April 17, 2026
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Jacoby Brissett offers a bridge or stop-gap option on his own team, and he could provide similar value to fantasy football managers in 2026. Brisett was thrust into the starting quarterback role somewhat unexpectedly last year, starting 10 games in the absence of
Kyler Murray (foot). The veteran signal caller was easily better than anyone could have imagined, accruing 3,336 passing yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Not only did he unlock a level of fantasy dependability that Murray, who is now a Viking, was never able to achieve, but he also supported top-tier fantasy performances from his teammates. Most notably, tight end
Trey McBride was the year's overall TE1, and
Michael Wilson enjoyed a nice breakout of his own at wide receiver with 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns. Unless the Cardinals make an aggressive quarterback selection in the NFL Draft, Brissett will be the starter for most of 2026. He has a decent chance to pick up where he left off, but the fact that he isn't guaranteed to start games beyond 2026 certainly reduces his dynasty upside. He currently ranks as the QB30 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings, only offering trade appeal to fantasy managers with no other quarterback options.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 17, 2026
New York Yankees outfielder
Aaron Judge went 1-for-4 with his major-league-leading eighth home run of the season and a strikeout in the team's 11-4 loss to the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Thursday in the Bronx. Judge and Angels star outfielder
Mike Trout put on an impressive display of back-and-forth power in the four-game series at Yankee Stadium this week. The 33-year-old three-time MVP hit a pair of home runs in Monday's victory over the Halos and then added his eighth dinger of the year in the series finale. Judge wasn't exactly firing on all cylinders at the start of the 2026 season, but he's beginning to heat up and is now hitting .236 with a .918 OPS through 19 games played. The seven-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger winner also has 14 RBI, three stolen bases, and 16 runs scored for the Yankees. Fantasy managers will be hoping that Judge can continue his elite power display going into this weekend's series against the visiting Kansas City Royals. Judge is always a must-start in fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 16, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder
Oneil Cruz continued his hot start to the 2026 season by going 2-for-5 with a double, two stolen bases, an RBI, a run scored, and a strikeout in the team's 8-7 extra-inning loss at PNC Park to the Washington Nationals on Thursday. Cruz came into Thursday's game slashing .310/.380/.563 with a .943 OPS, five home runs, 16 RBI, seven stolen bases, 14 runs scored, seven walks, and 25 strikeouts in 18 games played. It's very nice to see for the Pirates and fantasy managers who have been waiting for Cruz's breakout season. He did have 20 home runs, 61 RBI, and a league-high 38 stolen bases in 135 games in 2025, but he also hit just .200 (94-for-471) with 174 strikeouts in 544 plate appearances. The 27-year-old Dominican has some of the best bat speed and exit velocities in the big leagues, so if he can cut down on the whiffs, his power/speed upside makes him extremely dynamic for fantasy baseball purposes.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 16, 2026
Detroit Lions quarterback
Jared Goff is far from the flashiest name in fantasy football, but his reliability has allowed him to be a top-10 fantasy option year in and year out. Goff has ranked as the QB10 or higher in each of his four seasons, including a QB9 finish in 2025 as he tallied 4,564 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He lacks rushing upside, but he also does a pretty good job protecting the football, which has allowed him to remain in the top-12 range. It also helps that he has a bunch of superstars at his disposal, including
Jahmyr Gibbs at running back,
Amon-Ra St. Brown and
Jameson Williams at wide receiver,
Sam LaPorta at tight end, and Penei Sewell in the trenches. Older, non-rushing quarterbacks aren't typically dynasty trade targets, but if we assume that Goff will produce similarly to
Matthew Stafford in his thirties, then the Cal product can still be an intriguing offseason addition in dynasty leagues. Plus, he'll remain relatively affordable in trades as long as he lacks the rushing upside that quarterbacks like
Trevor Lawrence and
Justin Herbert possess. A current ranking as the QB23 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings doesn't quite reflect the short-term QB1 value he could bring to a contender in dynasty leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 16, 2026
Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Daniel Jones (Achilles) is working his way back from a season-ending Achilles tear that he suffered in Week 14 of the 2025 season. Jones was enjoying a career resurgence with the Colts before the crushing injury. He finished the year with 261 completions, 3,101 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, 164 rushing yards, and five rushing touchdowns across 13 games. Prior to the Colts' Week 11 bye, Jones ranked as the overall QB5 in fantasy football. He played well for long enough that we can be confident his success was legitimate and not just a fluke. With that in mind, fantasy managers should be excited about the value he'll offer upon his return from injury. Still in his twenties and signed through 2027, Jones can be a short- to medium-term quarterback option in fantasy football. He's a top-12 quarterback option in redraft leagues, but with some uncertainty in his long-term outlook, he ranks as low as the QB27 in dynasty formats.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 16, 2026
Los Angeles Angels infielder
Oswald Peraza was doing a little bit of everything during Thursday's game against the New York Yankees. Peraza got revenge on his former club with a two-run home run during Thursday's blowout win. He went 2-for-4 at the plate with a double, a homer, three RBI, one walk, and a stolen base in the 11-4 victory. Peraza probably doesn't have an everyday role, but is taking advantage of the extra at-bats with
Jorge Soler suspended right now. He's 5-for-10 with two homers, four RBI, and three walks over the last three games. Peraza could be a short-term spark plug for fantasy managers looking for help right now.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 16, 2026
Washington Nationals relief pitcher
Clayton Beeter continued to struggle with his command during Thursday's outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Beeter was handed the ball in the ninth inning with a one-run lead on Thursday. The right-hander allowed two walks, one hit, and one run to blow his second save of the season. He was able to get out of the inning and eventually earn the win with the Nationals taking the lead in the 10th inning.
Orlando Ribalta wound up earning the save by tossing a scoreless inning in the 10th. Beeter could be on a short leash in the closer role with eight walks in 9.1 innings this season.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 16, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher
Angel Zerpa was handed the ball with a one-run lead against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday. Zerpa picked up his first career save on Monday and was asked to do it again a few days later. The southpaw gave up a leadoff single to
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to begin the final frame. Zerpa was able to work around the hit and earn his second save of the season.
Trevor Megill pitched in the eighth inning, while
Abner Uribe didn't pitch for rest purposes. This could end up turning into a committee between Megill, Uribe, and Zerpa going forward. Fantasy managers should monitor Zerpa to see if the Brewers continue using him in save situations.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 16, 2026
San Francisco Giants relief pitcher
Ryan Walker once again was called upon in a non-save situation on Thursday. The right-hander was handed the ball in the seventh inning of Thursday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Walker was solid as he tossed a scoreless outing with one strikeout to earn himself the hold. The Giants decided to go with left-hander
Erik Miller in the ninth inning of Thursday's game. It went well for Miller, who struck out three batters to earn his first save of the season. Clearly, Walker isn't the full-time closer, and the Giants want to continue going closer-by-committee. Fantasy managers who are relying on Walker for saves might need to start looking elsewhere.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 16, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher
Trevor Megill appears to have lost the closer role for now. Ahead of Thursday's game, Megill had allowed seven earned runs over his last two outings. The Brewers decided to have Megill pitch in the eighth inning of Thursday's game. The right-hander tossed a scoreless frame with two strikeouts. Milwaukee handed the ball to left-hander
Angel Zerpa with a one-run lead in the ninth inning. The southpaw gave up one hit but was able to close the door for his second save of the season. Megill could earn his way back into the full-time closer role, but for now, Zerpa and
Abner Uribe should be in the mix as well.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 16, 2026
Penn State running back
Nicholas Singleton (foot), who broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during the Senior Bowl in January, has been medically cleared and has resumed running, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Now that he's healthy, Singleton is projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft next weekend. The 22-year-old had two 1,000-yard seasons and 45 total rushing touchdowns in his four-year career with the Nittany Lions in college. He had a career-low 549 rushing yards on 123 carries in 12 games last year, but he added a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns as well and caught 24 passes for 219 yards and an additional TD through the air. Singleton is athletic, but he's considered more of a third- or fourth-rounder and boom/bust asset, depending on where he lands in the NFL. He has top-end speed and great burst/acceleration, but in the short-term for fantasy, Singleton will most likely be a change-of-pace/third-down back.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
April 16, 2026
Cleveland Guardians rookie left-hander
Parker Messick flirted with history in an impressive pitching performance on Thursday night in a 4-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Messick took a no-hitter into the ninth inning and ended up giving up two earned runs on two hits while walking two and striking out nine in eight innings of work to win his third game of the year. Outfielder
Leody Taveras singled with no outs in the ninth inning to break up Messick's no-hit bid. Messick generated 18 swings and misses on a total of 112 pitches in his outing, and his changeup continues to be a nasty pitch for opposing batters to pick up. The 25-year-old former second-round pick in 2022 out of Florida State doesn't have an overpowering fastball, but in comparison to his plus-plus changeup, it gets on hitters faster than expected. Messick is quickly becoming a must-roster player in all fantasy leagues, and he'll be a must-start in his next scheduled outing next Tuesday against the Astros. He currently holds a strong 1.05 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, and 25:7 K:BB in 25 2/3 innings for Cleveland.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 16, 2026
The Houston Astros added right-hander Peter Lambert to their taxi squad on Thursday, according to the Houston Chronicle's Matt Kawahara. The Astros haven't listed a starter for their series opener on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park, with
Lance McCullers Jr. and
Mike Burrows listed as the probable starters for Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The 28-year-old Lambert will be making his Astros debut when he gets into a game after four years with the Colorado Rockies, where he posted a 6.28 ERA (5.46 FIP) and 1.61 WHIP with 181 strikeouts and 95 walks in 243 2/3 innings over 74 appearances (35 starts). Lambert has allowed only three earned runs with three walks and 12 strikeouts in 14 2/3 frames in three outings (two starts) at Triple-A Sugar Land so far this year, and he'll be on six days of rest going into Friday. Lambert won't be a very attractive fantasy streamer for a matchup against a Cardinals team that is in the middle of the pack in terms of team OPS (.695).
UPDATE: Lambert will officially start on Friday against the Cardinals.--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
April 16, 2026
Houston Astros right-hander
Tatsuya Imai (arm) played light catch on the field at Daikin Park before Thursday's contest against the visiting Colorado Rockies with a team trainer nearby, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Imai was put on the 15-day injured list on Monday with right-arm fatigue. The good news is that the first-year MLB player isn't dealing with any structural damage to his arm. The early returns from the 27-year-old through his first three major-league starts weren't great, as he allowed seven earned runs on seven hits while walking 11 and striking out 13 in 8 2/3 innings pitched. Imai will be eligible to return from the IL later this month, but the Astros may take things slowly and not rush him back to the starting rotation, even with the Astros dealing with plenty of early-season injuries to their rotation arms.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
April 16, 2026
New York Yankees left-hander
Carlos Rodon (elbow, hamstring) will throw live batting practice on Saturday and then should advance to a minor-league rehab assignment, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Manager Aaron Boone said that Rodon will probably need three starts in the minors before the team considers activating him from the 15-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut. The 33-year-old three-time All-Star is putting the final touches on his rehab from elbow surgery last year to have a bone spur removed, and the Yankees have also been cautious of late after he suffered a minor hamstring injury. Rodon will likely begin a rehab assignment at some point next week as long as he doesn't suffer a setback when he faces live hitters in a batting practice session on Saturday at Double-A Somerset. If Rodon looks good in the minors, he could make his season debut for the Yankees in early to mid-May. Fantasy managers need to have Rodon stashed in an IL spot everywhere after he finished sixth in the American League Cy Young voting in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
April 16, 2026
Chicago Cubs left-hander
Matthew Boyd (biceps) looked good in his minor-league rehab start on Thursday with Triple-A Iowa, allowing three earned runs on four hits while walking one and striking out six in 3 2/3 innings pitched. Boyd is on the 15-day injured list with a left-biceps strain, but the 35-year-old veteran is expected to only need one rehab outing before the Cubs have him rejoin the big-league starting rotation. If Boyd is done making rehab starts in the minors, his next outing for Chicago could come as soon as Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. That wouldn't be the greatest matchup for fantasy baseball purposes, especially with Boyd throwing only 3 2/3 frames on Thursday at Iowa. Boyd allowed seven earned runs in 9 1/3 innings in his first two starts of 2026 before going on the IL, but he also had a 1.87 FIP with 17 strikeouts and three walks. Fantasy managers should be stashing the crafty lefty veteran in most fantasy leagues, especially with his return not far off.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milb.com
April 16, 2026
Colorado Rockies infielder
Willi Castro (hand) is on the bench to begin Thursday's game at Daikin Park against the Houston Astros, according to MLB.com.
Edouard Julien is starting at second base and will bat leadoff for the Rockies against Astros right-hander
Ryan Weiss. Castros was removed from Wednesday's game after he was hit on the right hand by a pitch, but thankfully, X-rays on his hand came back negative. For now, fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider Castro day-to-day. Before his hand injury, the 28-year-old switch-hitting Puerto Rican was hitting just .214 (12-for-56) with a home run, eight RBI, eight runs scored, and a stolen base in his first 16 games played with Colorado. Check back on Friday to see if Castro will be returning to the starting lineup for Friday's series opener at Coors Field against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers. If Castro continues to struggle at the dish, he could start to lose more playing time to Julien at the keystone in Denver.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 16, 2026
San Diego Padres catcher
Freddy Fermin (head) is not in the team's starting lineup for Thursday night's series finale against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park, according to MLB.com.
Luis Campusano is doing the catching for right-hander
Walker Buehler and will hit eighth against Mariners veteran right-hander
Luis Castillo. Fermin was shaken up in Wednesday's walk-off win over the M's early in the game when a foul ball caught him square in the mask. He was checked by trainers before eventually being replaced by Campusano behind the plate. The good news is that Fermin hasn't experienced concussion symptoms, which makes him available off the bench on Thursday. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day and check back on Friday to see if he's back in action for Friday's series opener on the road against the Los Angeles Angels. Campusano has gotten off to a strong start in 2026 at the plate, going 8-for-25 (.320) with a homer, five RBI, and four runs scored in nine games. He has never faced Castillo in his career.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 16, 2026
Atlanta Hawks center
Jock Landale (ankle) will miss the start of the postseason. He is working his way back from a high ankle sprain, and the team announced on Thursday that Landale will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks. The Hawks begin their first-round series against the New York Knicks on Saturday. After he was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies in February, Landale suited up for 23 regular-season games with the Hawks. He averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 19.4 minutes. Starting center
Onyeka Okongwu looks set for a heavy workload in the playoffs, with
Mouhamed Gueye and
Tony Bradley sharing the backup role.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 16, 2026
Los Angeles Angels outfielder
Mike Trout has been looking like his former MVP self this week in the Bronx during a four-game series against the New York Yankees. Trout finished Thursday's 11-4 victory by going 1-for-2 with a solo home run, three runs scored, and three walks. The 34-year-old former 11-time All-Star and three-time MVP finished the four-game series against the Yanks with five total home runs, which is the first time any opposing player has hit five home runs in a series against the Yankees. After another big game on Thursday, Trout is now hitting .246 on the year with a 1.010 OPS, seven home runs, 16 RBI, two stolen bases, a league-high 21 runs scored, 18 walks, and 18 strikeouts in 19 games played in his 16th year in the majors. Trout has had trouble staying healthy in recent years, but he's fully healthy now, and he's rewarding his fantasy managers with plenty of production across the board. If the future Hall of Famer can stay on the field all year, he'll end up being an absolute steal in fantasy and a potential league-winner.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 16, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Jonathan Isaac (knee) is listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of Friday's Play-In Tournament game against the Charlotte Hornets. He hasn't seen any action for more than a month due to a left knee sprain. Isaac was also questionable for Wednesday's tilt against Philadelphia before he was ultimately ruled out. During the regular season, Isaac averaged only 10.0 minutes across 52 games, so he isn't a major loss for the Magic.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 16, 2026
Charlotte Hornets center
Moussa Diabate (hip) is considered questionable for Friday's Play-In Tournament matchup against the Orlando Magic. Charlotte may be without its starting center for the win-or-go-home game, as Diabate has landed on the injury report with a sore left hip. The 24-year-old is coming off an eight-point, 14-rebound effort in Tuesday's win over Miami. If Diabate can't get on the floor on Friday,
Ryan Kalkbrenner and
Grant Williams are likely to get the bulk of the work at center.
Xavier Tillman may also enter the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 16, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals picked up the fifth-year option on left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (knee) on Thursday, a source told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Johnson will now make just over $19 million for the 2027 season, with the former sixth overall pick back in 2023 out of Ohio State most likely to eventually sign a contract extension with the team. The 24-year-old finished last year on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury, but he should be ready in plenty of time for the start of the 2026 campaign this fall. Johnson has started in all 43 games that he's appeared in over his first three seasons with the Cardinals in the desert. He's coming off a career-low 12 games played in 2025, but Johnson could bounce back as one of the better left tackles in the league in 2026 in his fourth year in the league if he's completely past his knee injury. Johnson will be blocking the blind side for veteran quarterback
Jacoby Brissett to begin next season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
April 16, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (abdomen) is not expected to play at the start of the team's first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. He underwent a successful appendectomy a week ago and needs more time to recover from the procedure. "The Sixers are preparing for battle without Joel Embiid, at least to start the series," Charania said during an appearance on NBA Today. "He's only a week-ish removed from surgery for that appendicitis. So he's very much in the recovery phase of this. Once you recover, then you have to have a separate rehab part of the process as well."
Adem Bona has started at center during Embiid's absence, including in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament win over Orlando. However, backup big man
Andre Drummond has been more productive, posting three straight double-doubles.
--Taavi PailkSource: Shams Charania
April 16, 2026
Calgary Flames goaltender Arsenii Sergeev will be between the sticks on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Kings, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports. With Devin Cooley (illness) unavailable, the Flames brought Sergeev up from the minors, and he will be thrown straight into action. This will be Sergeev's NHL debut after appearing in 28 AHL and 12 ECHL contests this season. He will go up against a Kings team that has averaged 3.50 goals per game this month and is still fighting for a higher playoff seed, so this could be a long night for Sergeev.
--Taavi PailkSource: Pat Steinberg
April 16, 2026
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (knee) will play for Team Finland in the World Championship, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. The Panthers captain missed the entire 2025-26 NHL campaign due to a knee injury, but he was medically cleared to play by team doctors on Wednesday. The World Championship will be played from May 15 to May 31 in Switzerland. Anton Lundell (ribs), who missed Florida's final 14 games, will also suit up for Finland. Lundell's usage will suffer next season with Barkov back in the lineup. Before his knee injury, Barkov was a point-per-game player for five consecutive campaigns. The missed year might affect his productivity in 2026-27.
--Taavi PailkSource: Emily Kaplan
April 16, 2026
The feeling around the NFL is that New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is underpaid on his current deal, and the Giants want "a lot" for him in any trade, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. According to sources, Lawrence wants to be traded, which is why he officially requested a trade. He was open to a fresh start, dating back to the start of last year. The 28-year-old former 17th overall pick in 2019 out of Clemson is coming off a down year in 2025 in which he had only half a sack in 17 games, following three straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2022 to 2024. In 2025, Lawrence had a career-high nine sacks in just 12 starts. The G-Men do not want to give Lawrence a new deal coming off his down season, and they aren't just going to give him away in a trade. They have had talks with other teams about a trade, but nothing has materialized yet. This situation could be resolved before the start of the 2026 NFL draft next Thursday night.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
April 16, 2026
Washington Capitals forward Pierre-Luc Dubois fractured his hand in Sunday's win over Pittsburgh, Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports reports. He didn't play on Tuesday against Columbus and is expected to need 1-2 months to heal up. The playoff door was shut for Washington, so Dubois will have the entire summer to rehab from the injury. Dubois battled health issues all season and made only 29 appearances. He tallied five goals and 19 points. His production dropped significantly compared with his first season with the Capitals, when Dubois recorded a career-high 66 points (20 goals, 46 assists) in 82 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Tarik El-Bashir
April 16, 2026
Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud (face) will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Los Angeles Kings. He took a puck to the face in Tuesday's loss to Colorado, leaving Whitecloud questionable for the season finale. However, he is ready to play with a full shield against the Kings. Since his midseason move from Vegas, Whitecloud has made 30 appearances with the Flames. He has yet to score for the team but does have eight assists. The 29-year-old has been a great addition to the defense, registering 78 blocks and 48 hits. Whitecloud's ice time has jumped to 22:44 per game in Calgary, and it will be interesting to see what he can do next year during his first full season as a Flame.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 16, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said that he's been in touch with safety Derwin James and outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu's agents about their contract extensions, and those talks are expected to "heat up" after the upcoming NFL draft next week, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. James is expected to want a new deal before the start of training camp at the end of July, and depending on how contract talks go after the 2026 draft, he could be a holdout for offseason team activities and mandatory minicamp. Tuipulotu could be in the same boat this offseason. James, 29, only played in five games from 2019 to 2020 due to injuries. But since then, the former 17th overall pick in 2018 out of Florida State has played in at least 14 games a year since the start of the 2021 campaign. The five-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro continues to be a tackling machine at defensive back in IDP fantasy formats. James had 94 tackles (50 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss, eight QB hits, a career-high three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts in 2025. Most likely, James and the Chargers will be able to work something out to keep him happy.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
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