February 1, 2026

Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com expects the New York Giants to re-sign impending free agent wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. "A return seems likely considering he has always been a favorite of [general manager] Joe Schoen and the Giants need to add playmakers, not let the ones they drafted and developed walk," writes Ranaan. Robinson had the best season of his young career in 2025, catching 92 passes for a career-high 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. He was the overall WR14 in full-PPR leagues, and while part of his ascension can be attributed to the absence of Malik Nabers (knee), it was also the result of a constant upward trend that Robinson has exhibited ever since being drafted. He has continuously taken on a larger role on offense, showcasing excellence when lining up inside or outside. With Nabers, Jaxson Dart, and Cam Skattebo (ankle) all on their rookie deals, New York can afford to hand out a larger contract to Robinson. A quartet of Nabers, Robinson, Dart, and Skattebo provides plenty of weapons to head coach John Harbaugh during his first season in New York.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jordan Raanan

February 1, 2026

There is a "strong belief" that the Dallas Cowboys will utilize the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Pickens had an excellent first season in Dallas, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. All three of those marks were career-highs, as was his finish as the overall WR5 in full-PPR leagues. Pickens surpassed teammate CeeDee Lamb in all of those categories, too, but it's worth noting that the former played three additional games. Nevertheless, Pickens showed that he is absolutely capable of being a superstar No. 1 wide receiver in any NFL offense. As a result, he would fetch an enormous contract in free agency if he makes it that far. Archer speculates that Pickens could make more than Lamb ($34 million per year) in free agency, so the Cowboys will likely use the franchise tag to bring him back on a one-year, $28 million deal. While $62 million is a lot of money tied up to two receivers, a combination of Lamb and Pickens helps give Dallas one of the best offenses in the NFL, especially with quarterback Dak Prescott playing at a high level. Of course, the franchise tag is just a temporary fix, as it would push Pickens' free agency one year down the road. According to Archer, the last time that Dallas signed a franchise-tagged player to a long-term deal before the July extension deadline was 2015 (Dez Bryant).--Andersen Pickard
Source: Todd Archer

February 1, 2026

The Jacksonville Jaguars are not expected to bring back free agent linebacker Devin Lloyd, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com. Lloyd is headed to the open market for the first time in his career after Jacksonville declined his fifth-year option. DiRocco writes that the Jaguars aren't expected to pay Lloyd the money he'll fetch in free agency, nor do they want to pay him the $27.5 million attached to the franchise tag. As a result, he'll likely play elsewhere in 2026 and beyond. If his time in Jacksonville is indeed over, he finishes his four-year stint with 429 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, five fumble recoveries, and nine interceptions. He tallied 1.5 sacks and a career-high five interceptions through 15 games in the 2025 regular season.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Michael DiRocco

February 1, 2026

According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com, "it seems more likely" that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell will sign with a new team during free agency. He had an impressive one-year stint in Pittsburgh, totaling 537 rushing yards, 73 catches, 486 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He finished as the overall RB16 in full-PPR leagues, which was the best mark of his career. Gainwell's strong campaign in Pittsburgh raised his anticipated market value this offseason. While the Steelers would presumably be open to bringing him back, he's expected to fetch a decent-sized contract in free agency. "The Steelers haven't typically given big contracts to running backs," Pryor writes. She also notes that the vision for the backfield could look different with head coach Mike McCarthy replacing ex-offensive coordinator Arthur Smith as the team's play-caller. All signs point to Gainwell playing somewhere else in 2026.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Brooke Pryor

February 1, 2026

The New York Jets "would like to work out a long-term deal" with running back Breece Hall, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. New York had an opportunity to move Hall at last season's trade deadline, but they ultimately kept him in hopes of extending him long-term. He finished his fourth NFL campaign with a career-high 1,065 rushing yards, but he scored just five touchdowns. Meanwhile, he finished the year with 350 receiving yards, the lowest mark since his rookie campaign. Still, Hall reportedly won over head coach Aaron Glenn, who wants the 24-year-old to remain the focal point of New York's run-heavy offense going forward. The former Iowa State standout could stir up a bidding war on the open market, though. As a result, Cimini writes that the Jets "could utilize the franchise or transition tag on him." The franchise has until 4 p.m. on March 4 to tag him. The NFL's legal tampering period for free agents begins at 12 p.m. on March 9.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Rich Cimini

February 1, 2026

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo had the best season of his young career in 2025, enjoying a .290/.389/.462 slash line with 20 home runs, 27 stolen bases, more walks than strikeouts, and a 138 wRC+. He ascended into an everyday role, playing 161 games while posting positive fWAR on both sides of the ball. Perdomo's 20 homers represent a solid power output for a 200-pound shortstop. Meanwhile, his 27 steals and 13.1% walk rate are very exciting for both the Diamondbacks and the 26-year-old's fantasy managers. However, the ZiPS and Steamer projections have Perdomo due for a little regression next season. Both projection systems expect him to record around a dozen homers and around 20 stolen bases in 2026. As it stands, he ranks as the #10 shortstop in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. finished with 23 homers last season, knocking him out of the 30-30 club for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2022. The 30-30 club comprises players who hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases. Witt was a member of the prestigious group in 2023 and 2024, totaling 62 homers and 80 steals across those two years. He had enough steals (38) to qualify last season, too, but his power output fell short. Still, he slashed an impressive .295/.351/.501 with 130 wRC+. He kept his walk rate at a solid 7.1%, but his strikeout rate soared to 18.2%, the worst mark since his rookie season. Hitting fewer homers and striking out more is not an ideal combination, so managers will hope that Witt can fix one or both issues in 2026. As it stands, he ranks as the #1 shortstop in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains one of the best hitters in baseball, but his power output declined in 2025. Now, fantasy managers are hoping that he can boost his power numbers higher in 2026. Guerrero finished last season with a .292/.381/.467 slash line, a .384 xwOBA, and 137 wRC+. He walked 11.9% of the time, setting his highest rate since 2021. However, he also launched just 23 homers, his lowest mark since the shortened 2020 season. Meanwhile, his 3.38% home run rate was his lowest mark since he was a rookie in 2019. As Mitch Bannon of The Athletic documented last July, Guerrero is looking to find his "A-Swing," an ideal swing and launch angle that punishes pitches the best. If he can find that swing, he has the potential to return to his 2021 form, when he hit 48 homers over 161 games. For now, Guerrero ranks as the #2 first baseman in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, trailing only Nick Kurtz at the position.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher River Ryan (elbow) said that he has gained 30 pounds as part of his rehab from Tommy John surgery, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Ryan has been sidelined since 2024, when he made 12 starts between the majors and minors. We don't have official confirmation that he'll be ready for Opening Day in 2026, but the team previously said that he'll go through a normal build-up process during spring training. Barring any setbacks during that process, he should be ready to handle a full workload by the season opener. During his first and only taste of big-league action in 2024, Ryan allowed just three earned runs over 20.1 innings (four starts), pitching to a 3.36 FIP with 7.97 K/9, 3.98 BB/9, and a 50% ground ball rate. There's not really a spot for him in the Dodgers' projected six-man rotation, but he should be the first player called upon when a current starter suffers an injury.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Fabian Ardaya

February 1, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has decided that he will not pitch in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, according to manager Dave Roberts. Ohtani will still play for Team Japan, slotting into the lineup as their designated hitter. Roberts said that the Dodgers would have been open to Ohtani pitching, but that won't happen because he is only going to be covered by the league's third-party injury insurance as a hitter and not as a pitcher. Less strain on Ohtani's arm might work out better for Los Angeles in the long run, anyway. The 31-year-old didn't throw a pitch in 2024 due to elbow surgery, and he was limited to just 47 innings on the mound across 14 starts. He was as dominant as ever, pitching to a 1.90 FIP with 11.87 K/9, 1.72 BB/9, 0.57 HR/9, and a 41.4% ground ball rate. He said that he will be healthy to start the 2026 season, making him the consensus 1.01 pick in fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 1, 2026

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (toe) will not play Sunday against Portland as he continues to recover from a Grade 1 right big toe sprain and awaits re-evaluation. His absence keeps Donovan Mitchell in a usage-heavy role and continues to open minutes for Jaylon Tyson, who has averaged 16.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over his last five starts. Lonzo Ball has struggled with efficiency and remains unreliable. Cleveland is still integrating newly acquired Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder, leaving Tyson as the most stable short-term fantasy option.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA Injury Report

February 1, 2026

Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams (lower leg) exited Saturday's game against Houston after suffering a contusion and did not return. Williams collided with Reed Sheppard and was clearly limited before heading to the locker room, though he was efficient in a brief stint, posting 13 points in nine minutes. His status moving forward is unclear, putting Dallas' backcourt depth in focus. Ryan Nembhard is the next man up for short bursts if Williams misses time, while Cooper Flagg would absorb added ball-handling. Williams remains a watch-list player only in deeper formats.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Christian Clark

February 1, 2026

Dallas Mavericks forward/center P.J. Washington (head) exited Saturday's loss to Houston after sustaining a head contusion and did not return. He logged 25 minutes before leaving, finishing with nine points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal, leaving his status uncertain for Tuesday's matchup against Boston. If Washington misses time, Dallas would lean more heavily on Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford in the frontcourt. Marshall has averaged 19.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over his last five starts, while Gafford offers steady rebounding and efficient scoring. Caleb Martin could see more minutes, though his fantasy value remains volatile.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Mavs PR

February 1, 2026

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Chicago Bulls acquired center Dario Saric from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for two second-round picks as part of a three-team deal. The thirty-one-year-old saw limited action in Sacramento, appearing in five games and averaging 8.3 minutes. Even with Nikola Vucevic resting at times and Zach Collins (toe) and Jalen Smith (calf) dealing with injuries, Saric is far from guaranteed consistent minutes. The uncertainty surrounding his role makes him too risky to consider outside the deepest fantasy formats.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Shams Charania

February 1, 2026

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Sacramento Kings acquired forward De'Andre Hunter from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. Hunter fills a wing need for Sacramento after falling out of Cleveland's rotation. The twenty-eight-year-old averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers in 26.2 minutes this season. His fantasy outlook improves if Keegan Murray (ankle) remains sidelined, though DeMar DeRozan's presence and Malik Monk's usage cap consistency. With Sacramento potentially still active on the trade front, the added uncertainty keeps Hunter in the hold range rather than a clear breakout add.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Shams Charania

February 1, 2026

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired guard Dennis Schroder from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for forward De'Andre Hunter, with Keon Ellis also included in the deal. Cleveland has been searching for backcourt stability with Darius Garland (toe) battling injuries, giving Schroder a path to early minutes. The thirty-two-year-old averaged 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 26.4 minutes with Sacramento, though his role fluctuated. Schroder could handle short-term playmaking duties, but a crowded rotation featuring Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, and Sam Merrill caps his ceiling, keeping him more useful as a deep-league assist streamer.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Shams Charania

February 1, 2026

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired guard Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for forward De'Andre Hunter, with Dennis Schroder also heading to Cleveland as part of the deal. Ellis struggled to find consistent opportunities in Sacramento, where a crowded backcourt kept him on the fringe of the rotation. Cleveland values his point-of-attack defense, but his fantasy outlook remains shaky given the Cavaliers' guard and wing depth. If Darius Garland (toe) continues to miss time, Ellis could see spot minutes, though Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson are already holding steady roles, limiting Ellis to deep-league consideration.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Shams Charania

January 31, 2026

The Boston Red Sox have signed catcher Matt Thaiss to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Thaiss figures to compete for the backup catching gig in camp. The 30-year-old slashed .218/.349/.288 with one home run and 16 RBI in 60 games between the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays last season. Thaiss is a former first-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels during the 2016 draft. He has been given multiple chances at the big league level, but has never been a consistent hitter. He'll likely serve as organizational depth to begin the season.--Andy Webb
Source: Chris Cotillo

January 31, 2026

San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. recently admitted that his offensive struggles were mainly mechanical last season. He feels that he's made the correct adjustments and that the 2026 season will be special for him. Tatis says his head is in the right place and his best seasons are ahead of him. On paper, Tatis really didn't struggle during the 2025 season. He slashed .268/.368/.446 with 25 home runs, 71 RBI, and 32 steals in 155 games. He produced a 5.9 WAR, so if that's a down year, then fantasy managers should be excited to see what Tatis can do in 2026.--Andy Webb
Source: 97.3 The Fan

January 31, 2026

San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill said that he's feeling more comfortable heading into his third season. He continued by saying the experience as helped, and he has developed a lot of mental strength. Merrill played in 156 games during his rookie campaign, but spent a ton of time on the injured list during his sophomore season. The 22-year-old made three trips to the injured list during the 2025 season, which led to only 115 games played. It sounds like Merrill is going to be better prepared physically for the challenges of playing a 162-game season. When healthy, Merrill is a stud, so hopefully the Padres can keep him on the field in 2026.--Andy Webb
Source: Annie Heilbrunn

January 31, 2026

The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to keep right-hander Ben Casparius in a relief role this upcoming season. Recently, Casparius told Fabian Ardaya that he anticipates coming into camp as a relief pitcher. The right-hander pitched in multiple roles last season, but figures to serve mainly as a reliever in 2026. Last season, Casparius finished with a 4.64 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and a 71/21 K/BB ratio in 46 games (three starts) with the Dodgers. Casparius also registered two saves and finished six games as well. The versatility of the 26-year-old is a great thing to have, as not every team has those kinds of pitchers. Unfortunately, Casparius will have limited fantasy value if he's strictly used as a middle reliever.--Andy Webb
Source: Fabian Ardaya

January 31, 2026

The San Francisco Giants have signed infielder Luis Arraez to a one-year deal on Saturday. The two sides have agreed on a one-year deal worth $12 million for the upcoming 2026 season. It sounds like the plan is for Arraez to play full-time at second base. Last season, Arraez mainly played first base with the San Diego Padres. Arraez could potentially move to first base or designated hitter if Bryce Eldridge struggles and needs to be sent down. The addition of Arraez is going to reduce the playing time of Casey Schmitt, who was expected to play second base to begin the season. In 2025, Arraez slashed .292/.327/.392 with eight home runs, 61 RBI, and 11 steals in 154 games with the Padres. The 28-year-old is an excellent contact hitter who doesn't strikeout much, but the Giants won't get much power or speed from him.--Andy Webb
Source: Jorge Castillo

January 31, 2026

Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry (upper body) practiced on Saturday and is set to return to action on Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights, Derek Lee of The Hockey News reports. The Ducks still need to activate Terry from Injured Reserve to get him into the lineup. An upper-body injury has kept Terry sidelined for 11 games. Despite his multi-week absence, Terry leads the Ducks with 29 assists and has 13 goals in 43 outings. He is set to slot into the second line and the second power-play unit on Sunday. The Ducks' attack could also get Mason McTavish (upper body) back against Vegas.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Derek Lee

January 31, 2026

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (elbow) practiced on Saturday and is expected to rejoin the lineup for Sunday's Stadium Series matchup against the Boston Bruins. The star blue-liner has been out since Dec. 9 due to an elbow procedure. Incredibly, the Lightning have lost just five of 23 games without Hedman. Darren Raddysh has stepped up in a major way in defense. With Hedman returning, Raddysh will have to settle for a lesser role, but he will remain an attractive fantasy piece due to his offensive ability.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 31, 2026

Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael (upper body) was placed on Injured Reserve and is considered week-to-week. The 25-year-old missed his first game of the season on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes and won't return to action until after the Olympics. The injury will ruin McMichael's attempt to register his second consecutive 50-point campaign. In 55 outings, he has contributed eight goals and 23 assists. Ethen Frank moved to the third line as McMichael's replacement on Saturday. McMichael's exit from the lineup also opens up power-play time, as he averages the sixth-most power-play time on his team (1:37).--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 31, 2026

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (foot) has been ruled out for four weeks. The veteran suffered a fractured foot and was placed on Injured Reserve ahead of Saturday's contest against the New York Rangers. It's unfortunate to see Letang dealing with another injury, but at least it came at a good time. Due to the Olympic break, Letang may end up missing only four games. Recently, Letang sat out his first two games of the season due to an upper-body injury. Connor Clifton replaced Letang in the lineup on Saturday, while Ryan Shea joined the second power-play unit.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

January 31, 2026

New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (illness) missed the morning skate and will be a game-time decision for Saturday's matchup against the Ottawa Senators. He is battling an illness and could sit out his first game of the season. In 54 contests, Hischier has contributed 18 goals and 23 assists. The Devils have already ruled out Jack Hughes (lower) for Saturday, and Hischier's absence would leave the team thin at center. Dawson Mercer and Cody Glass (undisclosed) are expected to play larger roles on Saturday night.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 31, 2026

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (lower body) will miss Saturday's contest against the Ottawa Senators. He remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained Thursday against the Nashville Predators. Dawson Mercer will move into the top six on Saturday, and there could be further changes among the forward group, depending on Nico Hischier's (illness) status. Cody Glass (undisclosed) will return from a one-game absence and could also have an expanded role against Ottawa.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 31, 2026

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark will be between the sticks on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils. This will be his first outing since Dec. 27. Ullmark only recently rejoined the Senators after being away from the team for personal reasons. The 2023 Vezina Trophy winner has posted a 14-8-5 record this season, with a 2.95 goals-against average, a .881 save percentage, and one shutout. He has a favorable matchup on Saturday against a banged-up Devils team, which ranks 28th in the league with a 2.61 goals-for average.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Ottawa Senators

January 31, 2026

Indianapolis wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. carries an expected $29 million salary cap hit into 2026, but the Colts could clear all but $5 million by cutting him before the new league year. With Alec Pierce coming off his first 1,000-yard campaign and set for unrestricted free agency, the belief around Indianapolis is that the team will prioritize him over the 28-year-old Pittman. With the 12-plus games played by Daniel Jones before his season-ending Achilles injury arguably representing the pinnacle of quarterback play that Pittman has seen in his six-year career, the always steady, but never explosive, receiver could still have more to show. While he's never come close to delivering on his former top-ten dynasty ranking, his value could once again spike if he lands in the right situation.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller