Cade Otton Quietly Due for a Bigger Workload?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton hasn't been a very popular name in dynasty fantasy football leagues this offseason, but managers should consider acquiring the 26-year-old given the Bucs' moves so far. Most notably, the Buccaneers allowed wide receiver Mike Evans to depart in free agency. He leaves behind a modest 61 targets from 2025, but he's just a few years removed from his 136-target campaign in 2023. Historically, Otton has thrived when Evans isn't on the field. In the 11 games where Evans was sidelined due to injury last year, Otton averaged 5.4 targets, 3.9 catches, and 36.8 yards per contest. The biggest red flag for Otton was that he didn't score a touchdown while Evans was sidelined; in fact, he didn't get into the end zone until Week 18. We expect him to have some positive touchdown regression, though, and he has legitimate top-15 upside with Evans out of town. Dynasty managers in need of a potential low-end TE1 or high-end TE2 should send out trade offers for Otton, because he can be acquired at a reasonable price this offseason.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Noah Cates has Two-Point Game on Thursday
Philadelphia Flyers center Noah Cates scored and assisted one time each in a 5-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. Both his points came in the last eight minutes of the game and helped add some insurance to their lead. The American has been playing well lately, with four goals and two assists in his last five games played, giving him 40 total points this year.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Tetairoa McMillan Headed for a Big Year 2?
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan had a very impressive rookie season, and he could be due for a Year 2 breakout in 2026. McMillan didn't find the end zone until Week 6 last year, but he still finished the season with seven touchdowns, as well as 70 catches and 1,014 receiving yards. These stats resulted in an impressive WR16 finish for the Arizona product in PPR leagues. He ultimately won Offensive Rookie of the Year and could be due for another major step forward with offensive coordinator Brad Idzik set to take over play-calling duties next year. McMillan fetched more than 25% of quarterback Bryce Young's targets in 2025, and that proportion should remain consistent as Young attempts to take a step forward of his own next year. Even after a dominant rookie season, McMillan might still be underpriced in dynasty fantasy football, making him an appealing trade target going forward. He can be a top-12 receiver in redraft leagues next year, and he possesses real top-five upside in dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
T.J. Hockenson Still Trending Down in Dynasty Leagues
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson continues to trend in the wrong direction for dynasty fantasy football managers. Hockenson is coming off some of the worst seasons of his career. He was the TE26 and TE34 in the last two years, and he was limited to a modest 51 catches for 438 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. The good news for Hockenson is that he remains the No. 1 tight end in Minnesota after the team didn't bring in any significant competition during free agency. He could also get a slight quarterback upgrade, given that he'll be catching passes from the better half of J.J. McCarthy or Kyler Murray. With that said, a quarterback change can only do so much. Hockenson needs to get healthy and productive, two things he hasn't done since 2023. There's a little bit of buy-low appeal here in hopes that the veteran can bounce back as a top-18 fantasy tight end, but it's hard to envision a path to him ranking as a TE1 next year. He's more of a TE3 with TE2 upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Love Still Not Back in the QB1 Tier
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love didn't quite live up to expectations during his third season as the team's starter in 2025. Love played 15 games, and his 3,381 passing yards and 23 touchdowns both represented his lowest marks since he took over for Aaron Rodgers after the 2022 campaign. On a positive note, he kept turnovers to a minimum with just six interceptions and two fumbles. Love exploded as the overall QB5 in 2023, but he has been QB15 or lower in each of the last two years. This pattern has solidified Love as a top-18 fantasy option, but he's no longer a reliable top-12 quarterback. He should not be drafted as your primary quarterback in single-QB leagues next year, nor should he be targeted in offseason dynasty trades. He's merely a "hold" in most dynasty leagues for now.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Filipowski Expected Back After Illness
Utah Jazz forward/center Kyle Filipowski (illness) is probable for Friday's game against the Nuggets after missing the team's previous contest. The second-year big man is expected to step back into the starting lineup and handle his normal workload if cleared to play. Filipowski finished with six points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 30 minutes in his last outing, giving him modest fantasy value for rebounds and some secondary playmaking at center. His return would likely mean fewer minutes for Oscar Tshiebwe and should help Utah get a bit more stability in the frontcourt rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Terrance Ferguson a Sneaky Dynasty Buy?
Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson is trending up in dynasty leagues ahead of the 2026 season. On the surface, managers may be hesitant to buy Ferguson in dynasty leagues. After all, Colby Parkinson had a strong 2025 campaign, and the team unexpectedly re-signed Tyler Higbee. The two combined for 68 catches, 689 yards, and 11 touchdowns, leaving very few targets to be distributed to other members of the position group. However, taking a closer look at this offense reveals a clear path to production for Ferguson. Parkinson is due for significant touchdown regression and has not previously shown that he can be a true No. 1 tight end. Meanwhile, Higbee is getting older and becoming injury-prone after missing 21 games over the last two seasons. That opens the door for Ferguson, who had five catches, 87 yards, and two touchdowns over his final two games as a rookie in 2025. Year 2 is a common time for tight ends to break out, and Ferguson has significant draft capital attached to him as a former second-round pick. We wouldn't be surprised if the Oregon product makes a tremendous leap given his strong finish to 2025, his draft capital, and his teammates' projected downturns.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Collier to Miss Fifth Straight Game
Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (hamstring) will not play Friday against Denver, marking his fifth straight absence due to the injury. With no clear return timetable, his availability for the remainder of the season remains uncertain. Bez Mbeng should continue to log heavy minutes in the starting lineup after finishing with 11 points, six assists, and three steals in 44 minutes last game, giving him some deep-league appeal for assists and defensive stats. Kennedy Chandler chipped in 14 points and eight assists off the bench and looks like the more attractive streaming option for managers needing guard production.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Cristopher Sanchez Makes a Statement on Opening Day With 10 Strikeouts
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez picked up where he left off in 2025 with six shutout innings, no walks, and 10 strikeouts on Thursday in the team's 5-3 Opening Day win over the visiting Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Sanchez was masterful and allowed only three hits (one extra-base hit) on the day. The Rangers did hit some balls hard, but they didn't have anything to show for it and were unable to draw a single base-on-balls in the contest. The 29-year-old Dominican lefty has emerged as one of the best arms in baseball in the last couple of seasons. Sanchez was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and then backed it up by finishing second in the National League Cy Young race last year with a 13-5 record, career-best 2.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 212:44 K:BB in 202 innings over 32 starts. Not only does Sanchez have plenty of strikeout upside, but he also rarely walks hitters, making him an elite No. 1 fantasy starter. You'll want him in all lineups when he faces the Nationals in his second start of the 2026 season next week.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Deandre Ayton Off Injury Report Friday
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (back) is off the injury report for Friday's game against the Nets after missing the team's previous contest with back soreness. He is expected to reclaim his starting role, which pushes Jaxson Hayes back to the bench and limits his streaming appeal. Ayton has averaged 10.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks across his last five games, offering modest value for rebounds and field goal percentage. He remains a viable frontcourt option in standard leagues, especially for managers needing help in rebounds.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Luka Doncic Questionable Against Brooklyn
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is questionable for Friday's game against Brooklyn after logging heavy minutes recently, including a 43-point effort with four three-pointers, six rebounds, and seven assists in 38 minutes last game. If he sits, Austin Reaves and LeBron James would be in line for increased usage after combining for 48 points and 17 assists in their last outing. Reaves could see more on-ball duties, while James may handle more playmaking. Luke Kennard could also see extra minutes as a fringe streaming option if the Lakers are shorthanded.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ty Jerome to Miss Second Straight Game
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Houston, marking his second straight absence due to a left ankle sprain. Javon Small should remain in the starting lineup after finishing with eight points, one three-pointer, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 30 minutes last game, making him a viable deep-league streaming option for assists. Walter Clayton Jr. also remains in the mix after recording 10 points and six assists in 22 minutes, while Cam Spencer could continue to see steady minutes after handing out seven assists in 30 minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Anfernee Simons Unlikely to Play Friday
Chicago Bulls guard Anfernee Simons (wrist) is doubtful for Friday's game against Oklahoma City and appears likely to miss another contest as he continues recovering from a fractured left wrist that has sidelined him since February. Tre Jones should continue to see steady minutes as a starter after producing 15 points, four rebounds, and seven assists in 28 minutes last game. Collin Sexton also provides scoring off the bench after putting up 16 points and four assists in 19 minutes, keeping both guards on the deep-league radar while Simons remains out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jarrett Allen Iffy for Miami Game
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Miami after missing the last 10 games with right knee tendonitis. This is his first questionable tag since early March, signaling a possible return, though he could face minutes restrictions if active. His return would likely cut into Thomas Bryant's role after he posted four points and five rebounds in 16 minutes last game. Evan Mobley could shift back to power forward if Allen plays, while Max Strus may continue to see increased opportunities on the wing with Dean Wade (ankle) still sidelined.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Aaron Nesmith Expected to Play Friday
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (back) is probable for Friday's game against the Clippers after being listed with lower back soreness following recent appearances on the injury report for other minor issues. Nesmith is expected to maintain his starting role and offers steady value for points and three-pointers, averaging 13.4 points, 2.6 triples, and 2.2 rebounds across his last five games. He remains a viable option in standard formats for managers needing perimeter scoring. Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam should continue to handle most of the offense.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Neemias Queta Questionable for Friday
Boston Celtics forward/center Neemias Queta (thumb) is questionable for Friday's game against Atlanta due to a right thumb sprain that could force him to miss time. If he sits, Luka Garza could move into a larger role after finishing with seven points, one three-pointer, and two rebounds in 12 minutes off the bench Wednesday. Garza could be a fringe streaming option for managers needing frontcourt depth. His potential absence could also push Boston toward smaller lineups, with Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser possibly seeing more rebounding opportunities.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
JJ Wetherholt Homers in First Major-League Game on Opening Day
St. Louis Cardinals infield prospect JJ Wetherholt continued a trend on Opening Day on Thursday of young prospects making an immediate impact for their ballclubs. The 23-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2024 out of West Virginia went 1-for-4 with the first home run of his big-league career, two RBI, and a strikeout out of the leadoff spot in the Cardinals' 9-7 come-from-behind victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Wetherholt's home run got the team on the board off right-handed starter Drew Rasmussen. His other RBI came on a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning. Wetherholt slashed .306/.421/.510 with a .931 OPS, 17 home runs, 59 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases in 109 games in 2025 at Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. His power/speed upside and regular starter for St. Louis should make him an immediate contributor in mixed fantasy leagues in 2026 in his first full year in the Show.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Derrick White Iffy Against Hawks
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Atlanta after logging 33 minutes in Wednesday's win while managing a knee bruise. If White is unavailable, Payton Pritchard would likely take on a larger role after finishing with 14 points, four three-pointers, two rebounds, one assist, and one block in 33 minutes off the bench. Pritchard is already rostered in most leagues but would see a usage bump, while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown (calf), if cleared to play, could also take on more playmaking duties.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ryne Stanek Emerges in Cardinals Bullpen, Earns Save on Opening Day
St. Louis Cardinals right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek emerged with the team's first save chance in the 9-7 Opening Day win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday and delivered. The 34-year-old veteran made it interesting, though, walking three and striking out one in the one-inning outing for his first save of 2026. Manager Oliver Marmol did not name a primary closer going into the regular season and expects the situation to "solve itself." In addition to Stanek, Riley O'Brien, JoJo Romero, and Matt Svanson could all be involved in a closer committee early in the season. O'Brien pitched the eighth inning and picked up the win for St. Louis, allowing a hit and striking out two in 1 1/3 innings. O'Brien will probably end up getting most of the save chances for the Red Birds over the course of the season, as Stanek has always been more suited for a setup role, and he has only 15 career saves as he heads into his 10th major-league season.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mike Trout Homers, Steals a Bag in Opening Day Win Over Houston
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout looked like his old self in the team's 3-0 shutout win over the division-rival Houston Astros on Thursday on Opening Day. Trout led the way offensively for the Halos on a day where runs were at a premium, going 1-for-2 with a solo home run, three walks, and a strikeout. The 34-year-old 11-time All-Star and three-time MVP hit his home run off reliever AJ Blubaugh in the seventh inning to give his team a 1-0 lead at the time. Trout obviously has the skills to be a fantasy contributor across all categories, but he's also become much more of a risk as he enters his mid-30s due to injuries. He has played in under 100 games in three of the last five seasons. Trout hit 26 home runs and drove in 64 runs in 130 games in 2025, although he stole just two bases. It is very encouraging to see Trout steal a bag in the season opener. If he keeps it up and stays healthy, he'll be a major draft-day steal.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jordan Romano Notches First Save With Angels
Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Jordan Romano slammed the door shut on the Houston Astros in the 3-0 Opening Day win on Thursday at Daikin Park to earn his first save of the season. Romano allowed a walk and struck out one in his inning of work to complete the shutout for starter Jose Soriano, who earned his first win of 2026. All of Ben Joyce (shoulder), Robert Stephenson (elbow), and Kirby Yates (knee) are on the injured list to begin the year, so the 32-year-old Romano is the Angels reliever most likely to see the most save opportunities early on. Veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz could also get a look from first-year manager Kurt Suzuki. If Romano is on your league's waiver wire and you could use a short-term saves option, Romano could be your guy. The Canadian hurler has had his share of struggles the last two years, but there's something to be said for his 114 career saves as he starts his eighth year in the majors.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kevin McGonigle has Four Hits in Impressive MLB Debut
Detroit Tigers infield prospect Kevin McGonigle showed why he's the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball in 2026 in the team's 8-2 Opening Day win on Thursday over the hosting San Diego Padres at Petco Park. McGonigle went 4-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored to join Willie McCovey and Kirby Puckett as the only players in MLB history who had four hits in their big-league debut. The 21-year-old left-handed hitter profiles as Detroit's future starting shortstop, but he made the Opening Day start at third base, with Javier Baez at the 6. The former first-rounder in 2023 is one of the best pure-hitting prospects in baseball, and he put that on display on Thursday against the Padres. McGonigle slashed .305/.408/.583 with a .991 OPS, 19 home runs, 80 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 10 steals in three minor-league stops in 2025. He got his day started in the first inning with a bases-loaded double that scored two runs, and then he doubled off the right-field wall in his second at-bat. McGonigle's power/speed upside at a premier position makes him a potential future star in the making.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Pavin Smith Scratched on Thursday Evening With Elbow Soreness
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Pavin Smith (elbow) has been scratched from the Opening Day lineup on Thursday evening against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers due to left-elbow soreness, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. The Diamondbacks don't believe that Smith's elbow injury is serious, so he could be right back in the lineup on Friday night in L.A. Tim Tawa will make the start at designated hitter in place of Smith for the Snakes versus Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Smith has earned regular at-bats in Arizona between first base and designated hitter after hitting .262/.357/.475 with an .832 OPS, 17 home runs, 64 RBI, and 62 runs scored in 147 games and 446 plate appearances over the last two seasons. However, he had a career-high 31.9% strikeout rate in 2025 and has just a .597 career OPS against left-handed pitchers. It's a limited fantasy ceiling for Smith. UPDATE: Smith will have an MRI exam on his left elbow on Friday.
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Alec Bohm Suing his Parents Over Financial Reasons
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Nick Vadala reports that Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm is suing his own parents, alleging that they mismanaged his finances. It wasn't weighing too heavily on Bohm during the Phillies' Opening Day win on Thursday over the Texas Rangers, as he went 1-for-3 at the plate with a three-run home run and a walk in the 5-3 victory. It's unfortunate that the 29-year-old is going through personal issues involving money with his own family, but it shouldn't negatively affect his performance on the field in 2026, in what is his seventh year in the big leagues. Bohm was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and has hit at least .280 in three of the last four seasons. The power just hasn't been there for a third baseman in fantasy, though, as Bohm's career high in homers came in 2023 with 20. Still, he's plenty useful for his high batting average and run production in one of the best lineups in baseball. Bohm has 90-plus RBI in two of the last three years.
Source: The Philadealphia Inquirer - Nick Vadala
Source: The Philadealphia Inquirer - Nick Vadala
Carson Benge Goes Deep in MLB Debut in Win Over Pirates
New York Mets outfield prospect Carson Benge had a major-league debut to remember on Thursday on Opening Day against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates in an 11-7 victory, going 1-for-3 with a solo home run, two runs scored, two walks, a stolen base, and two strikeouts. Benge's first big-league home run came off reliever Justin Lawrence in the sixth inning. The 23-year-old former 19th overall pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma State kept it going after a strong spring training in which he hit .366 (15-for-41) with an .874 OPS, no home runs, five RBI, five runs scored, and a stolen base in 14 Grapefruit League games. Benge will probably sit frequently against left-handed pitchers in his first full major-league season, which limits his ceiling in redraft fantasy leagues, but there's no denying his power/speed upside in dynasty/keeper leagues. It's a promising start for him for managers who were willing to take a chance on him in mixed leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Killian Hayes is Returning on Thursday
Sacramento Kings guard Killian Hayes (toe) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Orlando Magic. Hayes is back after missing Tuesday's game due to left toe inflammation. He should continue to see a larger role in the rotation with Russell Westbrook (foot) still sidelined. Over the last seven games, Hayes is averaging 7.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 21.7 minutes per game. His return to the rotation should mean a reduced role for Devin Carter. Hayes should offer some deep league value with Westbrook still on the sideline right now.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Tobias Harris is Active on Thursday
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Harris will shed the questionable tag and suit up for the second game of this back-to-back set. He finished with 22 points, three rebounds, and three assists across 35 minutes of action during Wednesday's game. The veteran forward has been asked to pick up the slack offensively with Cade Cunningham (lung) sidelined right now. Over the last six games, Harris is averaging 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Fantasy managers need to get him in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ausar Thompson is Cleared for Thursday's Game
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. As expected, Thompson is cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report. Despite the minor ankle injury, Thompson is ready to go for the second leg of this back-to-back set. The second-year forward is on a roll defensively, with 12 steals over his last three games. He needs to be rostered and started in most fantasy formats right now. Thompson looks to keep the good things rolling after dropping 18 points with four steals during Wednesday's contest.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Duren is Upgraded to Available
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (knee) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. As expected, Duren is cleared to play after being listed as probable with a minor knee issue. Despite the minor injury, Duren will be out there for the second leg of this back-to-back set. Duren is one of the best centers in the league, so fantasy managers make sure he's active in their lineups. He's averaging 19.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 28.0 minutes per game this season. The 22-year-old has been asked to take on a larger role offensively since Cade Cunningham (lung) went down.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Cubs Agree to Six-Year Deal With Nico Hoerner
The Chicago Cubs agreed with second baseman Nico Hoerner on an undisclosed six-year deal on Thursday, pending a physical, sources told Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Hoerner went hitless in four at-bats in the Cubs' 10-4 Opening Day loss on Thursday to the Washington Nationals, but the Cubs will lock up his stellar defense and strong contact skills as a hitter for the foreseeable future. It comes just after the Cubs locked up All-Star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong to a six-year contract. Hoerner, a former first-rounder in 2018 out of Stanford, has hit a strong .284/.339/.389 with a .728 OPS, 33 home runs, 231 RBI, 333 runs scored, and 123 stolen bases in four seasons in Chicago since becoming the team's full-time starter at the keystone in 2022. It's not the power you're chasing when it comes to Hoerner -- he has just 36 homers in seven seasons -- but he's a counting-stat compiler with strong on-base skills who can hit for a high average.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
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