January 15, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) was downgraded to out after originally being listed as doubtful for Thursday's home game against the Boston Celtics. Mitchell picked up a left shoulder contusion on Tuesday against the Suns, and he'll miss at least one game with the injury. With the starting point guard out Thursday,
Pelle Larsson and
Dru Smith should get extra work in the backcourt and could be great value plays for DFS lineups or streaming consideration this Thursday.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (knee) was downgraded from questionable to out for Thursday night's home game against the Celtics. This will be the first game Jaquez misses with knee soreness, and his next chance to return will be Saturday against the Thunder. Without Miami's version of JJJ,
Nikola Jovic could pick up some extra minutes in the second unit, although Jaquez is only playing 23.0 minutes per game over his last five games, produccing averaging 12.4 points, 3.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Reprot
January 15, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (ankle) was downgraded to out after originally being listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Booker suffered a sprained ankle inTuesday's loss to the Miami Heat, although he was able to finish the game and carry his usual heavy workload. He'll be sidelined for this matchup in the Motor City, though, leaving lots of work for
Dillon Brooks (if he plays through his questionable tag as expected),
Collin Gillespie,
Jordan Goodwin, and
Ryan Dunn. With so much usage available, the rest of the Suns' rotation will be in great spots to contribute to DFS lineups and as streaming options.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Kyle Kuzma (illness) was added to the injury report as questionable ahead of the team's home game against the Spurs. Kuz only had two points and two assists in Tuesday's blowout loss to the Timberwolves, and he has been in a more reduced role since
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the rotation. If Kuzma is unable to play, though,
Bobby Portis would likely be more involved on Thursday.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Jonathan Kuminga demanded a trade from the Warriors on the first day he became eligible to be moved. The fifth-year forward signed a two-year, $46.8 million contract as a restricted free agent this past offseason with a team option on the second season. The season has not gone well, though, and Kuminga has totally fallen out of the rotation for the last 13 games. He flashed lots of upside when playing with the starting unit early in the season and when called upon for expanded usage last season. Especially because of his flexible contract structure, he should draw plenty of interest, and the Kings and Mavericks are among the teams already rumored to be interested in him. Kuminga will be a key piece to watch ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA Trade Deadline, and his change of scenery could make him a valuable fantasy piece depending on where he lands.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
January 15, 2026
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (concussion) shed his non-contact jersey in practice on Thursday, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. It suggests that Gonzalez is trending in the right direction to clear the league's concussion protocol to play on Sunday in the Divisional Round versus the visiting Houston Texans. Gonzalez could be a full participant in practice after being limited on Wednesday, but even if he is, he'd still need clearance from an independent neurologist to play on Sunday. The 23-year-old former first-rounder is one of the top cornerbacks in the league, so not having him this weekend would be a big blow to the Patriots' defense. The good news for New England is that it's looking like Houston will be without top receiver
Nico Collins (concussion). If Gonzalez plays, he could be locked up against rookie wideout
Jayden Higgins for most of the day.
UPDATE: Gonzalez practiced in full on Thursday.--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
January 15, 2026
According to Jessee Rogers of ESPN, Chicago Cubs third baseman
Matt Shaw could see time in the outfield during the upcoming season. Last week, the Cubs signed free agent third baseman
Alex Bregman to a massive five-year contract, which will likely block Shaw out of a starting role in the infield with
Nico Hoerner,
Dansby Swanson, and
Michael Busch slated to cover second base, shortstop, and first base, respectively. However, the team's President of Baseball Operations, Jed Hoyer, expressed that the team could get creative to find Shaw at-bats, especially in the outfield. Shaw made his MLB debut at the beginning of the 2025 season and struggled, posting a low .226/.295/.394 line across 126 gams. However, he did hit 13 home runs and swipe 17 bags. Managers should monitor Shaw's usage during spring training. While the Cubs' outfield is currently crowded as well, Shaw could take on a super-utility role, which could earn him close to every-day at-bats. For now, he is best left for deeper 15+ team redraft leagues given his unknown role.
--Andy SmithSource: Jesse Rogers
January 15, 2026
According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, top free-agent outfielder
Kyle Tucker could make his decision on Thursday. Heyman noted that the three primary suitors for the superstar are the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Heyman noted that while there are other suitors, if one of them were to sign Tucker, it would come as a major surprise. Tucker spent the 2024 season in Chicago with the Cubs after beginning his MLB career with the Houston Astros. Despite dealing with a lingering calf injury during the second half of the 2025 campaign, Tucker still finished the campaign holding a .266/.377/.464 line with 22 long balls and 25 stolen bases. Under the hood, Tucker generated a .372 xwOBA, suggesting he is primed for an even more productive 2026. Given his ability to draw walks at an elite 14.6% rate and make high-quality contact, Tucker carries high-end OF1 upside in all formats heading into 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Jon Heyman
January 15, 2026
The Seattle Mariners have expressed interest in bolstering their bullpen and have been linked to St. Louis Cardinals reliever
JoJo Romero. The Cardinals are currently in the midst of a "re-tool" as they shipped off starting third baseman
Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks this week and have also been shopping infielder
Brendan Donovan. According to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat, the Mariners are among the teams that have shown interest in Romero. Last summer, Romero was quite effective in the St. Louis bullpen, logging 61 innings to the tune of a 2.07 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. He tallied just 55 punchouts but was a go-to option in high-leverage situations as he earned 24 holds and eight saves. While Romero would not contend for saves in Seattle as
Andres Munoz is slated to remain the closer, he could find value in deeper holds leagues, operating as the primary left-hander in setup situations.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Jones
January 15, 2026
The New York Mets have officially sent top free-agent outfielder
Kyle Tucker a contract proposal for four years in length. As reported earlier this week, the Mets were considering increasing their offer to Tucker to four years. Mike Puma of The New York Post reported on Wednesday that the Mets have finally added an additional year to their proposal in hopes of acquiring the star outfielder. The 28-year-old has been linked to numerous clubs during the winter, including the Mets, Blue Jays, and Dodgers. After opting not to re-sign
Pete Alonso and
Edwin Diaz, it appears the Mets are actively pursuing Tucker to bolster their starting lineup. Last season in Chicago, Tucker had a bit of a down year but still held a strong .266/.377/.464 line with an .841 OPS, 22 home runs, and 25 stolen bases. If he were to sign with the Mets, Tucker would carry elite OF1 upside in all formats, batting alongside high-end hitters such as
Juan Soto and
Francisco Lindor.
--Andy SmithSource: Mike Puma
January 15, 2026
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Blue Jays have not closed the door on a potential reunion with top free-agent infielder
Bo Bichette. Throughout the winter, Bichette has been linked to several suitors and has even drawn significant interest from certain clubs such as the Philadelphia Phillies. Even though the Blue Jays appear to be pivoting away from Bichette, they have still kept the door open to re-signing their former infielder. Bichette has spent his entire seven-year MLB career with Toronto. In 2025, Bichette turned in a massive bounce-back season after struggling in 2024. Across 139 games, the 27-year-old posted an elite .311/.357/.483 line with 18 home runs and four stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a strong .353 xwOBA with an elite .295 xBA. If Bichette were to return to Toronto, he would continue to hold high-end value at the shortstop position despite his lack of speed, as he possesses elite contact skills with high-end counting stats.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Passan
January 15, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers have requested to interview Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for their vacant head-coaching position, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Hafley has now been contacted by six teams about their head-coaching job, and he's considered one of the favorites to land the gig with the Miami Dolphins. So far, the Steelers are focusing their attention on defensive-minded head-coaching candidates as they look to replace Mike Tomlin, who resigned on Tuesday. Hafley has run the Packers' defense the last two seasons under head coach Matt LaFleur. In addition to searching for a new head coach, Pittsburgh will most likely be trying to figure out what to do at quarterback, with veteran
Aaron Rodgers unlikely to re-sign as a free agent now that Tomlin is gone.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 15, 2026
The Minnesota Twins have designated catcher/first baseman
Mickey Gasper for assignment. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for infielder
Vidal Brujan, whom the team claimed off waivers from the Braves earlier this week. Gasper spent the 2025 campaign with the Twins after making his MLB debut in 2024 with the Boston Red Sox. Last summer, Gasper appeared in 45 games with the Twins and posted a .158/.257/.232 line with a low .489 OPS. He hit just two home runs and held a 20:10 K:BB. Through 117 career games with Triple-A, Gasper has posted a .303/.406/.512 line with an eye-catching .918 OPS. Given his success at the top level of the minor leagues, the 30-year-old could draw interest on waivers.
--Andy SmithSource: Aaron G
January 15, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Nico Collins (concussion) is not at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday as he remains in the league's concussion protocol, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Collins is a "long shot" to play on Sunday against the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round, considering the steps he must still clear to be allowed to play this weekend. The 26-year-old suffered a concussion on Monday night in the Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and never returned. He was seen being carted off the field with a towel over his head. He has one more day to return to practice, but this late in the week, Collins' chances aren't great. It's looking like the Texans will ask rookie receivers
Jayden Higgins and
Jaylin Noel,
Christian Kirk, and
Xavier Hutchinson to step up on Sunday, with Collins likely unavailable.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander
January 15, 2026
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (biceps, knee) was limited in practice all week and will be listed as questionable for Saturday's Divisional Round game versus the hosting Denver Broncos, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. The Bills will be without two starters on defense in cornerback Maxwell Hairston (ankle) and safety Jordan Poyer (hamstring), so the Bills would certainly welcome Oliver back if he is ready. The 28-year-old interior defensive lineman has been on Injured Reserve for most of the year due to biceps and knee injuries. In just three games before being shut down, Oliver was very effective, recording 12 total tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble for the Bills. If the Bills officially activate Oliver off IR on Friday, he'll almost certainly be active on Saturday.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
January 15, 2026
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that running back
Ty Johnson (ankle) will be limited in practice on Thursday and will be listed as questionable on the final injury report for the Divisional Round on Saturday in Denver against the Broncos, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Johnson injured his ankle in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Jets and was inactive last Sunday for the Wild-Card victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 28-year-old could be a game-time decision in Denver on Saturday, but even if he suits up, he won't be recommended for fantasy playoff lineups against a stout Broncos defense. Johnson has mostly operated as the RB3 this year behind starter
James Cook and
Ray Davis, carrying the ball 50 times for 200 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson added two receiving TDs in 17 regular-season games.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
January 15, 2026
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver
Curtis Samuel (elbow) will practice in full again on Thursday and will be listed as questionable for the Divisional Round of the playoffs on Saturday against the Denver Broncos, according to Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News. Samuel is still on Injured Reserve and missed the last eight games with an elbow injury, but he's been practicing in full this week and looks ready to return. Although the 29-year-old probably won't have a big role on offense if he's active in Denver, the Bills will welcome Samuel's return after losing both
Gabe Davis (knee) and
Tyrell Shavers (knee) to torn ACLs in the Wild-Card win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Samuel has appeared in only six games for the Bills this year, catching seven of his nine targets for 81 yards and a touchdown.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Buffalo News - Katherine Fitzgerald
January 15, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet enters the playoffs as one of the hottest RBs in the league, having scored four rushing touchdowns in his last three games combined. In the Week 18 regular-season finale against the San Francisco 49ers, who the Seahawks will play for a third time this Saturday night, Charbonnet had 17 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown. He added three catches for 23 yards. The 25-year-old's touchdown was a 27-yard scamper, which ended up being the only TD of the game on either side. The previous week, he saw a season-high 18 rushing attempts for a season-high 110 yards and two rushing scores in a win over the Carolina Panthers. In Week 1 against San Fran, Charb had 12 carries for 47 yards and a TD. He will continue to split touches with
Kenneth Walker III, but Charbonnet isn't a bad RB option in fantasy leagues this week against a banged-up 49ers defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to RBs in the last five weeks.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been requested by the Detroit Lions to interview for their offensive-coordinator position, a source told the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smith is also still in the mix for multiple head-coaching jobs and has significant interest around the league as an OC. Even though the Lions offense was still pretty formidable in 2025, the team chose to part ways with OC Johnny Morton after just one year. Head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties late in the year, but it wasn't enough to help the Lions get back to the playoffs. Depending on who the team hires as the next OC, Campbell is expected to give up play-calling duties. Smith has developed a reputation as an OC who prefers to run the ball and who uses a lot of two-tight-end sets. It would be a stark change for the Lions' offense.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 15, 2026
Former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who was the OC for Baltimore the last three years under former head coach John Harbaugh, is among the leading candidates to follow Harbaugh to New York to become the Giants' OC, sources told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. The Giants will still go through a formal search, but Monken is the early leader. Harbaugh is expected to officially become New York's new head coach on Thursday after meeting with the team on Wednesday. If Monken follows Harbaugh to the Big Apple, he'll be tasked with helping first-round quarterback
Jaxson Dart develop as he heads into his sophomore season. Dart showed impressive dual-threat abilities in his first year in the NFL, but durability will continue to be an issue if he doesn't get better at protecting himself as a runner. In addition to Dart, the Giants have strong building blocks around him on offense in wide receiver
Malik Nabers (knee) and running back
Cam Skattebo.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
January 15, 2026
LSU wide receiver transfer Kyle Parker is trending to land at Auburn or Ohio State, according to On3. Parker was a four-star recruit out of Texas in the Class of 2023, but he did not earn significant playing time until his redshirt-sophomore campaign in 2025. After catching just three passes for 55 yards as a freshman, Parker hauled in 31 receptions for 330 yards and four touchdowns last season. Both Auburn (Cam Coleman) and Ohio State (Carnell Tate) are losing big-time wide receiver talents from last year's squad, so Parker could be an impact player right away for the Tigers or Buckeyes. Auburn has been trending as the team to beat for Parker, but Ohio State is making a late push in the recruitment process.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
January 15, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers have requested to interview Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero for their open head coaching job, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The Steelers are beginning to create a list of head-coaching candidates after long-time head coach Mike Tomlin announced his resignation on Tuesday. Evero has been running the Panthers' defense for the last three seasons. Before that, he was the DC for the Denver Broncos in 2022. In addition to the Steelers, Evero is in the running for the head-coaching jobs this cycle for the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders. Steelers owner Art Rooney II said the organization isn't putting a timeframe on when it expects to have a new head coach, and he shot down suggestions that the Steelers would be in a "rebuild" phase after the departure of Tomlin, who has been with the team for 19 years.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 15, 2026
Denver Broncos running back
R.J. Harvey finished his rookie season with 896 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns, helping the Broncos win their first division title since 2015. Harvey began the season as a backup to starter
J.K. Dobbins, but after Dobbins went down with a foot injury in Week 10, Harvey took over. Since the injury, Harvey has ranked as the RB13, averaging 15.2 PPR points per game. He faces a Buffalo Bills run defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points this season. The Jaguars were productive on the ground against the Bills in the Wild Card Round, with
Travis Etienne and
Bhayshul Tuten totaling 118 rushing yards on just 14 carries. With the Bills boasting one of the NFL's strongest pass defenses, the Broncos will need to rely on Harvey and the run game to advance to the AFC Championship.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver
Luther Burden III hauled in three of seven targets for 42 yards in the 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers. Despite the wild victory over the division-rival Packers, Burden struggled, posting his worst statistical game since Week 13 and stopping on a route that led to an interception. The second-round pick has become a key part of the Bears' passing game, and he has an opportunity to explode in the Divisional Round. He faces a Los Angeles Rams defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season and has struggled as of late, allowing big games to
Amon-Ra St. Brown,
Michael Wilson, and
Jalen Coker in the last six weeks. Burden is a high-ceiling option at the wide receiver position who could be a game-changer in what should be a high-scoring affair.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III finished his fourth NFL season with 221 carries for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, adding 31 receptions for 282 yards as a pass-catcher. Walker posted a career-high in scrimmage yards (1309) but scored only five touchdowns, while backup
Zach Charbonnet scored 12 rushing touchdowns this season. Since Week 4, Walker has scored two touchdowns, which ranks 48th in the NFL during that span. He faces a San Francisco 49ers defense that has given up the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs and the second-most receptions to the position this season. While Walker was productive in the Week 18 contest against the 49ers, totaling 133 scrimmage yards on 20 touches, if he can't find the end zone, his ceiling will be limited.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Kyren Williams carried the ball 13 times for 57 yards and added 18 receiving yards and a touchdown on two receptions in the 34-31 win over the Carolina Panthers. Williams saw a decreased workload this season as second-year back
Blake Corum emerged, but he has been a factor in the receiving game more than in the past. The fourth-year back recorded his most receiving yards and receptions of his career, and that receiving production helped the Rams take down the Panthers in the Wild Card Round. He faces a Chicago Bears defense that has ranked middle-of-the-pack against running backs this season, despite allowing the fourth-most total yards of offense. In what should be a high-scoring game, Williams profiles as a top-three option at the running back position and could be a huge factor in the receiving game once again.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Chicago Bears tight end
Colston Loveland went nuclear in the Wild Card Round, hauling in eight of 15 targets for 137 yards in the 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers. Loveland was disappointing early in the season, ranking as the TE50 through the first eight weeks. The 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has ranked as the TE2 since Week 9, trailing only
Trey McBride, and has fully cemented himself as a top option at the position in the divisional round. He faces a Los Angeles Rams defense that has ranked in the middle of the pack against tight ends this season. The Bears have a crowded receiver room, including
Rome Odunze,
D.J. Moore, and
Luther Burden III, but Loveland's connection with quarterback
Caleb Williams stands out, and the rookie tight end is a strong option against the Rams.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson hauled in two of three targets for 34 yards and a touchdown in the 34-31 win over the Carolina Panthers. Parkinson was quiet for most of the game, but he reeled in the game-winning 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback
Matthew Stafford, sending the Rams to the divisional round. Despite joining a mess of a tight end room this offseason, the former Seahawk has stepped up in a major way this season, scoring nine touchdowns in 16 games. He faces a Chicago Bears defense that has ranked middle-of-the-pack against tight ends this season, despite being close to the bottom in total yards allowed. With only eight teams left and star tight ends injured among those teams, Parkinson ranks as one of the top options at the position this week.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 15, 2026
Oregon quarterback Bryson Beaver, who enrolled in the school on January 5, has entered the transfer portal following the announcements that Dylan Raiola has signed with the Ducks, and Dante Moore is returning for another season rather than entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Beaver was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2026 out of California, and his path to playing time evaporated quickly. According to On3, Georgia and Kentucky are the top schools to watch in his transfer-portal recruitment. The Bulldogs have Gunner Stockton coming back in 2026, and the Wildcats just signed Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey. However, Beaver could add depth to either SEC roster and potentially compete for a starting role in 2027.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
January 15, 2026
Tennessee transfer quarterback Jake Merklinger has committed to UConn, according to On3. The rising redshirt sophomore was a four-star recruit in the class of 2024 and appeared in six total games in two seasons with the Vols. As a third-stringer in 2024 and backup in 2025, Merklinger completed 19 of 33 passing attempts for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He did not play in meaningful action during his time in Knoxville. As a former blue-chip recruit and SEC transfer, Merklinger will likely get the chance to compete for the starting job under new head coach Jason Candle, who comes over from Toledo after an 81-44 record in 10 seasons with the Rockets.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
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