January 21, 2026
Tony Finau is now facing what a steady player fears the most. The American golfer is now 36 and only had one Top 10 result in 2025. He dropped to 94th in the World Rankings and 83rd during the Fall Swing. The struggles continued in Hawaii last week as he missed the cut at the Sony Open. Finau had contended in three of the past four events in Southern California. However, 2025 saw him miss the cut behind a disastrous 74 in the third round. This seemed like a theme throughout last season. Finau missed approaches like crazy in Hawaii losing 2.16 strokes. Besides inconsistent putting, this appeared to be a new problem. Finau may need time to work out the rust and kinks in his game this 2026.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 21, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) took only one third-period shift in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. He appeared injured after teammate Brandon Hagel's shot hit him. "I don't know. I don't want to say anything," Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said postgame about Cirelli's status. "He's a tough kid, so I'm hoping he'll be OK ... We'll see tomorrow." Before exiting, Cirelli had a goal and an assist in Tuesday's game. He has notched 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 44 games this season, earning him a spot on Team Canada for the Olympics. A serious injury would ruin Cirelli's Olympic dream and also be a blow to the Lightning.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 21, 2026
Cam Davis could not overcome the tee shots last week in Hawaii. The Australian golfer compounded his problems by losing 1.23 strokes to putting. That results in a two-day stay at the Sony Open. Davis is totally feast or famine in Southern California. He finished 18th in 2025 and 3rd in 2022. However, Davis missed the cut in 2022 and 2023. It was one round that derailed him each year. The key for the Aussie is avoiding trouble. Last week, Davis started off with a 68 then came unglued in Round 2 with a 74. Honestly, the round could have been even worse. Again, four rounds of balanced play is vital for Davis. Anything less makes him avoidable for Daily Fantasy.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 21, 2026
Free-agent outfielder
Austin Hays has several suitors in the open market, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Heyman noted that the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals have also expressed interest in the veteran outfielder. However, with the Mets trading for outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. on Tuesday evening, they may not continue their pursuit of Hays. The Yankees have been linked to star outfielder
Cody Bellinger throughout the winter but have yet to come to an agreement. Hays spent the 2025 season with the Reds and held a .255/.325/.453 line with 15 home runs and seven stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a below-average .300 xwOBA with a modest 38.4% hard-hit rate, suggesting he could face some regression in 2026. Hays projects to hold a platoon role in 2026, making him best left for deeper fantasy formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Jon Heyman
January 21, 2026
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (upper body) exited Tuesday's 4-3 win over the New York Rangers in the first period. He was injured when Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski made contact with Kuemper's head late in the period. Kuemper allowed two goals on eight shots in the opening frame. He was replaced in the crease by Anton Forberg, who put in an outstanding performance. The Swedish veteran finished with 27 saves and a .964 save percentage. Kuemper, who holds a 12-9-9 record, has already missed time this season due to an upper-body injury. Another multi-week absence for him would also be a blow for Team Canada, which has named him to its Olympic roster.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 21, 2026
Eric Cole had one of those short weeks in Hawaii. The American golfer was erratic off the tee and with the putter last week. As a result, he missed the cut while losing more than two strokes combined from putting and driving. His distance and accuracy were off as he was 12 and 9% off from the field average in those metrics. Worse, a three course rotation starting with the Pete Dye course is troubling. The longest course at 7,210 yards, could cause Cole some more problems especially if his driver is off again early. Playing catch up with this field inspires less hope from a DFS standpoint.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 21, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox made "very little traction" with top free agent third baseman
Eugenio Suarez over the past week. The Red Sox heavily pursued third baseman
Alex Bregman before he signed a contract with the Cubs. With Bregman and infielder
Bo Bichette off the board, the Red Sox were expected to turn their attention to Suarez. However, it appears that both sides have made little progress toward a potential contract. Suarez turned in a massive bounce-back season in 2025, launching 49 home runs with a .228/.298/.526 line. This was a significant jump from the 30 home runs he hit the year prior. Currently, the Red Sox are expected to rely on young infielder
Marcelo Mayer at the hot corner if they are unable to agree to terms with Suarez.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
January 21, 2026
Brian Campbell did not enjoy the trade winds in Hawaii. The American golfer missed the cut at the Sony Open. His second round 67 was much better but it was not enough to undo the damage of an opening 74. Even with fewer birdies being yielded at Waialae, Campbell just could not crack through and make it to the weekend. The American Express is unique in that the cut is over the course of 54 holes. It gives Campbell a little extra time. The concern is he made less than half the weekends in 2025 (11/24). One of those events was The American Express but Campbell still finished outside the Top 50 (T-51). He is probably still a fade for DFS and wagering at this juncture.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 21, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers have continued to show serious interest in acquiring right-handed pitcher
Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers have had a productive offseason, bringing in top closer
Edwin Diaz and star outfielder
Kyle Tucker. However, they are still looking to improve their roster, especially their rotation. According to Kate Woo of The Athletic, the Dodgers are targeting Peralta to further protect their rotation, given the extensive injury history many of their pitchers have had. This past season,
Blake Snell,
Roki Sasaki, and
Tyler Glasnow all spent ample time on the injured list. Peralta enjoyed a strong showing in 2025, logging 176 2/3 innings with a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 104:66 K:BB. If Peralta were to join Los Angeles, he could push either
Emmet Sheehan or Sasaki to a long relief role to open the season.
--Andy SmithSource: Katie Woo
January 21, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will miss his 13th consecutive game on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. He has yet to play in 2026 due to a right soleus strain. Oklahoma City's frontcourt may also be without
Jaylin Williams (glute), who is considered questionable for Wednesday night.
Kenrich Williams and
Branden Carlson are looking at an opportunity to make larger contributions off the bench, but they aren't good fantasy options. Hartenstein's next chance to return will be on Friday against the Indiana Pacers. Given the lack of updates from the team, it wouldn't be surprising if Hartenstein remains out for the week.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Daniel Berger took advantage of a somewhat stacked field at the Sony Open to finish inside the top 10. The American golfer finished tied for sixth, but his putting was not quite the difference-maker as expected. Berger drove the ball 7% better than average, and he gained more strokes on approach (0.97) than putting (0.88). That surprised a lot of people. The problem for Berger may be the three-course rotation (PGA West Stadium, PGA West Nicklaus, La Quinta). That could be too much for him here. Either way, Sunday is played on the Stadium course. With eight of the World's top 20 competing this week, Berger might lurk but not quite contend as far as betting purposes.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
January 21, 2026
According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, the Philadelphia Phillies are still looking to trade outfielder
Nick Castellanos before spring training. Zolecki noted that they are looking for a suitor to pay at least part of his hefty $20 milion salary for the upcoming season. Castellanos has been on the trade block throughout the winter, and following the signing of
Adolis Garcia, he appears to be headed for a bench role to begin the 2026 season, if he were to stay in Philadelphia. Last season, Castellanos had a down season in Philadelphia, hitting for a .250/.294/.400 line with a .694 OPS. He hit just 17 home runs, his lowest total since the 2022 campaign. The 33-year-old is a name to monitor as he would likely compete for a starting role on another club during spring training if he is traded or released.
--Andy SmithSource: Todd Zolecki
January 21, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks center
Myles Turner (ankle) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is on the injury report with a left ankle sprain. Turner recently missed his first game of the season due to illness. It has been a frustrating year for Turner, who has been limited to 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in January. Should Turner sit out on Wednesday night,
Bobby Portis would be poised to take his place in the starting lineup, while
Pete Nance and
Jericho Sims could see extra minutes off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
The Chicago White Sox acquired second baseman
Luisangel Acuna from the New York Mets in exchange for outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. on Tuesday evening. Additionally, the White Sox acquired right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley. The 23-year-old second baseman received his first full stint in the big leagues last season, following a brief 14-game stint back in 2024. Through 98 games with the Mets last summer, Acuna posted a .234/.293/.274 slash line with seven doubles and 16 stolen bases. While he generated a low .271 xwOBA, he flashed immense speed upside, sitting in the 99th percentile, suggesting he could increase in that department if given a full-time role. Through 159 games with Triple-A split over the last two campaigns, Acuna has carried a .265/.307/.360 line seven home runs and 48 stolen bases. Managers should expect Acuna to compete for a starting role in the Chicago infield during spring training. If he earns a consistent role, he would have appeal in deeper category formats given his speed production.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Passan
January 21, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) is questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He may miss a meeting with the defending champions due to an oblique strain. Porter Jr. has had a productive year in Milwaukee, but he was dropped to the bench on Monday against the Atlanta Hawks after he had produced a zero-point outing in the previous game.
Kyle Kuzma jumped to the first unit and had 10 points with two assists. If Porter Jr. can't play against the Thunder,
Ryan Rollins' workload will likely increase, and
Cole Anthony may get back into the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
The New York Mets have acquired outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for infielder
Luisangel Acuna and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley. Robert has been linked to trade rumors for over a year and has finally found a suitor. The 28-year-old has taken a bit of a step back in terms of offensive production over the past two seasons, but a change of scenery could provide him with a much-needed spark. In 2025, Robert held a .223/.297/.344 line with 14 home runs and 33 stolen bases. In 2024, he also hit 14 home runs but stole only 23 bases. However, from 2021 through 2023, the outfielder looked like a budding star, as he held an overall .287/.331/.511 line with 21 home runs per season (and a high of 36 back in 2023). Despite modest production in 2025, Robert generated a 99th percentile bat speed with an above-average barrel rate, suggesting he still carries power upside. Managers should expect Robert to take over center field duties in Queens and see his counting stats increase, batting alongside
Francisco Lindor,
Juan Soto, and
Bo Bichette.
--Andy SmithSource: Jon Heyman
January 21, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard/forward
Cam Thomas (hamstring) will return to the lineup on Wednesday night against the New York Knicks. He sat out the second leg of a back-to-back on Monday versus the Phoenix Suns. Since returning from a hamstring injury in late December, Thomas has struggled for consistency. He is averaging 12.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 23.4 minutes in January. The 24-year-old has finished three of his last four appearances with single-digit points. Still, Thomas impressed with 10 assists in Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bulls and can cook up a big line in a hurry if he gets hot.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown (hamstring) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The 2024 Finals MVP is expected to play despite experiencing tightness in his left hamstring. Brown recently missed one game due to a back issue. Since returning, he has averaged 33.3 points and 8.0 rebounds over three outings. Against Indiana, Brown has put up 30.5 points per game across two prior meetings in 2025-26, shooting an impressive 53.3 percent from the field.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Houston Rockets center
Steven Adams (ankle) has been ruled out indefinitely with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain. He was injured in Sunday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Josh Okogie started in Adams' place on Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs. He had a quiet outing with five points, one rebound, and one steal. Houston also brought
Clint Capela back into the rotation, and the Swiss big man finished with six points and two rebounds in 12 minutes. With Adams on the shelf,
Jabari Smith Jr. could also see time at the center position.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 21, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (eye) made an early exit against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports. The big man was poked in the eye late in the second quarter and sat out the rest of the game. Ayton finished with four points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes.
Jaxson Hayes and
Drew Timme filled the gap at center in the second half. "He got poked in the eye," Lakers head coach JJ Redick said postgame. "He looks like a pirate. His eye is not in good shape, but we're hopeful that it's just the bare minimum -- just a poke in the eye -- and he'll be back tomorrow." The Lakers return to action on Thursday night against the Clippers. Although Redick seemed optimistic about Ayton's availability for the Clippers game, it wouldn't be a shock if he appeared on the injury report.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jovan Buha
January 21, 2026
NC State tight end Justin Joly has been one of the most productive players at the position over the last three college football seasons. The 21-year-old New York native began his career at UConn before spending his junior and senior seasons with the Wolfpack, hauling in 92 receptions for 1,150 yards and 11 touchdowns. He enjoyed great success at NC State, but his breakout campaign came as a sophomore with the Huskies in 2023, when he tallied 56 catches for 578 yards and two scores. The 2025 first-team All-ACC selection is viewed as one of the top five tight ends in the 2026 NFL Draft class, and he's currently projected to be a third-round selection in April. Joly thrives running intermediate and deep routes, making him a strong TE2 and second tight end in 12-personnel at the next level. His landing spot will determine his upside and placement in dynasty rookie drafts as part of a shallow incoming rookie tight end class.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 20, 2026
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is expected to become the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive coordinator, barring a change of heart, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. McDaniel has informed other teams that he's out of the running, and he's scheduled to have dinner with the Chargers on Tuesday night. In L.A., McDaniel will be replacing Greg Roman. It will be quite the scheme change for the Bolts, going from a run-first offensive mind in Roman to McDaniel, who runs a version of Kyle Shanahan's offense in San Francisco. McDaniel went 35-33 with two playoff appearances in his four seasons in Miami, and he'll now join a Chargers team that has two 11-win seasons under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The addition of McDaniel in L.A. should be good news for both quarterback
Justin Herbert and young running back
Omarion Hampton heading into next season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 20, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks will face a familiar foe in the NFC Championship game this weekend in the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. Smith-Njigba led the NFL with 1,793 yards and scored the third-most touchdowns (10) among wideouts on 119 receptions. He's proven in his second year in the league that he's one of the best receivers in the NFL, and he'll have a chance to go off for the third straight time this year against a Rams defense that has surrendered the most half-PPR fantasy points to the position in the last five weeks. In the first meeting against L.A. in a Week 11 loss, JSN had a season-high nine catches for 105 yards on 12 targets. In the rematch in the overtime win in Week 16, Smith-Njigba caught eight of 13 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. In what could be a shootout, Smith-Njigba is one of the highest-upside receivers in fantasy this week.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 20, 2026
Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end
Terrance Ferguson scored his second and third touchdowns in back-to-back weeks at the end of the regular season before
Tyler Higbee returned from Injured Reserve. Then Ferguson injured his hamstring, which caused him to miss the Week 18 regular-season finale and the Wild-Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles. In the 22-year-old's return in the Divisional Round win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Ferguson caught just one of a season-high five targets for 19 yards. There's plenty to like about Ferguson's long-term outlook, but right now, he's just too hard to trust when he's fighting for targets alongside
Colby Parkinson and Higbee. During the regular season, Ferguson had a total of just 11 receptions for 231 yards and three touchdowns on 25 targets. The matchup against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game this weekend is a decent one, but Ferguson is unlikely to return value unless he scores.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 20, 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson is emerging as the team's best TE option in fantasy football playoff leagues despite fellow TEs
Tyler Higbee and rookie
Terrance Ferguson being involved. In the Divisional Round victory over the Chicago Bears, Parkinson caught three of his seven targets for 56 yards. The 27-year-old tied Pro Bowl receiver
Puka Nacua for the team lead in receiving yards in snowy conditions. The fact that the Rams are involving three pass-catching tight ends makes Parkinson a bit more volatile in fantasy, but it should be comforting to know that he has had exactly seven targets in four of the last six games. He also scored a combined three touchdowns in the two games before this past Sunday's overtime win over the Bears. Parkinson has notable upside going into the NFC Championship matchup against a Seahawks defense that allowed the 11th-most half-PPR fantasy points to the position in 17 regular-season games.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 20, 2026
The Texas Rangers announced on Tuesday that they have signed free-agent right-hander
Josh Sborz to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Sborz returns to the organization he has spent the past five seasons with. The 32-year-old relief pitcher missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from shoulder surgery. Over his six-year major league career, Sborz has posted a 4.96 ERA (3.94 FIP), a 1.33 WHIP, and 193 strikeouts across 163 1/3 innings. From a fantasy perspective, it's unlikely Sborz breaks camp with the big league club, and even if he does, he is not expected to be fantasy relevant. Although the Rangers' bullpen roles aren't crystal clear, most drafters expect
Robert Garcia to open the 2026 season as the primary closer, with
Chris Martin and
Cole Winn also in the mix.
--Marty TallmanSource: Texas Rangers X Account
January 20, 2026
Miami Heat center
Kel'el Ware (hamstring) won't play on Tuesday versus Sacramento. He carried a questionable tag throughout the day. However, the 21-year-old will miss his first contest of the 2025 campaign because of hamstring tightness. Ware hasn't seen much action of late, averaging 20 minutes in January. Still, his absence should allow
Nikola Jovic to see more action in a favorable matchup with the Kings.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 20, 2026
New England Patriots running back
Rhamondre Stevenson hasn't scored a touchdown in two playoff games this year, but he has recorded 209 scrimmage yards on 33 touches. Stevenson had 16 rushing attempts for 70 yards and also caught all four of his targets for 11 yards in the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. The 27-year-old's 16 carries were the second-most he's had all year, with rookie
TreVeyon Henderson carrying the ball 12 times for only 25 yards. Fantasy managers should expect Stevenson to have another big role in the AFC Championship clash this Sunday against the Denver Broncos. His role makes him a top-three fantasy RB in playoff leagues, but the sledding could be tough on the road against a Broncos defense that allowed the fewest half-PPR points per game during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 20, 2026
Denver Broncos rookie running back
RJ Harvey had a disappointing showing on the ground in the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills, carrying the ball six times for only 20 yards. Harvey helped his fantasy managers in PPR leagues by catching five of a season-high six targets for 46 yards through the air, though. Against a weaker Buffalo run defense, it was a disappointing performance for Harvey, who saw his lowest carry total since Week 10. Things won't get any easier for the second-rounder going into a tough AFC Championship matchup against the visiting New England Patriots. Although Denver may put more of an emphasis on trying to get their ground game going now that starting quarterback
Bo Nix (ankle) is out the rest of the way, it doesn't mean that Harvey will have success against a Patriots defense that allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game to RBs this year, including only eight rushing TDs.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 20, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Kyren Williams did most of the heavy lifting in the team's thrilling overtime victory over the Chicago Bears in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, carrying the ball 21 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns while adding four catches for 30 yards on five targets. Meanwhile, backfield mate
Blake Corum had only six carries for 19 yards. Williams isn't heading into the most ideal matchup in the NFC Championship game on Sunday against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, but he'll still be a top-three fantasy RB on volume alone in a high-flying offense. Williams could be a letdown against a Seahawks defense that allowed the second-fewest half-PPR points per game to the RB position during the regular season, including a league-low five rushing TDs. And if Corum gets more involved like he was at the end of the regular season, it would lower Williams' floor more.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
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