August 18, 2025
The Atlanta Falcons have released veteran wide receiver
DJ Chark, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The team signed Chark in late July after wide receiver
Darnell Mooney (shoulder) went down with a shoulder injury early in training camp. While Mooney has yet to return to the field, Chark's release could be an indication that Atlanta is confident that Mooney will not miss significant time. It could also simply mean that Chark was not part of the team's 53-man roster plans, regardless of Mooney's status. With Chark no longer in Atlanta, veteran
KhaDarel Hodge looks like the top candidate to receive more playing time while Mooney is sidelined.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
August 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year receiver
Jalen McMillan (neck) was in good spirits over the weekend, following a scary-looking fall that took him out of Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers in the first quarter. After landing awkwardly on his head/neck area while making a catch, he was carted to the locker room and ruled out for the remainder of the game. McMillan seems to have avoided any major injury and is now dealing only with soreness. He finished on a league-winning heater last season, registering seven touchdown grabs in his final five regular-season games.
Chris Godwin (ankle) is projected to start the year on the PUP list. McMillan should still have a role in the Buccaneers' high-powered offense while Godwin is sidelined.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Jeremy Fowler
August 18, 2025
Seattle Mariners All-Star catcher
Cal Raleigh gave the kids at the 2025 MLB Little League Classic something to cheer about on Sunday night, as he went 2-for-5 with two RBI, one run scored, and a two-run blast in the seventh inning as the Mariners were defeated by the New York Mets 7-3. The home run was Raleigh's 47th long ball of the season, and he leads the league in that category, with the next closest being
Kyle Schwarber with 43. Raleigh continues to put together one of the best offensive seasons for a catcher in MLB history. With
Aaron Judge missing some time in late July with an elbow injury and being limited to designated hitter of late, the odds for the AL MVP race have gotten significantly tighter and in favor of Raleigh (plus-110, according to ESPN). Fantasy managers can continue to lock Raleigh into their lineups without thinking twice, as he's been the best fantasy catcher by far.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: ESPN
August 18, 2025
After leaving Saturday's preseason game in the second quarter, Green Bay Packers running back
MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) is expected to miss some time, and his status for the regular season is now in question. Injuries have hampered Lloyd's young career. After taking only six attempts as a rookie, he had missed parts of his second training camp with a groin injury. In his preseason debut, Lloyd tweaked his hamstring and had to exit the game prematurely following a 33-yard catch. For the second year, Lloyd entered camp as the presumed backup to
Josh Jacobs, but if he's unable to work his way back to health, that valuable role will go to someone else, as it did last season. For now, Lloyd should be considered week-to-week until further information emerges.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Rob Demovsky - ESPN
August 18, 2025
Boston Red Sox utilityman
Kristian Campbell has continued to play well in Triple-A Worcester of late, hitting .323 with a .943 OPS in 26 games since the All-Star break. When asked this weekend about Campbell's progress, though, Alex Cora was evasive and said, "I've been watching the at-bats," Cora said. "He's producing, but there's still work to do", Jen McCaffrey of the Athletic reports. Cora also went on to say that pitch recognition is something that Campbell needs to work on, and that it's hard to replicate in Triple-A, because the pitching down there is not as good as it is in the majors. Campbell was sent down to the minors in June after struggling at the MLB level in his first stint, slashing .223/.319/.345 with six home runs, 21 RBI, 24 runs scored, and a 27.4 percent strikeout rate over 229 at-bats. Campbell is still one of the Red Sox's top prospects, but at this time, he remains a dynasty stash.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: The Athletic
August 18, 2025
The Cleveland Browns have signed rookie wide receiver
Isaiah Bond to a three-year, $3.018 million fully guaranteed contract. After garnering a good deal of buzz in the early stages of draft season, Bond went undrafted after being accused of sexual assault in April. The case was no-billed last week by a grand jury, and Bond faces no further criminal charges. Bond announced shortly after this ruling that he would be signing with the Browns, and his deal becomes official. Having missed almost all of training camp, it will be difficult for him to carve out any sort of immediate role as a rookie, but the guaranteed signing would suggest that the Browns have a plan for him. Bond has always displayed impressive game speed, and he is worth stashing in dynasty leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Tom Pelissero
August 18, 2025
Cincinnati Reds catcher
Tyler Stephenson (thumb) sat out of Sunday's contest and was available in case of an emergency after injuring his thumb during the series in Pittsburgh on August 8 and re-aggravated it on August 15 against the Brewers.
Jose Trevino replaced him behind the dish and would continue to do so if Stephenson needs additional time. It appears that Stephenson has been experiencing thumb discomfort for weeks, which may explain some of his struggles at the plate. Over his last seven games, he's gone 0-for-11 and only gotten on base one time. On the season, he is also slashing a poor .226/.313/.393 with nine home runs, 36 RBI, and 32 runs scored. At this time, Stephenson is not a recommended fantasy option and can remain on the waiver wire in all formats.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: MLB.com
August 18, 2025
New York Giants wide receiver
Malik Nabers (back) has not practiced in more than 11 days as he deals with a minor back problem. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Giants characterized it as "normal camp tightness," but the team continues to play it safe with their second-year superstar. The Giants are scheduled for a walk-through on Monday and a single day of full practice on Tuesday before their final preseason game against the Patriots on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium. Given this tight schedule, it's unlikely Nabers will see the field again anytime soon, as the Giants aim to ease him back to full health before their regular season opens on Sept. 7. Nabers looks to follow up a brilliant rookie season in which he caught over 100 passes despite missing two games. He is currently RotoBaller's WR5 and can be drafted with confidence.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Adam Schefter
August 18, 2025
New York Mets catcher
Francisco Alvarez (thumb) appeared to injure his thumb diving into second base after doubling in the seventh inning of the Little League Classic on Sunday. He will return to New York on the off-day, Monday, to undergo an MRI. Alvarez is considered day-to-day at this time, and fantasy managers will want to wait for the MRI results to decide how to proceed with Alvarez. He's been on fire of late at the plate, slashing .450/.450/1.050 in his last seven games, which have spanned 20 at-bats, during which he's smacked three home runs and accumulated nine RBI, and seven runs scored. On the season, he is producing a .265/.349/.438 slash line and remains a low-end catcher to start in redraft leagues, but that could change if the MRI results come back clean and he continues to stay on fire at the plate.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: MLB.com
August 18, 2025
Following a tumultuous offseason, Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Tyreek Hill (wrist) has yet to re-establish a working chemistry with his quarterback,
Tua Tagovailoa. Hill has not caught passes consistently for months due to the wrist injury he played with for the entirety of the 2024 season. When things are going right for Hill, he has been a locked-in WR1. However, coming off his worst year since his rookie season, the hope coming into 2025 was that he and Tagovailoa could once more find the connection that helped him to put up over 1,700 yards in each of his first two seasons in Miami. According to Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald, that connection has been lacking both on and off the field. Hill is currently RotoBaller's WR13, but with each day that passes without positive news coming out of Dolphins camp, fantasy managers will need to think hard about the amount of risk they are willing to shoulder in making him their WR1 or WR2.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Omar Kelly
August 18, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Nico Collins made his preseason debut on Saturday against the Panthers and hauled in two of three targets for 13 yards and a touchdown. He also almost connected on a deep pass from quarterback
C.J. Stroud during the team's first possession, and Stroud said after the game, "It's my job to connect with him, and I owe him one from today." Collins looked strong and ready for another elite season after posting over 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons. Last year, the 26-year-old from Michigan led the team with 68 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns, even though he missed five games with an injury. He looks healthy and ready to roll as the team's top receiver coming into his fifth season in the NFL, and is once again a strong WR1 to build around for fantasy this year.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
August
18,
2025
Houston
Texans
quarterback
C.J.
Stroud
played
just
two
series
on
Saturday
against
Carolina,
but
he
looked
sharp,
completing
6-of-8
pass
attempts
for
44
passing
yards
and
a
touchdown
to
Nico
Collins.
read more...
August
18,
2025
Houston
Texans
running
back
Woody
Marks
totaled
40
rushing
yards
on
seven
carries
on
Saturday
against
Carolina,
leading
the
team
in
both
carries
and
rushing
yards.
The
fourth-round
rookie
had
the
longest
rush
of
the
day
read more...
August 18, 2025
Khamzat Chimaev became the new middleweight champion after outclassing and dominating Dricus Du Plessis en route to a unanimous decision win. It wasn't the most exciting fight, but Chimaev was in complete control, taking Du Plessis down almost at will. Having suffocating top control coupled with ground-and-pound, he captured the undisputed middleweight belt. Chimaev's overwhelming control throughout the match was reflected in stats, as he landed 131 of 137 strikes just in the first round, not to mention his total control time of 21:40. In 25 minutes, Chimaev landed 529 total strikes, 37 significant strikes and 12 takedowns. With the win, Chimaev improved to 15-0 as a pro and is now 9-0 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 18, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Nick Chubb made his Texans' preseason debut on Saturday against the Panthers, taking five carries for 25 yards while working with the starting unit and quarterback
C.J. Stroud. Chubb recently cleared the concussion protocol and could be lined up to start the year with the top unit of the offense, depending on the status of
Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) for Week 1. Mixon is dealing with a lingering ankle/foot injury and remains on the Non-Football Injury list. Chubb was brought to Houston this offseason after he struggled in his return from his devastating knee injury in 2023. When he's fully healthy, Chubb has a superstar ceiling, but
Dameon Pierce and rookie
Woody Marks will also potentially be in the mix. Houston's backfield remains a key situation to watch for the rest of the preseason.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
August 18, 2025
On Saturday's UFC 319 main event, former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis suffered a unanimous-decision loss to new middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev via unanimous decision. The fight was uneventful, as Du Plessis was dominated by Chimaev for most of the fight. Chimaev didn't come close to finishing the fight at any point, but Du Plessis didn't have any answers for Chimaev. In 25 minutes of action, Du Plessis landed only 13 significant strikes while getting taken down 12 times out of 17. With the loss, Du Plessis has now dropped to 23-3 as a pro.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 18, 2025
Aaron Pico was unsuccessful in his UFC debut as he suffered a first-round knockout loss to undefeated Lerone Murphy in the co-main event of UFC 319. Pico started the fight aggressively, and it looked like he was trying to finish Murphy early, but he quickly paid for his aggressiveness. Pico kept charging forward, but Murphy landed a devastating spinning elbow that knocked Pico out in the first round. In 3:21 of action, Pico landed two takedowns and 13 significant strikes. Pico is now 13-5, with this loss snapping a three-fight winning streak.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 18, 2025
Undefeated Lerone Murphy remains undefeated as he defeated Aaron Pico via first-round knockout in the UFC 319 co-main event on Saturday. It looked like Murphy was on the back foot, but he remained composed while Pico pressed forward aggressively. As Pico was trying to put Murphy away, the 34-year-old Brit landed a spinning elbow that knocked Pico out. In 3:21 of action, Murphy landed eight significant strikes. The victory further elevated his place in the title picture and sparked calls for a title shot. With the win, Murphy improved to 9-0-1 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 18, 2025
San Francisco Giants outfield prospect
Drew Gilbert went 2-for-4 with his first-career home run during their victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon. Gilbert would hit a solo shot in the seventh inning off Tampa Bay relief pitcher
Mason Englert. Before Sunday's two-hit effort, Gilbert got off to a slow start in the majors. Through his first seven MLB games, Gilbert went 1-for-18 at the dish with a 5:0 K:BB and added a stolen base. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he is continuing to see close to every day at-bats. Earlier in the season at the Triple-A level, Gilbert held a .253/.363/.448 line with an .811 OPS and 12 home runs. He remains a target reserved for deeper formats given his slow start to his MLB career.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
August 18, 2025
Colorado Rockies first base/outfield prospect
Charlie Condon continued to stay hot in the batter's box on Sunday. Facing Double-A Harrisburg, the former third overall pick went 1-for-2 with a home run and a walk. Since the start of the month, Condon has held a strong .288/.422/.500 line with a .922 OPS, three doubles and two home runs. Since joining Double-A Hartford early this season, Condon has held a .244/.352/.420 line with seven doubles and four home runs. However, given is a recent surge, it appears the Georgia product is beginning to take the next steps at this level. Earlier in the campaign, Condon held a dominant .312/.431/.420 line with an .851 OPS through 35 games at High-A. If he continues to turn the corner, he should be in the mix to open the 2026 season at Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
August 18, 2025
Athletics shortstop prospect
Leodalis De Vries is earning the call to join Double-A. This is a surprising move as the shortstop is only 18 years old. De Vries was the headliner piece that the Athletics acquired in the deal that sent relief pitcher
Mason Miller to the San Diego Padres before the trade deadline. Throughout the entire regular season, De Vries has spent his time at High-A with both clubs. Through 97 total games at the level, De Vries has held a .249/.354/.426 line with a .780 OPS. During this stretch, De Vries has tallied 21 doubles, hit 10 home runs, and swiped nine bags. In 2024, De Vries had an .802 OPS at the Low-A level. De Vries currently sits as the No. 3-ranked prospect in baseball on MLB.com. Given his quick promotion to Double-A, De Vries could be in the mix to spend time at Triple-A as early as next summer.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
August 18, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect
Andrew Painter was able to bounce back in his most recent outing at Triple-A. After allowing a hefty nine hits and seven earned runs in his outing on August 10 against Scranton Wilkes/Barre, Painter tossed five innings of three-run ball (two earned) en route to picking up the victory over Buffalo. In this start, Painter allowed four hits and held a modest 5:3 K:BB. While his command continued to be an issue in this start, seeing him bounce back was a positive sign. Since the start of July, Painter has struggled to find his footing at Triple-A as he has carried a 6.37 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP. Despite his struggles, Painter remains a top pitching prospect to stash as he could find a path to the majors very soon, with
Zack Wheeler recently hitting the injured list due to blood clots.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
August 18, 2025
The Boston Red Sox are finalizing a deal with first baseman
Nathaniel Lowe. Earlier this week, the Nationals opted to designate Low for assignment. However, the 30-year-old first baseman was able to find a new home rather quickly. He will now join a Boston lineup that has had a revolving door at first base, including Romy Gonzalaez and
Abraham Toro. With Washington, Lowe held a .216/.292/.373 line with 16 home runs and a stolen base. He has tallied an impressive 68 RBI and scored 50 runs. However, under the hood, he carries a .309 xwOBA, .235 xBA, and a .386 xSLG, all of which are well below the average marks of qualified hitters. Fantasy managers should expect Lowe to likely be deployed on the strong side of a platoon lineup at first base, which should give him value in most deeper leagues batting in a deep lineup.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Passan
August 18, 2025
Geoff Neal suffered a first-round knockout loss on the main card of UFC 319 on Saturday. Neal and Prates wasted little time getting after it in the Octagon, as both fighters started exchanging heavy blows. With only a second left in the first round, Prates landed a devastating spinning elbow that knocked Neal out, and the strike immediately entered the conversation for knockout of the year. In 4:59 of action, Neal landed 25 significant strikes. With the loss, Neal has dropped to 16-7 as a pro and is now 9-5 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 18, 2025
The Arizona Diamondbacks could look for a trade partner for second baseman
Ketel Marte in the offseason. According to Mike Rodriguez, teammates of Marte have expressed "dissatisfaction regarding his behavior and attendance." Bob Nightengale of USA Today noted that the team is considering accepting trade offers for him during the offseason. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status. Before the trade deadline, the Diamondbacks opted to trade
Eugenio Suarez and
Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners in hopes of rebuilding their prospect system. Despite the Diamondbacks falling short of expectations this season, Marte has remained an elite producer, posting a .297/.397/.55 line with 23 home runs. Even if he were to find a new club in 2026, Marte would likely be viewed as the consensus No. 1 2B in all leagues next season.
--Andy SmithSource: Mike Rodriguez
August 18, 2025
On Saturday's UFC 319 main card, Carlos Prates got back in the win column by defeating Geoff Neal via first-round knockout. Prates put on a striking display throughout the opening round, and just when we all thought Prates and Neal would continue their fight in the second round, with a second left in the opening round, Prates delivered a stunning spinning elbow that knocked Neal out. In 4:59 of action, Prates landed 32 significant strikes. With the win, Prates improved to 22-7 as a pro and is now 5-1 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 18, 2025
Michael "Venom" Page is now 2-0 at middleweight after defeating former title challenger Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision on the main card of UFC 319 on Saturday. Page dominated Cannonier with his striking, knocking him down multiple times in the fight. In the third round, Page got taken down, but aside from some ground and pound, Cannonier wasn't able to do much. In 15 minutes of action, Page landed 29 significant strikes. With the win, Page improved to 24-3 as a pro and is now 3-1 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 18, 2025
Former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier suffered a unanimous decision loss to Michael Page on the main card of UFC 319 on Saturday. Cannonier was outclassed in this fight; he was dominated, and he got knocked down multiple times. There was a moment in the third round where Page made a mistake and Cannonier took "Venom" down, took control on the mat with plenty of time to work. Unfortunately for Cannonier, he was unable to finish the fight, and all three judges scored it 29-28 in favor of Page. In 15 minutes of action, Cannonier landed two takedowns and 20 significant strikes. Cannonier now falls to 1-3 over his last four outings.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 18, 2025
UFC veteran Tim Elliott won his second consecutive fight by beating former Rizin bantamweight champion Kai Asakura via second-round submission on the UFC 319 main card opener. After being largely dominated in the opening round, Elliott managed to take Asakura down in the second round, and with 21 seconds left in the round, Elliott sank in the guillotine choke and submitted Asakura. In 9:39 of action, Elliott landed two takedowns and 27 significant strikes. With the win, Elliott has improved to 21-13-1.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
August 18, 2025
On Saturday, former Rizin bantamweight champion Kai Asakura suffered a second-round submission loss to UFC veteran Tim Elliott on the UFC 319 main card opener. Asakura dominated the opening round with his striking, but Elliott landed a takedown and controlled Asakura until the round ended. In the second round, Asakura looked tentative. With a minute to go in the second round, Elliott took Asakura down, sank in the guillotine choke and forced Asakura to tap. In 9:39 of action, Asakura landed 21 significant strikes. Asakura is now 0-2 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
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