March 7, 2026
Undersized Georgia wide receiver
Zachariah Branch tested extremely well at the NFL Combine, running a 4.35 40-yard dash while his vertical and broad jumps reinforced the explosiveness shown on film. Working primarily out of the slot, his short arms and imprecise route-running led to a handful of off-the-mark targets in college, but he showed rare explosiveness with the ball in his hands. Given his profile, he may find himself as more of a gadget player than an every-down receiver early in his career, contributing more as an NFL player than a fantasy asset. Branch is currently clustered with a large group of receivers in the second or third tier of this rookie class, and NFL draft capital should help to further clarify rookie draft rankings.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 7, 2026
Baltimore Orioles second baseman
Jackson Holliday (hand) is hitting off a tee and took 40 swings in camp on Saturday, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Holliday said his hand feels good. He will hit flips on Sunday and could progress to batting practice in a week. The 22-year-old left-handed hitter is recovering from hamate-bone surgery in his hand and is expected to open the 2026 regular season on the injured list. However, as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks, Holliday should have a minimum IL stay and be ready to make his season debut in early April after initially having surgery on his hand on Feb. 12. The former first overall pick in 2022 showed improvement in Year 2 in 2025, slashing .242/.314/.375 with a .690 OPS, 17 home runs, 55 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases in 649 plate appearances. It was encouraging that he cut his strikeout rate considerably. Fantasy managers are now hoping he can take another step forward in 2026. RotoBaller has Holliday ranked just inside the top 15 fantasy second basemen.
--Keith HernandezSource: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
March 7, 2026
New York Mets outfield prospect
Carson Benge is making a case this spring for why the right-field job should be his to lose, according to Danny Abriano of SNY. Abriano writes that Benge "has looked the part of someone ready for the majors." Others vying for playing time in right field include
Mike Tauchman,
MJ Melendez,
Tyrone Taylor, and
Brett Baty. The Mets have been adamant all offseason that Benge would have a real chance to make the Opening Day roster, and he's done nothing in camp to really hurt his chances. Benge has had a three-hit day, hit an opposite-field homer in his most recent game, is making loud contact, and has looked very good in right field. The 23-year-old former first-rounder hit .282/.389/.467 with 14 homers and 24 steals in 116 games between Double-A and Triple-A last year and should make an impact in mixed fantasy leagues if he's on the strong side of a platoon for the Mets in right field in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Danny Abriano
March 7, 2026
Tennessee receiver
Chris Brazzell II ran a blazing 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine after measuring in at 6'4". That rare combination of size and speed contributed to the types of downfield explosive plays that littered his senior film. While the wide-open offensive scheme of the Volunteers has not always translated well to the NFL, Brazzell's traits are undeniable, and the fact that he was able to produce as a redshirt freshman at Tulane before his transfer is another feather in his cap. He has been on the rise throughout the pre-draft process, and he could work his way into the early parts of the Day 2 NFL Draft conversation.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 7, 2026
Notre Dame wide receiver
Malachi Fields measured in at over 6'4" and 218 pounds at the NFL Combine, and while he put up impressive numbers in the vertical and broad jumps, his 4.61 40-yard dash reinforced some of the slow releases seen on his tape. The fifth senior has had an up-and-down pre-draft showing, consistent with some of the inconsistencies that marred his college career. He profiles as a physical boundary receiver who might struggle to create separation but will hold an advantage in most contested catch situations. After the top three receivers come off the board in rookie drafts, Fields could be in play in the next tier but will likely fall into the mid rounds.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 7, 2026
New Orleans Saints quarterback
Spencer Rattler started the first eight games of the 2025 season before being benched in favor of rookie
Tyler Shough. Questions now exist about how the 25-year-old, who is still under contract through the 2027 season, fits into the team's future plans, but according to ESPN's Katherine Terrell, the Saints have not received any calls about his potential trade value. Rattler is now 1-13 as an NFL starter, largely assuming the role out of necessity, but it would seem that his future in the league will be that of a backup, either in New Orleans or elsewhere.
--Patrick McGrathSource: ESPN
March 7, 2026
Los Angeles Kings winger Andrei Kuzmenko (knee) won't return to action before the end of the 2025-26 regular season. A week ago, the Russian forward underwent meniscus surgery, and it's unclear whether Kuzmenko will have a chance to return when the Kings make the playoffs. Kuzmenko ends his first full campaign in L.A. with 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 52 games. The Kings have also lost Kevin Fiala (lower leg) for the season, and Joel Armia (upper body) will be out for several weeks. This has led to expanded roles for Trevor Moore and Alex Turcotte, while new additions Scott Laughton and Mathieu Joseph could also play an important part down the stretch.
--Taavi PailkSource: The Mayor
March 7, 2026
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve, paving the way for him to rejoin the lineup on Saturday night against the Vancouver Canucks. The talented blue-liner sustained an upper-body injury at the Olympics and has missed five games since the Jets resumed their season. Morrissey's return will mark a boost at both ends of the ice for Winnipeg. He has recorded 42 points, 104 shots, and 94 blocks with a plus-10 rating across 56 contests this season. Ville Heinola will be bumped from the first power-play unit with Morrissey's return, while Dylan Samberg and Haydn Fleury will also see less ice time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
March 7, 2026
Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (ear) is not expected to return this season, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports. He has been out since Nov. 1 due to a blood clot in his ear. "He's continuing to get treatment," Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Friday. "Our main concern, obviously, is his well-being and long-term health, and second, when he can be back as a hockey player. But he's progressing but most likely he'll be out for the season." Kulich was knocked out of the lineup after recording five points (three goals, two assists) in 12 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Bill Hoppe
March 7, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (lower body) didn't finish Friday's 6-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports. He sustained a lower-body injury in the first period and didn't come out for the second. Despite being hurt, Gostisbehere managed to score Carolina's first goal of the night. Gostisbehere has been very productive offensively all season, but health issues have limited him to 47 appearances. He has posted 11 goals and 32 assists. Mike Reilly is set to come into the lineup if Gostisbehere has to sit out another game on Saturday against the Calgary Flames.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ryan Henkel
March 7, 2026
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (lower body) couldn't complete Friday's matchup with the Colorado Avalanche. He had to be helped off the ice in the second period after suffering a lower-body injury. This was Hintz's first appearance after the Olympics, as he had missed four games due to illness. Unfortunately, it looks like Hintz could be sidelined again for some time. As a result, the Stars may move Mavrik Bourque back to the top line, with Wyatt Johnston shifting to center. Bourque collected two assists on Friday night and has averaged a point per game across his last nine appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
March 7, 2026
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (undisclosed) escaped serious injury on Friday night against the Florida Panthers and is not expected to be out for long. "He crumpled up there," Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan said of Larkin postgame. "He's in the back. He'll get checked out. We don't think it's going to be long-term, but he needs to be looked at. We'll give you an update when we have it." Larkin left Friday's game in the third period after appearing to injure his right leg. Before leaving, he earned a power-play assist, bringing his season total to 55 points (28 goals, 27 assists) in 63 games. Mario Kasper could rejoin the top six if Larkin misses his first game of the season on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 7, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin will sit out the next five games due to a suspension. The Russian star received his third career suspension for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin in the head on Thursday. Malkin is enjoying his best season in three years, collecting 47 points (13 goals, 34 assists) in 48 contests. His suspension comes at an awful time for the Penguins, who are already without Sidney Crosby (lower body). On Friday, the team recalled Ville Koivunen from the AHL in anticipation of Malkin being suspended. Koivunen has averaged over a point per game in the minors and will now get a new opportunity to showcase his talent in the big league. Malkin will be eligible to return to the lineup on March 16 against the Colorado Avalanche.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 7, 2026
New Orleans Saints tight end
Taysom Hill's football future remains uncertain heading into the 2026 offseason, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com. The Saints gave Hill a fitting send-off in his final home game of the 2025 season, in case he decided to retire after the year ended. Fast forward two months later, and the 35-year-old remains undecided on what the future holds. On one hand, he still has some production left in the tank after amassing 114 rushing yards, 91 receiving yards, and 57 passing yards last year. On the other hand, his stats took a step backward, and he dropped to the overall TE58 in PPR leagues, his lowest mark since 2018. Further complicating matters is the fact that Hill is an impending free agent, so within just a few days, he'll no longer have an NFL contract. It's possible that Hill will test the market before deciding whether to play football in 2026. Even if he does come back for another year, he's no longer a dependable option in dynasty or redraft leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Katherine Terrell
March 7, 2026
The New York Giants are expected to move linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux this offseason, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. Thibodeaux comes with a salary of nearly $15 million, and Raanan expects the Giants to move on from the former first-round pick so that they can spend money on "others in their defensive front, whether it be middle linebacker or defensive line." If this is indeed the end of Thibodeaux's time in New York, he finishes his Giants stint with 23.5 sacks, 152 tackles, 55 quarterback hits, and six forced fumbles across four seasons (53 games, 53 starts). Health has been somewhat of a concern with the 25-year-old, who missed 12 games over the last two years. He'll look to get back to his 2022 and 2023 form; he finished fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2022, and he had 11.5 sacks in 2023. Upon his anticipated departure, Abdul Carter and Brian Burns will continue to make an impact as edge rushers on either end of the defensive line.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jordan Raanan
March 7, 2026
The Carolina Panthers intend to replace backup quarterback
Andy Dalton this offseason, according to David Newton of ESPN.com. "Moving on is the plan, even if it means releasing Dalton and leaving $3.83 million in dead cap money with a post-June 1 parting," Newton wrote. This loosely echoes previous comments from Panthers general manager Dan Morgan, who said the team wants to develop a young backup behind
Bryce Young and that Dalton would have to compete for a roster spot. At this point, it sounds unlikely that he'll be back for 2026, with the Panthers perhaps looking toward free agency or the NFL Draft for a younger replacement. Newton identified veteran journeyman quarterbacks
Kenny Pickett,
Zach Wilson,
Trey Lance, and
Sam Howell as potential QB2 options in Carolina going forward.
--Andersen PickardSource: David Newton
March 6, 2026
Free agent running backs
Rachaad White and
Kenneth Gainwell "might make sense" for the Jacksonville Jaguars if they don't re-sign
Travis Etienne Jr., according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com. White, 27, spent his first four NFL seasons in Tampa Bay. He consistently flashed upside as a dual-threat back with the ability to score touchdowns, but he was held in check each of the last two years due to
Bucky Irving's breakout. We have seen what White can do in a shared backfield (or by himself), and he could be a 1A to the 1B of
Bhayshul Tuten in Jacksonville. There's real optimism that White could return to 2023 form, which included 990 rushing yards, 549 receiving yards, nine touchdowns, and an overall RB4 finish in PPR leagues. Notably, White has a connection to Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, who was previously his offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay. Gainwell, on the other hand, is coming off a breakout season in Pittsburgh. During his lone year as a Steeler, he ranked as the RB16 in PPR leagues with 537 rushing yards, 486 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He split the workload with
Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh, and he'd presumably do the same with Tuten in Jacksonville. Either running back would have appeal as an RB2 or RB3 option if they sign with the Jaguars.
--Andersen PickardSource: Michael DiRocco
March 6, 2026
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Baltimore Ravens are acquiring superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick. The five-time Pro Bowler has been in trade discussions for several months and has finally found a suitor. Crosby has spent his entire NFL career with the Raiders since joining them in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his seven-year NFL career, Crosby has recorded four double-digit sack seasons and averaged 9.9 sacks per season. Since 2022, Crosby has hit the double-digit sack mark in all but one season (2024), where he only played in 12 games. In 2025, Crosby logged 10.0 sacks with 73 tackles, one interception, and six deflections. The 28-year-old will bring high upside to the Baltimore defensive line, which tallied only 30 sacks last season, tying them for the third-fewest in the sport.
--Andy SmithSource: Adam Schefter
March 6, 2026
The San Francisco 49ers have an interest in impending free-agent wide receivers
Alec Pierce and
Romeo Doubs, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will be released soon, and it "sure seems" like
Jauan Jennings won't be retained at the wide receiver position in the Bay Area. Former first-rounder and injury-prone wideout
Ricky Pearsall would be the team's top wideout if both Aiyuk and Jennings leave, which is why it's not a surprise at all that the 49ers are looking at both Pierce and Doubs. Both wideouts are coming off career years with the Colts and Packers, respectively, and are in line for bigger roles with new teams in 2026 and beyond. Pierce, 25, had 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 47 catches in 15 games as Indy's leading receiver. Doubs, 25, had a 55-724-6 line in 16 regular-season games. Pierce has a higher fantasy ceiling because of his big-play ability; he's led the league the last two years in yards per reception.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
March 6, 2026
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer has heard that Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Kyler Murray (foot) has interest in the Indianapolis Colts as he looks for his next team. Breer adds that Murray's preference is probably to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, but all options are on the table right now, with the Cardinals expected to release him. As long as the Colts can retain
Daniel Jones (Achilles) -- he received the transition tag -- the Colts wouldn't exactly make sense for Murray from a playing-time standpoint. The 28-year-old former first overall pick back in 2019 out of Oklahoma is one of the quickest QBs in the game, but injuries have been an issue, and he just hasn't been able to take the next step as a dual-threat signal-caller in the NFL. Before a season-ending foot strain in Week 5, Murray had 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three picks in 2025. Landing in Minnesota would be the best thing for Murray's fantasy value as he looks to rebound in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
March 6, 2026
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer thinks that Jacksonville Jaguars impending free-agent running back
Travis Etienne Jr. could wind up at over $10 million per year in free agency, and he could be a good fit with a team like the New Orleans Saints. Long-time lead back
Alvin Kamara (knee) played in a career-low 11 games last year due to a knee injury, and the Saints restructured his contract on Friday with the potential to move on from the aging back. If the Saints were to move on from Kamara or he were to retire, Etienne would be firmly in play for Etienne and the other top RBs on the open market this offseason. The 27-year-old is the total package as a runner and receiver, having totaled 1,107 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 260 carries while adding 36 catches for 292 yards and another six TDs in 17 regular-season games with the Jags in 2025. Etienne's fantasy arrow is pointing up, but his final 2026 value will be determined once we know where he'll be playing.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
March 6, 2026
Denver Broncos free-agent running back
Tyler Badie plans to sign his one-year, $1.075 million tender "soon," according to Chris Tomasson of The Athletic. Badie could sign the tender as soon as Saturday. The Broncos are expected to explore the free-agent RB market, so at best, the 26-year-old could be relegated to RB3 duties again in Denver in 2026. In his third year in the NFL in 2025, the former sixth-rounder of the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 out of Missouri had carried the ball only eight times for 23 yards, adding 19 receptions on 31 targets for 141 yards and no touchdowns as a pass-catcher. Badie added 452 return yards on 17 attempts on special teams. There's a good chance both
J.K. Dobbins (foot) and
Jaleel McLaughlin won't be back in the Broncos' backfield next season. Badie is off the fantasy radar in the majority of leagues this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Denver Gazette - Chris Tomasson
March 6, 2026
The Chicago Bears are acquiring center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots on Friday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The deal won't officially be processed until the new league year begins next Wednesday. The move comes after former Bears center Drew Dalman surprisingly announced his retirement earlier this week. The 30-year-old veteran started all 17 regular-season games for the second straight year in 2025 and helped the Patriots get all the way to the Super Bowl, but he wasn't particularly effective as a run-blocker last season. He signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with New England in March of last year. Bradbury, a former 18th overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 out of North Carolina State, could face competition at the center position in Chicago if the Bears add another center in free agency.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 6, 2026
The Athletic's Chad Graff thinks Indianapolis Colts impending free-agent wide receiver
Alec Pierce "fits a lot of what New England is likely to be looking for in a receiver" in free agency this offseason. Graff took it a step further and predicted that the Patriots would sign Pierce to a four-year, $104 million contract. The 25-year-old will be in high demand on the open market after posting his first 1,000-yard season in 2025 while catching 47 of his 84 targets for six touchdowns in 15 games. Pierce has led the league in yards per catch in each of the last two years in Indy. The second-round speedster and the Colts have mutual interest in a reunion, but Pierce could also bolt to the highest bidder, as long as they have a stable quarterback situation. Pats QB
Drake Maye was extremely accurate deep down the field, which would make Pierce an ideal fit after New England just cut their top wideout in
Stefon Diggs this week.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chad Graff
March 6, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. As expected, Avdija will miss this game after being listed as doubtful on the injury report. He'll miss his seventh game in a row due to a lingering back issue. His next chance to play will come on Sunday against the Indiana Pacers. Fantasy managers will need to check back this weekend for another update on his status.
Scoot Henderson should continue to see increased playing time with Avdija banged up. Henderson is worth a look in deep leagues, but he doesn't have a ton of upside outside of that.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
The Athletic's James Boyd mentions Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent wide receiver
Rashid Shaheed as an option for the Indianapolis Colts in free agency if they cannot bring
Alec Pierce back. Shaheed torched the Colts a few years ago while playing with the New Orleans Saints and just helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl over the New England Patriots. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Weber State was more productive on special teams as a kick returner for Seattle than on offense after he was acquired in a midseason trade from the Saints. Shaheed had 44 catches for 499 yards and two touchdowns with New Orleans in nine games, but caught just 15 passes for 188 yards and no TDs in nine regular-season games with the Seahawks. The speedy wideout would be a natural replacement for Pierce as a deep threat in Indy, though, perhaps improving Shaheed's fantasy upside in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
March 6, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Brandon Williams (quad) is available to play ahead of Friday's contest versus the Boston Celtics. Williams is back in action after sitting out Thursday's loss due to a quad issue. Luckily, it seems like a minor issue, so Williams will return to the court for the second leg of this back-to-back set. Since the All-Star break, Williams is averaging 15.9 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 24.7 minutes per game across seven contests. Williams has been a sneaky solid fantasy option lately, but his value figures to drop with
Cooper Flagg back in the mix. Fantasy managers who have Williams rostered can get him active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported this week that NFL teams will be calling the Atlanta Falcons to make trade offers for tight end
Kyle Pitts Sr., per The Athletic's Josh Kendall. "Whether or not they listen is another question," Kendall writes. He adds that new head coach Kevin Stefanski has sounded like he wants to coach Pitts this year, and he's the only real pass-catching TE on the roster. If the Falcons were to trade Pitts for a couple of mid-round draft picks, Kendall thinks they'd have to turn around and use the additional draft capital to take a rookie tight end in this year's NFL draft. The dynamic around trading Pitts could change if Atlanta is able to land a starting-caliber TE in free agency, such as
David Njoku or
Darren Waller. New general manager Ian Cunningham said recently the Falcons want another year to decide on whether Pitts is worth a long-term deal, which is why they placed the franchise tag on him. The former fourth overall pick broke out for 88 catches, 928 yards, and five touchdowns in 2025, but with potential issues at the QB position, Pitts could be a volatile TE1 in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
March 6, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Klay Thompson (groin) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. As expected, Thompson will suit up after being listed as probable on the injury report. Since the All-Star break, Thompson is averaging 12.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.5 three-pointers in 21.2 minutes per game in six contests. The veteran guard has been inconsistent in terms of fantasy value this season. Thompson has been playing better lately and could be worth a look as a streaming option for Friday's slate. He knocked down seven three-pointers on Thursday, so hopefully he can keep it going here.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Houston Rockets guard
Amen Thompson (ankle) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Thompson has been upgraded to available after coming into this game with a questionable tag. He tweaked his ankle during Thursday's game, but it won't be enough to keep him off the court. He played 44 minutes during Thursday's overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Rockets monitor Thompson on Friday. Regardless, fantasy managers should feel comfortable plugging him into their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
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