May 5, 2026, 10:02 AM ET

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has quietly gone about his business since coming into the league as a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He's finished as the TE8 in two of the last three seasons, and following career-highs of eight touchdowns and 82 receptions in 2025, he could still be trending up. Should either CeeDee Lamb or George Pickens miss time, Ferguson is capable of stepping up as a top-two option in one of the league's premier offenses and delivering week-winning performances, evidenced by his TE1 stretch through the first seven weeks of the season, as Lamb missed parts of four games with a high ankle sprain. Dynasty managers who have held onto the 27-year-old tight end to this point are likely aware of his value and potential, so he's not an easy player to acquire through trade, but at RotoBaller's TE13, Ferguson is a smart selection in dynasty startups, as a proven TE1 for managers unwilling to pay up at the position.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 5, 2026, 10:02 AM ET

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Braxton Garrett is one of the team's top options to take over an open spot in their rotation. Struggling starter Chris Paddack was designated for assignment on Tuesday, opening up his scheduled spot on Friday. Garrett made seven starts for the Marlins in 2024 but missed all of 2025 after elbow surgery. He didn't earn a spot in the rotation out of spring training but is still on the 40-man roster, which gives him an advantage over Robbie Snelling, who is also a candidate to join the rotation. Garrett has looked sharp in his five Triple-A starts this season, allowing five earned runs on just six hits in 25 1/3 innings for a 1.71 ERA and 4.57 FIP. While he doesn't offer the elite strikeout upside Snelling brings for fantasy, Garrett seems more likely to get the promotion based on his roster status. Keep a close eye on who moves into Miami's rotation since both lefties have looked good enough to be waiver wire options if they get the call.--Zach Thompson
Source: Christina De Nicola

May 5, 2026, 9:58 AM ET

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey cooled off on Monday in Game 1 against the New York Knicks, settling for 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists in a 137-98 blowout loss. He had twice as many turnovers (4) as assists, going 3-for-9 from the field and 0-for-3 from three-point land. If it weren't for Maxey's perfect 7-for-7 effort at the charity stripe, his line could have looked even uglier. Maxey's drop in form was unexpected, as he finished the first-round series against Boston with back-to-back 30-point games and notched two double-doubles in the last three games. During the regular season, Maxey was a menace for the Knicks, averaging 30.0 points per game with 50.0 percent efficiency from deep. If he can get back to that level, this could still turn into a very competitive series.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 9:52 AM ET

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Robby Snelling is a great stash pickup to consider from the waiver wire after the Marlins designated struggling veteran Chris Paddack for assignment on Tuesday morning. Snelling has impressed this season in Triple-A, going 3-1 with a 1.86 ERA and 2.92 FIP in 29 innings across six starts for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. Snelling has 44 strikeouts in those 29 innings, after racking up 166 strikeouts in 136 innings across the minors last season. Per Christina De Nicola of MLB.com, Snelling is considered a top option to replace Paddack in the rotation later this week, along with former MLB starter Braxton Garrett. Snelling last pitched on Friday, May 1, so he would be ready (in theory) for his Major League debut the next time Paddack's spot in the rotation comes around this Friday.--Zach Thompson
Source: Christina De Nicola

May 5, 2026, 9:51 AM ET

Free agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) remains unsigned, and with the NFL Draft now behind us and teams moving into the final stages of the roster-building process, rumors of potential landing spots could start to pick back up again. One team he has been linked to for months is the Kansas City Chiefs, and on a recent appearance on Kansas City radio station 96.5 The Fan, ESPN Chiefs reporter Nate Taylor gave odds above 50% that Hill would reunite with the team that drafted him in 2016. Hill is 32 years old, has shown signs of decline in each of the past two seasons, and is recovering from a gruesome knee dislocation with multiple torn ligaments, so how much he has left in the tank remains to be seen, but all the way down at WR78 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings, he's at least worth inquiring about by depth-seeking contenders.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Nate Taylor - ESPN

May 5, 2026, 9:46 AM ET

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid contributed only 14 points, four rebounds, and one assist in Monday's Game 1 blowout loss to the New York Knicks. Coming off a big Game 7 win over Boston on Saturday night, the 76ers lacked energy, and Embiid's performance perfectly summed up the entire team's effort. The former MVP made only three of 11 field-goal attempts and, for the second time in four games, failed to make a three-pointer. Most of Embiid's points came from the free-throw line, where he finished 8-for-9. Embiid leads Philadelphia with 25.2 points per game in the playoffs, but he has been limited to 42.4 percent field-goal efficiency, making just three of 22 attempts from deep. The Knicks could take down the 76ers quickly if Embiid's performance doesn't improve.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 9:43 AM ET

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers broke the rookie reception record in 2024 and came into 2025 as the TE1 in consensus dynasty rankings. Not to be outdone, Arizona's Trey McBride broke the tight end reception record with 126 grabs in 2025, momentarily pushing Bowers to TE2 in those same rankings. Over the course of the offseason, Bowers has reclaimed the top spot in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings, and he projects as a true difference-maker for the foreseeable future. Bowers injured his knee in the first game of the season, but continued playing through a PCL sprain and bone bruise, though he was visibly hampered until the team opted to rest him from Weeks 5 through 8. Upon his return, he scored 14.2 Half-PPR points per game, but with Vegas trending towards the first overall pick, he was eventually put on season-ending injured reserve before Week 17. While the Raiders spent the offseason building around that first overall pick, which officially became Fernando Mendoza in April, they added very few meaningful pass-catchers, with Jalen Nailor representing the biggest addition to a room led by Tre Tucker in 2025. With Bowers just seven targets away from leading the team while missing five games and never playing at full health, the expectation is that he could lap the field in 2026, giving him an extreme positional advantage and making the 23-year-old tight end one of the most valuable players in both redraft and dynasty leagues.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 5, 2026, 9:39 AM ET

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Caleb Kilian closed out his team's 3-2 win on Monday night against the Padres. Kilian did give up a leadoff home run to Ramon Laureano in the ninth inning, but he struck out Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado to close out the win. He earned the first save of his MLB career and has an impressive 1.13 ERA through his first 16 innings this season, even though his 4.20 FIP indicates he could be due for some regression. Kilian has looked solid enough to get more work at the end of the game, despite the homer he gave up, so he's worth a speculative pickup in deep leagues in case he secures the job going forward.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 9:39 AM ET

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson had an explosive start to the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, leading all scorers with 35 points in 31 minutes. This was just nine points fewer than the total Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George combined for Philadelphia. 27 of Brunson's points came in the first half. He finished 12-for-18 from the field and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc, while making all eight free-throw attempts. Brunson was busy scoring all night, so he had time for only three assists. He also recorded one rebound and two steals. Philadelphia limited Brunson to 23.0 points per game during the regular season, but he looks set to make a lot more noise in this playoff series, with a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals on the line.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 9:33 AM ET

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Gregory Soto got the call on Sunday in the eighth inning of a scoreless game against the Reds. He got the last out of the eighth inning by striking out TJ Friedl with the potential go-ahead run on 3B, and then the Pirates got him a run in the bottom half of the inning. Soto made it stand up by working a 1-2-3 ninth inning through the heart of the Reds order to get his first win of the season. Soto has an impressive 1.59 ERA and 2.44 FIP in his 17 games this season, with 23 strikeouts in 17 innings. He has six holds but only one save, while Dennis Santana leads the team with only two saves. The Pirates haven't generated many save chances this season, but if Soto continues to dominate, he should get a look as the team's top high-leverage arm. The lefty could still move around in the bullpen, but he's thrived in any role he's been asked to fill this season, making him worth a look in deep or NL-only leagues even without the full-time closer job secured.--Zach Thompson
Source: RotoBaller

May 5, 2026, 9:29 AM ET

San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper led his team with 18 points in Monday's tough 104-102 Game 1 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Stephon Castle battling foul trouble, Harper had a chance to play a prominent role and enjoyed one of the best games of his first postseason. The 20-year-old rookie went 7-for-13 from the field and had a 1-for-4 record from outside. He grabbed four rebounds and dished out four assists. While Harper lacks experience, he has handled the pressure and intensity of the playoffs well. In six outings, Harper has amassed 13.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 26.0 minutes per game.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 9:25 AM ET

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins was an underrated piece of New England's deep playoff run, proving himself a trusted target to Drake Maye in some of the season's biggest moments. His 46 catches for 550 yards in 2025 were the second-highest totals of his nine-year career. Unfortunately, heading into 2026, his role in the offense is being squeezed in from all sides. The free agent acquisition of Romeo Doubs and a presumed trade for A.J. Brown will likely limit Hollins' opportunities in two-receiver sets, and while he spent nearly a quarter of his time in the slot in 2025, providing a bigger body who can help out in the running game, much of that role could be inherited by 2026 third-round pick Eli Raridon. The incoming rookie spent more time in the slot than as an inline tight end in his final, and most productive, season at Notre Dame. With Hunter Henry and 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams still on the roster, some of the team's new additions finding the field could mean reduced opportunities for Hollins. The soon-to-be 33-year-old veteran will still have his moments, but outside of best ball formats, he will offer little upside from the end of the bench, and his sinking dynasty value is reflected by RotoBaller's WR147 ranking.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 5, 2026, 9:23 AM ET

Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle bagged his first double-double of the 2026 postseason on Monday, contributing a team-high 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 104-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. He also had a pair of assists and one steal. Randle went 8-for-20 from the field, including 2-for-6 from downtown. So far, Randle's offensive efforts have steadily improved in the playoffs, but he's having trouble handling the ball. Monday's game marked the fourth consecutive outing for Randle with four or more turnovers. He accounted for half of the team's 10 turnovers in this game. Still, Randle has picked up positive momentum recently and has a key role to play against Victor Wembanyama's crew.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 9:21 AM ET

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan came into Monday night's game with a one-run lead against the Cubs, but the 34-year-old righty served up two runs on two hits and blew the save. Pete Crow-Armstrong greeted him with a triple, and after PCA scored on a sacrifice fly to tie the game, Michael Conforto delivered a pinch-hit, walk-off homer, handing Pagan his first loss of the season. Pagan has six saves on the season but also sports an ugly 6.43 ERA and 5.86 FIP, and he has allowed five runs in 3 2/3 innings over his last four games. Right now, Tony Santillan looks like a better option for Cincinnati, with his 2.45 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings. The Reds haven't announced a change, but it's definitely a situation worth monitoring if you have Pagan or are in the market for saves, since Santillan could quickly be worth a waiver wire look if he gets the job.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 9:18 AM ET

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards returned from a knee injury with an 18-point effort in Monday's 104-102 road win over the San Antonio Spurs. Edwards logged 25 minutes off the bench and scored 11 points in the fourth quarter. He finished an efficient 8-for-13 from the field, including 2-for-3 from downtown. Minnesota's star man blocked one shot and had three rebounds and three assists. Efficiency from the field has been an issue for Edwards this postseason, and it's a great sign for the Timberwolves that he found his rhythm in the second-round opener. It remains to be seen whether the team will also utilize Edwards off the bench in Game 2 on Wednesday night. Terrence Shannon Jr. did a good job as a starter in Edwards' place on Monday, notching 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 9:14 AM ET

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Davis Martin beat the Angels and Jose Soriano for a second straight start on Monday night, allowing just five hits in seven shutout innings, with a season-high 10 strikeouts and no walks. Martin improved to 5-1 on the year with a 1.64 ERA and 2.46 FIP. He has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six straight outings and thrived both on the road and at home. The 29-year-old righty has 43 strikeouts in his 44 innings and has emerged as the ace of Chicago's young rotation. He's one of the top starting pitchers to add off the waiver wire if you can still grab him, and his next start is scheduled to be Sunday afternoon at home against the Mariners.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 9:13 AM ET

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had a quiet 2025 season, with his 42 targets and 28 receptions the lowest totals since his rookie campaign. Like most Bengals pass catchers, he struggled through the early portion of the season with Jake Browning replacing an injured Joe Burrow. While a mid-season trade for Joe Flacco was able to stabilize the offense, Gesicki missed the majority of Flacco's starts with a pectoral injury that landed him on injured reserve. Upon his return, six of his final seven games were again started by Burrow, and across those outings, Gesicki played as the TE15 in Half-PPR formats. While he will always slot behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in the target pecking order, should one miss time, Gesicki has a history of stepping in as a top-two option in the passing game, giving him serious upside in one of the league's most high-powered offenses. He'll turn 31 in the opening weeks of the 2026 season, but Cincinnati added little competition through either free agency or the NFL Draft, and at RotoBaller's dynasty TE47, he's a low-cost depth piece who can offer a serious ceiling under the right circumstances.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 5, 2026, 9:10 AM ET

San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama opened the second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a triple-double, finishing a 104-102 loss with 11 points, 15 rebounds, and a record-setting 12 blocks. No player in NBA history had recorded as many blocks in a playoff game. Wembanyama became only the third player to register a triple-double with blocks in the postseason. His spectacular defensive effort made up for his offensive shortcomings. Wembanyama missed all eight three-point attempts and finished 5-for-17 overall from the field. In 40 minutes on the floor, Wembanyama also tallied five assists. The French superstar should be determined to improve his offensive output in Game 2.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 8:42 AM ET

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe continued his debut postseason campaign with another productive outing on Monday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, recording an assist in a 3-1 loss. He set up Mikael Granlund for the game-tying tally in the third period, but the Golden Knights quickly responded with a controversial Ivan Barbashev goal, and Anaheim couldn't recover from a second deficit. It was a record-setting performance for LaCombe, who became the fastest player in franchise history to reach 10 postseason points. With one goal and nine assists in seven games, the 25-year-old has also tied a league record for the fewest games needed by a defenseman to register 10 career playoff points.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 8:34 AM ET

Anaheim Ducks forward Mikael Granlund scored his third goal of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs in Monday's 3-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Finnish forward tied the game 13:57 into the third period, giving him seven points in seven games this postseason. Last season, Granlund amassed a career-high 10 playoff points with the Dallas Stars and has a good chance to set a new scoring record for the second consecutive year. However, three of his seven points, including two goals, have come on the power play, and among the remaining teams, Vegas has the strongest penalty kill at 95.8 percent.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 8:26 AM ET

Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitchell Marner tallied a goal and an assist as the team kicked off its second-round series against the Anaheim Ducks with a 3-1 victory on Monday night. Marner's work helped Brett Howden open the scoring early in the second period, and the former Maple Leaf wrapped up Vegas' fourth consecutive win in the playoffs with an empty-net goal. Marner has produced three goals and four assists during the Golden Knights' winning run. Seven games into the postseason, he has been scoreless only once, sitting on nine points (three goals, six assists). Marner has been Vegas' leading scorer alongside Jack Eichel. In Game 2 against the Ducks, Marner will seek his first five-game playoff point streak since 2023.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 8:22 AM ET

Ben Griffin is moving up the world rankings inside the top 20 (16th). The American golfer has consecutive top-10 results, including a stand-alone third-place finish at the Cadillac Championship last week. Griffin did have a March to forget, as he struggled in Florida. However, he began to bounce back as his total strokes gained wandered back into positive territory. Griffin's scoring average is 31st on tour at 69.76. Unfortunately, some concerns are out there. His driving accuracy ranks 25th at 62.89%, and he will need to stay close to the tour average like last week (only minus-2.3 yards). If his approaches are near average, Griffin has a chance to contend again. If not, he becomes a fade in most DFS lineups.--Chris Wassel - RotoBaller
Source: PGATour.com

May 5, 2026, 8:19 AM ET

Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall sent fans into raptures with the game-winning goal in Monday's 3-2 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Hurricanes had to rally from a 2-0 deficit to keep a perfect playoff record. Hall established a new franchise record with a six-game postseason-opening point streak. The 2018 MVP has turned back the clock, amassing nine points (three goals, six assists) in six games this postseason. Another major milestone is on the horizon for Hall, as he can match the fourth-longest playoff point streak in Hurricanes history in Game 3 on Thursday.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 8:14 AM ET

Rickie Fowler has two straight top-10 results. The American golfer has performed well in 2026 aside from two blips in Texas (missed cut). He did finish 10 strokes off the lead at Doral, but Cameron Young also won the event by six strokes. Courses like Quail Hollow (7,538 yards) do not phase Fowler, as Doral is more than 250 yards longer. Also, this is a par 71, which may help. Fowler's approach game has been much better in 2026, with five aggressively positive events, including more than a stroke gained in back-to-back tournaments. With a solid putts per round (27.92 - 29th) and even better proximity (under 200 yards - 22nd), Fowler may contend again, making him a good betting choice.--Chris Wassel - RotoBaller
Source: PGATour.com

May 5, 2026, 8:09 AM ET

Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers had a big role in Monday's 3-2 comeback win against the Philadelphia Flyers, finishing with a goal and an assist. With Carolina 2-0 down on home ice in Game 2 of the second-round series, Ehlers scored a power-play goal and assisted Seth Jarvis on the game-tying goal during even-strength play. Then Taylor Hall completed the comeback in overtime. This was Ehlers' fifth multi-point game in 50 career playoff outings. Postseason hockey hasn't suited him well, and his numbers aren't looking great this year either. In five appearances, Ehlers has recorded one goal and two assists. Game 3 presents Ehlers with a chance to score multiple points in consecutive playoff games for the first time in his 11-year NHL career.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

May 5, 2026, 8:01 AM ET

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (undisclosed) will play in Game 2 against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reports. In the series opener, Makar was injured early in the game and missed most of the first period. However, he finished the game and had a big impact, scoring two goals and adding an assist in a 9-6 victory. After a slow start in the playoffs, Makar has put together a three-game point streak. Overall, he has notched four goals and one assist in five games. On Tuesday, he will aim to record his first four-game postseason point streak since the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Aarif Deen

May 5, 2026, 8:00 AM ET

Gary Woodland has been on a nice run over the past five events. The American golfer has been inside the Top 40 including a win at the Texas Children's Houston Open. Another positive development has been his final round play during this span (70 or better). Woodland has turned quite a few metrics green and his driving distance (323.1 yards) still ranks second. Accuracy may not be the best (55.85% - 112th) but he averages only 28 putts per round for Round 1 and 4. That may bode well this week. When his approach to the green gains greater than one stroke lately, Woodland has contended. From a DFS and betting perspective, Woodland is a golfer to look at for at least Thursday and Sunday. --Chris Wassel - RotoBaller
Source: PGATour.com

May 5, 2026, 7:54 AM ET

Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig won't be available for a couple of games at the start of the 2026-27 season after receiving a suspension. He was handed a two-game suspension for roughing Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker in Game 4 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series on April 25. Graig contributed one assist in four games against Carolina. He posted a career-high 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 77 regular-season appearances. While Greig has been effective in his role with the Senators, he doesn't offer much fantasy value.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

May 5, 2026, 7:47 AM ET

Sepp Straka has won four times on the PGA Tour. The Austrian golfer claimed one of those triumphs at the Truist Championship. Naturally, that was when the tournament was up in Philadelphia. Quail Hollow was hosting the PGA Championship last year. Straka is playing on a course that corresponds favorably to Charlotte. His greens in regulation percentage has heated up to 67.12% - 47th. Furthermore, his driver accuracy has been greater than 5% above average over the past two events. Straka is still +118 via DraftKings for a Top 20 and +300 for a Top 10. It is the latter that could have more value from a betting point of view. --Chris Wassel - RotoBaller
Source: PGATour.com

May 5, 2026, 7:29 AM ET

J.J. Spaun had the whole world looking at him going into 2026. The American golfer did not have the best of starts. Missing several cuts and a big drop in putting were the main culprits. However, his strokes gained to approach spiked at THE Players Championship (1.48). Since then, Spaun won the Texas Valero Open and has Top 25 results from the RBC Heritage and Cadillac Championship. Again, the main concern is that putter (150th with -0.597 strokes gained). The improvement in driver accuracy (62.66% - 30th) and greens in regulation (67.65% - 40th). His final round scoring average of 68.5 (10th) makes him a DFS weekend option at a minimum as he could be in contention too. --Chris Wassel - RotoBaller
Source: PGATour.com