RADIO
Carson Hocevar Has Massive Place-Differential Upside at Darlington
Thanks to practice and qualifying being cancelled on Saturday, Carson Hocevar will start from back in 34th place for Sunday evening's Cook Out Southern 500. And while this is a bit of a disadvantage for the Spire Motorsports driver, it is good for his DFS ownership, as Hocevar now has massive Place Differential upside for the summer race. Carson has six career starts at "The Lady in Black," and while it took him a bit to find his groove, he has finished fourth and ninth over the last two races here. That fourth-place finish was earlier this season in the spring race. At $7.9K on DraftKings this weekend, Carson Hocevar is a very chalky place-differential play that has huge upside. Of course, this is still Hocevar we're talking about, so the potential for him to wreck out or sustain damage is also relatively high; keep that in mind.
Source: The Racing Experts
Source: The Racing Experts
Jonas Brodin Available for Training Camp
Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (lower body) is skating and healthy for training camp, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports. Brodin suffered a lower-body injury during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, missing Minnesota's final six games. Fortunately for the team, the Swedish veteran has recovered over the offseason and is ready for the new campaign. In 2026-27, Brodin will aim to play more than 62 regular-season games for the first time since 2021-22. He finished last season with 18 points (four goals, 14 assists), 76 SOG, 126 blocks, and a plus-19 rating in 62 outings. His lack of offense and durability issues keep Brodin's fantasy value low.
Source: Michael Russo
Source: Michael Russo
Colts Running Back Seth McGowan Turning Heads In Preseason
Indianapolis Colts backup running back Seth McGowan is projected to win the handcuff job to lead back Jonathan Taylor, according to The Athletic's James Boyd. In an August 29 article, Boyd wrote, "McGowan has clearly won the second-string job thanks to his physicality and reliable hands out of the backfield." The seventh-round pick out of Kentucky in the 2026 Draft, McGowan stands at 6-foot-1 and is 223 pounds, offering big-time size out of the backfield, but as Boyd points out, he can catch the ball as well and thus be involved in the passing game. McGowan had two catches for five yards each in the three preseason games and rushed 17 times for 64 yards. With McGowan seeming to prove himself as the backup to Taylor, look for him as a very late-round pick or a potential early-season waiver-wire option.
Source: The Athletic, James Boyd
Source: The Athletic, James Boyd
Erik Jones a Chalk DFS Pick for Southern 500 at Darlington
Every time the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Darlington Raceway, Erik Jones has to be mentioned. This is arguably his best track on the schedule, and he's a two-time winner at "The Lady in Black." His career average finish of 12.6 is fourth-best among active drivers, and over the last two races here with Legacy Motor Club, Jones has finished 10th and third. This weekend, his name is going to be mentioned even more in DFS since the starting lineup was set by the metric and the No. 43 Toyota will roll off the starting grid from 36th-place. At a very affordable $7.5K on DraftKings, this makes Erik Jones the chalk pick of the slate. And while there could be strategy in going underweight on him in large-field tournaments, his track record suggests that that is probably not the best thing to do.
Source: Jayski
Source: Jayski
Joel Eriksson Ek Cleared for Training Camp
Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (heel) is healthy for the start of training camp, The Athletic's Michael Russo reports. The Swedish forward dealt with a heel injury late last season, missing Minnesota's final five postseason games. Having him back for the start of the new campaign is great news for the Wild. Eriksson Ek is a strong two-way player who finished last season with 51 points (19 goals, 32 assists), 194 SOG, and 106 hits, and a plus-16 rating in 70 outings. He has averaged 0.57 points and 1.77 hits per game in his NHL career.
Source: Michael Russo
Source: Michael Russo
Patrick Mahomes Takes Unique Approach To Grueling Rehab
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) has undergone rehab from a torn ACL and LCL he suffered in December, the worst injury of his career, and as Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star writes, Mahomes went into his rehab with a unique goal in his mind. "He wanted to walk before his baby daughter, 11-month-old Golden". McDowell went on to write that after a training camp practice, Golden, now 20 months old ran toward Mahomes for a hug and Golden's running rather than walking was a surprise, but "Mahomes beat her to it, by the way, barely." The Chiefs have been quiet about Mahomes potential return to action, but Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy reportedly told reporters, "He's back" and Sean Payton has reportedly been preparing the Broncos for the Week 1 matchup with the Chiefs assuming Mahomes will play.
Source: Kansas City Star, Sam McDowell
Source: Kansas City Star, Sam McDowell
Christopher Tanev Hopes to Be Available for Training Camp
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Christopher Tanev (abdomen) is aiming to be available for training camp, David Alter of The Hockey News reports. "I mean, I'm feeling good. We still have to talk to the doctors, I think, in a week or two," Tanev said. "But the plan is hopefully I'm ready to rumble once everything gets going." Tanev's 2025-26 season was almost entirely ruined by health issues, as he skated in only 11 games. His experience and shot-blocking ability are valuable assets for the Maple Leafs. However, Tanev's limited offensive skill set means he's not a great option for fantasy managers.
Source: David Alter
Source: David Alter
Filip Chytil Feels "Good" Entering New Season
Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil (face) is healthy entering the new campaign. "I feel good. It was long, since I had [an] offseason since February, so I had a lot of time to focus on certain things, and I think it went well off the ice and on the ice as well," Chytil said on Wednesday after scrimmaging with the team. "I'm ready for [the] season." Chytil has a lengthy history of health issues and suffered a season-ending facial fracture in February. He suited up just 12 times in 2025-26 and will be a new signing for the Canucks this season. Chytil is penciled in for a middle-six role in Vancouver and will likely skate on the second power-play unit.
Source: Vancouver Canucks
Source: Vancouver Canucks
Zeev Buium Lands Eight-Year, $75.04 Million Extension
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Zeev Buium has signed a big contract extension, earning an eight-year, $75.04 million deal. The Canucks have invested heavily in a player they acquired from Minnesota in the Quinn Hughes trade last season. "It's something that we felt strongly in Zeev, in his pedigree, he's a proven winner," Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson said. "This contract isn't about Zeev the player today or tomorrow. It's where we see him in three, four, and five years and so it was something that we felt if both sides could come in agreement and make a commitment to each other, it was something we'd be excited to get done." Buium had his rookie year in 2025-26, recording 26 points (six goals, 20 assists), 73 SOG, 55 blocks, and 28 hits in 76 outings. He must add significantly to his numbers to live up to his new contract, which begins in 2027-28.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Tyler Seguin Skating Ahead of Training Camp
Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin (knee) has been skating this week. This is a good sign regarding his availability for training camp. Seguin has been working his way back from a torn ACL. Due to the knee injury, his 2025-26 campaign ended in early December. He made only 27 appearances for the Stars, recording seven goals and 17 points. Seguin also missed a large portion of the 2024-25 season due to hip surgery. His recent serious health issues may negatively affect Seguin's on-ice performance and fantasy value.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Josuar Gonzalez Has The Makings of a Fantasy Superstar
San Francisco Giants top shortstop prospect Josuar Gonzalez hit a home run on Saturday night and already has six RBI in the month of September. Since his promotion to Single-A San Jose, Gonzalez, a shortstop prospect, has three homers and 35 RBI in 31 games with a .357 batting average and 13 stolen bases. At just 18 years old, Gonzalez is already showing tons of promise in his second professional season. Gonzalez, a switch hitter, is the top prospect and jewel of the Giants' system with a 55-grade hit tool, 55-grade power, and 65-grade speed. Gonzalez appears to be an elite dynasty option, and while it might take a few years for him to make his major league debut, he has the tools to be a future fantasy star. At the shortstop position, he looks to be a future standout.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Najee Harris Draws Positive Reports in Giants Camp
New York Giants running back Najee Harris is a name to monitor in fantasy football as the 2026 regular season gets underway. Harris was a late addition to the Giants' roster, putting pen to paper on his contract in August. As a result, he had a delayed start to training camp and the preseason. In his lone preseason contest, he tallied 11 rushes for 39 yards, as well as a 20-yard reception. Head coach John Harbaugh noted that Harris is "a really good football player," and the fact that he made the 53-man roster indicates that the Giants want to get him involved. An Achilles injury limited him to three games and 18 touches with the Chargers last year, but the season prior in Pittsburgh, he posted 299 touches, 1,326 scrimmage yards, and six total touchdowns. His biggest challenge to start the season will be earning snaps in a deep backfield that also features Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary. For now, Harris ranks as the RB60 in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings. He has an ADP of 222.5, which means he's going undrafted in most 12-team leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aidan Miller Gets Season Debut Under His Belt
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller (back) made his season debut on a rehab assignment with Single-A Clearwater on Saturday. The 22-year-old was 1-for-2 at the plate in his debut with a run scored. Miller returned to action on a rehab assignment for his back injury. The right-handed hitter is the No. 2 prospect in the Phillies system and has a well-rounded game with a 55-grade hit tool, 60-grade power, and 50-grade speed. The Phillies first round pick in the 2023 MLB draft out of a Florida high school, Miller has good size at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds and made it all the way to Triple-A during the 2025 season. With a chance to get some games under his belt at the end of this season, Miller looks to be a solid dynasty league target. He promises to be one of the up-and-coming players at the shortstop position.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Kyle Pitts Sr. Looking to Build Off Last Season and This Preseason
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, and he continued to produce throughout the 2026 preseason. As a result, he continues to trend up in fantasy football, despite having some uncertainty at the quarterback position. Pitts emerged as the overall TE2 in PPR leagues last season, catching 88 passes for 928 yards and five touchdowns. He set new career-high marks in fantasy points, receptions, and touchdowns with Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins as his quarterbacks. He added another six catches for 81 yards this preseason, which is really impressive considering that he handled a limited snap share due to his role as the team's starting tight end. Pitts' latest success has him trending up in redraft leagues. For now, he ranks as RotoBaller's TE8, but another top-three finish is not out of the question. Right now, the biggest obstacle in his way is the Falcons' quarterback situation. Tua Tagovailoa is trending toward being the Falcons' Week 1 starting quarterback, and his discouraging production in recent years could put a slight damper on Pitts' fantasy upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yaxel Lendeborg Could Start for Warriors
Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg is in the mix for a starting spot entering training camp, head coach Steve Kerr told NBC Sports Bay Area's Monte Poole. Kerr floated the idea of Lendeborg playing the three next to Draymond Green, with Kristaps Porzingis or Al Horford at center. The No. 11 pick earned the conversation after winning Summer League MVP while averaging 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. He also posted 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists at Michigan, giving Golden State a ready-made connector on the wing. With Jimmy Butler III (knee) and Moses Moody (knee) working back from major injuries, Lendeborg has a clearer early path than most rookies.
Source: NBC Sports
Source: NBC Sports
