January 6, 2026
The Boston Red Sox and starting pitcher
Kutter Crawford have agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract to avoid arbitration, according to the Washington Times Sports. Crawford did not pitch last season after beginning the year on the injured list with a knee injury, and he underwent surgery on his wrist in July. The 29-year-old led the Red Sox with 183 2/3 innings in his breakout 2024 season, pitching to a 4.36 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and a 16.3% K-BB%. Crawford has experience as both a starter and a reliever, and it remains to be seen how Boston will deploy him in 2026.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Washington Times Sports
January 6, 2026
Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is expected to interview with the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, among others, for their open head-coaching positions, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. The Commanders and Kingsbury "mutually" agreed to part ways on Tuesday so that Kingsbury can pursue another head-coaching opportunity. After the success that Kingsbury had with quarterback
Jayden Daniels in his impressive rookie season in 2024, it's clear why teams searching for a new head coach who also have young QBs (like the Giants and Titans) would be interested in hiring Kingsbury. Despite all of the injuries to Washington's skill players on offense in 2025, Kingsbury kept the boat afloat with backup QB
Marcus Mariota. QBs
Jaxson Dart and
Cameron Ward would definitely benefit from the addition of Kingsbury.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
January 6, 2026
Baltimore Ravens rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan (knee) had successful surgery on his torn ACL on Tuesday, according to Giana Han of The Baltimore Banner. Buchanan was impressive in his first year in the NFL before injuring his knee, as the fourth-rounder out of California totaled 93 tackles (49 solo), half a sack, five tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble in his 14 games (13 starts). The 23-year-old tore his ACL in the Week 15 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Given the timing of his injury late in the year, Buchanan's recovery could cause him to miss the start of the 2026 season next fall. But when he returns to full health, Buchanan will once again be a key linebacker for Baltimore's defense, and one that will attract attention in fantasy IDP leagues after his strong rookie showing.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Banner - Giana Han
January 6, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons and quarterback
Kirk Cousins agreed to tweak the final two years of the QB's contract on Tuesday, setting the stage for a decision on his future to be made by the third day of the new league year on March 13, a source told ESPN's Field Yates. Cousins now has a guarantee for $67.9 million for the 2027 season that will vest on March 13. The restructure also includes reducing Cousins' 2026 base salary from a non-guaranteed $35 million to just $2.1 million. Atlanta's front office is in flux following the firing of general manager Terry Fontenot on Sunday, but the Falcons could still move on from Cousins before March 13 as a post-June 1 release. A release of that kind would split the dead money on Cousins' contract over 2026 and 2027, as opposed to the team taking on the full amount in 2026. The 37-year-old played in 10 games this season, including starting the final seven following
Michael Penix Jr.'s season-ending knee injury. Cousins was serviceable, throwing 10 TDs and five interceptions, but he probably isn't in the team's long-term plans at the position.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Field Yates
January 6, 2026
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate is projected as a first-round pick if he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft, joining former teammates
Marvin Harrison Jr. and
Emeka Egbuka in the long line of Buckeye receivers to hear their names called on Day 1 in recent years. Tate hasn't been as productive as some of the recent Ohio State first-round pass-catchers, but he's been sharing the field with mega-star Jeremiah Smith. As a junior in 2025, Tate set career highs in receiving yards (875), yards per reception (17.2), and receiving touchdowns (nine). The former five-star recruit has been on the NFL radar since the moment he stepped on campus in Columbus, and the 6'3" pass-catcher could be a quarterback's best friend as soon as he steps on an NFL field. While his resume doesn't stack up with some of the Ohio State greats that are dominating the league right now, he's been in a pro-ready system and will likely earn Round 1 draft capital, making him an exciting NFL prospect for dynasty fantasy football managers.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons have requested permission to interview Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham for their vacant GM position, a source told Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Cunningham is a strong early candidate in Atlanta after the team fired both GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris on Sunday. Former Falcons quarterback
Matt Ryan is a prime candidate to become Atlanta's president of football operations, and Ryan is one of Bears GM Ryan Poles' best friends. Cunningham turned down the Cardinals' GM job three years ago before interviewing in Tennessee and Jacksonville last offseason. One of the top orders of business for the Falcons once they get their new front office in place this offseason will be to evaluate the QB position to determine if the oft-injured
Michael Penix Jr. (knee) should really be the franchise signal-caller.
--Keith HernandezSource: CBS Sports - Jonathan Jones
January 6, 2026
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is projected by many to be the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, only behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The two square off in the College Football Playoff Semifinals on Friday, so neither has officially declared for April's draft just yet. Moore has been excellent in his first season as the Ducks' starter, completing 72.9% of his passes for 3,280 yards, 28 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. The UCLA transfer can make all the throws needed from an NFL quarterback, but he has just 19 collegiate starts under his belt. Either way, if he's picked inside the top five, he's a clear early-first-round pick in Superflex dynasty rookie drafts. Based on the current draft order, his most likely landing spot appears to be the New York Jets.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
The Carolina Panthers opened offensive guard Chandler Zavala's (calf) 21-day practice window on Tuesday, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. Zavala was placed on Injured Reserve on Nov. 29 with a calf injury, his second time on IR in 2025 after originally going on IR in Week 5 due to a knee injury. Zavala started three games for the Panthers after recovering from his knee injury before hurting his calf and going back on the shelf. The 26-year-old offensive lineman can be activated from IR at any time, but it remains to be seen if that will happen before the team's Wild-Card playoff game this Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Rams. Before injuring his calf, Zavala was starting at right guard for Carolina. With Zavala out, Austin Corbett has started the last four games at the position. Zavala hasn't played since Week 12.
--Keith HernandezSource: Panthers.com - Darin Gantt
January 6, 2026
New York Giants quarterback
Russell Wilson (hamstring) revealed on Monday that he played part of this past season with an undisclosed torn hamstring, according to Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic. The 37-year-old veteran said he suffered the injury on the final play of the Friday practice before the Week 2 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson said he suffered a Grade 2 tear, but he didn't tell the team. Despite the injury, Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in the 40-37 overtime loss, also adding 23 rushing yards on three carries. He said he didn't tell the Giants because of the circumstances of knowing that he was trying to hold off rookie QB
Jaxson Dart from taking over the starting duties. Wilson eventually lost the starting gig to Dart. At this point in his career, Wilson profiles as a backup signal-caller as he looks to continue playing into the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Charlotte Carroll
January 6, 2026
Washington running back Jonah Coleman has been one of the most productive running backs in college football since joining the Huskies in 2024, rushing 349 times for 1,811 yards and 25 touchdowns over his last 25 games. He's also been a productive receiver, snagging 54 receptions for 531 yards and two scores in his Washington career. With Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love locked into the top running back prospect slot, Coleman is among the contenders to be the second running back off the 2026 NFL Draft board. With a do-it-all skill set at 220 pounds, Coleman's testing numbers at the 2026 NFL Combine could carry significant weight in his draft stock. Either way, he's a clear top-five rookie running back in the upcoming NFL Draft at this point in the offseason, making him an intriguing dynasty fantasy football pick. With the right landing spot, he could be a contributor right away.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said that quarterback
Jaxson Dart's name "has come up a lot" in terms of what will attract head-coaching candidates, according to The Athletic's Charlotte Carroll. "From the people I've talked to, the consensus is that there are a lot of potential head-coaching candidates that are excited about the opportunity here because of Jaxson Dart," Schoen said. The Giants already have their eyes on former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, and they will also interview interim head coach Mike Kafka, who has been a popular name in past coaching cycles. Dart's dual-threat abilities at the QB position were on display in his first 14 games in 2025. The first-rounder out of Ole Miss threw for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions while adding 487 rushing yards and nine more TDs. If Dart can learn to protect himself better as a runner, he has high-end QB1 upside in fantasy going into Year 2.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Charlotte Carroll
January 6, 2026
The Washington Commanders fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. on Tuesday, according to Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan. The Commanders also "mutually" parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury following the 2025 season, so head coach Dan Quinn will be looking for two new coordinators this offseason. The firing of Whitt doesn't come as a big surprise, as the Commanders' defense was a weak spot all season long. Whitt followed Quinn to the nation's capital after working with him in Dallas. Quinn took over defensive play-calling duties midway through the 2025 season, which is why Whitt's firing at the end of the year doesn't come as a surprise to most. Washington allowed the sixth-most points per game (26.5) this year while also surrendering the most yards per game (384), fifth-most passing yards per game (242.5), and third-most rushing yards per game (141.8).
--Keith HernandezSource: 106.7 The Fan - Grant Paulsen
January 6, 2026
The Washington Commanders are "mutually" parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, according to Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan. In addition to Kingsbury, the Commanders also fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt, so they will be looking for two new coordinators this offseason under head coach Dan Quinn. Kingsbury was with the Commanders the last two seasons. He was the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals from 2019-22 and will most likely be seeking another head-coaching opportunity going into the 2026 season, with six vacancies around the league. Kingsbury's departure from the nation's capital is a big deal, as quarterback
Jayden Daniels (elbow), who missed most of his sophomore season due to injuries, will have to learn a new offense going into Year 3.
--Keith HernandezSource: 106.7 The Fan - Grant Paulsen
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Luther Burden III finished his rookie season with 47 catches (60 targets) for 652 yards and two touchdowns while adding six carries for 37 yards in 15 games. Burden posted an elite 2.71 yards per route run, which only trails
Odell Beckham Jr. among rookie wideouts since 2013. The rookie second-rounder caught at least three balls in his final eight games and had his best game of the season in Week 17 at San Francisco with 138 yards and a touchdown. The Missouri product has seen his opportunities increase with
Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined for the past five games with a stress fracture in his foot, and Odunze's potential return in the Wild-Card round could limit Burden's fantasy appeal. However, Burden looks like a future star and should be viewed as a high-upside WR2 on Saturday against the division-rival Green Bay Packers.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price shared a backfield with Heisman runner-up Jeremiyah Love for his entire collegiate career, but the 22-year-old flashed enough for many to consider him the second-best RB prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class. While playing second-fiddle to Love over the last two seasons, Price rushed 233 times for 1,420 yards (6.1 YPC) and 18 touchdowns in 28 games. He also secured three touchdown receptions. Price is a dangerous kick returner, tallying 12 returns for 450 yards and two touchdowns in his final collegiate campaign. Love is expected to be the lone first-round NFL Draft pick among running backs, but Price could earn his way into Round 2 with a strong predraft process. Given the lack of high-end talent at the RB position in this rookie class, Price could end up as a consensus first-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 6, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson (foot) is expected to practice on Wednesday for the first time since he suffered a Lisfranc foot injury against the Detroit Lions on Nov. 16, NFL sources told Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Although Johnson has made progress in his recovery, he has yet to test his right foot before the Eagles decide on his availability for the Wild-Card playoff game this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The 35-year-old veteran was playing at a Pro Bowl level despite battling other ailments in 2025. The Eagles went 3-4 in the seven games that he missed with his foot injury, and they are now 18-28 in games that Johnson has missed in his 13-year career. Johnson has missed one of a possible 15 career playoff games, which was a Wild-Card loss to the Seahawks in 2020. It's clear that Johnson is an integral part of the Eagles' success, so we'll keep a close eye on his practice status all week.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bears rookie tight end
Colston Loveland is fresh off his best game of the season in Week 18 against the Lions, catching 10 of his 13 targets for 91 yards and a touchdown. The 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft ends his rookie campaign as the Bears' leading receiver, compiling 58 catches (82 targets) for 713 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. Since Week 9, Loveland scored the second-most PPR points among all tight ends, trailing only
Trey McBride. He recorded at least four receptions in seven of those 10 games and has emerged as one of quarterback
Caleb Williams' go-to targets down the stretch, with receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined. Loveland profiles as one of the best tight ends to roster for fantasy managers in playoff leagues. He'll have a tougher matchup in the Wild-Card round against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, who have allowed the sixth-fewest yards per game (44.9) to tight ends this season. In two games against Green Bay this season, Loveland hauled in seven of his 10 targets for 59 yards and a touchdown.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon had a breakout season as a true junior, collecting 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games. He has already declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, and many draft analysts project the 21-year-old to be a top-20 pick in April. The Trojans ranked fifth in passing yards per game (296.0) in 2025, and Lemon led the program in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He won the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's most outstanding wide receiver, and was named a Unanimous All-American. If Lemon fetches the high-end draft capital he's expected to, he'll be a sure-fire first-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts. His landing spot and quarterback situation will help shape his rookie season outlook in 2026.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
Houston Texans rookie wide receiver
Jaylin Noel showed flashes at times this season, ending with 26 catches for 292 yards and two touchdowns while playing all 17 games. Noel's snap share never climbed above 50% in a game this season, though, and he only cleared 30% in six contests. The rookie third-rounder doesn't project to be a significant piece of Houston's passing game heading into Monday night's Wild-Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Noel's role in the offense not expanding, he doesn't profile as a reliable option for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in December, and the two-time All-Big-12 performer is projected to be a top 15 pick in April. Tyson is among the shortlist of wide receivers in contention to be the first player at the position off the board. Naturally, this will make him a top pick in upcoming dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts. Tyson enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, snagging 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was limited to nine games in 2025, but he still produced 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight scores. The 21-year-old is an excellent route runner for his size (6'2", 200), and he has strong body control and leaping ability for contested catches. WR-needy teams with young quarterbacks like the Titans and Saints are potential landing spots for the top-end wide receiver prospect.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 6, 2026
Across 16 games in his rookie campaign, Houston Texans running back
Woody Marks has recorded 196 carries for 703 yards and two touchdowns while adding 24 catches for 208 yards and three scores on 36 targets. Marks has operated as Houston's lead back for most of the season, but he's been one of the least efficient runners in the league, averaging 3.59 yards per carry, which ranks 48th out of 49 RBs with at least 100 carries. The rookie fourth-rounder hasn't been very dynamic on his high volume of touches, and he will now face a stout Pittsburgh Steelers defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards per game (73.3) over the final four weeks of the season. Marks profiles as a risky RB3/flex for the Wild-Card round matchup on Monday night.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has the Hoosiers still alive in the College Football Playoff and has not officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. However, he's the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 pick in April if he forgoes his final year of collegiate eligibility, and the expectation is that he will do so when Indiana's season comes to an end. The QB-needy Las Vegas Raiders officially have the No. 1 pick, so it's easy to connect the dots in the offseason. Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner, has thrown for 3,172 yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions through his first 14 games this year. He's added 256 yards and six scores as a runner. The Miami native isn't a high-end dual-threat quarterback, but he's a tactical scrambler with a touch of rushing upside. Mendoza isn't the most impressive athlete, but he's viewed as an NFL-ready prospect with a great command of the position. If he ends up in Las Vegas, his rookie-season ceiling likely won't excite fantasy managers, but he'd become a valuable piece for a rebuilding superflex dynasty manager. He's projected to be a better "real life" quarterback than fantasy quarterback, but a signal-caller with No. 1 overall pick draft capital has job security baked into his value through a dynasty lens.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) has missed five consecutive games due to a stress fracture in his foot. The 23-year-old wideout was able to practice in a limited capacity on Friday ahead of Week 18's regular-season finale against the Lions, which signals some optimism for his status heading into the Wild-Card matchup versus the division-rival Green Bay Packers. Odunze has totalled 44 catches (90 targets) for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games during his sophomore campaign. He was inconsistent after the team's Week 5 bye, however, recording three receptions or fewer in six of eight games with one touchdown. The emergence of rookies
Luther Burden III and tight end
Colston Loveland muddy the outlook for Odunze heading into the playoffs if he can return. With the game being played on a short week on Saturday, more clarity should emerge regarding Odunze's status in the next few days.
--Kyle McCarthySource: RotoBaller
January 6, 2026
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is the consensus top fantasy football rookie in 2026, and the 20-year-old is expected to be a first-round pick in April's NFL Draft. The Missouri native had a fantastic career in South Bend, particularly in his sophomore and junior seasons. In his last 28 collegiate games, Love rushed 362 times for 2,497 yards (6.9 YPC) and 35 touchdowns. He added 55 receptions for 517 yards and five scores through the air. He was named a Heisman Trophy finalist, the Doak Walker Award Winner, and a Unanimous All-American after his final season with the Irish. Love has game-breaking speed, high-end elusiveness, receiving chops, elite vision, and impressive athleticism at 215 pounds. He checks all the boxes of a future NFL workhorse, and if he fetches early-first-round draft capital as expected, he will likely carry an RB1 outlook immediately in his rookie campaign. He's the clear No. 1 pick in single-QB dynasty rookie drafts, and he'll be in play for the top pick in superflex drafts.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on Tuesday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Cowboys will now be on their fourth different defensive coordinator in four seasons. Eberflus gets the boot after the team finished last in the league in points per game (30.1) and 30th in yards allowed per game. It was the first time in team history that the Cowboys allowed more than 30 points per game, and they surrendered a team-record 511 points in 18 games. Dallas traded All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers just a week before the start of the season. They finished with 35 sacks, their fewest since 2020. The Cowboys allowed either a touchdown or a field goal on 91 of 177 drives this season. Additionally, their 12 takeaways were the fewest in a season since 2015. Dallas' run D improved slightly, but they still ranked 23rd.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 6, 2026
The Carolina Panthers activated wide receiver
David Moore (elbow) from Injured Reserve on Tuesday and waived wide receiver
Hunter Renfrow in a corresponding move, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Moore played in only four games with Carolina to begin the year before suffering a serious elbow injury that landed him on IR in late September. The 30-year-old has been practicing in full for several weeks and now appears ready to contribute as WR depth for the Panthers going into the Wild-Card round of the playoffs this Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Rams. Moore will take Renfrow's spot on the active 53-man roster. In his four games played early this season, Moore had just one catch for five yards on one target. If Moore is active this weekend, he'll be a long shot to return any fantasy value in playoff leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 6, 2026
South Florida transfer quarterback Byrum Brown has committed to Auburn, reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel. The 21-year-old spent four years at USF, compiling 7,690 passing yards, 2,265 rushing yards, and 93 total touchdowns in 35 career games. Brown was a 3,000-yard passer and 1,000-yard rusher in his final season with the Bulls. With former USF head coach Alex Golesh now at Auburn, this was an expected move as soon as Brown announced his intention to enter the transfer portal last month. Golesh has the chance to get out to a hot start in his first season as an SEC head coach with continuity at the QB spot.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
January 6, 2026
Former Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons is signing with Missouri, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Simmons was supposed to be the next prolific quarterback in Lane Kiffin's offense in Oxford after Jaxson Dart, but after suffering an injury and struggling early in the 2025 campaign, Trinidad Chambliss seized the QB1 job for the Rebels. The former four-star recruit ended his Ole Miss career with 1,026 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions in limited action. However, he appeared in 17 total games, and he has just two years of eligibility remaining. Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers are hoping to turn their passing game around after a rough showing by Beau Pribula in conference play last season.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
January 6, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe (lower body) will be sidelined for one week, head coach Craig Berube announced. The 32-year-old went down with a lower-body injury in Saturday's loss to the New York Islanders. After 41 games, McCabe leads Toronto with 104 blocks and has picked up 16 points (three goals, 13 assists). He has joined fellow blue-liners Brandon Carlo (foot) and Chris Tanev (groin) on the shelf. However, Carlo participated in Monday's practice and could be ready to fill in for McCabe on Tuesday against the Florida Panthers.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 6, 2026
Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm (undisclosed) is poised to miss some time, Conor Ryan of Boston.com reports. "It's not going to be a day-to-day thing," Bruins head coach Marco Strum said about Lindholm's injury. "Hopefully it's not too long, but he's definitely going to be out for a little bit. We'll have to do more testing when we're back in Boston so we can go from there." Lindholm has made 34 appearances during the campaign, recording 14 points (three goals, 11 assists), 60 shots, and 59 blocks. After missing five weeks, Henri Jokiharju (undisclosed) practiced fully on Monday and could step into Lindholm's spot in the lineup on Tuesday versus the Seattle Kraken.
--Taavi PailkSource: Conor Ryan
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