January 16, 2026
Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson dominated against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, completing a 5-3 victory with a season-high five points. He scored his ninth career hat trick and had two assists, bagging two points on the power play. Thompson's monster night included his 200th career goal, which ended up as the game-winning marker. The Sabres have now won 15 of their last 17 games, and Thompson has been at the heart of the success. During that stretch, he has contributed 12 goals and 14 assists. Overall, Thompson has managed 49 points (25 goals, 24 assists) in 46 games this season, with just four players having scored more goals than him.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 16, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel finished Thursday's high-scoring 6-5 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs with four points. He had three assists during regulation, including one power-play helper, and completed his big night with the game-winning goal in overtime. Eichel recorded his sixth four-point game with the Golden Knights. Three of those have come this season as Eichel attempts to break the 100-point barrier for the first time in his career. Currently, the American star has 55 points (17 goals, 38 assists) across 39 appearances. He has been on a special run recently, amassing five goals and nine assists during a seven-game point streak.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 16, 2026
New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin took over the league lead with his fifth shutout of the season, keeping Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers at bay with 35 saves in a 1-0 win on Thursday night. McDavid was riding a career-best 20-game point streak, while Leon Draisaitl had averaged two points per game over the last five contests. Yet, Sorokin made containing the star duo look easy on Thursday, becoming the sixth active netminder to record five shutouts in a single season at least three times. Three of Sorokin's five shutouts have come in his last nine starts. He has won three of four outings in January, improving to 15-11-2. The Russian shot-stopper has registered a 2.47 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 16, 2026
Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke (lower body) avoided a major injury on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken, Lauren Campbell of MassLive reports. Peeke was limited to 5:14 of action on Thursday due to a lower-body injury. However, he is expected to skate on Friday. "As of right now, I don't think it's going to be long-term," Bruins head coach Marco Sturm said. Peeke leads Boston with 92 blocks and averages over one hit per game. On the offensive end, he has contributed four goals and five assists in 48 outings. The Bruins have Vladislav Kolyachonok as an extra defenseman, and he will enter the lineup on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks if needed.
--Taavi PailkSource: Lauren Campbell
January 16, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (lower body) left Thursday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights after logging only 2:17 of ice time. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube told reporters after the game that Nylander aggravated a previous lower-body injury. The Swedish star recently missed six games due to a lower-body ailment. Thursday was his fourth game back in the lineup, and Nylander recorded a goal and an assist before his early exit. Unfortunately, it looks like he could now miss more time. Nylander paces the Maple Leafs with 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in 37 games. Matthew Knies, who started Thursday's contest on the third line, might move back into the top six if Nylander isn't available Saturday versus the Winnipeg Jets.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 16, 2026
Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton (upper body) is questionable for Friday's matchup against the Nashville Predators, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. Colton has yet to miss a game this season, recording 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 45 outings. He has recently skated on the second line due to Gabriel Landeskog's (upper body) absence. If Colton is ruled out for Friday, Victor Olofsson or Gavin Brindley might get a chance in the top six. However, this is a tricky matchup for Colorado against a team that's lost only a handful of games since December.
--Taavi PailkSource: Evan Rawal
January 16, 2026
Chicago Bears wide receiver
Rome Odunze (foot) is playing through a stress fracture in his foot and said it was "tough" managing the pain in his return in the Wild-Card win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers last Saturday, according to Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times. "There was soreness, but at this part of the season, it's all hands on deck and play through it. I'll ride it 'til the wheels fall off," Odunze said. In his return after resting for the final five regular-season games, the second-year pass-catcher played a season-low 69% of the offensive snaps against Green Bay and caught two of his six targets for 44 yards. The 23-year-old has been limited in two practices this week, but he should be active on Sunday evening against the visiting Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. At less than 100% while sharing targets with
DJ Moore (knee) and rookie
Luther Burden III, and tight end
Colston Loveland, Odunze has a low ceiling and floor for fantasy managers in a game that could feature inclement weather.
--Keith HernandezSource: Chicago Sun-Times - Jason Lieser
January 15, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds are acquiring left-handed reliever
Brock Burke from the Los Angeles Angels on Friday in a three-team deal that also includes the Tampa Bay Rays, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Reds sent infielder
Gavin Lux and right-hander
Chris Clark to the Rays, and the Rays sent outfielder
Josh Lowe to the Angels. Burke, 29, probably isn't going to be closing games for Cincinnati, but he should fill a late-inning, high-leverage role in his new digs. In 61 2/3 innings pitched for the Halos last year, Burke posted a 3.36 ERA (4.16 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 52 strikeouts and 18 walks in 69 outings (one start). Burke has been in high-leverage roles the last couple of seasons with the Angels and Texas Rangers, but he still has no career saves in five big-league seasons. He sports a career 3.88 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 22.5% strikeout rate.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
January 15, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring infielder
Gavin Lux and right-hander
Chris Clark from the Cincinnati Reds on Friday in a three-team deal that also involves the Los Angeles Angels, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. In his first and only season with the Reds in 2025, Lux slashed .269/.350/.374 with only five home runs, 53 RBI, and 49 runs scored in 140 games played. The trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Reds allowed Lux to accumulate a career-high 503 plate appearances in an everyday role. The problem is that he hit just .179/.270/.196 against left-handed pitchers, which makes it unlikely he'll have an everyday role at second base in his new home in Tampa. Lux has a good command of the strike zone and takes plenty of walks, but he doesn't help himself with poor defensive metrics. He lost 2B eligibility going into 2026 and lacks power and speed, leaving him very little fantasy appeal.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
January 15, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels are acquiring outfielder
Josh Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday in a three-team trade that also involves the Cincinnati Reds, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Reds are sending infielder
Gavin Lux and right-hander
Chris Clark to the Rays, and the Angels are sending left-hander
Brock Burke to the Reds. Lowe will give the Angels more outfield depth after they traded
Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles this offseason for right-hander
Grayson Rodriguez. Lowe, a 27-year-old left-handed hitter, has struggled with injuries the last two years with Tampa, but his power/speed upside makes him worth a late-round gamble. The former first-rounder hit 20 homers and stole 32 bases in 2023, and he combined for 21 homers and 43 steals in 214 the last two years in Tampa. In addition to durability concerns, Lowe has struggled against left-handers. A change of scenery could help Lowe, but he still has to stay healthy, and he could be limited to a strong-side platoon outfield role.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
January 15, 2026
Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end
Elijah Arroyo (knee) returned to practice this week, but he will not be activated from Injured Reserve and won't play in the Divisional Round on Saturday night against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. The 22-year-old was able to practice in full all week, though, so if Seattle advances past the 49ers and to the NFC Championship next weekend, he should have a good shot to return as TE depth for the Seahawks. Arroyo, a second-rounder out of Miami, was well behind
AJ Barner in the pecking order in Seattle in his first year in the NFL. The young tight end played in 13 games in the regular season and caught just 15 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown. If he comes back in the NFC Championship if the Seahawks advance, he won't be recommended in fantasy playoff lineups.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
January 15, 2026
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with superstar free-agent outfielder
Kyle Tucker on a four-year, $240 million contract. Tucker was considered the top available hitter on the open market and was linked to numerous teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets, before inking his deal with the Dodgers. After spending one season with the Chicago Cubs, Tucker will now join the two-time reigning World Series Champions. Last summer, the 28-year-old battled through a lingering calf injury in the second half but still turned in a strong .266/.377/.464 line with an .841 OPS. He hit 22 home runs and swiped 25 bags. Under the hood, he generated a 93rd percentile .373 xwOBA, suggesting he could be in store for an even more productive 2026 season. Batting in a top-tier lineup featuring
Shohei Ohtani,
Freddie Freeman, and
Mookie Betts will provide Tucker with elite scoring opportunities to go along with his power and speed skill set. He will carry top-5 OF upside in all formats in 2026 drafts.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Passan
January 15, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a minor-league contract with free-agent catcher
Sam Huff, according to MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko. Huff is expected to attend big league spring training as a non-roster invitee. The 28-year-old has appeared in parts of five major league seasons, hitting 12 home runs while slashing .247/.301/.430 across 272 plate appearances. A former seventh-round pick out of Arizona, Huff was once a top prospect for the Rangers but has not been able to establish himself at the MLB level. He owns a 35.7% career strikeout rate and defensively struggles with blocking balls in the dirt and controlling the running game. To make the Orioles' roster, Huff would likely need to outperform catcher
Maverick Handley, who appeared in 16 games last season. From a fantasy perspective, Huff would only be relevant if he made the team and starting catcher
Adley Rutschman or top prospect
Samuel Basallo suffered an injury. For now, he can safely be left off fantasy radars.
--Marty TallmanSource: Roch Kubatko
January 15, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a minor-league contract with veteran free-agent reliever
Miguel Castro, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Castro will attend big league spring training as a non-roster invitee. The 31-year-old righty has pitched for seven MLB teams over 11 seasons. For his career, he holds a 4.24 ERA (4.73 FIP) with a 1.38 WHIP and 414 strikeouts across 466 2/3 innings. Last season with the Chicago White Sox, he pitched just six innings, allowing five earned runs with four strikeouts and five walks. Castro is not expected to make the Angels' major league roster, and even if he does, he is unlikely to be fantasy relevant in 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Jon Heyman
January 15, 2026
Right-handed pitcher Takahiro Norimoto has decided to remain in Japan and will sign a multi-year deal with the Yomiuri Giants, according to a report from Sports Hochi. Norimoto had been considering an offer from an MLB club but ultimately chose to continue his career in Nippon Professional Baseball. The 35-year-old has spent his entire 13-year career with the Rakuten Golden Eagles, primarily as a starter, before transitioning to the closer role over the past two seasons. Last year, he posted a 3.05 ERA with 16 saves, 43 strikeouts, and a 1.42 WHIP across 56 innings. With Norimoto already in the twilight of his career, it is unlikely he will ever move to MLB, but he is an excellent veteran addition for the Giants.
--Marty TallmanSource: Sports Hochi
January 15, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed free-agent reliever
Taylor Clarke to a one-year, $1.5 million contract that includes incentives and could be worth just over $2 million, reports Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks designated right-hander
Gus Varland for assignment. Clarke spent the past three seasons with the Kansas City Royals, posting a 4.46 ERA with 157 strikeouts and a 1.22 WHIP across 163 1/3 innings. In 2025, he made 51 appearances and recorded a 3.25 ERA (3.69 xERA) while holding opponents to a .194 batting average. For Arizona, Clarke projects as another bullpen depth arm, and from a fantasy standpoint, he is unlikely to hold value in 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Nick Piecoro
January 15, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Seattle Mariners are viewed as the leading suitor to land St. Louis Cardinals second baseman
Brendan Donovan, largely because Seattle possesses the strongest farm system to facilitate a deal. Rosenthal added that the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals have also expressed interest. However, he believes the Giants lack the prospect capital to entice the Cardinals, while the Royals could make a competitive offer only by parting with some of their minor-league pitching depth. Donovan has posted a 115 wRC+ or better in each of the past four seasons with St. Louis. In 2025, he slashed .287/.353/.422 with 10 home runs, 50 RBI, 64 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 515 plate appearances. If Donovan is traded to any of these clubs, his draft value should remain largely unchanged. For fantasy purposes, the 28-year-old profiles as a solid middle-infielder in 12- or 15-team leagues who can help improve batting average.
--Marty TallmanSource: Ken Rosenthal
January 15, 2026
The Seattle Mariners are set to acquire right-hander
Yosver Zulueta from the Cincinnati Reds, according to Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com. Zulueta was designated for assignment earlier today following Cincinnati's official signing of
Pierce Johnson. The return for the Reds is currently unknown. Seattle's 40-man roster is full, so a corresponding move will be required to complete the transaction. Zulueta, 28, has spent the majority of his professional pitching career in the minor leagues and in his native Cuba. Over five minor-league seasons, he has compiled a 3.73 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, striking out 300 batters across 234 innings. In the majors, he owns a 5.32 ERA with 25 strikeouts and 11 walks in 23 2/3 innings. At this point, Zulueta does not appear likely to make the Mariners' Opening Day roster, and even if he reaches the big leagues in 2026, he is unlikely to provide fantasy value.
--Marty TallmanSource: Francys Romero
January 15, 2026
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is among the candidates that New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh is targeting for the team's open defensive-coordinator role, a source told Connor Hughes of SNY. The 45-year-old Weaver previously served on the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff under Harbaugh from 2021-23 as defensive-line coach, run-game coordinator, and associate head coach. Weaver was also a defensive end with the Ravens from 2002-05 after he was taken in the second round. He has run the Dolphins' defense the last two years and has already interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons' head-coaching vacancy. Following the firing of head coach Mike McDaniel in Miami, it's been expected that Weaver won't be back with the team next year under a whole new coaching staff. Weaver's familiarity with Harbaugh could make him a leading candidate for the DC job there.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
January 15, 2026
The Tennessee Titans are scheduled to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head-coaching job this weekend, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The Titans will then begin their second round of head-coach interviews on Monday. In addition to the Titans, Saleh is expected to interview for head-coaching positions with the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and Arizona Cardinals. Saleh has previous head-coaching experience with the New York Jets, and he's done an excellent job holding the banged-up Niners defense afloat for most of the 2025 season. The Titans will sit down and meet with Saleh on Sunday, following San Francisco's Divisional Round contest on Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks. If Saleh were to join the Titans, he'd be searching for an offensive staff that could help young quarterback
Cameron Ward take the next step after struggling in his rookie season.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
January 15, 2026
Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase will do all of his head-coaching interviews on Friday with the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Scheelhaase, who is only 35 years old, has been a quick riser among the coaching ranks in the NFL as one of head coach Sean McVay's bright assistants. Before coming to the NFL, he coached running backs, receivers, and quarterbacks, in addition to one year as the offensive coordinator, at Iowa State. Scheelhaase also played QB at Illinois. If Scheelhaase does not land a head-coaching job this offseason, he'll be a good bet to be promoted to offensive coordinator with the Rams if current OC Mike LaFleur lands a head-coaching gig. Scheelhaase and LaFleur have orchestrated one of the most lethal offenses in the NFL behind leading MVP candidate and quarterback
Matthew Stafford.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
January 15, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Kyle Kuzma (illness) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. He was previously considered questionable due to an illness. Kuzma has seen a reduced role since
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the rotation and recorded only two points and two assists in Tuesday's blowout loss to Minnesota. The 30-year-old has played under 25 minutes in three of his last four outings.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Justin Watson (concussion) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to the team. Watson suffered a concussion in Monday night's Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and wasn't able to return. The 29-year-old is in the league's concussion protocol and is trending as unlikely to play this Sunday in the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the New England Patriots. Top wideout
Nico Collins (concussion) is in the same boat as Watson and hasn't practiced this week. It means the Texans' receiving corps will most likely be short-handed this weekend, with rookies
Jayden Higgins and
Jaylin Noel,
Christian Kirk, and
Xavier Hutchinson all seeing bigger roles. Tight end
Dalton Schultz will also have a higher fantasy ceiling with more targets available. Even when fully healthy, Watson is too far down the WR depth chart to matter for fantasy purposes.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Texans PR
January 15, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center
Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) is set to suit up for Thursday's clash versus
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. The 31-year-old star forward was previously listed on the injury report with a left ankle sprain, but has since been cleared to play. The big man's minutes have been restricted recently, but he has still produced outstanding numbers. During his last six outings, Antetokounmpo has averaged 29.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Houston Texans running back
Jawhar Jordan (ankle) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, according to the team. Jordan suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts and did not suit up for Monday night's Wild-Card blowout win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although Jordan has returned to practice this week, he's still very much up in the air to play on Sunday against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game. Even if Jordan is active, he'll merely be the RB2 behind rookie starter
Woody Marks. With Jordan out on Monday night, veteran
Nick Chubb played 29% of the offensive snaps and carried the ball 10 times for 48 yards. Most of Chubb's work came late in the contest in garbage time. Neither Chubb nor Jordan is recommended fantasy plays behind Marks against New England.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Texans PR
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (ankle) won't suit up against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Flagg left Wednesday's loss early and will sit out the evening due to a sprained left ankle. Without Flagg,
Anthony Davis (finger) and
P.J. Washington (ankle), a depleted Mavs rotation will rely on
Brandon Williams,
Jaden Hardy,
Ryan Nembhard,
Caleb Martin, and
Naji Marshall to carry heavier workloads during tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Mavs PR
January 15, 2026
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (Achilles) underwent successful surgery to fix his torn right Achilles tendon on Wednesday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Kittle was placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the playoffs. Because his injury occurred so late in the year, too, the 32-year-old veteran almost certainly won't be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign this fall. In fact, he could end up missing the majority of next regular season after tearing his Achilles in the Wild-Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. Going into this Saturday's NFC Divisional contest against the Seattle Seahawks,
Jake Tonges will take over as the Niners' top pass-catching tight end. Kittle, a seven-time Pro Bowler, still has high-end TE1 upside when healthy, but durability concerns will drastically affect his 2026 fantasy value.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
January 15, 2026
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) will not be activated from Injured Reserve for Saturday's Divisional Round contest in Seattle against the division-rival Seahawks, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The extremely banged-up 49ers' defense won't get Warner back, and they'll also be without safety Ji'Ayir Brown (hamstring). Meanwhile, linebackers Luke Gifford (quadriceps) and Dee Winters (ankle) are questionable. San Fran's defense did a very respectable job last weekend, slowing down the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild-Card round, considering how decimated they've been by injuries all year. If they can somehow pull off the upset against Seattle on Saturday night, Warner will be itching to return for the NFC Championship against either the Los Angeles Rams or the Chicago Bears. Warner has been out since dislocating and fracturing his ankle back in Week 6.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
January 15, 2026
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) will be questionable to play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs on Saturday evening on the road against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Pearsall missed a good chunk of his second NFL season due to a sprained PCL in his right knee, and he's also missed three of the last four games, including last week's Wild-Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles, after aggravating his knee. San Fran could really use the 25-year-old former first-rounder back against Seattle after losing tight end
George Kittle to a torn Achilles tendon last Sunday. Pearsall was limited in practice all week and is optimistic he'll be available on Saturday night. He did go over 100 receiving yards in two of his last three games, but Pearsall has been very hit or miss and injury-prone, making him extremely volatile as a fantasy option in playoff leagues in a bad matchup if he's active.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
January 15, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) was added to the injury report on Thursday with an oblique injury and is questionable to play in the Divisional Round on Saturday night against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, according to Curtis Crabtree of FOX 13 Seattle. However, Darnold is fully expected to play through his questionable tag this week. The 28-year-old was listed as limited in Thursday's practice. "I feel good...in routes on air, I just felt a little something in my oblique. I just didn't want to push it. It wasn't the day to push it, so that was it. I came inside, got some rehab, and I feel like I'll be ready to go for Saturday," Darnold said. The former first-rounder should be fine to play against a Niners team that he has yet to throw a touchdown against in two games this year. In the Week 18 win over the 49ers, Darnold threw for 198 yards with no TDs or interceptions.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX 13 Seattle - Curtis Crabtree
RADIO
