August 16, 2025
New York Yankees first baseman
Paul Goldschmidt (knee) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Goldschmidt will now miss his third straight game due to right knee soreness. For now, fantasy managers should consider Goldschmidt as day-to-day. He'll get one more chance on Sunday to suit up against his former team. In the meantime,
Ben Rice will take over at first base and bat second versus right-hander
Sonny Gray. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups accordingly.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
August 16, 2025
New England Patriots quarterback
Joshua Dobbs completed 11 of his 16 pass attempts for 106 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions during Saturday's preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings. The veteran backup looked solid, albeit against the Vikings' second-team defense. With only
Drake Maye and
Ben Wooldridge alongside him in the Patriots' quarterback room, Dobbs is in line to earn the backup job ahead of Week 1. The 30-year-old has seen increased opportunities over the last few seasons, including the 2023 campaign in which he threw for 13 touchdowns with the Vikings and Arizona Cardinals. He spent 2024 backing up
Brock Purdy in San Francisco but did attempt 47 passes through two games (one start). If Maye were to suffer an injury, Dobbs possesses the experience, mobility, and arm needed to keep the Patriots competitive down the stretch.
--Andersen PickardSource: NFL.com
August 16, 2025
New York Yankees outfielder
Cody Bellinger (illness) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. At first, Bellinger appeared to be getting a routine rest day which he certainly needed given his current slump at the plate. Now, it's being reported that Bellinger is absent from the lineup due to an illness. This shouldn't be something that lands Bellinger on the injured list. Fantasy managers should consider Bellinger as day-to-day.
Jasson Dominguez,
Trent Grisham, and
Jose Caballero will cover the outfield for the Yankees on Saturday.
--Andy WebbSource: Katie Woo
August 16, 2025
San Francisco 49ers running back
Christian McCaffrey has been outstanding in training camp, drawing high praise from head coach Kyle Shanahan, who said the star back is "as fast as he's been." After injuries limited him to just four games last season, McCaffrey looks fully healthy and back to form. The do-it-all back is only two years removed from a 2023 campaign in which he racked up 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns. His strong camp showing has fantasy managers regaining confidence, and possibly pushing his ADP back into the mid-first round as an elite RB1 option.
--Shaun AlbinSource: David Lombardi
August 16, 2025
New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye completed four of his seven pass attempts for 46 yards during Saturday's preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings. His first drive led to a punt, while the second resulted in a
TreVeyon Henderson rushing touchdown. Maye's performance was nothing special; some of his passes either sailed over his receivers or required them to change direction to catch the pass so they were unable to turn upfield for extra yardage. He also took an inexcusable delay of game penalty. The preseason is the perfect time for players to learn from their mistakes, so perhaps Maye will come out even stronger during next week's contest in preparation for his second NFL season. Nevertheless, his accuracy and ability to lead the offense will be worth monitoring as Maye looks to avoid the notorious sophomore slump.
--Andersen PickardSource: NFL.com
August 16, 2025
Colorado Rockies shortstop
Orlando Arcia (elbow) was activated off the 10-day injured list on Saturday. Arcia missed the minimum 10 days while dealing with elbow inflammation. Despite being activated, Arcia isn't in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It's possible that Arcia moves into a part-time role with the Rockies likely wanting to get some of their younger players more playing time down the stretch. That being said, Arcia isn't someone that needs to be rostered in fantasy formats right now. In a corresponding move,
Aaron Schunk has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room for Arcia on the active roster.
--Andy WebbSource: Rockies Club Information
August 16, 2025
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is optimistic about having his full quarterback group available for the team's preseason finale. Rookies
Shedeur Sanders (oblique) and
Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) have missed time in camp, while
Kenny Pickett (hamstring) has been sidelined since late July. Veteran
Joe Flacco has been the only consistent participant. With the regular season approaching, the Browns want extended looks at their depth chart behind Flacco. While none of the young quarterbacks project to hold redraft fantasy value, Sanders remains an intriguing dynasty stash given his pedigree and potential role in Cleveland's long-term plans.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Judy Battista
August 16, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles running back
Montrell Johnson Jr. had six carries for 20 yards in a 22-13 loss to the Browns on Saturday. The Eagles didn't run the ball much in general against Cleveland, with only 19 attempts across the whole team. Johnson tied with fellow back
Keilan Robinson for the most carries for Philadelphia but managed to outrun him by 11 yards. The entire Philly offense was in shambles in Week 2 of the preseason, with seven drives going for less than five yards. Johnson is listed as the fourth RB on the Eagles depth chart, and the undrafted rookie will struggle to see touches behind more experienced players such as
Saquon Barkley and
AJ Dillon.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
August 16, 2025
Houston Astros shortstop
Jeremy Pena (illness) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. This marks the second game in a row that Pena has missed due to an illness. It doesn't sound like something that is going to land him on the injured list. For now, fantasy managers should consider Pena as day-to-day.
Mauricio Dubon will draw another start at shortstop and bat seventh versus right-hander
Rico Garcia on Saturday.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
August 16, 2025
San Francisco 49ers running back
Patrick Taylor Jr. (shoulder) was ruled out after leaving Saturday's preseason game against the Raiders. Taylor is battling with rookie
Isaac Guerendo and
Jordan James for depth roles behind
Christian McCaffrey. The 27-year-old carried 39 times for 183 yards and one touchdown last season and is valued by the staff for his ability to contribute on special teams. While today's setback isn't ideal, Taylor still has a solid chance to make the roster as a depth option. He remains off the fantasy radar outside of deep dynasty formats tied to McCaffrey insurance.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Ian Rapoport
August 16, 2025
Miami Dolphins running back
De'Von Achane (lower body) is expected to miss some time this preseason after sustaining a soft-tissue injury to his lower body. Head coach Mike McDaniel downplayed concerns, saying he expects Achane to be ready for Week 1 against the Colts. Still, fantasy managers should track updates closely, as soft tissue injuries can linger. Before the setback, Achane was being drafted as an early second-round pick thanks to his explosive speed and big-play upside in Miami's dynamic offense. While his long-term outlook remains positive, his current ADP could dip slightly in upcoming drafts.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Cameron Wolfe
August 16, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
Ainias Smith caught two passes on two targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 22-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns. In a woeful showing for the Eagles passing game as a whole, Smith was the leading receiver for his team with this performance. His highlight play came in a nine-yard scoring catch from a
Kyle McCord pass across the middle of the field just before halftime. The second-year wideout didn't get many snaps last year and is currently slotted as the sixth WR on Philly's depth chart. While he was the most productive receiver out there for the Eagles today, that's not saying much. Smith needs to get more involved in the offense before having any fantasy value for this upcoming season.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
August 16, 2025
The Eagles defense and special teams unit was the highlight for Philadelphia in their 22-13 loss to the Browns in Week 2 of the preseason. On Cleveland's second drive of the game, quarterback
Dillon Gabriel was intercepted by rookie safety Andrew Mukuba who ran the turnover back for a 75-yard touchdown-one of Philly's two scores on the day. Just a few minutes later, Mukuba also recovered a fumble in opposition territory on a bad handoff which set the Eagles up for their other touchdown. In the second half, the Browns offense was held to just three points, in part thanks to a Philadelphia fourth-down stop in the red zone. While the Eagles do face some tough offenses in the upcoming season, they had the fifth-most fantasy points at the D/ST position last year and are worth keeping an eye on for more favorable matchups in 2025.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
August 16, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Kyle McCord completed 8-of-16 passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, and tacked on two rushing yards on a single attempt in Saturday's 22-13 loss to the Browns. Despite the lackluster stat line, McCord was actually Philly's leading passer of the game after relieving
Dorian Thompson-Robinson midway through the second quarter. The Eagles offense struggled overall on the day, mustering just 88 yards on that side of the ball. Their longest drive-of 31 yards-resulted in their lone offensive touchdown, which was a nine-yard pass from McCord. The rookie sixth-round draft pick currently sits in the fourth QB spot on the depth chart, and likely won't get much playing time in the 2025 season.
--Ricky Maloney - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
August 16, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Shane Bieber (elbow) thrived in his third and likely final rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Friday. Bieber fired seven innings of shutout ball with six hits allowed and four strikeouts against no walks. The former AL Cy Young winner threw 90 pitches (64 strikes), which should put him in line to join the Blue Jays sometime next week. Bieber hasn't pitched in the majors since April 2, 2024, and has spent 15 months on the comeback trail from Tommy John surgery. He has yet to suit up for the Jays, who acquired him from the Cleveland Guardians at the July 31 trade deadline. Despite the long layoff, the 30-year-old comes with serious upside and could be an asset for Toronto and fantasy managers down the stretch.
--Connor ByrneSource: MiLB.com
August 16, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Luka Doncic (knee) was injured during Saturday's EuroBasket exhibition versus Latvia after a Slovenian teammate fell on his right knee. Fortunately, the injury "is not believed to be serious," with NBA insider Marc Stein reporting Doncic was diagnosed with a contusion. The 26-year-old was moved to the Lakers ahead of last season's trade deadline after spending his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks. He appeared in 28 regular-season contests for Los Angeles, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals. With that in mind, he is arguably the top fantasy option in any format heading into the 2025 campaign, especially after he focused on his diet and conditioning this offseason. As far as his immediate future is concerned, he should be considered day-to-day, so there's a good chance he'll be ready to go when Slovenia faces Poland on August 28.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Marc Stein
August 16, 2025
The Washington Nationals announced that they have requested unconditional release waivers on first baseman
Nathaniel Lowe. The team designated Lowe for assignment on Thursday, and he'll hit free agency once he clears waivers. Nobody is going to take on the remainder of Lowe's $10.3 million salary, so he's on his way to the open market after a disappointing few months with the Nationals. Lowe was a quality hitter with the Rangers from 2021-24, but after joining the Nationals in an offseason trade, he could only muster a .216/.292/.373 line with 16 homers, 68 RBI, and 50 runs scored in 490 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: Washington Nationals
August
16,
2025
New
York
Yankees
outfielder/first
baseman
Cody
Bellinger
and
designated
hitter
Giancarlo
Stanton
are
out
of
the
lineup
Saturday
against
the
St.
Louis
Cardinals.
Jasson
Dominguez
will
read more...
August 16, 2025
Detroit Tigers outfielder/shortstop
Javier Baez is out of the lineup for a meeting with the Minnesota Twins on Saturday.
Wenceel Perez will play center field and hit sixth against right-hander
Zebby Matthews, and
Trey Sweeney will handle shortstop and bat eighth. After recording an ugly .426 OPS in July, Baez has rebounded with an .830 mark over 13 games this month. It's been a resurgent season overall for Baez, who has bounced back from three straight awful years to hit a useful .271/.298/.429 with 11 homers, 49 RBI, 49 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 359 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
August
16,
2025
Houston
Astros
closer
Josh
Hader
(shoulder)
is
unlikely
to
return
in
the
regular
season,
Chandler
Rome
of
The
Athletic
reports.
Hader,
who
went
on
the
15-day
injured
list
on
Aug.
11
with
a
left
shoulder
capsule
read more...
August 16, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies closer
Jhoan Duran will be available out of the bullpen Saturday against the Washington Nationals, manager Rob Thomson told reporters. Duran left Friday's 6-2 win early after
Paul DeJong lined a comebacker off his right ankle, but the hurler dodged an injury. He briefly dealt with a "dead foot," which has since gone away, Thomson said. While it wouldn't have been a surprise to see the Phillies hold him out as a precaution on Saturday, Duran will instead be there if they need him late in the game. The 27-year-old has 20 saves in 22 chances with a 1.86 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, 56 strikeouts, and 18 walks over 53 1/3 innings this season.
--Connor ByrneSource: Charlotte Varnes - The Athletic
August 16, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall is set to make his preseason debut after impressing at camp this offseason. The 24-year-old and 2024 first-round pick from Florida missed some early time with a hamstring tweak but is now considered one of the few starters not currently sidelined by injury. Pearsall is entering his second season, looking to build on a rookie campaign that saw him record 31 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games.
--Don FanelliSource: OurSF49ers
August 16, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle is expected to make his preseason debut in the team's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran is entering his ninth professional season at 31 years old after a stellar 2024 campaign in which he hauled in 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the league's best tight ends. Kittle, considered a stalwart and the heart of the team, will look to get some valuable reps ahead of the regular season.
--Don FanelliSource: OurSF49ers
August 16, 2025
San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Brock Purdy is expected to play one to two series in the team's second preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, making his debut for the 2025 season. The outing will allow Purdy to get game reps and build chemistry with receivers following the offseason departure of star wideout
Deebo Samuel Sr. San Francisco's injury woes continue as well, with wide receiver
Jauan Jennings (calf) and running backs
Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and rookie
Jordan James (finger) all sidelined. Purdy is coming off a 2024 campaign where he threw for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
--Don FanelliSource: Jennifer Lee Chan
August 16, 2025
ESPN's Courtney Cronin reports that the Chicago Bears are still seeking clarity at the starting left tackle position, responsible for protecting quarterback
Caleb Williams' blindside. While some of Williams' rookie mistakes were linked to last season's offensive line play, the unit is expected to improve significantly with the offseason additions of Pro Bowler Joe Thuney and center Drew Dalman. PFF has ranked it as the fourth-best offensive line in the NFL. Despite this, the starting left tackle spot remains an open race between incumbent Braxton Jones, rookies Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie, and former practice squad player Theo Benedet. Head coach Ben Johnson said that while the team hopes to find "the right guy" soon, the competition might extend into the regular season. Jones, a 2022 fifth-round pick, is working to re-establish himself after missing spring workouts due to a fractured ankle, while Benedet has impressed in recent practices, earning first-team reps.
--Don FanelliSource: Courtney Cronin
August 16, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Stefon Diggs (knee) is inactive for the team's second preseason game against the Vikings on Saturday. The veteran wideout avoided the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list in training camp as he continues to recover from a torn ACL he suffered last October. Diggs, who will turn 32 in November, is entering his 11th professional season after a 2024 campaign with the Houston Texans that saw him post 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns before his season-ending injury. He'll look to continue his comeback in the coming weeks and, barring any setbacks, he should be ready for Week 1.
--Don FanelliSource: Doug Kyed
August 16, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals second baseman
Brendan Donovan (foot/groin) remains out of the lineup on Saturday against the New York Yankees. It's the second straight off night for Donovan, who is dealing with lingering pain in his left foot that has led to groin soreness. However, manager Oli Marmol has expressed confidence that Donovan will not require a trip to the 10-day injured list. With Donovan on the bench Saturday, shortstop
Masyn Winn will take his place in the leadoff spot, and
Thomas Saggese will play second base and hit seventh against southpaw
Max Fried.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
August 16, 2025
Surprise, surprise. Denny Hamlin is the heavy favorite to win this weekend's Cook Out 400 race at Richmond Raceway. Hamlin is one of the premier racers at short, flat tracks, and has been great at the venues that are comparable to Richmond this weekend, including a win at Martinsville and podium finishes at Bowman Gray and Phoenix. As far as Richmond specifically goes, there arguably isn't anyone better than Hamlin--especially right now. He has five career victories at this track and an average finish of 8.1 over his 36 career starts. Over the last eight races here, Hamlin has finished first or second six times, and also has a fourth-place result to his credit. Simply put, Richmond Raceway is Denny Hamlin's playground. As far as DFS goes this weekend, Hamlin is a premier option, even as the highest-priced driver on the DraftKings slate (at a $11,000 salary).
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Driver Averages
August 16, 2025
New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore announced rookie
Tyler Shough will start Sunday's preseason matchup against the Jaguars. Shough and
Spencer Rattler are locked in one of the league's closest quarterback battles, but Shough may be gaining the edge after leading last week's lone touchdown drive, a 54-yard strike to
Mason Tipton. The rookie has the arm talent and supporting weapons to make noise if he secures the job. While he's off the radar in most formats, Shough could emerge as a sneaky QB2 in deeper leagues should he win the starting role.
--Shaun AlbinSource: New Orleans Saints
August 16, 2025
If the NASCAR Cup Series is at a short, flat track, Christopher Bell is always a solid option. That's exactly the case at Richmond Raceway this weekend. Over his eight career starts here with Joe Gibbs Racing, Bell has just one finish worse than sixth. In last year's race, he started fifth, won Stage 1, and led 122 laps en route to a sixth-place finish when it was all said and done. This weekend, Bell starts eighth and should be a contender all night long in Richmond. His long-run speed looked solid during practice on Friday and his falloff looked great, which should pay high dividends on Saturday night. At $10,800 on DraftKings, Christopher Bell is one of the highest-priced drivers on the DFS slate, but he has some Place Differential room and is also a prime dominator contender behind his teammate, Denny Hamlin. Remember, CBell won the All Star Race and Phoenix this season, and also finished second at Martinsville, all of which compare nicely to Richmond.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
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