January 15, 2026
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that running back
Ty Johnson (ankle) will be limited in practice on Thursday and will be listed as questionable on the final injury report for the Divisional Round on Saturday in Denver against the Broncos, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Johnson injured his ankle in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Jets and was inactive last Sunday for the Wild-Card victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 28-year-old could be a game-time decision in Denver on Saturday, but even if he suits up, he won't be recommended for fantasy playoff lineups against a stout Broncos defense. Johnson has mostly operated as the RB3 this year behind starter
James Cook and
Ray Davis, carrying the ball 50 times for 200 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson added two receiving TDs in 17 regular-season games.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
January 15, 2026
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver
Curtis Samuel (elbow) will practice in full again on Thursday and will be listed as questionable for the Divisional Round of the playoffs on Saturday against the Denver Broncos, according to Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News. Samuel is still on Injured Reserve and missed the last eight games with an elbow injury, but he's been practicing in full this week and looks ready to return. Although the 29-year-old probably won't have a big role on offense if he's active in Denver, the Bills will welcome Samuel's return after losing both
Gabe Davis (knee) and
Tyrell Shavers (knee) to torn ACLs in the Wild-Card win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Samuel has appeared in only six games for the Bills this year, catching seven of his nine targets for 81 yards and a touchdown.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Buffalo News - Katherine Fitzgerald
January 15, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet enters the playoffs as one of the hottest RBs in the league, having scored four rushing touchdowns in his last three games combined. In the Week 18 regular-season finale against the San Francisco 49ers, who the Seahawks will play for a third time this Saturday night, Charbonnet had 17 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown. He added three catches for 23 yards. The 25-year-old's touchdown was a 27-yard scamper, which ended up being the only TD of the game on either side. The previous week, he saw a season-high 18 rushing attempts for a season-high 110 yards and two rushing scores in a win over the Carolina Panthers. In Week 1 against San Fran, Charb had 12 carries for 47 yards and a TD. He will continue to split touches with
Kenneth Walker III, but Charbonnet isn't a bad RB option in fantasy leagues this week against a banged-up 49ers defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to RBs in the last five weeks.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been requested by the Detroit Lions to interview for their offensive-coordinator position, a source told the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smith is also still in the mix for multiple head-coaching jobs and has significant interest around the league as an OC. Even though the Lions offense was still pretty formidable in 2025, the team chose to part ways with OC Johnny Morton after just one year. Head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties late in the year, but it wasn't enough to help the Lions get back to the playoffs. Depending on who the team hires as the next OC, Campbell is expected to give up play-calling duties. Smith has developed a reputation as an OC who prefers to run the ball and who uses a lot of two-tight-end sets. It would be a stark change for the Lions' offense.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 15, 2026
Former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who was the OC for Baltimore the last three years under former head coach John Harbaugh, is among the leading candidates to follow Harbaugh to New York to become the Giants' OC, sources told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. The Giants will still go through a formal search, but Monken is the early leader. Harbaugh is expected to officially become New York's new head coach on Thursday after meeting with the team on Wednesday. If Monken follows Harbaugh to the Big Apple, he'll be tasked with helping first-round quarterback
Jaxson Dart develop as he heads into his sophomore season. Dart showed impressive dual-threat abilities in his first year in the NFL, but durability will continue to be an issue if he doesn't get better at protecting himself as a runner. In addition to Dart, the Giants have strong building blocks around him on offense in wide receiver
Malik Nabers (knee) and running back
Cam Skattebo.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
January 15, 2026
LSU wide receiver transfer Kyle Parker is trending to land at Auburn or Ohio State, according to On3. Parker was a four-star recruit out of Texas in the Class of 2023, but he did not earn significant playing time until his redshirt-sophomore campaign in 2025. After catching just three passes for 55 yards as a freshman, Parker hauled in 31 receptions for 330 yards and four touchdowns last season. Both Auburn (Cam Coleman) and Ohio State (Carnell Tate) are losing big-time wide receiver talents from last year's squad, so Parker could be an impact player right away for the Tigers or Buckeyes. Auburn has been trending as the team to beat for Parker, but Ohio State is making a late push in the recruitment process.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
January 15, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers have requested to interview Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero for their open head coaching job, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The Steelers are beginning to create a list of head-coaching candidates after long-time head coach Mike Tomlin announced his resignation on Tuesday. Evero has been running the Panthers' defense for the last three seasons. Before that, he was the DC for the Denver Broncos in 2022. In addition to the Steelers, Evero is in the running for the head-coaching jobs this cycle for the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders. Steelers owner Art Rooney II said the organization isn't putting a timeframe on when it expects to have a new head coach, and he shot down suggestions that the Steelers would be in a "rebuild" phase after the departure of Tomlin, who has been with the team for 19 years.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 15, 2026
Denver Broncos running back
R.J. Harvey finished his rookie season with 896 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns, helping the Broncos win their first division title since 2015. Harvey began the season as a backup to starter
J.K. Dobbins, but after Dobbins went down with a foot injury in Week 10, Harvey took over. Since the injury, Harvey has ranked as the RB13, averaging 15.2 PPR points per game. He faces a Buffalo Bills run defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points this season. The Jaguars were productive on the ground against the Bills in the Wild Card Round, with
Travis Etienne and
Bhayshul Tuten totaling 118 rushing yards on just 14 carries. With the Bills boasting one of the NFL's strongest pass defenses, the Broncos will need to rely on Harvey and the run game to advance to the AFC Championship.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver
Luther Burden III hauled in three of seven targets for 42 yards in the 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers. Despite the wild victory over the division-rival Packers, Burden struggled, posting his worst statistical game since Week 13 and stopping on a route that led to an interception. The second-round pick has become a key part of the Bears' passing game, and he has an opportunity to explode in the Divisional Round. He faces a Los Angeles Rams defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season and has struggled as of late, allowing big games to
Amon-Ra St. Brown,
Michael Wilson, and
Jalen Coker in the last six weeks. Burden is a high-ceiling option at the wide receiver position who could be a game-changer in what should be a high-scoring affair.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III finished his fourth NFL season with 221 carries for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, adding 31 receptions for 282 yards as a pass-catcher. Walker posted a career-high in scrimmage yards (1309) but scored only five touchdowns, while backup
Zach Charbonnet scored 12 rushing touchdowns this season. Since Week 4, Walker has scored two touchdowns, which ranks 48th in the NFL during that span. He faces a San Francisco 49ers defense that has given up the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs and the second-most receptions to the position this season. While Walker was productive in the Week 18 contest against the 49ers, totaling 133 scrimmage yards on 20 touches, if he can't find the end zone, his ceiling will be limited.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Kyren Williams carried the ball 13 times for 57 yards and added 18 receiving yards and a touchdown on two receptions in the 34-31 win over the Carolina Panthers. Williams saw a decreased workload this season as second-year back
Blake Corum emerged, but he has been a factor in the receiving game more than in the past. The fourth-year back recorded his most receiving yards and receptions of his career, and that receiving production helped the Rams take down the Panthers in the Wild Card Round. He faces a Chicago Bears defense that has ranked middle-of-the-pack against running backs this season, despite allowing the fourth-most total yards of offense. In what should be a high-scoring game, Williams profiles as a top-three option at the running back position and could be a huge factor in the receiving game once again.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Chicago Bears tight end
Colston Loveland went nuclear in the Wild Card Round, hauling in eight of 15 targets for 137 yards in the 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers. Loveland was disappointing early in the season, ranking as the TE50 through the first eight weeks. The 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has ranked as the TE2 since Week 9, trailing only
Trey McBride, and has fully cemented himself as a top option at the position in the divisional round. He faces a Los Angeles Rams defense that has ranked in the middle of the pack against tight ends this season. The Bears have a crowded receiver room, including
Rome Odunze,
D.J. Moore, and
Luther Burden III, but Loveland's connection with quarterback
Caleb Williams stands out, and the rookie tight end is a strong option against the Rams.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson hauled in two of three targets for 34 yards and a touchdown in the 34-31 win over the Carolina Panthers. Parkinson was quiet for most of the game, but he reeled in the game-winning 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback
Matthew Stafford, sending the Rams to the divisional round. Despite joining a mess of a tight end room this offseason, the former Seahawk has stepped up in a major way this season, scoring nine touchdowns in 16 games. He faces a Chicago Bears defense that has ranked middle-of-the-pack against tight ends this season, despite being close to the bottom in total yards allowed. With only eight teams left and star tight ends injured among those teams, Parkinson ranks as one of the top options at the position this week.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Oregon quarterback Bryson Beaver, who enrolled in the school on January 5, has entered the transfer portal following the announcements that Dylan Raiola has signed with the Ducks, and Dante Moore is returning for another season rather than entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Beaver was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2026 out of California, and his path to playing time evaporated quickly. According to On3, Georgia and Kentucky are the top schools to watch in his transfer-portal recruitment. The Bulldogs have Gunner Stockton coming back in 2026, and the Wildcats just signed Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey. However, Beaver could add depth to either SEC roster and potentially compete for a starting role in 2027.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
January 15, 2026
Tennessee transfer quarterback Jake Merklinger has committed to UConn, according to On3. The rising redshirt sophomore was a four-star recruit in the class of 2024 and appeared in six total games in two seasons with the Vols. As a third-stringer in 2024 and backup in 2025, Merklinger completed 19 of 33 passing attempts for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He did not play in meaningful action during his time in Knoxville. As a former blue-chip recruit and SEC transfer, Merklinger will likely get the chance to compete for the starting job under new head coach Jason Candle, who comes over from Toledo after an 81-44 record in 10 seasons with the Rockets.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
January 15, 2026
Miami Marlins top pitching prospect
Thomas White could make a case to push for an earlier-than-expected MLB debut. The Miami Marlins have traded two of their current starting pitchers this past week, which will open the door for their budding prospects to compete for a job in spring training. The Marlins shipped
Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs in return for top outfield prospect
Owen Caissie and then moved left-hander
Ryan Weathers to the Yankees in return for several hitting prospects. While
Robby Snelling appears to be a favorite to claim one of the openings as he finished this season pitching at a high level with Triple-A, managers should also monitor White, the team's top arm. MLB.com's No. 22-ranked prospect logged 89 2/3 innings last season, spent primarily with High-A and Double-A before earning a brief stint at Triple-A. Through these innings, White held a stellar 2.31 ERA, 1.18 WHIP with a 145:51 K:BB. If White can turn in a dominant spring training, the left-hander could make a case to begin the 2026 season in Miami or join the Marlins relatively early in the first half.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
New York Mets outfield prospect
Carson Benge is a name to closely monitor during spring training. As reported by Sam Dykstra of MLB.com, Benge is in the mix to win a starting job in the outfield out of spring training. Following the departure of
Brandon Nimmo, Benge could make a strong case in spring training to claim the open role in the outfield. Currently, the Mets are slated to put
Tyrone Taylor in center field and
Juan Soto in right field. While they have been linked to free agents like
Kyle Tucker, as of now, a corner outfield position appears to be open for the taking. Last season, Benge opened the campaign with High-A but was able to end the season with Triple-A. Across 116 total games, the No. 21-ranked prospect in the sport posted a .281/.385/.472 line with an .857 OPS. Managers should closely monitor Benge's production in the spring, as he could be a top late-round target in drafts if he can claim the open role in the outfield.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect
Bubba Chandler has seen his fantasy stock rise following his strong conclusion to the season, as he appears poised for a breakout campaign in 2026. Chandler made his MLB debut with the Pirates in late August of 2025. Through his first 31 1/3 innings in the big leagues, the right-hander posted a modest 4.01 ERA with a stellar 0.93 WHIP. However, his ERA is significantly inflated due to the nine-run outing on September 7. Removing this one fluke outing, the 23-year-old would have instead carried a dominant 1.57 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and a 28:1 K:BB across 28 2/3 innings in the big leagues. While Chandler struggled at times at Triple-A before his promotion, once he reached Pittsburgh, the top prospect looked like his typical self. Seeing that he showed elite command and above-average strikeout upside, Chandler could enjoy an impressive first full season in the big leagues and is worth viewing as an SP3/SP4 with upside.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
Baltimore Orioles catching prospect
Samuel Basallo could see nearly every day at-bats with the Orioles to open the 2026 season. The top catching prospect in the sport and the overall No. 7-ranked per MLB Pipeline, made his long-awaited MLB debut in August of the 2025 season. Through his first 31 games in Baltimore, Bassalo showed some growing pains, posting a .165/.229/.330 line with a modest .559 OPS. He hit four home runs but carried a 30:6 K:BB. Through 70 games with Triple-A Norfolk, Basallo posted an impressive .270/.377/.589 line with 17 doubles and 23 home runs. During his brief stint with the Orioles last season, Basallo logged 22 games behind the dish with seven at DH and two at first base. With
Pete Alonso now on the roster, Basallo will likely only rotate between catcher and DH. Managers should expect Basallo to open the campaign, rotating with
Adley Rutschman behind the dish and at DH, given his usage last summer. However, if Basallo sees these struggles continue, he could lose DH at-bats to
Tyler O'Neill or
Ryan Mountcastle.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward
Tobias Harris (hip) is likely to rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, as the team has listed him as probable on the injury report. Harris has yet to play in 2026, missing five games with a left hip sprain. The veteran has been a regular starter throughout the campaign.
Javonte Green started on Saturday versus the Clippers and is set to return to the bench with Harris's return. However, there is also a chance Detroit eases Harris back by using him as a reserve to better manage his minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Kansas City Royals catching prospect
Carter Jensen made his MLB debut late in the 2025 season and immediately flashed high upside. With the Royals, Jensen posted a .300/.391/.550 line with six doubles, three home runs, and a 12:9 K:BB across a 20-game stint. Under the hood, the No. 1-ranked prospect in the system per MLB.com generated a remarkable .447 xwOBA, .336 xBA, and a .633 xSLG, suggesting he was not only making contact with the ball. but was flashing high raw power. Earlier in 2025, Jensen began the season with Double-A but needed only 68 games to earn the call to Triple-A. Through 43 games with the top level of the Kansas City system, Jensen held a .288/.404/.647 line with 14 home runs. In 2026, Jensen is expected to split the job with
Salvador Perez behind the dish and likely shift to the DH spot on his off days from catching. In his brief stint last summer, he logged 10 games behind the dish and nine at DH. If he continues to perform at this level, Jensen has the upside to be an everyday player and carry high-end sleeper appeal at the catching position.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the New York Giants are finalizing a deal with former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to make him the franchise's next head coach. Schefter noted that while the deal is not finalized, barring a setback, Harbaugh is expected to take over coaching duties in New York. Harbaugh interviewed with the Giants on Wednesday and was expected to visit other teams, but appears to have already found his next job. Harbaugh had a disappointing 2025 season with the Ravens as they missed the postseason and finished with just eight wins, his lowest total since the 2016 season, which ultimately led to his firing. With the Ravens, Harbaugh won Super Bowl XLVII and led them to 11-double-digit-win seasons, including a 14-win campaign back in 2019. Harbaugh was also named AP Coach of the Year in that season. Harbaugh will now look to develop a young Giants team centered on QB
Jaxson Dart, whom the Giants drafted with the 25th overall pick in last year's NFL Draft. Given his success with
Lamar Jackson, dynasty managers should feel confident rostering Dart for the long term, as he will have a head coach with nearly two decades of success leading the way.
--Andy SmithSource: Adam Schefter
January 15, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward/center
Isaiah Stewart (illness) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to rejoin the lineup on Thursday night against the Phoenix Suns, as the team has listed him as probable for the game. Stewart was unavailable on Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers due to illness. The 24-year-old had a big 31-point outing in his last appearance, but that came as Detroit's starting center.
Jalen Duren (ankle) is on track to return on Thursday and will start ahead of Stewart. As a reserve, Stewart has contributed 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (ankle) is considered probable for Thursday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. He has been out for four games due to a right ankle sprain.
Isaiah Stewart (illness) is also expected back on Thursday, pushing
Paul Reed further down the depth chart. At the same time,
Tolu Smith may end up outside the rotation. Duren is having a big campaign, averaging 17.9 points and 10.6 rebounds. However, he has managed a double-double only once in his last four appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Top Texas Rangers shortstop prospect
Sebastian Walcott is expected to make a strong push to join Triple-A at the start of the 2026 regular season. Last summer, the No. 6-ranked prospect in all of baseball (according to MLB Pipeline) spent the entire campaign with Double-A Frisco and was able to hold his own, suggesting he is ready for a promotion. Across 125 contests, the infielder posted a .255/.355/.386 slash line with 19 doubles, 13 home runs, and an eye-catching 32 stolen bases. He held a 108:70 K: BB and scored 71 runs. In 2024, Walcott spent most of his time with High-A and held a similar .261/.342/.443 line before earning a brief five-game taste of Double-A. If the 19-year-old can join Triple-A Round Rock early in the campaign, he could push for a second-half MLB debut. He is worth closely monitoring in all dynasty leagues and deeper redraft leagues, as he could be in the mix to debut in the back half of the regular season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (back) played only 10 minutes in Wednesday's 119-105 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He was forced to make an early exit due to lower back tightness. Coulibaly finished with three points and two rebounds. Washington also lost
Alexandre Sarr early to an ejection, causing havoc in the rotation.
Will Riley tied a season high with 27 minutes and could be more involved again if Coulibaly misses Friday's matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Washington Wizards
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) left Wednesday's loss to the Denver Nuggets early in the third period. He's been battling a right ankle sprain all season and couldn't continue after logging 18 minutes. Gafford had six points and 10 rebounds. The early exit leaves Gafford questionable for Thursday's second leg of a back-to-back against the Utah Jazz.
Dwight Powell, who filled in for Gafford in the starting lineup on Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets, could move back into the first unit. In a starting role, Powell provided five points, 10 rebounds, and three assists on Monday.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (ankle) was limited to 15 minutes of action in Wednesday's loss to the Denver Nuggets, exiting the game early with a left ankle sprain. Flagg injured his ankle midway through the second quarter. He was initially able to return, but Dallas ruled him out for the rest of the contest early in the third quarter. It was the second straight game that Flagg twisted the ankle. He was able to finish Monday's win over the Brooklyn Nets after getting his ankle retaped. The Mavericks have a short turnaround, facing the Utah Jazz on Thursday night. Flagg's early exit from Wednesday's game leaves him questionable for the matchup.
Ryan Nembhard started the second half in Flagg's place on Wednesday and could have a larger role against Utah.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 15, 2026
New York Knicks point guard
Jalen Brunson (ankle) exited Wednesday's loss to the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter with a right ankle sprain. Brunson logged only five minutes, finishing with four points. In November, Brunson missed two games with a right ankle sprain, and he was out for nearly a month with the same injury last March. Brunson didn't use a walking boot after the game and reportedly didn't have a noticeable limp, suggesting the Knicks star avoided a serious injury. However, fantasy managers should consider him questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
Miles McBride and Tyler Kolak will get an uptick in playing time if Brunson isn't available.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 14, 2026
Former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will fly to Detroit to interview for the Lions' offensive-coordinator job on Thursday, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Robinson is also a strong candidate for the same position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but could have a leg up in Detroit because of their successful history with quarterback
Jared Goff from their time with the Los Angeles Rams. Robinson worked with the Rams for five seasons, starting as an assistant quarterbacks coach under head coach Sean McVay. He was the assistant QBs in L.A. in 2019 when Goff was the team's starting QB. Robinson is looking for a new gig after the Falcons fired head coach
Raheem Mostert following the 2025 season. Detroit is also looking at Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka, former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, and Seahawks passing-game coordinator Jake Peetz for the OC position.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
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