January 9, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Kenneth Walker III had an inconsistent 2025 season, but finished the year with 1,027 rushing yards on 221 carries (4.65 YPC) and five touchdowns. He also contributed 282 yards through the air on 31 receptions as well. The inconsistencies came on a week-to-week basis, as he split snaps and lost most of the goal-line work to
Zach Charbonnet, the five touchdowns he scored were scattered across four weeks of the season, and his carries per game fluctuated between 10 and 17 weekly, which resulted in him being a risky RB2 start all season long, even with the final numbers being decent. Heading into the NFL playoffs and managers drafting in fantasy playoff formats, Walker will remain a high-risk, high-reward running back option. The Seahawks are locked into the No. 1 seed in the NFC, meaning they will not play in Wild Card Weekend and will likely face a somewhat difficult matchup the rest of the way, as most NFC teams have fairly good run defenses. Combine that with Charbonnet's involvement in the offense and quarterback
Sam Darnold's inexperience in the playoffs, and it may be tough sledding for Walker and the Seahawks offense from a fantasy standpoint.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Scottie Barnes (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Boston after sustaining a right knee sprain. Barnes exited briefly late in Wednesday's contest but returned to finish, suggesting the injury may be minor, though Toronto may still take a cautious approach.
Brandon Ingram (thumb) is also questionable, creating potential ripple effects across the rotation. If either sits,
RJ Barrett and
Immanuel Quickley would take on more of the offense after combining for 49 points on 43 shots last game.
Ja'Kobe Walter,
Ochai Agbaji,
Gradey Dick, and
Jamison Battle could see expanded minutes but remain volatile fantasy options.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
The Denver Broncos finished the 2025 season with the No. 1 seed in the AFC, going 14-3, largely thanks to an elite defense and wide receiver
Courtland Sutton on the offensive side of the football. Sutton finished the 2025 regular season with 1,017 receiving yards on 74 receptions (13.74 YPC) and seven touchdowns in 17 games played. Sutton hit a bit of a cold streak in the middle of the season when second-year player
Troy Franklin burst onto the scene, but for the most part, Sutton has operated as the team's No. 1 receiver and will rest with his teammates during the Wild Card weekend, while they wait to see who they play in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Sutton will likely be drafted lower in fantasy playoff leagues due to the first-round bye, and him being a middling option, however, if the Broncos are going to make a run in the AFC, they are going to need their top receiver to perform, and second-year starter
Bo Nix will likely be looking the eight year vets way a lot when they do throw the football.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Orlando due to left knee injury management. Embiid has appeared in five straight contests and looked dominant, averaging 28.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 34.4 minutes during that stretch. He logged 28 points in just 25 minutes Wednesday, signaling efficiency even with workload monitoring. If Embiid sits,
Tyrese Maxey and
Paul George absorb heavier usage, while
Andre Drummond and
Adem Bona remain risky, low-minute fantasy pivots.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward
Trey Murphy III (back) is questionable for Friday's matchup against Washington after missing Wednesday with back spasms. His potential absence keeps usage elevated for
Jordan Poole, who logged 39 minutes and produced 21 points, three assists, three steals, and six three-pointers in his last outing. Poole carries real fantasy value due to points volume and strong free-throw impact, though his field-goal percentage remains volatile.
Bryce McGowens and rookie
Micah Peavy should see minutes but remain unreliable for consistent fantasy production.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Green Bay Packers running back
Emanuel Wilson has had a nice 2025 season, rushing for 496 yards on 125 attempts (3.97 YPC) and scoring three touchdowns across 17 games. His involvement in the Packers offense increased this season, as he has played a complementary role to starter
Josh Jacobs, and he has also filled in for Jacobs a handful of times throughout the 2025 season, providing fantasy managers with a plug-and-play RB2 option during those weeks. With the Packers resting their starters in Week 18, and Jacobs coming out and saying on Wednesday that "this is the best he's felt in six weeks," after dealing with a knee injury for the majority of the second half of the season, it appears likely that the Packers will lean on the veteran in this situation. This would make it difficult to justify rostering Wilson in fantasy playoff leagues as anything more than a bench spot should Jacobs get hurt, and Wilson would step in.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 9, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Atlanta as Denver continues to manage his workload. Gordon is still playing under a reduced workload, logging 23 minutes while producing 12 points and six rebounds on Wednesday.
Nikola Jokic (knee) remains out, but
Jamal Murray (ankle),
Christian Braun (ankle), and
Bruce Brown (knee) are all probable, helping stabilize the rotation.
Peyton Watson should still see meaningful usage after a 30-point outing, while Gordon profiles as a steady fantasy option with a capped ceiling until his minutes normalize.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Kendrick Bourne recorded 37 receptions for 551 yards (14.89 YPC) and zero touchdowns on 53 targets in 16 games in 2025. The majority of Bourne's production came in early October, when he stepped in as the team's main pass-catcher, with
George Kittle,
Jauan Jennings, and
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) all ruled out for a brief time. Bourne's role faded as the team continued to get healthy; however, should Pearsall miss Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, Bourne could find himself playing more often and would likely be elevated to the team's No. 2 wide receiver alongside Jennings. Additionally, according to Novig, the Niners are underdogs (+4.5) and should be in a game flow that favors a pass-happy approach, which would result in more target opportunities for Bourne should he get more playing time.
Demarcus Robinson would likely be operating more in three-wide receiver sets. Pending Pearsall's availability, Bourne would be a bit of a dart throw in fantasy playoff leagues, but would be worth a roster as a long-shot option.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
January 9, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (calf) will remain sidelined Friday against Oklahoma City, marking his fourth straight absence after being ruled out a day in advance. His next chance to return is Sunday versus Brooklyn. With Morant out,
Cam Spencer has stepped into a larger role, averaging 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers in 30.4 minutes over the last three games. Spencer profiles as a viable assists-and-threes streamer, while
Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to shoulder added offensive responsibility.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs have issued a statement regarding domestic allegations against wide receiver
Rashee Rice, which came up because his former girlfriend had posted pictures on social media. "The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League. We have no further comment at this time", David K. Li of NBC News reports. These allegations could result in a second significant off-field suspension for Rice, who was already suspended six games during the 2025 season following a hit-and-run incident in April of 2024. This is not the first time Rice's behavior has resulted in a potential suspension. Dynasty managers will want to keep tabs on this situation to know whether or not they will be without the Chiefs' No. 1 wide receiver at any point in the 2026 season. Rice racked up 571 receiving yards (10.77 YPC) on 53 receptions and five touchdowns during the 2025 season, in which he played in eight games.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: NBC News - David K. Li and Joe Kottke
January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot/sciatica) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Milwaukee after sitting out the second half of a back-to-back on Wednesday. The Lakers expect a decision closer to tipoff, and indications lean toward availability. If James sits,
Luka Doncic would continue to shoulder the offense after posting 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in 38 minutes on Wednesday.
Jake LaRavia logged an extended run with 16 points and four three-pointers, while
Jaxson Hayes added 10 points and seven rebounds. James remains a high-end fantasy play, with availability the only variable to watch.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) will remain inactive for Friday's game against Houston, set to miss his 12th straight contest. Grant has not played since Dec. 18 and continues to be ruled out a day in advance, with Sunday against New York his next chance to return. His absence has opened up consistent wing minutes. Rookie
Caleb Love has stepped into a larger role, averaging 16.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.4 three-pointers in 29.3 minutes over his last nine games. Love remains a viable short-term stream, while Grant is a stash as managers wait for clearer updates.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (upper body) exited Thursday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs after the second period. The team announced that Konecny had suffered an upper-body injury. Prior to his exit, Konecny scored Philadelphia's only goal of the game. He was on target for the third time in five games. Konency is the Flyers' second-highest scorer, with 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) in 42 games. The 28-year-old has been part of a very effective line alongside Trevor Zegras and Christian Dvorak, but that combination may now be broken up if Konecny has to miss time. The Flyers will return to action on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
--Taavi PailkSource: Philadelphia Flyers
January 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (shin) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Memphis due to bilateral shin soreness after appearing in nine straight contests. His absence further thins an already short-handed frontcourt, with
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and
Jaylin Williams (heel) also sidelined.
Jalen Williams should absorb added interior responsibility after posting 17 points, six rebounds, and eight assists in 41 minutes on Wednesday.
Aaron Wiggins and
Kenrich Williams are in line for modest bumps, while
Branden Carlson remains a deep-league option tied to minutes. Holmgren remains a clear hold.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (undisclosed) exited Thursday's matchup against the Boston Bruins early for precautionary reasons, head coach Ryan Huska confirmed after the game. Coleman was limited to 9:55 of ice time, finishing scoreless. He has managed 21 points (13 goals, eight assists) in 44 games this season, sitting second on the team with 110 hits. Additionally, Coleman is tied for second on the roster with a plus-10 rating. Huska's words indicate that Coleman isn't dealing with a serious health issue, but it remains to be seen whether he will be available on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will remain sidelined for Friday's game in Memphis, marking his seventh straight absence after being ruled out a day in advance. With
Chet Holmgren (shin) also unavailable, Oklahoma City is expected to lean small.
Jalen Williams could log minutes at center, boosting his all-around output and usage stability.
Aaron Wiggins and
Kenrich Williams stand to see modest role bumps, while
Branden Carlson remains a deep-league flier after logging 11 minutes last game. Hartenstein remains worth holding in standard formats, despite ongoing uncertainty around his return.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (lower body) left Thursday's 5-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period. He appeared to injure his left leg. The Golden Knights plan to fully evaluate him on Friday. On Thursday night, Hart gave up one goal and made no saves before his premature exit. Akira Schmid took over in the net, stopping 21 of 23 pucks. Schmid started the season strongly but has been playing second fiddle to Hart recently. Now, his workload might increase again if Hart misses additional time. Vegas' regular No. 1, Adin Hill (lower body), has been sidelined since October. Hill practiced on Thursday, but it's unclear when he will be able to play.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) will not play Friday in Memphis due to an ankle sprain. His next chance to return comes Sunday against Miami. Oklahoma City will also be without
Chet Holmgren (shin),
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf),
Cason Wallace (toe), and
Jaylin Williams (heel), concentrating offensive responsibility.
Jalen Williams should see elevated usage after averaging 17.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.4 steals in 30.0 minutes this season.
Ajay Mitchell emerges as a strong streamer, posting 13.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 three-pointers, and 1.5 steals on efficient shooting.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (undisclosed) was labeled day-to-day after his early exit from Thursday's win over the Seattle Kraken. He left the game in the second period with an undisclosed injury. Fortunately, he avoided a major injury and could be ready to play on Saturday against the New York Islanders. In 45 appearances, Eriksson Ek has posted 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) and 68 hits, ranking among the top three on the team in both categories. If Eriksson Ek can't play this weekend, Ryan Hartman may get a fresh opportunity in the top six.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) will not play Friday against Boston after falling short of a return following Thursday's practice. Sunday against Philadelphia is his next opportunity to play. His absence continues to open frontcourt minutes. Rookie
Collin Murray-Boyles has started the last three games and profiles as a short-term stream after averaging 9.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 29.8 minutes.
Sandro Mamukelashvili remains productive off the bench with 11.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers in 26.4 minutes. Both are low-end options tied to Poeltl's status.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Colorado Avalanche left wing Joel Kiviranta (lower body) is considered week-to-week. He missed a fifth consecutive game on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators. The Finnish forward will probably remain out for at least a few more games, but he is expected to recover in time for the Olympics. After posting a career-high 16 goals and 23 points in 79 games last season, Kiviranta has had a limited impact offensively in 2025-26. He has managed only one goal and three assists across 21 outings. Zakhar Bardakov is currently filling Kiviranta's spot on the fourth line, recording assists in back-to-back games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) will remain out Friday against Philadelphia as he continues to recover from a high-ankle sprain. Sunday against New Orleans remains his next realistic return window. His absence keeps secondary usage concentrated elsewhere.
Anthony Black benefited earlier, averaging 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers over a twelve-game span. He has cooled lately, posting 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over his last two outings.
Tristan da Silva should continue starting after logging 14 points in 24 minutes, but remains a risky streamer due to volatility.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Brendan Smith (knee) underwent surgery and is expected to be out for 3-4 months. He had a procedure to repair a torn meniscus in his knee. Smith suffered the injury on Dec. 29 against the Ottawa Senators. Columbus placed him on Injured Reserve last week. Smith, a 15-year veteran, has made 15 appearances this season for the Blue Jackets, registering two assists, 10 shots, 11 blocks, and 12 hits. Given his recovery timeline, Smith might be done for the rest of the 2025-26 regular season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) will not play Friday against Philadelphia, sidelined for a fourth consecutive game with an MCL contusion. Orlando ruled him out a day in advance, and his next possible return is Sunday against New Orleans.
Anthony Black continues to start and showed strong early production in Suggs' absence, but has cooled lately, averaging 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over his last two games with shaky efficiency.
Noah Penda has quietly emerged as a deep-league watch after posting 13 points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes on Tuesday.
Tyus Jones remains a low-ceiling assists streamer in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 9, 2026
The San Jose Sharks have acquired goaltender Laurent Brossoit from the Chicago Blackhawks. In the deal, the Sharks gave up defensemen Ryan Ellis (back) and Jake Furlong, along with a 2028 fourth-round pick, for Brossoit, defenseman Nolan Allan, and a 2028 seventh-round pick. Brossoit didn't make a single appearance for the Blackhawks. After signing a two-year, $6.6 million deal as a free agent with the team in 2024, he missed the 2024-25 campaign due to a knee injury. This season, the 32-year-old has been limited to AHL appearances, posting a 3-3-0 record and even scoring a goal. Given the Sharks' goaltending struggles this year, Brossoit could get a chance to return to NHL action at some point.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 9, 2026
Free agent reliever
Cionel Perez is viewed as a potential option for the Boston Red Sox bullpen, according to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live. The Red Sox are looking to add another left-handed pitcher to their bullpen as
Justin Wilson is considering retirement. They have also been linked to
Danny Coulombe and
Tim Mayza. Perez has spent his last four MLB seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. In 2025, Perez struggled, posting an 8.31 ERA and a 2.12 WHIP across 21 2/3 innings. However, during his first three seasons as an Oriole, the left-hander was far more effective, posting a 3.12 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. During this three-year stretch, he tallied 58 holds but was rarely used as a pure closer, earning just six saves. If he agrees to terms with the Red Sox, Perez could earn some high-leverage opportunities that put him on the fantasy radar in deeper holds leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
January 9, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live, the Boston Red Sox remain engaged with free agent left-hander
Danny Coulombe. Cotillo reported that with
Justin Wilson considering retirement, the Red Sox have begun to shop the market for other free-agent southpaws for the bullpen. Last season, Coulombe was highly effective in Minnesota, logging 31 innings with a stellar 1.16 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. During this stint with the Twins, the left-hander struck out 31 hitters and allowed nine free passes. However, Coulombe was shipped to the Rangers before the deadline and saw his production decline. With the Rangers, Coulombe posted a much higher 5.25 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP across 12 innings. Given his strong production with the Twins, Coulombe could earn a high-leverage role in the Boston bullpen and be a viable target for those in deeper leagues that reward holds.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
January 9, 2026
Free agent relief pitcher
Ryne Stanek is drawing interest from several clubs on the open market, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Feinsand noted that much of the interest is coming from the National League Central. Last summer, Stanek spent his entire season with the Mets and logged 56 innings to the tune of a 5.30 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. He struck out 58 hitters but showed weak command, posting a high 12.5% walk rate. He also allowed hard contact at a high 43.6% rate, which placed him in the 23rd percentile among qualified pitchers. If the 34-year-old were to find a suitor, managers should expect to open the season in a middle relief role. However, he could eventually earn an opportunity in the later innings, as he tallied 11 holds and three saves with the Mets last season.
--Andy SmithSource: Mark Feinsand
January 9, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies could look to trade third baseman
Alec Bohm if they were to come to an agreement with top infield free agent
Bo Bichette. The Phillies have been expressing interest in Bichette and are set to meet with the starting infielder in the coming days. However, Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that if the Phillies were to sign the former Blue Jay, they would need to not only open a spot in the infield but also some salary. Bohm agreed to a one-year $10.2 million contract on Thursday to avoid arbitration and is set to hit the open market following the 2026 season. Last season, Bohm posted a .283/.331/.409 line with 11 home runs and just two stolen bases. His 11 home runs were his lowest total in a full season since 2021. If Bohm were to be shopped, Bichette would likely slide in as the everyday third baseman in Philadelphia, leaving
Bryson Stott at second base and
Trea Turner at shortstop.
--Andy SmithSource: Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal
January 9, 2026
According to Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies could look to move off longtime catcher
J.T. Realmuto if they were to sign top free agent infielder
Bo Bichette. Gelb and Rosenthal reported that if Bichette and the Phillies agree to a deal, it would likely result in the franchise moving on from Realmuto. The backstop is currently a free agent but has been in discussions with the Phillies in hopes of returning. However, both sides have yet to come to an agreement, and the Phillies have begun to express interest in the top hitters on the market. Realmuto saw his offensive production continue to decline last season, posting a .257/.315/.384 line with 12 home runs and eight stolen bases. His .699 OPS was a significant drop from the .751 and .762 he posted in the previous two seasons. Currently, the other catchers on the roster are
Rafael Marchan and
Garrett Stubbs.
--Andy SmithSource: Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal
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