January 16, 2026
After missing his team's final three games of the regular season due to a hamstring injury, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams returned for the Rams' Wild Card Round win over the Carolina Panthers. The 33-year-old immediately re-established himself as a featured piece of the offense, hauling in five receptions for 72 yards on 13 targets. Adams also played 72% of the Rams' offensive snaps, which was largely in line with his pre-injury snap share. While Adams' production against Carolina was more solid than spectacular, his heavy usage suggests that the team views him as fully recovered from his hamstring ailment. In the Divisional Round, Adams gets a favorable matchup against the Chicago Bears. Chicago finished the regular season ranked 26th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.6) and 28th in the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed (32). Between the matchup and his encouraging health outlook, Adams profiles as a high-end wide receiver option for fantasy managers in the Divisional Round.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Brock Purdy was far from perfect in his team's Wild Card Weekend win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The 26-year-old completed 18 of 31 pass attempts for 262 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions. Dating back to the regular season, Purdy has now thrown an interception in four consecutive games. In the Divisional Round, San Francisco will travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Seattle completely shut Purdy down in the regular season finale for both teams, holding Purdy to 19 of 27 passing for 127 yards, zero touchdowns, and a pick. The Seahawks defense was dominant throughout the regular season, finishing first in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0) and tied for seventh in sacks (47). Making matters worse for Purdy, he'll be without one of his top receiving weapons in tight end
George Kittle (Achilles), who suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in the Wild Card Round. Given the matchup and San Francisco's depleted pass-catching corps, Purdy profiles as a quarterback for fantasy managers to avoid in the Divisional Round.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Christian Kirk posted an underwhelming regular season in his first year with the team, recording 28 receptions for 239 yards and a touchdown on 52 targets across 13 games played. However, the 29-year-old broke out with a dominant performance in Houston's Wild Card Weekend win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, hauling in eight catches for 144 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. With star Texans wideout
Nico Collins (concussion) exiting the game in the second half after suffering a concussion, Kirk stepped into a more prominent role in his team's offense. Collins has not practiced this week and is reportedly trending towards missing Houston's Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots. As a result, Kirk could see another week as the primary target-earner from Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud. If Collins is ruled out, fantasy managers should view Kirk as the top wide receiver option in Houston for the Divisional Round.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher
Brad Keller has decided to join Team USA for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. This should pretty much round out the pitching staff, but it's always possible that someone drops out. This is a nice addition to the roster as Keller experienced a breakout season with the Chicago Cubs in 2025. He posted a 2.07 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and a 75/22 K/BB ratio across 68 games. That performance earned him a two-year, $22 million deal with the Phillies this offseason. The 30-year-old will now get a chance to shine for his country.
--Andy WebbSource: World Baseball Classic
January 16, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) upgraded to a full practice on Friday but is still listed as questionable to play on Sunday in the Divisional Round against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, according to Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune. Odunze missed the final five regular-season games with a stress fracture in his foot, but he returned in last week's thrilling Wild-Card win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers. The 23-year-old second-year wideout played a season-low 69% of the offensive snaps and caught only two of his six targets for 44 yards after the long layoff. Odunze admitted that it was tough to battle through the pain last weekend, and he emerged with soreness in his foot. However, all signs point to him being available on Sunday against the Rams. The Rams' defense hasn't been able to slow opposing offenses down late in the year, but in what are expected to be inclement weather conditions in Chicago that won't make throwing the ball easy, Odunze will be an easy fade in fantasy playoff lineups.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
January 16, 2026
According to Marc Topkin, newly acquired infielder/outfielder
Gavin Lux is going to primarily play second base with the Tampa Bay Rays. It sounds like Lux is going to step in and fill the void left by
Brandon Lowe. Rays' president of baseball operations Erik Neander sounds confident in Lux being an everyday option at the keystone. Lux spent most of his time in left field or as the designated hitter during his time with the Cincinnati Reds last season. He did play full-time at second base during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, so it's not an unfamiliar position to him. Last season, Lux slashed .269/.350/.374 with five home runs and 53 RBI in 140 games with the Reds. The loss of power at the position is significant because Lowe smacked 31 homers with the Rays last season. The front office clearly sees something in Lux, so maybe they can tap into some hidden potential.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
January 16, 2026
Houston Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver
Nico Collins (concussion) is missing practice for the third straight day this week on Friday and remains in the league's concussion protocol, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. The expectation is that Collins will be officially ruled out for Sunday's Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots. Collins suffered a concussion in the second half of Monday's Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and was carted to the locker room. He never returned. Fantasy managers in playoff leagues need to avoid the 26-year-old this weekend. In his absence, the Texans will be looking for receivers
Jayden Higgins,
Christian Kirk (over 100 yards last week), and
Xavier Hutchinson to step up in the passing game. Rookie
Jaylin Noel could see more targets as well.
--Keith HernandezSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
January 16, 2026
The Houston Astros have signed free-agent pitcher
Cody Bolton to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Bolton only pitched in one game for the Cleveland Guardians last season. That was his lone big league appearance in 2025, but he did pitch 17 games with the Seattle Mariners in 2024. Bolton is a former sixth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates from the 2017 draft. He began his career as a starter, but has converted into a bullpen arm. He'll likely serve as organizational depth and start the season in Triple-A.
--Andy WebbSource: Garrett Greene
January 16, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies have reached an agreement to bring back free-agent catcher
J.T. Realmuto. They've agreed on a three-year, $45 million deal, which could total to $60 million with incentives. A deal between the two seemed inevitable as a return to Philly makes sense for both sides. The 34-year-old has seen a regression in production in recent years, but still offers around a 3.0 WAR. Last season, Realmuto slashed .257/.315/.384 with 12 home runs, 52 RBI, and eight steals in 134 games with the Phillies. Realmuto has spent the last seven years with the Phillies organization. He's familiar with their pitching staff and is a trustworthy option behind the plate.
--Andy WebbSource: Robert Murray
January 16, 2026
Detroit Tigers infielder
Colt Keith could be primed to "lock down a large share of playing time at third base," per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. The 24-year-old has spent time at every infield position other than shortstop so far in his big league career, but saw more appearances as a designated hitter than anywhere else in 2025. Stavenhagen notes that Detroit has a multitude of options at the hot corner, namely, veterans
Javier Baez,
Zach McKinstry, and
Matt Vierling, as well as prospects
Kevin McGonigle and
Max Anderson. As such, Keith is not guaranteed to hold the job throughout the season, but he may enter Spring Training as the favorite to start at third base on Opening Day. Across 468 plate appearances for Detroit in 2025, Keith posted a .256/.333/.413 slash line with 13 home runs, 45 RBI, 65 runs scored, and one stolen base. He's been significantly better against right-handed pitching (.731 OPS) than left-handed pitching (.610 OPS) so far in his career.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
January 16, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies offered infielder
Bo Bichette a seven-year, $200 million contract before he signed with the New York Mets, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Bichette's reported agreement with New York is worth $126 million over three years, so the 27-year-old is apparently prioritizing a higher average annual value and the chance to get back on the open market more quickly. Nightengale reports that the Phillies "believed they would sign (Bichette) until the Mets swooped in." Bichette has almost exclusively played shortstop as a big leaguer, but he's set to move to third base with the Mets and likely would have done the same in Philadelphia. With Bichette now in New York, Philadelphia's opening day third baseman currently projects to be
Alec Bohm. Bohm posted a .287/.331/.409 slash line with 11 home runs, 59 RBI, 53 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 504 plate appearances with the Phillies in 2025.
--Will BradySource: USA Today - Bob Nightengale
January 16, 2026
Free-agent outfielder
Michael Conforto is drawing interest from the Chicago White Sox, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Conforto, who is entering his age-33 season, is coming off a brutal 2025. Across 466 plate appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he posted a .199/.305/.333 slash line with 12 home runs, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and one stolen base. The rebuilding White Sox would presumably be able to offer Conforto significant playing time in their corner outfield spots, which would allow the veteran an opportunity to get his career back on track and re-establish his market. Conforto posted a .759 OPS across 488 plate appearances with the San Francisco Giants in 2024, so he's not too far removed from providing above-average production at the plate.
--Will BradySource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
January 16, 2026
Free-agent infielder
Bo Bichette has agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract with the New York Mets, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. While the Mets were not one of the teams most frequently linked to Bichette throughout the offseason, Passan notes that New York pivoted to Bichette after losing out on outfielder
Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Across 628 plate appearances with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025, Bichette posted a .311/.357/.483 slash line with 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases. He turns just 28 in March, so the shorter-term, high-AAV contract structure will allow Bichette another shot at free agency as he enters his age-31 season. While Bichette has almost exclusively played shortstop in his big-league career to this point, he seems likely to move to third base in New York with
Francisco Lindor locked in at short. Mets infielders
Mark Vientos and
Brett Baty could both see a significant playing time reduction as a result of the team's acquisition of Bichette.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Jeff Passan
January 16, 2026
According to Transfer Portal on X, former Ohio State and California quarterback Devin Brown has officially signed with Weber State. Brown was a top-50 overall recruit in the Class of 2022, but he has struggled to find his footing at the collegiate level. In three seasons with the Buckeyes, Brown played in 17 games for Ohio State, totalling 27 completions for 331 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He transferred to Cal last season, but he lost the quarterback competition to true freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Brown will now play his final collegiate season under new head coach Eric Kyjar in the Big Sky Conference of the FCS.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Transfer Portal on X
January 16, 2026
Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to have second interviews for multiple head-coaching jobs around the league, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The two-time Coach of the Year has completed head-coaching interviews with the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans. The Giants have chosen John Harbaugh, but the Falcons, Titans, and Ravens could be looking at Stefanski closely in a second interview this week. SNY's Connor Hughes reports that the Falcons are considered the front-runner to land Stefanski as their next head coach. In addition to looking for a new head coach, Atlanta also has an opening at general manager. Quarterback
Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has durability questions, but the Falcons have great young pieces on offense in running back
Bijan Robinson and receiver
Drake London.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 16, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game in Toronto while managing a lingering ankle issue. Leonard has continued to produce while managing the issue, averaging 31.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.7 steals, and 5.3 three-pointers in 30.6 minutes over his last three games. Fantasy managers should monitor his status, but he remains a must-start if active. A potential absence would open minor opportunities for
Nicolas Batum, rookie
Kobe Sanders, and
Jordan Miller, though all carry volatility.
James Harden would take on more of the offense, leaving the fringe wings as situational streamers.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward
Paul George (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Cleveland due to left knee injury management, a familiar designation after he carried the same tag Wednesday. After appearing in each of the past two contests, George looks positioned to make another start, logging 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 30 minutes in the last meeting with the Cavaliers. With George in the lineup, the rotation tightens and usage drops for
VJ Edgecombe,
Kelly Oubre Jr., and
Quentin Grimes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Cavaliers due to left knee injury management, marking another appearance on the injury report this week. Despite the recurring designation, Embiid has delivered when active, averaging 25.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 three-pointers, and 1.0 blocks in 31.5 minutes over his last five games. Fantasy managers can continue starting him confidently, with
Tyrese Maxey and
Paul George maintaining stable roles alongside him.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) will remain out for Friday's game against the Pelicans due to a right thumb sprain, and he does not have a clear timetable to return, leaving his status in doubt for Saturday versus Detroit.
Aaron Nesmith should continue to see heavy minutes, though the production dipped to six points, five rebounds, and two assists in 31 minutes last time out.
Johnny Furphy has taken on a larger role, averaging 8.0 points and 7.8 rebounds in 23.8 minutes over his last five starts, but his volatility keeps him limited to deep-league use.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Sam Merrill (hand) is out for Friday's game against the 76ers due to a right-hand sprain, an injury he aggravated on Wednesday. Merrill logged just three points in 10 minutes in the win, and his absence removes a key spacing piece from the rotation.
Craig Porter Jr. becomes a viable short-term assists streamer after stepping into a larger bench role, while
Jaylon Tyson could also see extra opportunities on the wing. With
Darius Garland (toe) sidelined,
Donovan Mitchell is expected to carry a heavier share of the perimeter workload.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Khris Middleton (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Sacramento due to right knee injury management after appearing in three straight contests. The absence opens short-term fantasy value on the wing, especially with
Bilal Coulibaly (back) also sidelined.
Justin Champagnie profiles as a viable streaming option after playing well off the bench, averaging 10.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.0 three-pointers in 23.4 minutes over his last five games. Rookie
Will Riley should also see added run, but remains more of a fringe fantasy option.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Kings after exiting Wednesday's loss to the Clippers in the second quarter with lower back tightness. He could return Saturday in Denver, but his absence creates short-term fantasy openings.
Justin Champagnie is positioned for a larger role, with a start firmly in play after logging seven points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes Wednesday, making him a viable streaming option. Rookie
Will Riley should also see added run after scoring 12 points in 27 minutes, though he remains more of a fringe fantasy play.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
RJ Barrett (ankle) will not play Friday against the Clippers, extending his absence to a fourth straight game, with his next chance to return Sunday versus the Lakers. The fantasy impact continues to center on
Jamal Shead, who has started each of the past three games and averaged 10.7 points and 6.0 assists despite shooting 34.5 percent from the field. Shead profiles as a short-term assist streamer rather than a scoring play. Barrett sitting again leaves more creation on
Immanuel Quickley's plate and helps Shead maintain his minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates infield prospect
Konnor Griffin is considered the No. 1 prospect in the entire sport on MLB.com and is quickly climbing the minor leagues. Last summer, the former ninth-overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft made his professional debut with Low-A but finished the season with Double-A Altoona. Through 101 games split between Low-A and High-A, the 19-year-old posted an elite .332/.414/.524 line with a .937 OPS. He hit 16 home runs and swiped 59 bases. Then, during his first 21 games at Double-A, Griffin continued to play at an elite level, carrying a .337/.418/.542 line with five home runs and six stolen bases. Given his impressive rise through the minor leagues, Girffin could be in play to not only make his MLB debut early in 2026 but potentially out of spring training. Reports earlier this offseason suggest that the Pirates may give Griffin an opportunity to claim the shortstop job. Even if it is unlikely for Griffin to debut in the majors at the start of this season, he should be in the mix to reach the big leagues by the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Herbert Jones (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers, marking his sixth straight absence with a right ankle sprain. His next chance to return comes Sunday in Houston. From a fantasy angle, Jones' continued absence keeps
Saddiq Bey in play as a short-term streamer. Bey, working back from injury, logged 12 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 26 minutes during a win over Brooklyn. His minutes and usage remain stable while Jones sits.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect
Max Clark has continued to progress at a steady pace through the system and is nearing the top level of the minor leagues. In 2025, the former third overall pick began the season with High-A, but eventually made his debut at Double-A Erie in the second half. Through 68 games with High-A, Clark posted a strong .285/.430/.427 line with an elite 56:65 K:BB. During his first taste of Double-A action, the 21-year-old took a bit of a step back but remained productive, carrying a .251/.360/.439 line with a.799 OPS. He continued to show a strong eye at the plate, drawing 29 walks compared to 34 strikeouts. If Clark can see his production reach a new level with Double-A to begin the 20226 campaign, Clark could reach Triple-A early in the first half, which may leave the door open for a late-season MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) is out for Friday's game against the Clippers, with the team still offering no firm timetable despite clearing him for contact Jan. 5. From a fantasy standpoint, managers should continue to pivot to rookie
Collin Murray-Boyles, who has started seven straight and delivered 10.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 steals in 31.0 minutes while shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 90.0 percent at the line. Murray-Boyles remains a strong streamer and deep-league hold until Poeltl returns.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect
Payton Tolle made his MLB debut during the 2025 season and had mixed results. The southpaw logged 19 1/3 innings to the tune of a 6.09 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP. Tolle was deployed out of the rotation in each of his first three outings but was then shifted to the bullpen over his last four. Through six innings of relief, Tolle looked much more stable, allowing only two runs while striking out seven hitters. Earlier in 2025, Tolle made his professional debut with High-A and was able to quickly progress through the Boston system, which earned him the late-season promotion. Through 91 2/3 innings split between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, the No. 28-ranked prospect in baseball posted a 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a dominant 133:23 K:BB. However, managers should keep an eye on him during spring training, as he may not be guaranteed a spot in the team's starting rotation given his inconsistent debut. Additionally, the Red Sox recently signed left-hander
Ranger Suarez, which will add yet another pitcher to a largely crowded rotation. For now, Tolle is best left for deeper redraft leagues given his unknown role.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Gui Santos (ankle) was ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against the Knicks after suffering a left ankle sprain in the first quarter. Santos finished with three points, one rebound, and one block in five minutes before being shut down. The injury carries little standalone fantasy impact, but it does create minor ripple effects in the rotation.
Al Horford and
Trayce Jackson-Davis are candidates for added frontcourt minutes.
Brandin Podziemski could also see a slight uptick in run and secondary usage, keeping him relevant in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Warriors PR
January 16, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospect
Andrew Painter was in the mix to make his MLB debut last season, but was unable to earn the call from Triple-A. After battling numerous injuries throughout his young career, including Tommy John surgery, Painter was able to log a career-high 118 innings in the minor leagues last season, most of which were spent with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Through his first 106 2/3 innings with the top team in the Phillies' system, Painter struggled, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. During this stretch, Painter struck out 111 hitters but allowed a rather high 46 walks. Over the last 38 2/3 innings of the season, the former 13th overall pick struggled even further, posting a high 6.05 ERA. However, with
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) working his way back from injury and
Ranger Suarez now in Boston, Painter could make a case to make the Opening Day roster out of spring training, given the state of their rotation. He is worth monitoring as he could be an intriguing late-round option if Wheeler's recovery is delayed.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
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