January 24, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (back) will miss Saturday's game against Charlotte, extending his absence to five straight contests after being ruled out a day in advance. His continued unavailability keeps Washington's wing rotation unsettled for fantasy managers.
Justin Champagnie has been the most usable option, averaging 8.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.7 steals over his last three games while logging consistent minutes.
Will Riley and
Jamir Watkins can chip in on certain nights, but the lack of a stable role makes them hard to trust.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Kyren Williams has been one of his team's offensive stars so far this postseason, recording 192 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 40 touches across two games. The Rams split backfield work fairly evenly between Williams and second-year back
Blake Corum down the stretch of the regular season. However, the team has leaned more heavily on Williams in the playoffs, with Corum earning just six touches to Williams' 25 in the NFC Divisional Round. On paper, Williams has an extremely difficult matchup in the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle finished the regular season ranked first among NFL defenses in yards per carry allowed (3.7) and second in rushing touchdowns allowed (nine). On the bright side, Williams had some success against the Seahawks in the regular season, totaling 181 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 39 touches across two matchups. He may not have his most efficient game in a tough matchup, but Williams should see a heavy workload in the NFC Championship Game.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Cleveland Guardians All-Star third baseman
Jose Ramirez signed a restructured seven-year, $175 million contract extension on Saturday that will carry him through the 2032 season, according to
Hector Gomez. In April of 2022, Ramirez and the Guardians agreed to a five-year, $124 million extension. Ramirez has been one of the best all-around players in baseball, dating back to the 2017 season. The 33-year-old Dominican switch-hitter can do it all, and he's hit .279/.353/.504 with an .857 OPS, 285 homers, 949 RBI, and 287 stolen bases in 13 big-league seasons. Not only does he contribute in all categories for fantasy managers, but he's been durable, playing in 150-plus games in each of the last five seasons. J-Ram has 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBI in three of the last five years despite playing in Cleveland. He's a top-five overall fantasy selection heading into spring drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
January 24, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) will miss Saturday's game against Cleveland as he continues to manage soreness following a recent return from a high-ankle sprain. The repeated absences create short-term opportunity but little stability for fantasy managers.
Noah Penda flashed across the stat sheet with 13 points, two rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block in 19 minutes last time out, yet his role has fluctuated sharply.
Jett Howard and
Tristan da Silva also remain volatile, offering scoring or minutes in spurts but lacking consistent usage. Wagner should be held, though durability concerns cap his ceiling.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
By his own lofty standards, Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford struggled in his team's NFC Divisional Round win over the Chicago Bears. The 37-year-old completed just 20 of 42 pass attempts for 258 yards and zero touchdowns while taking a season-high four sacks. However, Stafford was playing through a sprained right index finger, which may have been impacting his performance. While the veteran quarterback may still be feeling the lingering effects of the finger injury, he was not listed on the team's injury report leading into its NFC Championship Game matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. On paper, the Rams face a difficult test against the vaunted Seahawks defense. Seattle finished the regular season ranked first among NFL defenses in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0) and held the San Francisco 49ers to just six points in the Divisional Round. At the same time, Stafford and the Rams were one of the few teams to have success against the Seahawks in the regular season. Across two matchups, Stafford threw for 587 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He remains a high-end quarterback option for fantasy managers in the NFC Championship Game.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will sit Saturday against Minnesota after exiting Wednesday's loss early with left knee soreness. The absence halts recent momentum created by Jimmy Butler's (knee) continued unavailability and shifts short-term fantasy value to the wings.
De'Anthony Melton is the top beneficiary after posting 22 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in 23 minutes against Dallas.
Brandin Podziemski started and delivered nine points and ten rebounds in 33 minutes, while
Moses Moody added 12 points and three rebounds in 23 minutes. Kuminga should be held, but managers should monitor lingering risk.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Courtland Sutton recorded four catches for 53 yards on a team-high nine targets in Denver's AFC Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills. Sutton played 85% of the Broncos' offensive snaps against Buffalo, and he should play a lead pass-catching role once again in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. However, Denver's offense will be led by backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham, who is filling in for the injured
Bo Nix (ankle). The Broncos are also facing an uphill battle against a Patriots defense that has held each of its first two postseason opponents under 200 passing yards. In Stidham's most recent start for Denver, which came at the end of the 2023 regular season, Sutton recorded one catch for two yards on four targets. While much has changed for the Broncos' offense overall since that game, Sutton may struggle against a tough opponent in the AFC Championship Game, given the less-than-ideal circumstances around him.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Jalen Green (hamstring) exited in the first quarter Friday due to right hamstring tightness, finishing with four points, one rebound, and one assist in four minutes. The setback is notable given Green has appeared in only four games all season, struggling to stay on the floor since returning from a lengthy absence. His unreliable availability limits his fantasy utility outside of deeper formats.
Collin Gillespie remains the top beneficiary, averaging 15.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 three-pointers over his last five starts.
Grayson Allen offers steady shooting, while
Jordan Goodwin and
Ryan Dunn remain inconsistent fantasy options.
--Brian DailisanSource: Amanda Pflugrad
January 24, 2026
Denver Broncos running back
RJ Harvey provided underwhelming production in his team's AFC Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills, recording 66 scrimmage yards on 11 touches. On the bright side, Harvey helped fantasy managers in PPR scoring formats by doing most of his damage as a receiver, hauling in five catches for 46 yards on six targets. However, Harvey will now be working with Broncos backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. The Patriots' defense has been dominant so far this postseason, allowing just 19 total points and forcing six turnovers through two games. Harvey should at least maintain RB1 status in Denver, as veteran back
J.K. Dobbins (foot) will remain sidelined by a foot injury. Harvey could also see plenty of work as a short-area target for Stidham, particularly if Denver falls behind early in the game. Still, Harvey is facing an uphill battle with a backup quarterback against a tough defense and may struggle in the AFC Championship Game.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton (finger) is scheduled for imaging after hurting his right pinky during Friday's double-overtime loss, though he played through it and closed the game. Claxton posted 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 39 minutes, keeping his per-game production intact but introducing short-term risk. If he misses time,
Day'Ron Sharpe becomes a priority streamer after averaging 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 31.0 minutes across two recent starts. Sharpe offers strong category juice, while Claxton should be held until his status is clearer.
--Brian DailisanSource: Erik Slater
January 24, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) aggravated his right hamstring Friday and did not return after logging 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 16 minutes. Gordon recently missed extended time with the same injury, placing his short-term availability in doubt.
Peyton Watson remains the safest fantasy option regardless of Gordon's status, averaging 20.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks over his last five starts.
Zeke Nnaji becomes a situational streamer only if Gordon sits, while
Spencer Jones lacks consistent production to trust.
--Brian DailisanSource: Katy Winge
January 24, 2026
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel pulled out of his scheduled meeting with the Buffalo Bills for their head-coaching job. Per Russini, McDaniel remains a candidate in the Las Vegas Raiders' head coaching search. However, if he takes an offensive coordinator job, the expectation remains that it will be with the Los Angeles Chargers. McDaniel, who turns 43 years old in March, spent the last four seasons as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. He led Miami to top-six offenses in total yardage and playoff appearances in each of his first two seasons at the helm, but the team regressed to 26th in offense and a 7-10 record in 2025. If McDaniel eventually lands in Los Angeles, he will have a chance to work with arguably the most talented quarterback of his coaching career in
Justin Herbert.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
January 24, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) finished Friday despite discomfort but is set for imaging after appearing limited late in a 102-100 loss. The timeline remains unclear, adding short-term risk for fantasy managers given his prior calf absence earlier this season. If Antetokounmpo misses time,
Bobby Portis profiles as a strong streamer after averaging 16.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 three-pointers in 28.9 minutes during the previous absence.
Kyle Kuzma brings steady volume at 16.4 points and 6.7 rebounds in 30.4 minutes, while
Ryan Rollins offers upside with 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.9 three-pointers in 26.6 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Eric Nehm
January 24, 2026
Houston Astros third baseman
Isaac Paredes may have to earn a starting role during spring training, given the current state of the team's infield. During his first stint with the Astros last season, Isaac Paredes logged 89 of his 102 games at the hot corner, with the other 13 coming as the designated hitter. However, after Paredes suffered a significant hamstring injury in July, the Astros opted to acquire
Carlos Correa ahead of the trade deadline to bolster their infield. With Correa slated to play third base, Paredes will have to compete for the first base job alongside
Christian Walker. He could also see time as a DH if
Yordan Alvarez is moved back to left field. Paredes has also been linked in several trade discussions, including the Boston Red Sox, which could open up a full-time role. However, in his current situation, managers should expect him to potentially see limited at-bats, which will hinder his early-season upside.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
New York Yankees first baseman
Ben Rice is expected to play "a lot "against left-handed pitching, according to Greg Joyce of The New York Post. Last season, Rice was typically held out against left-handed pitchers, with the Yankees instead deploying
Paul Goldschmidt at first base, who performed well against southpaws. However, with Goldschmidt off the roster, Rice appears not only poised to be the primary first baseman but also to be penciled into the starting lineup on a daily basis. During the 2025 campaign, Rice flashed elite upside, posting a .255/.337/.499 line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. Under the hood, Rice generated an elite .394 xwOBA, .283 xBA, and a .557 xSLG, suggesting he could be primed for an even more productive 2026 season. Given that he is projected to earn nearly full-time at-bats, Rice should be viewed as a high-end caliber starting first baseman in all formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Greg Joyce
January 24, 2026
According to Evan Pezold of The Detroit Free Press, the Tigers have shown interest in free agent right-handed pitcher
Nick Martinez. Additionally, the Tigers have also shown interest in other proven options on the open market, such as
Jose Quintana and
Chris Bassitt. The Tigers are likely looking to add one more stable option to the back of their rotation ahead of spring training. Martinez spent the entire 2025 campaign with the Reds and was deployed as both a starter and a reliever. Through 165 2/3 innings, Martinez held a 4.45 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP. He struck out only 116 batters but generated a 4.04 xERA, suggesting he could see some minor positive regression during the upcoming season. If Martinez were to agree to terms with the Tigers, he would likely bounce between the rotation and a long-relief role, making him only worth targeting in deeper 15-team/AL-only leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Evan Petzold
January 24, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitcher
Matthew Liberatore wants to be the team's Opening Day starter and hopes to "force their hand" in any way during spring training. Jim Hayes of the FanDuel Sports Network reported that the southpaw has added a new pitch that he plans to unveil during camp. After spending most of 2024 in the bullpen, Liberatore was able to log a career-high 151 2/3 innings with the Cardinals last season, operating as a full-time starter. During this stretch, Liberatore posted a 4.21 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. He struck out 122 hitters but showed high-end command, allowing walks at a low 6.2% rate. Under the hood, he generated a modest 4.90 xERA, suggesting he could take a step back in the upcoming season. Liberatore figures to compete alongside
Michael McGreevy,
Dustin May, and
Richard Fitts for the Opening Day nod.
--Andy SmithSource: Jim Hayes
January 24, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect
Aidan Miller earned an invite to spring training. Miller is considered one of the top shortstop prospects in the sport on MLB.com and is viewed as the team's No. 2 overall prospect. The 21-year-old joined Philadelphia in the opening round (27th overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft. The infielder began the 2025 campaign with Double-A Reading, where he held a .259/.382/.427 line with an .809 OPS. Miller hit 25 doubles, 13 home runs, and stole 52 bases. He then finished the season with a brief eight-game stint at Triple-A, where Miller posted a strong .333/.514/.519 line with one home run and an impressive seven stolen bases. Given that Miller has only had a brief stint in Triple-A, he will likely begin the 2026 season there. However, if he has a successful spring training, he may contend for an early 2026 MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: Philadelphia Phillies
January 24, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect
Justin Crawford has earned an invite to spring training. Crawford is currently considered the team's No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline and is the No. 54 overall prospect in the entire sport. Last season, the 17th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft spent his entire season with Lehigh Valley. Through 112 contests with the Iron Pigs, the outfielder posted a .334/.411/.452 line with an .863 OPS. During this stretch, Crawford hit 23 doubles, added seven home runs, and swiped an impressive 46 bags. In 2024, Crawford held a similar .313/.360/.444 line with 25 doubles, nine home runs, and 42 stolen bases across 110 games, placed between High-A and Double-A. Managers should expect Crawford to compete for the starting center field role in camp. If he does earn the job, he will carry sleeper appeal in category leagues given his elite contact skills and speed.
--Andy SmithSource: Philadelphia Phillies
January 23, 2026
New York Yankees relief pitcher
Kaleb Ort has been designated for assignment by the organization on Friday. Ort was claimed by the Bronx Bombers earlier this month from the Houston Astros. He'll now be placed on waivers to open up a roster spot for outfielder
Michael Siani. Last season, Ort posted a 4.89 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a 49/27 K/BB ratio across 49 games with the Astros. Over the course of his five-year career, Ort has a 5.00 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP across 118 big league games. The 29-year-old could land with another organization as a depth option in Spring Training.
--Andy WebbSource: New York Yankees
January 23, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (ankle) exited Friday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks and did not return. The 29-year-old was cooking, amassing 31 points before abruptly exiting late in the third quarter due to a sprained right ankle late. He was in obvious discomfort and required assistance off the court, so it certainly doesn't look like he'll be available at least for Sunday's meeting with the visiting Miami Heat. With
Jalen Green (hamstring) also not a lock to suit up for that one,
Dillon Brooks,
Grayson Allen, and
Collin Gillespie could find themselves handling the bulk of the scoring load.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Michael Scotto
January 23, 2026
Minnesota Twins catcher
Jhonny Pereda has been designated for assignment by the organization on Friday. Pereda was the odd man out after the Twins signed catcher
Victor Caratini this week. They needed to make room on the 40-man roster, so Pereda will be placed on waivers. Last season, Pereda slashed .246/.325/.333 with four RBI across 28 games with the Athletics and Twins. The 29-year-old put together strong numbers during his time in Triple-A last season. It wouldn't be shocking to see a team give him a chance this spring. He'll likely serve as a depth option wherever he lands, which won't result in much fantasy value.
--Andy WebbSource: Aaron Gleeman
January 23, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward
RJ Barrett (ankle) will play on Friday against Portland. He's missed the last seven games because of a sprained ankle. While the former Duke Blue Devil will probably be limited in his first game back from the extended layoff, he'll return to his usual role in the starting lineup. Barrett was averaging 19.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists before going down with the injury, giving him upside for fantasy managers despite the chance of a reduced workload. With Barrett on the court,
Jamal Shead will head back to the bench after logging 12.9 points and 7.6 dimes in seven appearances with the first five.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Zulfi Sheikh
January 23, 2026
Baltimore Orioles shortstop
Gunnar Henderson (shoulder) wasn't 100 percent healthy during the 2025 campaign. According to Matt Weyrich, Henderson was playing through a shoulder impingement and inflammation last season. This injury could be part of the reason why Henderson's stats regressed last season. His slash line took a hit; most notably, his OPS went from .893 in 2024 to .787 last season. Henderson saw his home run numbers go from 37 during the 2024 campaign to 17 long balls last season. The good news is that Henderson is now fully healthy heading into Spring Training. Fantasy managers should expect a bounce-back campaign from Henderson in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Matt Weyrich
January 23, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
DeMario Douglas scored in the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans last weekend, but he had only two catches and 36 yards otherwise. Douglas never had more than four catches in a single game during the regular season, and he hasn't caught more than two passes in a contest since the Dec. 1 win over the New York Giants. The 25-year-old had a total of 31 receptions (46 targets) for 447 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. Douglas finished fifth on the team among receivers in last Sunday's win with just 17 snaps on offense. He has played over 34% of the snaps in a game just once, and that was all the way back in Week 1. With Douglas not seeing the field much and quarterback
Drake Maye spreading targets around, it seems unlikely that Douglas will have breakout potential in the AFC Championship against a Denver Broncos team that allowed the fifth-fewest half-PPR points per game to WRs. During the regular season, Douglas averaged just 5.0 half-PPR points per game.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
Baltimore Orioles outfielder
Heston Kjerstad (fatigue) will be a full participant during Spring Training, according to O's manager Craig Albernaz. Kjerstad didn't play after late July last season due to fatigue issues. He later underwent treatment for an undisclosed medical condition, but appears to be fully healthy now. The 26-year-old slashed .192/.240/.327 with four home runs, 19 RBI, and one steal in 54 games with the Orioles last season. The former first-round pick hasn't quite put it all together at the MLB level yet. He doesn't exactly have a clear path to consistent playing time in Baltimore to begin the season. Kjestad still has promising potential, so he's someone to keep an eye on during camp.
--Andy WebbSource: Jacob Calvin Meyer
January 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks tight end
AJ Barner put up a donut in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers despite the team scoring 41 points. Barner was the TE14 overall in half-PPR points during the regular season, catching 52 of his 68 targets for 519 yards and six touchdowns as Seattle's primary tight end. Seattle didn't really need to throw the ball much last weekend, though, with quarterback
Sam Darnold attempting only 17 passes. The 23-year-old second-year TE will most likely need to get involved on Sunday in the NFC Championship if they are going to keep up with the high-scoring Los Angeles Rams. Barner is poised to bounce back, but he'll also become more volatile with rookie tight end
Elijah Arroyo (knee) returning from Injured Reserve. It's worth noting that Barner looked good in both previous games against the Rams, combining for 14 receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown on a healthy 17 targets.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
The New York Mets have traded right-handed pitcher
Cooper Criswell to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations. Criswell was designated for assignment by the Mets following the trade for
Freddy Peralta and
Tobias Myers. Criswell was the odd man out in New York, but should compete for a 26-man roster spot in camp with Seattle. Last season, Criswell posted a 3.57 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, and a 9/5 K/BB ratio across seven appearances with the Boston Red Sox. Criswell registered a 4.08 ERA in 26 games (18 starts) with Boston during the 2024 campaign. This is a low-risk move for the Mariners, who could get a decent swingman in Criswell.
--Andy WebbSource: Seattle Mariners
January 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Cooper Kupp will have a revenge game in the NFC Championship on Sunday against his former team, the Los Angeles Rams. Kupp is coming off one of his better games of the year in the Divisional Round blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers, catching all five of his targets for 60 yards. The 32-year-old took a clear back seat to star wideout
Jaxon Smith-Njigba in his first year in Seattle, and he wasn't even among the top 50 WRs in half-PPR points per game. Kupp caught 47 of 70 targets during 16 regular-season games for 593 yards and only two touchdowns. He didn't stand out in either of the two previous games against L.A. this year, catching a combined six passes for 62 yards on 11 targets. The Rams have allowed the most half-PPR points per game to WRs in the last five weeks, but Kupp will continue to be a low-upside, touchdown-dependent receiver for fantasy purposes.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 23, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kayshon Boutte has had two of his better performances of the season in two postseason games this year, combining for seven catches, 141 yards, and a touchdown on nine targets in wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans. Can Boutte keep it going heading into Sunday's AFC Championship tilt in Denver against the Broncos? The 23-year-old former sixth-rounder wasn't even in the top-50 wideouts during the regular season in terms of half-PPR points per game, but he's peaking at the right time. In 14 regular-season games, Boutte had 33 catches for 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns. It's going to be tough for Boutte to maintain his recent output, considering the Broncos' defense allowed the fifth-fewest half-PPR points per game (21.2) to wideouts, including a league-low six touchdown receptions.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
RADIO
