-A, he held an incredible 1.59 ERA across 102 innings. While he possesses high upside, he may not be guaranteed a spot in the rotation out of camp, as he will likely be in contention for the final spot alongside Clay Holmes and Brandon Sproat. Given his unexpected role, he is only worth targeting in deep 12+ team leagues in early drafts.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 20, 2026

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, the Tennessee Titans are expected to name Robert Saleh as their franchise's next head coach. Entering 2025, Brian Callahan had head coaching duties but was removed from his role following a 1-5 start. In 2024, Callahan did not find much success as well, leading the Titans to a 3-14 record. Tennessee then turned to interim Mike McCoy for the remainder of the season, and he led them to two victories over their last 11 contests. Saleh served as San Francisco's defensive coordinator in 2025, but had previously served as a head coach with the New York Jets. Across 56 games with the Jets, Saleh posted a modest 20-36 record but typically had an elite defense. In 2022 and 2023, the Jets allowed the fourth and third-fewest yards, respectively, but were held back by their offense. Over two stints as the 49ers' defensive coordinator (2017-2020, 2025), Saleh saw similar success, as the team typically boasted one of the sport's top defensive units. In 2019, they allowed the second-fewest yards and third-fewest total points. This past season, despite dealing with numerous injuries, the San Francisco defense allowed the 13th-fewest total points and was dominant against the run, allowing the 11th-fewest rushing yards per game. The defensive-minded coach will be a great fit for a Titans squad that allowed 28.1 PPG (fifth-highest in the sport) last season.--Andy Smith
Source: Ian Rapoport

January 20, 2026

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) was upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers. He carried a doubtful tag before Saturday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets and missed his 10th straight game. If he returns against the Clippers, Giddey will probably have a minutes restriction and won't offer full value to fantasy managers. Still, he has a versatile skill set and can make a mark even with limited playing time. Giddey's return will cut into the minutes of Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kevin Huerter. Additionally, Matas Buzelis and Nikola Vucevic are expected to see reduced roles in the offense.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 20, 2026

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (knee) won't play this week and will be re-evaluated next Monday, the team announced. The 2025 first-overall pick is set to miss a seventh consecutive game on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Risacher is dealing with a bone contusion in his left knee. Vit Krejci has filled in as a starter for most of Risacher's absence, but on Monday versus the Milwaukee Bucks, Corey Kispert took his place in the first unit. The duo combined for two points on 1-for-10 shooting, so fantasy managers should look past this situation.--Taavi Pailk
Source: TSN

January 20, 2026

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) will be re-evaluated in one week, the team announced on Monday. The Latvian veteran has missed six games and is expected to sit out at least a couple of more contests. Porzingis departed the lineup in early January due to left Achilles tendinitis. In his absence, Mouhamed Gueye and Asa Newell have received more work in the frontcourt. However, the two have minimal fantasy appeal and won't be relevant for managers while Onyeka Okongwu is healthy.--Taavi Pailk
Source: TSN

January 20, 2026

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in two weeks. He exited the lineup for Monday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers and will be sidelined for at least six more games. Health issues have bothered Williams all season, limiting him to 24 appearances. He has averaged 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 29.6 minutes. With him out, Jaylin Williams received the starting nod on Monday but played only eight minutes. Meanwhile, Kenrich Williams' workload increased to 21 minutes. In Monday's game, the defending champions also lost Alex Caruso (back), so more tweaks could be coming in the rotation.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA.com

January 20, 2026

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (ribs) is out indefinitely with a costochondral issue with his ribs. He has missed two games and isn't expected to play during the team's current road trip, which has four more stops this week. Pelle Larsson has been starting during Herro's absence, though his fantasy production can fluctuate. In Monday's loss to the Golden State Warriors, Larsson had nine points, five rebounds, and three assists in 28 minutes. Simone Fontecchio's role has also grown in recent games, with the Italian posting back-to-back 13-point games.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

January 20, 2026

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Jimmy Butler III (knee) tore his right ACL in Monday's win over the Miami Heat and is out for the rest of the season, Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reports. This is very unfortunate news for the veteran, who entered Monday averaging 21.3 points on 53 percent shooting this month. He has notched 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals across the season. Butler III will be on a huge $56.8 million contract next season, but he could miss a large chunk of the campaign. The Warriors will look for more production from Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II going forward.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 19, 2026

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had some clutch catches to move the chains in Sunday's snowy Divisional Round win over the Chicago Bears, but he didn't exactly go off for fantasy managers in playoff leagues. Nacua caught five of his 10 targets for 56 yards while rushing the ball twice for six yards in the overtime victory. It was the 24-year-old's third-lowest yardage total of the year, and he failed to find the end zone for the first time since Dec. 14 against the Detroit Lions. Nacua had 10 receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown in last week's Wild-Card win over the Carolina Panthers. He's one of the best all-around players in the NFL and will take on the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship this Sunday. The last time he faced Seattle in Week 16, Nacua went off for 12 catches, a season-high 225 yards, and two touchdowns. Nacua will most likely bounce back against Seattle.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 19, 2026

Free-agent outfielder Miguel Andujar, who is coming off a big season with the Athletics and Reds, is drawing significant interest from the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and A's. Andujar hit a combined .318/.352/.470 with an .822 OPS, 10 home runs, 44 RBI, and 36 runs scored in 94 games with the A's and Reds. He missed time with a Grade 2 right-oblique strain and a quadriceps injury. The 30-year-old was a lefty killer and will most likely be a candidate for a platoon outfielder role wherever he lands. Fantasy managers definitely shouldn't expect him to come anywhere close to his 208 production with the New York Yankees, when he hit a career-best 27 home runs and drove in 92 in 149 games. In deeper fantasy leagues, Andujar is attractive for his power and dual eligibility at third and outfield.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman

January 19, 2026

The Chicago Cubs and agent Scott Boras have continued to talk about free-agent right-hander Zac Gallen, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. "Those talks are ongoing. My reporting is the possibility is that it'll be a shorter-term type of deal," Levine said. Gallen has been connected with the Cubs in free agency since early December, but the two sides have been unable to work anything out. The 30-year-old All-Star is coming off a career-worst 4.83 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 175 strikeouts and 66 walks in 33 starts over 192 innings in 2025 in his seventh year in the big leagues. Going with a shorter deal would allow Gallen to build some of his value back up before potentially hitting free agency one more time as he nears the tail end of his career. Gallen is probably past his prime, but going to Wrigley Field could help lower his home run rate, which was a career high in 2025.--Keith Hernandez
Source: 670 The Score - Bruce Levine

January 19, 2026

The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that they signed free-agent infielder Jorge Mateo to a one-year, $1 million deal. Mateo will essentially be insurance after it was announced over the weekend that infielder Ha-Seong Kim (finger) will miss around the first six weeks of the 2026 season due to finger surgery. Like Kim, the 30-year-old Dominican has been injured in recent seasons, playing in only 110 combined games the last two years with the Baltimore Orioles, slashing .214/.253/.362 with six home runs, 21 RBI, 39 runs scored, and 28 stolen bases. He hit only .177 in 42 games for the O's last year. The most likely scenario to open the year with Kim injured is that utility man Mauricio Dubon will begin as the primary shortstop in Atlanta. If Mateo does get an extended chance at the 6 or another position for the Braves, he could be interesting for his speed (he stole a league-high 35 bags in 2022).--Keith Hernandez
Source: Atlanta Braves