February 18, 2026
After a breakout year in 2025, Ben Griffin has taken a slight step back to start 2026, recording just one top-20 finish through his first four events. He now turns to The Genesis Invitational, where he finished T37 the last time it was held at Riviera in 2024. Success here requires a well-rounded game, and Griffin has shown some of that this year. He currently ranks 48th in total strokes gained (+0.761 per round) and 70th in putting (+0.214), though he is only 104th on approach (-0.065) and 103rd off the tee (-0.109). He's also 51st in greens in regulation and 37th in scrambling, helping him make up lost opportunities with his ball-striking. At $8,700 on DraftKings, Griffin profiles as a player with a high floor and upside that has yet to fully show this season.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
February 18, 2026
ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates report that the San Francisco 49ers will play a regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia, a home regular-season game in Mexico City, and have a schedule that includes two cross-country road games at the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants in 2026. The 49ers' opponent for the Mexico City game has yet to be announced, but they will square off against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Australia. San Francisco was eliminated by the Seattle Seahawks, who went on to win Super Bowl LX, in the Divisional Round of the postseason in a 41-6 rout. It was an impressive feat for the Niners to even make it to the playoffs last season, considering all the key players who missed extensive time due to injuries for them. Led by head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback
Brock Purdy, the 49ers will be Super Bowl contenders going into 2026, although their schedule certainly won't do them any favors.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter and Field Yates
February 18, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays catcher
Alejandro Kirk had arguably his best MLB season in 2025, hitting .282/.348/.421 with 15 home runs, 76 RBI, 45 runs scored, and one stolen base across 506 plate appearances. Kirk posted an elite 11.7% strikeout rate, in line with his career mark of 11.6%. However, the 27-year-old made major strides in terms of contact quality, upping his barrel rate from 6.7% in 2024 to 10.1% in 2025 and posting the best hard-hit rate (50.8%) of his career. Speed will never be an asset for Kirk, as he's logged one career stolen base. His poor base-running ability also impacts him in terms of runs scored, as he's never recorded more than 59 runs in a season and has racked up 45 runs or fewer in three straight years. Still, Kirk's ability to make contact makes him one of the best options for batting average at the catcher position in all of fantasy. If he can hold the power gains he made in 2025, Kirk should be a solid power and RBI producer relative to his position as well. With a current average draft position of pick 150, Kirk profiles as a high-floor, low-end starting catcher for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs restructured quarterback
Patrick Mahomes' contract this week to create some much-needed salary cap space going into the 2026 season, according to ESPN. The restructuring converts $54.45 million of Mahomes' 2026 salary into a signing bonus, lowering his cap number to $34.65 million. The move creates $43.65 million in cap space and marks the fourth straight year the Chiefs have restructured Mahomes' contract. KC entered the offseason more than $57 million over the salary cap and will still need to make some financial maneuvers after restructuring Mahomes' contract. The Chiefs missed the playoffs in 2025 for the first time in a decade after reaching the Super Bowl in each of the previous three seasons. Mahomes will now count for an additional $11 million against KC's cap in each of the next four seasons, bringing his total cap number to $85 million for 2027.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
February 18, 2026
Chicago Cubs shortstop
Dansby Swanson may not be a standout fantasy producer in any one area, but he's been a remarkably consistent player since signing with Chicago heading into the 2023 season. Across 645 plate appearances in 2025, Swanson hit .244/.300/.417 with 24 home runs, 77 RBI, 84 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases. Swanson carries a limited batting average ceiling. In 2025, he struck out in 26% of his plate appearances, in line with his career strikeout rate of 24.4%. However, he's hit at least 22 home runs in four out of his last five seasons and swiped at least 18 bases in three out of the last four years. Swanson is also locked in as the everyday shortstop in what profiles as an excellent Chicago lineup, so he should continue to rack up counting stats. He's topped 80 runs in all three of his seasons with the Cubs, and has collected at least 77 RBI in four out of his last five campaigns. Swanson is entering his age-32 season, which brings about some risk of age-related decline. Still, his steady track record and max-playing time profile should allow him to pay off his current average draft position of pick 142.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Keegan Bradley has started to turn things around after a missed cut to open the season, finishing T43 at Torrey Pines and T29 at Pebble Beach. He now looks to build on that momentum at The Genesis Invitational, which returns to Riviera after a temporary move to Torrey Pines in 2025. In 14 career starts at Riviera, Bradley has six missed cuts and just four finishes inside the top 20. His success here has often hinged on putting, and so far this season, he ranks 82nd in strokes gained putting (+0.040 per round). He's also 64th in total strokes gained (+0.457), 27th off the tee (+0.542), but only 145th on approach (-0.721). With one of the lowest greens-in-regulation rates on Tour, approach play is crucial, and so far, Bradley hasn't done enough with his irons or flat stick to inspire strong confidence this week.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
February 18, 2026
In his first season with the team after signing a mega-contract in free agency, San Francisco Giants shortstop
Willy Adames posted a solid season in 2025. Across 686 plate appearances, the 30-year-old hit .225/.318/.421 with 30 home runs, 87 RBI, 94 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases. While Adames' 2025 line is slightly worse than the career year he posted with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024, he's established a steady production floor over the past four seasons. With a career strikeout rate of 27% (26.1% in 2025), Adames is likely to be a drain on the batting average category for fantasy managers. However, he's posted barrel rates north of 12% for four consecutive seasons and has reached the 30-home run mark in three of those four years. He's also locked in as the everyday shortstop in San Francisco and should rack up counting stats as long as he can stay healthy. Adames is now on the wrong side of 30 years old, so he could be hitting the start of a gentle decline phase. Still, he's an above-average power source at the shortstop position for fantasy managers and comes with a reasonable average draft position of pick 117.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher
Hunter Greene added a two-seam fastball and feels he improved his splitter over the offseason, per Charlie Clifford of NBC 5 Cincinnati. The 26-year-old reaffirmed his status as one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2025, posting a 7-4 record with a 2.76 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 132 strikeouts across 107 2/3 innings (19 starts). Greene missed significant time due to right groin strains that required two separate stints on the Injured List, the second of which forced him to miss over two months. However, the right-hander finished the year on the mound for Cincinnati and appears to be fully healthy heading into 2026 Spring Training. In 2025, Greene lowered his walk rate to a career-best 6.2% while also upping his strikeout rate to a career-best 31.4%. If his new pitch mix helps him unlock even more answers, Greene could emerge as a truly elite fantasy SP1 in 2026.
--Will BradySource: NBC 5 Cincinnati - Charlie Clifford
February 18, 2026
Minnesota Twins third baseman
Royce Lewis adopted a new hitting program and worked with a personal hitting coach for the first time in his career this past offseason, per Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The 26-year-old has long tantalized fantasy managers with his obvious talent and production upside, but he's struggled with inconsistency and major injury issues to this point in his career. Across 403 plate appearances in 2025, Lewis hit .237/.283/.388 with 13 home runs, 52 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases. While his 403 plate appearances represented a career single-season high, Lewis' .671 OPS was by far the worst mark he's posted in the big leagues. His barrel rate dropped from 11.2% in 2024 to 8.7% in 2025, and his isolated slugging percentage dipped from .219 to .152. Heading into 2026, Lewis appears to be fully healthy and has made significant changes to his offseason preparation. Lewis could significantly outperform his current average draft position of pick 191, but his profile obviously comes with a sizable amount of risk for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
February 18, 2026
J.J. Spaun's rough start to the season continued at Pebble Beach, where he lost nearly 3.7 strokes on the greens and finished T45. The putter has clearly been the biggest problem, as he currently ranks 163rd on Tour, losing an average of -1.010 strokes per round. It's a concerning trend heading into The Genesis Invitational, which returns to Riviera after a temporary move to Torrey Pines in 2025. Riviera is known for low greens-in-regulation rates and notoriously difficult Poa annua greens, and Spaun's history here doesn't offer much encouragement. In seven career starts at the course, he has lost 16.11 strokes putting, missed five cuts, and has yet to record a top-30 finish. Even at a $7,500 on DraftKings, he is difficult to trust given both his recent form and ongoing putting struggles. Fantasy managers may want to wait for signs of improvement before considering him for their lineups.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
February 18, 2026
Sepp Straka managed to be super consistent at Pebble Beach. The Austrian golfer shot all four rounds in the 60's en route to a T-2 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This week at Riviera Country Club may feature a different reality. Though his betting profile trends upward to around +4000 to win (+410 for a Top 10), Straka has not opened below a 70 in his last five appearances. That resulted in two missed cuts and two finishes outside the Top 40. Honestly, Straka could surprise here but from a betting and DFS point of view, there are better options for this course as the Austrian has had much inconsistency from his driver and putter at Riviera.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 18, 2026
Shane Lowry got his season off to a strong start at Pebble Beach, posting rounds of 67-69-67-67 on his way to a T8 finish. He now looks to carry that momentum into The Genesis Invitational, where he finished T14 when the tournament was last held at Riviera in 2024. Success here requires players to use every club in the bag, but with one of the lowest greens-in-regulation rates on Tour, approach play is especially important. Lowry ranks 11th in total strokes gained (+1.875 per round), 47th off the tee (+0.331), and 15th on approach (+0.814). In his last appearance here, he gained strokes across the bag, only losing ground on Riviera's difficult Poa annua greens. Lowry has been in strong form across both the DP World Tour and his lone PGA Tour start this season and is well-positioned to continue that this week. At $7,800 on DraftKings, he profiles as a high-upside value play.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
February 18, 2026
Justin Rose has already won in 2026 at the Farmers Insurance Open. The English golfer followed that up with a respectable T-37 at Pebble Beach. Rose, at 45, still drives the ball over 300 yards (306.9 average in 2026). Rose has missed the cut in both appearances at Riviera. Those starts were not good and second rounds were equally as bad (75-74 and 71-73). Rose could not make birdies in those events. Again, 2025 can be tossed out because of Torrey Pines. His betting number has also slid to +4500 to win and his Top 10 might approach (+450 to +500) at some point. The 7,322 yard course does not suit Rose quite so well like others from a birdie making perspective.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 18, 2026
Robert MacIntyre is an interesting golfer to watch this week at The Genesis Invitational. The Scottish golfer did have a Top 15 result (T-14) at the event in 2022. Last year was a bit different as the event was a little further south in San Diego. Anyway, MacIntyre's driving accuracy is above 60% after the first month at 61.31%. He will need that in Los Angeles this week along with the putter. Unusually, the golfer has reverted back to his 2024 form early where his major putting metrics were all in the green. His one-putt percentage early this year is up to 44.91% (16th). With a solid 72.69% for greens in regulation, MacIntyre could get in on the birdie bandwagon from a DFS point of view.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 18, 2026
Jake Knapp continued his incredible start to the season at Pebble Beach, finishing T8 and recording his fourth straight finish of T11 or better to open the year. He will look to keep it going at The Genesis Invitational, which returns to Riviera after a temporary move to Torrey Pines in 2025, where Knapp finished T17. Success here requires a complete game, but with one of the lowest greens-in-regulation rates on Tour, approach play is especially important. Knapp ranks third in total strokes gained (+2.257 per round), 19th off the tee (+0.633), and 63rd on approach (+0.294). He has also been lights out with the putter, gaining +1.046 strokes per round (13th), often the difference maker at Riviera. At $8,600 on DraftKings, Knapp will be a popular pick, and for good reason. Fantasy managers can continue to start him confidently until he shows any signs of slowing down.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
February 18, 2026
Min Woo Lee closed with an astonishing 65 on Sunday to tie for second at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The Australian golfer erased the blips from the final rounds of the first two events on his schedule. He played last year when The Genesis Invitational was at Torrey Pines. It will be intriguing to see what happens at Riviera Country Club this time. Lee played at the course in 2022 but he was much younger and missed the cut. His DFS trends are heading upward and his betting number has shortened significantly (now around +3500 to win). Lee must be good at all phases to have a chance of contending this week.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 18, 2026
Harry Hall has never played at The Genesis Invitational. The English golfer has probably practiced at Riviera Country Club but has not played it competitively. Yes, this surprises some people. Hall has enjoyed a nice beginning to 2026 with three Top 25 results in four tournaments. However, the Los Angeles area based course presents a few wrinkles some golfers may not be used to. It is why Hall has trended downward in betting circles (+10000 and worse). Pebble Beach is a little more technical compared to Riviera and Hall gained nearly two strokes overall last week (1.95). Losing a little again off the tee at 0.24 is a worry and driving accuracy has been a negative which enters Hall into uncertain territory for this week.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 18, 2026
Matt Fitzpatrick has enjoyed a solid start to 2026. The English golfer even has a Top 10 on his resume already (WM Phoenix Open). He managed a T-14 at Pebble Beach and closed with a final round 67 after a Saturday hiccup (70). The one concern is his putting metrics and that may be the only one. Despite that, he has scored well. His one-putt percentage is only 31.11% (170th) and putts per round is 30.17 (157th). Given his career numbers are far better, improvement could be on the horizon. It is why Fitzpatrick is a trending pick for bettors not only to finish inside the Top 10 (around +320) but maybe win the tournament entirely.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 18, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect
Jett Williams is trending towards beginning the 2026 season at Triple-A. While Williams appeared in a good position to crack the Opening Day roster following the trade that sent
Caleb Durbin to Boston, the Brewers quickly signed veteran infielder
Luis Rengifo, who is now penciled in to be their primary third baseman. While Williams has taken reps at the hot corner alongside his typical position at shortstop in camp, he will likely begin the season with Triple-A, where he can earn everyday at-bats. Williams joined the Brewers earlier in the offseason in the trade that sent right-hander
Freddy Peralta to the Mets. Last season, Williams made his Triple-A debut in the New York pipeline and held a .209/.285/.433 line with seven long balls and two swiped bags over a 34-game stint. While he could still carve out a role, managers should expect the top prospect to begin in the season in Nashville.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Miami Marlins left-handed pitching prospect
Robby Snelling may not be a lock to make the Opening Day rotation. Earlier in camp, the Marlins announced that veteran
Chris Paddack would be joining the rotation, which gives Snelling one fewer starting position. Additionally,
Max Meyer and
Braxton Garrett are both fully healthy in the early stages of spring training. Both would have the edge over Snelling, given their previous MLB experience. As a result, Snelling currently sits as the team's No. 6 starter, on the outside of the five-man rotation. Last summer, Snelling looked quite comfortable in his first taste of Triple-A, logging 63 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.27 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and an 81:17 K:BB. Managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears the 22-year-old might be ticketed for Triple-A to begin the season if the Marlins opt to deploy a five-man rotation.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect
Andrew Painter is in serious consideration for one of the final spots in the Phillies starting rotation. With
Zack Wheeler (elbow) on the shelf to open the season, the team's top pitching prospect appears to be in serious consideration for one of the final spots. However, given his struggles last season, the team could turn to a veteran option for the short term. Last summer, Painter made his return from Tommy John but stumbled in his first look at Triple-A. After not pitching since the 2022 season, the former first-round pick logged 106 2/3 innings to the tune of a 5.40 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. While he showed solid strikeout upside, tallying 111, he served up 46 free passes. Managers should continue to keep an eye on his development as he could hold some short-term upside in deeper formats if he were to earn a taste of the big leagues to begin the season. However, if these command issues linger in spring training, the Phillies may opt to keep him at Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Wyndham Clark started well at Pebble Beach last week. The American golfer failed to capitalize on his birdie opportunities over the weekend shooting a 71-72. That dropped Clark outside the Top 50 when all was said and done on Sunday. Clark needs to be more accurate with his driver this week. Early on in 2026, he ranks 143rd in driving accuracy at 54.91%. Clark also needs to get his putts per round down at the beginning and end of events. He is around 1.62 putts higher compared to his middle rounds. At Riviera, it is important to be accurate off the tee and cash in on the birdie chances. Clark from a betting perspective is someone to maybe fade here.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 18, 2026
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect
Walker Jenkins is a name to closely monitor in spring training as he could compete for an early MLB debut. The 20-year-old is currently viewed as MLB.com's No. 10-ranked prospect and Minnesota's No. 1 prospect. Last summer, Jenkins began the campaign with Double-A but was able to reach Triple-A, where he spent most of the second half. With Double-A, Jenkins held a .309/.426/.487 line with a strong .913 OPS. During his first 23 games with Triple-A St. Paul, the budding star did not look overmatched as he held a .242/.324/.396 line with six doubles, two home runs, and four stolen bases. While
Byron Buxton is locked in as the team's center field, Jenkins could carve out a role in right field, sharing time with
Matt Wallner or taking the lead job in left field over
Austin Martin and
Alan Roden. For now, Jenkins is a top name to watch in five-outfielder formats.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates outfield prospect
Jhostynxon Garcia has looked impressive on the defensive side of the ball during the early stages of camp. According to Pirates manager
Don Kelly, the young outfielder has held his own in the outfield when fielding flyballs. Kelly noted that Garcia's impact and ceiling" is "really high." The Pirates acquired Garcia from the Red Sox earlier in the winter, and he will have a chance to compete for a bench spot on the MLB roster out of spring training. Last summer, Garcia appeared in his first five MLB games and went 1-for-7 at the plate. However, at Triple-A, the 23-year-old held his own, posting a .271/.334/.498 slash line with 12 doubles and 18 home runs. Garcia is a name to monitor in deeper NL-only formats as he could earn a utility role in the Pittsburgh outfield. Managers should not expect him to earn a starting job as
Bryan Reynolds,
Ryan O'Hearn, and
Oneil Cruz are slated to be the team's primary outfielders.
--Andy SmithSource: Kevin Gorman
February 18, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays left-handed prospect
Ricky Tiedemann could be deployed in a relief role this season, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The young lefty is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery and has looked quite impressive in the early stages of camp. According to Matheson, while Tiedemann has "all the time in the world" as a 23-year-old prospect, the team is keeping the door open for him to see time as a relief pitcher in 2026. While the team still hopes for the young southpaw to return to a starter's workload later in his career, the bullpen may be his easiest path to making an impact in 2026. In 2023, Tiedemann logged 44 innings to the tune of a 3.68 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and an 82:23 K:BB. In 2025, he threw just 17 innings after returning from injury. Managers should continue to monitor his status as he could have some sleeper appeal if he were to earn a high-leverage relief role later in the summer.
--Andy SmithSource: Keegan Matheson
February 18, 2026
Ludvig Aberg won the Genesis Invitational in 2025, but this is not Torrey Pines in San Diego. The Swedish golfer will be going up against the Riviera Country Club this time around. More than likely, a few more birdies will need to be made at the Los Angeles course. Aberg could not make putts at the Farmers Insurance Open, missing the cut. Things improved a little at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but Aberg never could get in contention. He finished T37, but his metrics roamed into positive territory. Riviera stands at a still long 7,322 yards. Aberg might be someone to stay away from early for DFS purposes.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Obi Toppin (foot) will remain out on Thursday against the Washington Wizards, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports. Toppin was at Tuesday's practice, but only as a limited participant. According to Pacers head coach, the former dunk champion is making progress in his recovery from right-foot surgery, but it's going to be "a while" before Toppin is ready to play. Toppin enjoyed a strong start to the campaign before landing on the shelf. He averaged 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds across the first three games. As long as he's out,
Jarace Walker and
Micah Potter will benefit from extra minutes in the frontcourt.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dustin Dopirak
February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers center
Ivica Zubac (ankle) isn't ready to make his team debut when the season resumes on Thursday, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports. The Croatian big man was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, and Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said after the session that it will be "a while" before Zubac is ready to play. The Pacers have the fourth-worst record in the league and aren't in a rush to get Zubac back into the lineup. With him out,
Jay Huff,
Micah Potter, and
Kobe Brown share minutes at center.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dustin Dopirak
February 18, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) practiced on Tuesday, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. He is also scheduled to take part in a team scrimmage on Wednesday. This suggests Porzingis could be ready to make his team debut on Thursday against his former squad, the Boston Celtics. The Latvian veteran hasn't played since Jan. 7 due to an Achilles issue. He had a decent start to the campaign with the Atlanta Hawks, recording 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Gui Santos may find himself on the bench when Porzingis returns, significantly lowering his fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Slater
February 18, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) is expected to participate in a team scrimmage on Wednesday, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. The team will then determine his status for Thursday's matchup with the Boston Celtics. Curry has been dealing with runner's knee and sat out the final five games before the All-Star break. Due to the issue, the two-time MVP was also unable to play in the All-Star Game on Sunday.
Pat Spencer has been starting at point guard during Curry's absence, averaging 14.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals over the last five games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Slater
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