February 2, 2026
The National Football League announced on Monday that the New Orleans Saints will be the "home" team for the first-ever NFL game in Paris, France, during the 2026 regular season this fall, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The game will be played at the Stade de France, France's national stadium. New Orleans was granted international marketing rights in France in 2023, and owner Gayle Benson, linebacker Demario Davis, and team officials visited Paris last summer to grow the team's brand. The Saints' opponent for the game in Paris will be announced when the NFL reveals its full schedule in the spring. The NFL will have eight international games in the 2026 season, with three of them set to be played in London/United Kingdom.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
February 2, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers are interviewing New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien on Monday for their offensive-coordinator job, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 38-year-old former QB played for new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy in Green Bay and also coached with him in Dallas. Tolzien spent the last week as the American team's offensive coordinator at the Senior Bowl. Before joining the Saints' coaching staff in 2025, he spent the last five years working for the Cowboys, first as an assistant coach and then as the QBs coach in 2023 and 2024. If Tolzien were to land the job in Pittsburgh, it would be his first time as an OC in the NFL, which means that McCarthy would likely be the one calling the offensive plays. There are a lot of question marks about Pittsburgh's offense for 2026, especially at the QB position.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
February 2, 2026
Diego Lopes suffered a unanimous decision loss to Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 325 on Saturday. Lopes had his moments in the first three rounds, but it wasn't nearly enough to defeat Volkanovski, who used his well-rounded skillset to keep Lopes guessing, which left Lopes tentative and not as active as he usually is. In 25 minutes of action, Lopes landed two takedowns and 70 significant strikes. With the loss, Lopes dropped to 27-8 as a pro and is now 6-3 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 2, 2026
Alexander Volkanovski defended the featherweight title by defeating Diego Lopes via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 325 on Saturday. Although it wasn't the most exciting fight, Volkanovski's jab and clinchwork were his best weapons as he dominated Lopes for most of the fight. The first fight between Volkanovski and Lopes this past April saw Volkanovski reclaim the vacant belt, and it could be argued that Volkanovski won this time more convincingly than the first time. In 25 minutes of action, Volkanovski landed two takedowns and 98 significant strikes. After the fight, Volkanovski expressed interest in facing Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 2, 2026
Fan-favorite Dan Hooker suffered a second-round TKO loss to Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event of UFC 325 on Saturday. Hooker had some success with his striking, to be more specific, with the body kicks. Hooker also threatened Saint Denis with a guillotine choke in the second round, but other than that, Saint Denis had a dominant performance. The finishing sequence came in the second round when Saint Denis took Hooker down and unleashed a barrage of punches and elbows, forcing the referee to stop the fight with 15 seconds left in the second round. In 9:45 of action, Hooker landed 30 significant strikes. With the loss, Hooker dropped to 14-10 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 2, 2026
Benoit Saint Denis extended his win streak by beating Dan Hooker in the co-main event of UFC 325 on Saturday. Saint Denis was having trouble with Hooker on the feet, so he took the fight to the ground and did the most damage there. He first attempted to submit Hooker before deciding just to punish him with a barrage of elbows and punches until the referee decided to stop the fight with 15 seconds remaining in the second round. In 9:45 of action, Saint Denis landed two takedowns and 97 significant strikes. With the win, Saint Denis improved to 9-3 in the UFC and is now on a four-fight winning streak.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 2, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Mike Sirota is quickly progressing through the minor leagues and is a name to watch in 2026. Sirota was drafted with the 87th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds out of Northeastern. He was then shipped to the Dodgers in the package that sent infielder
Gavin Lux to the Reds. Sirota made his professional debut in 2025 with Low-A, then joined High-A shortly after. Through 24 games with Low-A Sirota, held a .354/.443/.687 line with eight doubles and seven home runs. With High-A, Sirota continued to show immense power upside, posting an elite 1.014 OPS with six home runs and four stolen bases. While his season was cut short by a knee injury, he is expected to push for an early promotion to the upper levels in 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds catching prospect
Alfredo Duno is a name to monitor in dynasty formats ahead of the 2026 regular season. Duno is currently listed as the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 48-ranked prospect on MLB.com. Duno joined the Cincinnati system in 2023 and has continued to show high upside at the lower levels. He made his professional debut in 2023 in the Dominican Summer League, where he held a .303/.451/.493 line with a strong .944 OPS. This past season, he spent the entire campaign with Low-A Daytona, where he posted an impressive .287/.430/.518 slash line with 32 doubles, 18 home runs, and six stolen bases. Given his solid play last summer, managers should expect Duno to spend most of 2026 with High-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 2, 2026
Rafael Fiziev suffered a second-round TKO loss to Mauricio Ruffy on the main card of UFC 325 on Saturday. Fiziev came out strong in the first round, landing leg kicks and applying pressure to Ruffy; however, Ruffy found his rhythm towards the end of the first round. Ruffy was doing much better than Fiziev in the second round. With a minute left in the second round, Ruffy landed a devastating right hand that hurt Fiziev. He followed up with a barrage of punches that dropped Fiziev, and Ruffy continued to land until the referee stopped the fight. In 9:30 of action, Fiziev landed 36 significant strikes. With the loss, Fiziev dropped to 13-5 as a pro and is now 7-5 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 2, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-handed pitching prospect Brody Hopkins will attend MLB spring training. Hopkins is currently viewed as the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Tampa Bay system on MLB.com. Last summer, Hopkins spent the entire campaign at Double-A. In 2024, he made his professional debut and spent time in the lower levels. Through 115 innings split between Low-A and Double-A in 2024, the right-hander posted a 3.05 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP. In 2025, Hopkins looked quite comfortable with Double-A Montgomery, logging 116 innings to the tune of a 2.72 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. He struck out 141 batters while allowing 60 free passes. While an early-season MLB debut seems improbable, he could remain on track for a second-half debut if he can begin the 2026 season with Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: Marc Topkin
February 2, 2026
Mauricio Ruffy got back in the win column by defeating Rafael Fiziev via second-round TKO on the main card of UFC 325 on Saturday. With a minute left in the second round, Ruffy landed a picture-perfect right hand that hurt Fiziev. Ruffy then continued with the onslaught, dropping Fiziev with a flurry of punches. The referee stopped the fight with 30 seconds left in the second round. In 9:30 of action, Ruffy landed 55 significant strikes. With the win, Ruffy improved to 4-1 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 2, 2026
Seattle Mariners switch-pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje is expected to focus entirely on right-handed pitching during spring training. Cijntje joined the Mariners with the 15th overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Mississippi State. Cijntje spent his debut campaign splitting time across High-And Double-A, pitching from both sides. However, the Mariners will look to have Cijntje focus solely on right-handed pitching this spring. Through 74 2/3 innings with High-A, Cijntje held a 4.58 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP. He struck out 83 batters. Through his first 33 2/3 innings at Double-A, the 22-year-old posted a strong 2.67 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, with a 37:16 K:BB. When facing right-handed batters (pitching with his right hand), Cijntje was far more effective, posting a 76:12 K:BB compared to the rough 44:39 K:BB he held as a left-hander. If he progresses well in camp, he could debut in Triple-A early in the first half.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
February 2, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially invited infield prospect
Tommy Troy to MLB spring training. Troy was a fast riser in the system last season and is now in a great position to compete for a role on the Opening Day roster in 2026. Troy began the 2025 campaign with Double-A Amarillo and held a .286/.382/.461 slash line with 20 doubles, 12 home runs, and 21 stolen bases. He was then bumped up to Triple-A Reno to close out the campaign, where he continued to perform at a high level. Through 38 games, Troy held a .295/.381/.429 line. He posted an .810 OPS with three home runs and three stolen bases. Currently, Troy figures to compete for a utility role in the infield, serving as a backup option to third baseman
Nolan Arenado or shortstop
Geraldo Perdomo. He is a name to watch in deeper formats given his five-category upside.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
February 2, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks have invited top outfield prospect
Ryan Waldschmidt to big league camp. Waldschmidt is considered the team's top-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 66-ranked prospect in the sport. Waldschmidt joined the Diamondbacks in the 2024 Draft and is now knocking on the MLB door. Last summer, the Kentucky product began the season in High-A but reached Double-A by the second half. Through 68 games with High-A, Waldschmidt held a .268/.415/.447 slash line with 13 doubles and nine home runs. During his first taste of Double-A, the outfielder took a step further, holding a stellar .309/.423/.498 line with a .921 OPS. Given Arizona's current outfield, Waldschmidt is a name to closely monitor as he could be in the mix to jump Triple-A and begin the season in the major leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
February 2, 2026
Boston Bruins forward Morgan Geekie notched three points in Sunday's 6-5 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2026 Stadium Series. With Geekie on fire and producing two goals and one assist, Boston jumped 5-1 ahead at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Raymond James Stadium, but Marcos Strum's team got careless with the big lead. After slumping for most of January, Geekie has regained his scoring touch, putting together a seven-game point streak. He has finished goalless only twice during this run. In 55 outings this season, Geekie has tallied 53 points (32 goals, 21 assists), leaving him only five points away from eclipsing his career-best scoring total set last season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 2, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov missed tying the NHL record for most points in an outdoor game by just a single point on Sunday in a Stadium Series contest, recording one goal and three assists in a 6-5 shootout victory over Boston. Kucherov was feeling it all game, firing eight shots on goal. While he only got one puck past Jeremy Swayman in the Bruins' net, it was a vital goal in the third period, which extended the game. Two of Kucherov's assists came on the power play, helping the Lightning erase a 5-1 deficit. Kucherov has been producing silly numbers in recent weeks, finishing 15 of 18 outings with multiple points. This stretch includes six games with at least three points. As a result, the Russian star has started to sneak into Art Ross Trophy contention as the NHL's leading scorer. He has totaled 86 points (28 goals, 58 assists) in 49 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 2, 2026
According to Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com, the Pirates are unlikely to pursue a reunion with infielder
Isiah Kiner-Falefa in free agency. Demilio reported that a reunion between both sides appears to be "unlikely for several reasons." While the Pirates were unable to strike a deal with
Eugenio Suarez ahead of his signing with the Reds on Sunday, they remain active in the market in looking to bolster their infield ahead of spring training. Currently,
Jared Triolo and prospect
Nick Yorke are slated to cover the hot corner at the start of the season. Kiner-Falefa has had multiple stints in the Steel City during his career. Last season, Kiner-Falefa held a .262/.297/.334 line across 138 contests split between the Blue Jays and the Pirates. If he were to find a suitor, he would only be worth targeting in AL/NL-only leagues due to his defensive versatility.
--Andy SmithSource: Danny Demilio
February 2, 2026
According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, the Boston Red Sox could still look to shop outfielder/designated hitter
Masataka Yoshida ahead of spring training. Yoshida posted a .266/.307/.388 slash line with 11 doubles and four home runs across a 66-game stint with Boston last season. He generated a high .270 xBA and showed an elite eye at the plate, posting a low 11.7% K%. During his first two seasons in the majors, Yoshida held an overall .285/.343/.433 line with a .775 OPS. However, given Boston's crowded outfield and acquiring
Willson Contreras in the offseason, the Boston lineup is quite crowded and will likely not offer Yoshida everyday at-bats. If he were to be moved, he could carry a sleeper appeal in a full-time role. If he were to open the season in Boston, he would be best left for deeper 15+ team formats as a late-round source of batting average.
--Andy SmithSource: Jen McCaffrey
February 2, 2026
Anaheim Ducks left wing Chris Kreider lit the lamp twice as his team beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 on Sunday. The veteran forward produced the first two goals of the contest, logging his sixth multi-point outing of the campaign. Kreider had a challenging time in December, finishing the month with only four points. He boosted his production to six points in January, and his improvement in form appears set to continue in February. Kreider has cemented a spot in the top six and skates with the first power-play unit. He has recorded 19 goals and 30 points in 49 games across the season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 2, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi had a below-par outing on Sunday against the Los Angeles Kings but still ended up on the winning side, making history in a 3-2 overtime victory. Bussi, who finished with a .846 save percentage after saving 11 of 13 shots, improved to 21-3-1 to become the goalie with the most wins through their 25 career games in NHL history. It has been a special campaign for the Sound Beach, New York native after he started the year as the third option between the sticks. Bussi has allowed 2.21 goals while logging a .906 save percentage and one shutout. In his next appearance, Bussi will be aiming for his sixth consecutive win.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 2, 2026
Boston Red Sox second baseman/outfielder
Kristian Campbell does not have a defined role on the roster ahead of spring training. Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports that while the team is viewing Campbell as a fit in the outfield due to his athleticism, the current state of the outfield is quite crowded and will not provide Campbell with everyday at-bats. However, Smith noted that Campbell is still growing offensively and could open the season at Triple-A to not only further his progress but also provide him with everyday opportunities. Last summer, Campbell made his MLB debut and held a .223/.319/.345 slash line with six home runs and two stolen bases across 67 games. Given his current projected playing time, Campbell is only worth a late-round stash in deeper five-outfielder leagues ahead of spring training.
--Andy SmithSource: Christopher Smith
February 2, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere contributed two assists in Sunday's 3-2 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Kings. He had a power-play helper in the first period on a Jordan Staal goal and combined with Seth Jarvis to set up Sebastian Aho for the game-winner 1:25 into the extra frame. In late January, Gostisbehere returned from a lower-body injury and has been on fire ever since. Across three outings, the veteran has tallied three goals and three assists. Gostisbehere is among six blue-liners to average at least one point per game this season. He boasts nine goals and 29 assists through 38 outings. Gostisbehere also averages more than one block per game, further increasing his fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 2, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Terrence Shannon Jr. (foot) will miss Monday against Memphis, extending his absence to 20 straight games as he continues to recover from a left foot strain with no clear return date. Shannon's role was already limited before the injury, as he averaged five points and one rebound in 13 minutes across 22 appearances, mostly off the bench. His continued absence keeps fringe minutes available, with
Jaylen Clark logging 17 minutes and
Bones Hyland seeing 12 minutes in the last game. Clark and Hyland remain fringe rotation pieces, offering little fantasy appeal without a clear bump in playing time.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 2, 2026
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (upper body) made an early exit from Sunday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. He sustained an upper-body injury during the first period, logging only 2:50 of ice time across four shifts. Anderson has taken a significant step back offensively this season, and a serious injury would be another blow for him. Following a career-high 24 points last term, Anderson has settled for nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 54 appearances. He has registered 77 blocked shots and 59 hits. The Kings carry Jacob Moverare as an extra defenseman, and he is set to enter the lineup for Wednesday's clash against Seattle if Anderson isn't healthy enough to play.
--Taavi PailkSource: Los Angeles Kings PR
February 2, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman
Pavin Smith may be in danger of losing an everyday role. According to reports by Douglas Santo of ArizonaSports.com, the Diamondbacks have shown serious interest in acquiring another first baseman on the free agent market. They have been linked to free agents
Carlos Santana and
Paul Goldschmidt. If the team were to sign any of them, this would likely push Smith to a platoon role. Last summer, Smith played in 87 games and showed solid upside, posting a .258/.362/.434 line with a .796 OPS. He hit 17 doubles and added eight long balls. Under the hood, Smith generated an above average 11.7% barrel rate with a 46.1% hard-hit rate while drawing walks at an elite 14.2% rate. Smith carries solid upside as a late-round corner infielder given his projected role. However, if the Diamondbacks were to add a veteran option, Smith would fall into a streaming territory given his likely role as a platoon bat.
--Andy SmithSource: Douglas Santo
February 2, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Cason Wallace and center
Isaiah Hartenstein (minutes restriction) both returned to the starting lineup Sunday as injuries continued to reshape the rotation. Wallace capitalized in a big way, erupting for 27 points, seven three-pointers, six rebounds, and two steals in 30 minutes, firmly planting himself on the standard-league radar. Hartenstein, still ramping up from injury, logged four points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 22 minutes alongside
Chet Holmgren. With
Jalen Williams (hamstring),
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen), and
Alex Caruso (adductor) still out, Wallace looks locked into a featured role, while Hartenstein profiles as a hold with upside as his minutes climb.
--Brian DailisanSource: Brandon Rahbar
February 2, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) left Sunday's Stadium Series clash against the Boston Bruins after logging only 6:25 of ice time. He suffered an undisclosed injury late in the first period on an open-ice hit by Bruins forward Mark Kastelic. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper called Cirelli's injury "a stinger" after the game, so it looks like he may have avoided a major injury. Tampa Bay has two more games to go until the Olympic break. Cirelli is set to play in the Olympics for Team Canada after impressing throughout the season. He has tallied 30 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 49 contests with a plus-30 rating.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 2, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox did not play a "meaningful role" in third baseman
Eugenio Suarez's free-agent market. On Sunday evening, the slugging third baseman inked a one-year deal to return to Cincinnati. The Pittsburgh Pirates were also in heavy pursuit, but it appears the Red Sox did not make a strong push to upgrade their infield. The Red Sox were linked to several of the top infielders this winter but have been unsuccessful in their free-agent search. With Suarez off the board, the Red Sox could still look for a trade candidate or enter camp with
Marcelo Mayer slated to cover third base. Last season, Mayer made his MLB debut and held a modest .228/.272/.402 slash line with four long balls. However, he showed significant upside as he progressed through the Boston system. If he were to open the season as the team's No. 1 third baseman, he would have solid sleeper appeal in deeper formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
February 2, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen erupted for a career-high 40 points in Sunday's win over Portland, adding 17 rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and two steals in 30 minutes. The outburst came with
Evan Mobley (calf) and
Darius Garland (toe) both sidelined, opening the door for Allen to shoulder a larger offensive load. With Mobley still out, Allen's usage and rebounding floor remain elevated, making him an elite must-start in all formats.
Donovan Mitchell continues to benefit from the inside-out balance, while Garland's eventual return and Mobley's health are the primary risks to Allen sustaining peak-level production.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
February 2, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) will remain out Monday against Minnesota as he continues to recover from left big toe surgery performed in October. Pippen has yet to make his season debut, though recent work with the team's G League affiliate suggests a return may be approaching. His continued absence has solidified
Ty Jerome's role, and Jerome posted 20 points, six assists, and one steal in 20 minutes last game while shooting 50 percent from the field. Based on his production profile from last season, Jerome should stay rostered when his role is secure.
Cam Spencer is one to monitor as the rotation settles, while
Jaylen Wells remains fringe.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
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