April 19, 2026
Matt Boldy led the Minnesota Wild in a resounding 6-1 Game 1 victory. Boldy wound up with a game-high eight shots on goal. He followed that up with two goals and an assist. That included a bunch of scoring chances and an empty net tally too. Boldy found Joel Eriksson Ek in the slot for the first of Eriksson Ek's two power play goals. The duo combined for 13 shots and six points against the Dallas Stars. Overall, the top line ended up with nine points including Kirill Kaprizov. Boldy and the trio could not be stopped by Dallas' team defense. His ability to create space and chances changed the entire tenor of Game 1.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: Alex Micheletti
April 19, 2026
Team Penske's Joey Logano will start 15th for the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. This will be a lower starting position compared to last year's spring Cup race at Kansas (fifth). In 33 Cup races at Kansas, Logano has three wins, 13 top-10 finishes, and an average finish of 16.7. In eight races so far this season, Logano ranks 12th in the regular-season standings with three top-10 finishes and an average finish of 15.6. In practice for this week's race, Logano ranked 33rd in overall lap averages, but ranked as high as 10th in 30 consecutive lap averages. Although Logano is a playable and decent DFS option who can maintain a top-15 finish based on track history and practice speeds, there are more favorable options with higher upside around his salary range for DFS this week.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
April 19, 2026
Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing will start in 10th after qualifying for the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. It will be the second time in Wallace's Cup career that he has had back-to-back top-10 starting positions in two Kansas races in a row since the 2019 season. In 16 Cup races at Kansas, Wallace has one win and four top-10 finishes, which were all scored within his last eight Cup appearances at the site. Through eight races so far in the 2026 season, Wallace ranks eighth in the regular-season standings with four top-10 finishes and an average finish of 15.6. In practice for this week's race, Wallace ranked 17th in overall lap averages but displayed top-5 speeds in most categories, including first in 10 consecutive lap averages. Considering his positive history, top-notch equipment, and upside from his starting position with a car capable of placing in the top five, Wallace is a great driver to consider for all DFS formats this week.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
April 19, 2026
Trackhouse Racing driver Ross Chastain is starting 31st after qualifying for the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. This is Chastain's lowest starting position in a Kansas Cup race since 2019, when he drove for Premium Motorsports. In 14 Cup events at Kansas, Chastain has 10 top-20 finishes, with four inside the top 10, and one win. Chastain placed 19th or better in every Kansas race since 2021. After the first eight races of the 2026 season, Chastain ranks 21st in the regular-season standings with an average finish of 19.4 and six top-20 finishes. In practice for this week's race, Chastain ranked 29th in overall lap averages and as high as 21st in 10 consecutive lap averages. Chastain's high upside from his starting position makes him playable in all DFS lineups, but he is best utilized in cash game lineups, especially with his practice speeds indicating that he will compete for a top-20 finish at best.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
April 19, 2026
RFK Racing's Brad Keselowski will start in the 21st position for the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. This will be the fifth consecutive race in a row where Keselowski will start outside of the top 20 at Kansas. In 32 races at Kansas, Keselowski has 26 top-20 finishes, with 15 inside the top 10, including two victories. After eight races so far in the 2026 season, Keselowski ranks 11th in the regular-season standings with an average finish of 19.3. The No. 6 Ford driver is one of only two drivers left in the field to finish inside the top 20 in every race so far this year. In practice for this week's Cup race, Keselowski ranked 23rd in overall lap averages and as high as 21st in 20 consecutive lap averages. Due to the potential upside of his equipment, Keselowski is one to watch for DFS this week, especially with three finishes of 11th or better in the last five Kansas Cup races.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
April 19, 2026
Daniel Suarez of Spire Motorsports qualified eighth for this week's AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. This will be the sixth time in his Cup career at Kansas that Suarez will start a race inside the top 10. In 18 previous races at the site, Suarez has only two top-10 finishes, with his last one being scored in September 2022. Through the first eight races of the 2026 season, Suarez ranks 15th in the regular-season standings with two top-10 finishes and an average finish of 16.3. In practice for this week's race, Suarez ranks 25th in overall lap averages and ranks as high as 11th in 25 consecutive lap averages. Although Suarez is having one of his better seasons to date, Kansas is a track where he has notably struggled in the past, and he does have some risk of losing Place Differential based on his starting position. Fantasy players should only consider Suarez for tournament lineups based on his 2026 performance so far, but even then, there are more favorable DFS options with upside available around his salary range.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
April 18, 2026
Detroit Tigers catcher
Dillon Dingler has been hot recently, collecting a hit in five of his last nine games with two home runs and seven RBI during that stretch. Overall, Dingler is slashing .259/.348/.517 with four home runs, 14 RBI, and nine runs over 18 games. The 27-year-old has seen increases across the board in xBA (.328) and xSLG (.694), and his HardHit% (59.1%). His K% (18.2%) has decreased by about five points from 2025 (23.5%). For fantasy managers needing catcher help, Dingler is emerging as an add candidate in leagues with 12 teams or more. He is currently rostered in 37% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is 57th overall in the latest RotoBaller waiver rankings for Week 3.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 18, 2026
Seattle Mariners first baseman/outfielder
Luke Raley went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk, and two additional runs scored in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Texas Rangers. His home run traveled 381 feet with an exit velocity of 112.7 mph. Raley is heating up and has homered twice over his last four games while logging multi-hit efforts in three of his last six contests. Overall, the 31-year-old is slashing .318/.375/.636 with five home runs, 13 RBI, 11 runs, and a 1.011 OPS over 20 games in 2026. Raley is known as a streaky hitter but is emerging as a hitter to add off the waiver wire while he's swinging a hot bat. He is currently rostered in 22% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues, but is more of a streamer and an option in deep leagues. Raley is currently ranked 83rd in the latest waiver wire rankings for RotoBaller.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 18, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever
Alex Vesia is becoming an elite handcuff for fantasy managers with Dodgers closer
Edwin Diaz. Vesia owns two saves, a 0.60 WHIP, and 10 strikeouts over 8 1/3 innings in 2026. The 30-year-old would be the top option to close for the Dodgers if Diaz were to miss any time. Vesia struck out the side and earned his second save of the season on Tuesday, with Diaz unavailable after throwing a bullpen session earlier in the afternoon. He is mainly used in high-leverage situations and is quickly emerging as an elite handcuff in fantasy baseball. Vesia provides elite ratios, solds, and is rostered in only 24% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues. The veteran right-hander should be added in leagues with 12 teams or more and is currently 16th in the latest RotoBaller waiver wire rankings for Week 3.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 18, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates reliever
Dennis Santana has picked up two saves over his last five innings pitched while posting a 1.80 ERA. Santana owns a (2-1) record with two saves while posting a 0.82 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and 7:5 K:BB across 11 innings in 2026. The 30-year-old entered the ninth inning in Friday's win over the Tampa Bay Rays, but it ended up being a non-save situation. However, the good news is that Santana has appeared in the ninth inning or later in his last six appearances. He is coming off a career year in 2025, when he posted a 2.18 ERA and 0.87 WHIP and recorded 16 saves. Santana was the favorite to start the year as Pittsburgh's primary closer, but the Pirates opted to use
Gregory Soto in save situations to start the year. With the recent trend of Santana handling ninth-inning duties and Soto being used primarily as a setup man, Santana is quickly reclaiming his role as the main Pirates closer.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 18, 2026
Cleveland Guardians left-hander
Joey Cantillo (1-0) is off to a great start to the 2026 season, posting a 2.61 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and a 24:9 K:BB across 20 2/3 innings. He is becoming a key part of Cleveland's rotation and owns an elite 29.6 K% and a 11.4% swinging strike rate through four starts. Cantillo had been pitching well last season after joining the rotation in July, posting a 2.96 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 72:28 K:BB over 67 innings over his last 13 starts. The 26-year-old has allowed two earned runs or less in each of his four starts and will look to continue his impressive stretch in his next start Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Fantasy managers looking for a streamer on Sunday and a boost to their pitching staff should consider adding Cantillo. He is currently rostered in 52% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is becoming a priority add for fantasy managers in need of starting pitching.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Savant
April 18, 2026
San Antonio Spurs guard
Dylan Harper (thumb) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers. Harper was forced to exit the regular-season finale due to a left thumb injury. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to force Harper to miss the beginning of the playoffs. Harper should resume his role as the backup guard to
De'Aaron Fox. The rookie guard averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 22.6 minutes per game during the regular season. He won't be an ideal DFS option with Fox and
Stephon Castle healthy. The 20-year-old is an important part of the Spurs rotation, so they'll be glad to have him back for the beginning of this series.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 18, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Allen has been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue, but was available for Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Despite being available, Allen didn't suit up for Friday's Play-In victory.
Jordan Goodwin,
Collin Gillespie, and
Haywood Highsmith stand to gain the most value if Allen remains on the sideline for Sunday's contest. Goodwin is by far the best streaming choice between the three players, but he could lose value if Allen does end up playing.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 18, 2026
Phoenix Suns center
Mark Williams (foot) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Williams was able to play 22 minutes during Tuesday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The big man was unable to suit up for Friday's win over the Golden State Warriors due to a lingering foot issue.
Oso Ighodaro finished with 10 points and six rebounds across 26 minutes of action on Friday. He figures to play a similar role once again if Williams misses a second straight game.
Khaman Maluach could see an expanded role as well, but Ighodaro is the better streaming option if Williams gets downgraded.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 18, 2026
Houston Rockets guard
Reed Sheppard will move into the starting five ahead of Saturday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets will be without
Kevin Durant (knee), which will shift Sheppard into the starting unit. The Rockets are hopeful that this will only be a one-game absence for the superstar forward. Sheppard will be asked to take on a larger role offensively without Durant available. He should be a focal point on offense along with
Alperen Sengun and
Amen Thompson.
Tari Eason,
Dorian Finney-Smith, and
Jae'Sean Tate could all see increased run as well. Among the bench, Sheppard is the best DFS option with Durant missing at least Game 1.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 18, 2026
Houston Rockets forward
Kevin Durant (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant will be downgraded from questionable to out due to a right knee contusion. Head coach Ime Udoka is hopeful that this will be a one-game absence for Durant. His absence from the rotation will mean that
Reed Sheppard will move into the starting five on Saturday.
Tari Eason,
Dorian Finney-Smith, and
Jae'Sean Tate are all candidates to see increased run as well. Among the bunch, Sheppard is the best DFS option ahead of Saturday's slate. He should be a focal point on offense along with
Amen Thompson and
Alperen Sengun.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 18, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher
Brad Keller could be asked to take on a larger role in the bullpen over the next few weeks. On Saturday, closer
Jhoan Duran (oblique) was placed on the 15-day Injured List. The organization is hopeful it'll be a minimal stay for Duran, but the Phillies will still be without him for the next two weeks. The expectation is that either Keller or
Jose Alvarado will take over in the closer role while Duran is down. Given Alvarado's struggles, Keller seems like the favorite to get saves right now. Fantasy managers looking for a source for saves might want to consider adding Keller if he does end up taking over the closer role.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
April 18, 2026
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher
Caleb Thielbar was handed the ball in the ninth inning during Saturday's game against the New York Mets. The Cubs are seeking a new closer while
Daniel Palencia (oblique) is on the Injured List. Thielbar got the first crack at the closer role and did a nice job on Saturday. The veteran southpaw tossed a clean inning with two strikeouts to earn his first save of the season. Thielbar only has six career saves, but could end up getting a majority of the save chances while Palenica is out.
Ben Brown is also an option, but the Cubs likely want to keep him in his multiple-inning role. Thielbar could be worth a look in the short-term for fantasy managers looking for a source of saves.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 18, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher
Jhoan Duran (oblique) was placed on the 15-day Injured List, retroactive to April 15, on Saturday. The Phillies are hopeful that Duran will be back in 15 days. It's a "very mild" oblique strain, so the team believes he'll only need the minimum of 15 days on the shelf. It's unclear who is going to be the primary closer while Duran is out. It could be a closer-by-committee situation, which is never fun for fantasy managers. At the moment,
Brad Keller and
Jose Alvarado are the favorites to get the ball in the ninth while Duran is down. Fantasy managers will hopefully only be without Duran for the next two weeks, but the team should continue to update his status as Duran progresses.
--Andy WebbSource: Todd Zolecki
April 18, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) has been reinstated from the Injured List on Saturday. Gurriel is set to make his season debut after missing the beginning of the season while recovering from ACL surgery he underwent last September. The assumption was that Gurriel would be eased back into things and serve as the designated hitter. That isn't the case as Gurriel is in left field and batting cleanup against right-hander
Max Scherzer on Saturday. The 32-year-old is coming off major knee surgery, so fantasy managers should dampen their expectations. Gurriel should still be able to offer decent value in deeper mixed leagues.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 18, 2026
Colorado Rockies infielder
Willi Castro (hand) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This marks the third game in a row that Castro has missed due to a lingering hand issue. Castro was hit by a pitch on Wednesday and hasn't suited up for a game since then. It doesn't sound like this issue is going to force Castro to land on the Injured List. For now, Castro should be considered day-to-day until the Rockies give another update on his status.
Edouard Julien will serve as the leadoff hitter and cover second base against right-hander
Emmet Sheehan on Saturday.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 18, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder
Daulton Varsho (knee) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This doesn't come as a surprise after Varsho was forced to make an early exit from Friday's contest due to left knee discomfort. The Jays are considering Varsho as day-to-day and will give him a rest day on Saturday. His absence means that
Myles Straw draws the start in center field and will bat eighth versus right-hander
Zac Gallen. Straw doesn't offer enough upside with the bat to warrant looking at in fantasy leagues.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 18, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner will guard the crease in Saturday's Game 1 against the Philadelphia Flyers, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports. Skinner had a 2-1-0 record against the Flyers during the regular season and is looking to make a positive start to his fourth postseason campaign. The 27-year-old has 50 NHL playoff games under his belt, but his postseason performances tend to be inconsistent. With the Edmonton Oilers, Skinner gave up nearly three goals per game during the playoffs (2.88) with a .893 save percentage.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michelle Crechiolo
April 18, 2026
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier (upper body) practiced on Saturday, Sean Farrell of NHL.com reports. He missed the last nine regular-season games due to an upper-body injury. Montreal ruled Carrier out for 2-4 weeks, and he now appears on the cusp of returning to the action. After being paired with Lane Hutson during Friday's practice session, Carrier worked with his usual partner, Mike Matheson, on Saturday. With Noah Dobson (upper body) out for the start of the postseason, that pairing could play a massive role in the Canadiens' first-round tilt against the Tampa Bay Lightning. During the regular season, Carrier made his presence felt on both ends of the ice, recording 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists), 56 SOG, and 155 blocks in 73 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sean Farrell
April 18, 2026
Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann (lower body) underwent a procedure on Friday to address a nagging injury. He missed the last three regular-season games and battled a lower-body issue throughout the campaign. Despite his ongoing health issues, McCann managed a respectable 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) in 52 outings. He has been among Seattle's scoring leaders for several seasons and is likely to remain among the team's top offensive contributors in 2026-27. McCann will enter a career year, potentially increasing his fantasy productivity.
--Taavi PailkSource: Emerald City Hockey
April 18, 2026
Los Angeles Kings winger Andrei Kuzmenko (knee) was activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports. The Russian forward underwent meniscus surgery in late February, missing 25 games. However, he will be an option to return to the lineup for Sunday's postseason opener against the Colorado Avalanche. Kuzmenko finished the regular season with 13 goals and 25 points in 52 appearances. He would add scoring punch to a team that averaged the fewest goals per game during the regular season among those who qualified for the playoffs. The Kings are also expected to have Alex Turcotte (undisclosed) and Jeff Malott (undisclosed) available on Sunday, providing additional offensive options.
--Taavi PailkSource: Zach Dooley
April 18, 2026
Victor Hedman is skating for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The bad news is that the defenseman is not close to ready yet to play. Hedman has been out for basically a month now. First, there was an injury and then Hedman was out for personal reasons. It has been a tough season for the 35-year old. He is a team captain but missed 49 games in 2025-26. The normal point leader from the blueline had a mere 17 points (one goal) in 33 appearances. Right now, Hedman will not play until he is in shape to play. That means, he will be out for Game 1 on Sunday against Montreal. More than likely, the fact that Hedman has been skating appears to signal he is closer to returning than May 3rd potentially.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: Benjamin Pierce
April 18, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (lower body) won't be available for the start of the team's first-round playoff series against the Utah Mammoth, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. It's also unclear whether Karlsson will play at all against Utah after Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said the team must have "some success in the playoffs for him to play again." The Swedish veteran has been out of action since early November due to a lower-body injury. He appeared in only 14 regular-season games, recording four goals and three assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
April 18, 2026
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (illness) will be in action on Saturday against the Dallas Stars, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports. Zach Bogosian (lower body) has also been cleared to play, giving Minnesota's defense a boost. Hughes has been dealing with an illness lately and didn't suit up for the Wild's last two regular-season contests. The Olympic champion had 76 points (seven goals, 69 assists) in 74 games during the regular season, ranking as the league's fifth-highest scoring defenseman. Hughes notched 53 points (five goals, 48 assists) in 48 contests, playing an integral role for the team on both ends of the ice.
--Taavi PailkSource: Elliotte Friedman
April 18, 2026
Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (lower body) will play in Game 1 against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports. The Finnish defensive star was unavailable for the last three regular-season games due to a lower-body injury. Heiskanen finished the campaign as the NHL's ninth-highest scoring defenseman, posting 63 points (nine goals, 54 assists) in 77 contests. He averaged a point per game in four meetings with the Wild. As a member of the first defensive pairing and the top power-play unit, Heiskanen is set to have a huge workload in the playoffs and will be a popular pick among DFS managers.
--Taavi PailkSource: Elliotte Friedman
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