January 19, 2026
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is expected to have a second, in-person interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers for their head-coaching job this week, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The Steelers will also have a second interview with Minnesota Vikings DC Brian Flores, who was a defensive assistant on Pittsburgh's staff in 2022. Los Angeles Rams assistant coaches Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase are also set for second interviews for the Steelers' job. If Weaver doesn't get the job in Pittsburgh, he could head to the New York Giants to be the DC for new head coach John Harbaugh. In addition to interviewing for the Steelers' head-coaching job, Weaver is a candidate for the same position with the Baltimore Ravens. The Dolphins had a top-10 defense under Weaver in 2024 before regressing in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 19, 2026
The Las Vegas Raiders announced on Sunday that they completed an interview with Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady for their head-coaching position, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Brady also interviewed for the Miami Dolphins' head-coaching opening. The 36-year-old has been Buffalo's OC for the last three seasons, but he's looking for a new gig now that the Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott after their Divisional Round overtime loss to the Denver Broncos on Saturday. In his first full season as the Bills' OC last year, Brady helped quarterback
Josh Allen to an MVP season. Brady is viewed as one of the brightest offensive minds in the league. If the Raiders hire him as their next head coach, he'll likely be coaching Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza in 2026, as the Raiders are expected to take him first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
January 19, 2026
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said that rookie tight end
Colston Loveland (concussion) suffered a concussion in Sunday's Divisional Round overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to Nicholas Moreano of Watch Marquee Sports. Loveland left the game after making an 18-yard reception in the fourth quarter, and he never returned. The 21-year-old finished the game with four catches on a team-high 10 targets for a team-leading 56 yards in the 20-17 defeat. Loveland got off to a slow start in his first NFL season, but he finished as one of the team's top targets. In 16 regular-season games, he hauled in 58 of his 82 targets for 713 yards and six touchdowns to finish as the TE12 in half-PPR points. Loveland added 12 catches for 193 yards in Chicago's two playoff games, and he'll be firmly in TE1 territory in fantasy drafts this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: Watch Marquee - Nicholas Moreano
January 19, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford managed to lead his team to victory, but he did not have his most productive day in the NFC Divisional Round against the Chicago Bears. The 37-year-old completed 20 of 42 pass attempts for 258 yards (6.1 yards per attempt) without a touchdown. He also fumbled twice, although both were recovered by the Rams. Stafford is playing through a sprained right index finger that he suffered in the Wild Card Round, which could be negatively impacting his performance. Still, his team will likely need more from him in the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle completely dominated San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Brock Purdy in the Divisional Round, holding him to 140 passing yards and holding the 49ers to just six total points. However, Stafford had plenty of success against the Seahawks in the regular season, completing 44 of 77 pass attempts for 587 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions across two meetings between the two NFC West foes. Fantasy managers may be wise to closely monitor reports on Stafford's injured finger heading into the NFC Championship Game.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
January 19, 2026
Chicago Bears tight end
Colston Loveland recorded four catches for 56 yards on 10 targets in his team's NFC Divisional Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams. While Loveland did not have his most efficient day against Los Angeles, the 21-year-old had an encouraging postseason overall. Across two playoff games, Loveland hauled in 12 catches for 193 yards on a team-leading 25 targets. His strong playoffs were a continuation of his breakout finish to his strong regular season. Over his final four outings of the year, Loveland recorded 28 receptions for 378 yards and two touchdowns on a whopping 48 targets. Including the playoffs, Loveland totaled 906 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 70 receptions across 18 games as a rookie. The Bears have talented wide receivers locked up for the future as well in
Rome Odunze,
Luther Burden III, and
DJ Moore. However, Loveland may be emerging as the preferred target of Bears quarterback
Caleb Williams and profiles as a high-end tight end option for fantasy managers heading into the 2026 season.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
January 19, 2026
Chicago Bears quarterback
Caleb Williams nearly led his team to another improbable comeback win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round, completing 23 of 42 pass attempts for 257 yards and two touchdowns. However, the 24-year-old also threw three interceptions, including a back-breaking pick in overtime that set the Rams up for a game-winning field goal. Williams took Bears fans and fantasy managers on a rollercoaster ride across his first two postseason games, completing 52.2% of his pass attempts for 618 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also provided production with his legs, rushing for 60 yards on eight attempts. Williams' turnover struggles in the playoffs were a bit of a surprise, as he threw just seven interceptions across 17 regular-season games. Overall, the young quarterback still has plenty to work on, but he showed signs of significant growth from year one to year two and should be a sought-after fantasy quarterback in 2026.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
January 19, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
DJ Moore posted a strong outing in his final game of the 2025 season, recording five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown on eight targets in his team's NFC Divisional Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 28-year-old was a standout performer across Chicago's two postseason games, hauling in 11 receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 15 targets. However, Moore had his least productive regular season since his rookie year, recording 50 catches for 682 yards and six touchdowns on 85 targets across 17 games. Going forward, the Bears have a trio of young pass-catchers in wide receivers
Luther Burden III and
Rome Odunze, as well as tight end
Colston Loveland, who could push Moore down Chicago's target-share pecking order. Moore's future status with the Bears could be a storyline for fantasy managers to monitor over the course of the offseason.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
January 19, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Kyren Williams helped power his team to the NFC Championship game by recording 21 carries for 67 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Chicago Bears. Williams also hauled in four catches for 30 yards on five targets. Dating back to the regular season, the 25-year-old has now played exactly 63% of the Rams' offensive snaps in three straight games. While Los Angeles continues to utilize running back
Blake Corum, Williams has re-emerged as the team's clear lead back. Against Chicago, Williams earned 25 touches, compared to just six for Corum. Across two postseason games this year, Williams has now recorded 172 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 40 touches. In the NFC Championship Game, he will face a difficult matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. However, Williams had some success across his two regular-season outings against Seattle, recording a combined 181 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 39 touches.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
January 19, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kayshon Boutte was one of the stars of his team's AFC Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans, hauling in three receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown on five targets. The 23-year-old averaged 16.7 yards per reception in the regular season and has continued to be a big-play merchant in the playoffs. Across two postseason contests, Boutte has now recorded seven catches for 141 yards (20.1 yards per reception). In the AFC Championship Game, New England will travel to Denver to take on the Broncos. While Denver fielded a strong overall pass defense during the regular season, they were a unit that was susceptible to explosive plays through the air. The Broncos allowed 10 receptions of 40 or more yards, tied for the fourth-most in the NFL. Boutte should have his chances to provide downfield production for fantasy managers in the AFC Championship.
--Will BradySource: ESPN.com
January 19, 2026
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Buffalo Bills have opted to move on from head coach Sean McDermott. McDermott has been the head coach of the Buffalo Bills since the 2017 campaign. The Bills saw their playoff run cut short once again this past weekend, falling to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. As the Bills' HC, McDermott has been unable to lead the team to the Super Bowl as they have continued to fall short in the AFC. Overall, the 51-year-old finishes his time in Buffalo holding a 98-50 regular-season record but an underwhelming 8-8 playoff record. McDermott marks the 10th head coaching change set to occur ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Last week, two of the openings were filled as the Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski to fill their vacancy, while the Giants brought in longtime Ravens HC John Harbaugh to fill theirs. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to this opening as a new coach, especially an offensive mind, could affect
Josh Allen's future fantasy outlook.
--Andy SmithSource: Ian Rapoport
January 19, 2026
Cleveland Guardians top prospect
Travis Bazzana is expected to begin the 2026 season with Triple-A Columbus. The Guardians selected the second baseman with the top pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oregon State. Following the draft, Bazzana was given a brief 27-game taste of High-A to conclude 2024, where he struggled, holding a modest .238 AVG with a .738 OPS. In 2025, Bazzana began the season with Double-A and was eventually able to earn a promotion to Triple-A. Across 77 games split between the top two levels in the Cleveland system, Bazzana held a .246/.383/.430 line with an .813 OPS, nine home runs, and 11 stolen bases. Unfortunately, multiple oblique injuries significantly limited his total playing time. While Bazzana figures to compete for a first-half MLB debut, fantasy managers should expect the top prospect to begin 2026 at Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 19, 2026
Chicago Cubs catcher/first base prospect
Moises Ballesteros could see a full-time role on the MLB roster in the 2026 season. The team's top catching prospect made his MLB debut last season and showed flashes in his limited 20-game stint. During this small taste, the 22-year-old held a .298/.394/.474 line with two home runs. However, with
Kyle Tucker off the roster, the team's primary designated hitter last season,
Seiya Suzuki, will likely shift back to right field, opening a spot in the lineup for Ballesteros. Additionally, the backstop could serve as the No. 2 option to
Carson Kelly, further opening up opportunities. Through 114 games at Triple-A last summer, Ballesteros flashed immense upside, holding a .316/.385/.473 line. He is a name to closely monitor during camp, as he could be a top late-round power target if he claims the primary DH role.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 19, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
De'Anthony Melton (knee) will sit out the front end of the team's back-to-back set, with his next opportunity to play coming Tuesday against Toronto. His absence nudges minutes and usage across a crowded wing rotation.
Brandin Podziemski stands to benefit most after producing 16 points, six rebounds, and seven assists in 30 minutes on Friday, while
Buddy Hield,
Gary Payton II, and
Will Richard should also see added run. The rotation remains fluid, keeping all three as situational fantasy options.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (lower body) might be ready to end a seven-game absence on Monday against the Colorado Avalanche. After returning to practice last week, Wilson participated in the morning skate ahead of Saturday's contest against the Florida Panthers. He was labeled a game-time decision for the matchup, but the team ultimately didn't activate him from Injured Reserve. Wilson's return would be a welcome boost for a Capitals team that has won only three games in 2026. The power forward has been a point-per-game player this season, leading Washington with 22 goals and 42 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 19, 2026
Seattle Mariners top prospect
Colt Emerson is a name to keep a close eye on during camp, as he could push for an early MLB debut in 2026. Last summer, the No. 9-ranked prospect in the sport according to MLB Pipeline began the season in High-A and finished the season with Triple-A Tacoma. With High-A, Emerson posted a .281/.388/.453 line with 16 doubles, 11 home runs, and six stolen bases. Through his first taste of Double-A, Emerson held a .282 AVG with a solid .790 OPS across a 34-game stint. Then, during his brief six-game taste of Triple-A, Emerson continued to play at a high level, hitting two home runs with a .364/.444/.727 line. While Emerson figures to earn a full stint at Triple-A to start 2026, he could debut in Seattle much earlier than expected if he can continue his current trajectory.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 19, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Zaccharie Risacher (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Milwaukee as he continues to recover from a bruised left knee. His ongoing absence keeps
Vit Krejci in the starting lineup, though the fantasy return has been modest. Krejci has averaged 5.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across his last five starts while logging 21.9 minutes per game. The minutes are stable, but the low usage and limited peripheral stats cap him as a deep-league option until Risacher is cleared.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Detroit Tigers top prospect
Kevin McGonigle is a name to closely monitor early in the season. McGonigle enjoyed an impressive 2025 campaign and is quickly approaching the top level of the Detroit system. Last season, the No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline, trailing only Pittsburgh's
Konnor Griffin, opened the season at Low-A but quickly reached Double-A by the second half. Across 88 total games, McGonigle held an elite .305/.408/.583 line. Through 46 games with Double-A Erie, the 21-year-old posted a .254/.369/.550 line with 10 doubles, 12 home runs, and seven stolen bases. While McGonigle remains at least one stop away from the majors, he could be in the mix for a second-half MLB debut if he can carry this production into Triple-A. He remains a high-end dynasty asset that could hold redraft value late in the regular season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 19, 2026
Boston Bruins defenseman Henri Jokiharju (personal) was designated as a non-roster player on Sunday. He's dealing with a family matter and could miss some action this week. In a corresponding move, the Bruins recalled Billy Sweezey from the minors. The team will get back to work on Tuesday night against the Dallas Stars. In addition to Sweezy, Vladislav Kolyachonok is also an option to fill in for Jokiharju, who has skated on the second defensive pairing. Jokiharju has yet to score despite 30 shots on goal, but he has nine assists in 32 outings this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 19, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) will sit out Monday against New York, extending his absence to three games as he continues to work through a right ankle sprain, with Thursday against Golden State next on the schedule. Dallas remains thin up front with
Anthony Davis (finger) and
P.J. Washington (personal) sidelined.
Dwight Powell logged 10 points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes Friday, while
Moussa Cisse posted 10 points and 13 rebounds in 23 minutes earlier this week. Both remain deep-league options with volatile roles.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder
Jac Caglianone appears ticketed to see a near-everyday role at the start of the 2026 campaign. The former sixth overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft made his MLB debut last season but struggled as he held a .157/.237/.295 line with just six doubles and seven home runs across a 62-game stint. However, during his time at Triple-A, the former Florida Gator flared immense upside, hitting an elite .357/.426/.705 line with six doubles and 11 home runs. Earlier in the offseason, the Royals appeared interested in acquiring Boston Red Sox outfielder
Jarren Duran in a trade. However, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that this trade appears unlikely, leaving Caglainone facing even less competition for an everyday role. Currently, he is slated to cover right field while
Kyle Isbel,
Isaac Collins, and
Lane Thomas split center and left field. Given his power upside, Caglianone could enjoy a massive breakout season if he can see every day at-bats.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 19, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
P.J. Washington (personal) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup against New York and will miss a second straight game while addressing a personal matter, with Thursday against Golden State next on the schedule. His continued absence leaves
Naji Marshall with increased playing time, and the versatile wing logged 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists in 29 minutes Saturday. Marshall's consistent minutes and multi-category contributions give him short-term fantasy relevance while Washington remains sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (face) rejoined practice on Sunday. He has been sidelined since Dec. 20 after taking a puck to the face in a matchup against the Calgary Flames. While Nazar is expected to miss his 14th consecutive game on Monday against the Winnipeg Jets, he could be an option to return to the lineup on Thursday versus the Carolina Hurricanes. Nazar has notched 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 33 outings this campaign. With Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) also out, Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev are currently part of the top-six group in Chicago, giving them additional fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 19, 2026
Cincinnati Reds prospect
Sal Stewart is expected to earn opportunities at first base during camp. Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reported that, given Cincinnati's crowded infield, the Reds will look to provide Stewart as many opportunities as possible instead of keeping him in the DH spot. Last summer, the team's top hitting prospect made his MLB debut and spent most of his time at first base. However, coming up in the minor leagues. Stewart never saw a game at first base and instead covered second and third. However, with
Ke'Bryan Hayes at the hot corner and
Matt McLain at second, the 22-year-old has had to learn a new position. Managers should monitor his status during camp, as Stewart could shift between first base and DH if his bat can continue to produce. During his first 18 games with the Reds, Stewart flashed solid upside, hitting five home runs with an .838 OPS.
--Andy SmithSource: Charlie Goldsmith
January 19, 2026
St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist (lower body) was involved in a scary incident during Sunday's 5-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, suffering a skate cut. He needed assistance to leave the ice in the third period after being cut by a skate on his lower body. "Luckily, it did not touch his Achilles," Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said after the game. "So it's just going to be now, how long he's out, it's day-to-day... We know the cut was deep, I don't know how long that takes until he's back and has the flexibility in his ankle without hurting the cut." Sundqvist operates in a bottom-six role, recording 10 points (three goals, 10 assists) and 47 hits in 39 appearances this season. The team will turn to Robby Fabbri or Jonatan Berggren to fill Sundqvist's spot in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 19, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Sam Merrill (hand) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Oklahoma City, marking his second straight absence with a right-hand sprain, though he remains day-to-day. With
Darius Garland (toe) also sidelined, Cleveland's backcourt rotation stays thin, and usage is redistributed.
Jaylon Tyson continues to benefit most, coming off a 39-point outing in 38 minutes Friday while handling a larger offensive role.
Lonzo Ball and
Craig Porter Jr. should see added minutes off the bench but remain situational fantasy plays due to volatile production.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Edmonton Oilers right wing Kasperi Kapanen (undisclosed) was labeled day-to-day after his early exit from Sunday's win against the St. Louis Blues. Kapanen only recently returned from a knee injury, and unfortunately, he will have to miss time again. However, it's good news that he isn't expected to be out long-term. The Finnish forward has played well in recent weeks, producing three goals and four assists in eight games since his return to the lineup. The Oilers' offense is also without Leon Draisaitl (personal) and Adam Henrique (undisclosed), resulting in Trent Frederic moving into the top six. Kapanen's departure from the lineup will open up another spot on the second line.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 19, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Cleveland after exiting Saturday early, with additional testing confirming a right hamstring strain and no clear return timeline. His absence opens perimeter minutes and usage, pushing
Ajay Mitchell into a larger role after he posted 15 points in 28 minutes Friday.
Aaron Wiggins offers scoring upside, while
Cason Wallace and
Alex Caruso provide defensive stats with volatile offensive returns. Mitchell profiles as the strongest short-term add.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Defenseman Zach Whitecloud was acquired by the Calgary Flames from the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, with defenseman Rasmus Andersson heading in the opposite direction. Calgary also acquired defensive prospect Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick. Whitecloud was an undrafted free-agent signing by the Golden Knights in 2018 and has carved out a solid NHL career. The 29-year-old has made 368 career appearances, winning the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023. This season, Whitecloud contributed seven points (two goals, five assists), 63 blocks, and 73 hits in 47 outings, averaging 18:46 of ice time. Whitecloud could see increased usage in Calgary, though his fantasy stock will remain low due to his limited offensive skills.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 19, 2026
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportnet, the Toronto Blue Jays have had meetings with free agent left-hander
Framber Valdez and remain in the mix to sign him. The Blue Jays have had a very active offseason, including signing
Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year deal and starting pitcher
Dylan Cease to a seven-year contract. Additionally, they were heavily linked to Kyler Tucker and even offered him a massive $350 million, 10-year deal before he signed with the Dodgers. With Tucker off the board, the Blue Jays have remained active among the top free agents and could look to further bolster their rotation by adding Valdez. The southpaw has been one of the most stable workhorse pitchers in the sport as he has logged over 190 innings in three of his last four seasons. During these four campaigns, the southpaw has held a 3.21 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP. Valdez projects to carry solid SP2 upside in all formats heading into 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith
January 19, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will not play Monday against Cleveland as he continues to rehab a right soleus strain, with Wednesday in Milwaukee representing his next possible checkpoint. With
Jalen Williams (hamstring) also sidelined, the Thunder will continue to lean heavily on
Chet Holmgren, who logged 14 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks in 30 minutes Friday.
Jaylin Williams has seen a steadier run off the bench and profiles as a deep-league streamer, while
Kenrich Williams remains volatile and matchup dependent.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
RADIO
