March 3, 2026
Detroit Lions tight end
Sam LaPorta (back) missed the final eight weeks of the 2025 regular season, and when he returns in 2026, he'll find himself in a new-look offense. The strong supporting cast remains in place (minus
David Montgomery), but we expect to see a new offensive scheme and style of play after Detroit made a coaching staff change. The Lions hired former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to the same role, indicating we could see even more emphasis on the tight end position next year. Petzing helped pepper
Trey McBride with targets last year; the 26-year-old was the TE2 in PPR leagues in 2024, and the TE1 last season. LaPorta is looking to return to that type of elite form. He was the TE1 himself as a rookie in 2023, but he dropped to TE8 in 2024 and TE27 in his injury-shortened 2025 campaign. When healthy last season, LaPorta averaged 4.4 catches, 54.3 yards, and 0.3 touchdowns per game. If Petzing places an emphasis on getting the tight end even more involved, he'll make a strong push to be a top-five fantasy option at the position in 2026. Because he's coming off an injury, he's an intriguing buy-low option in dynasty leagues, as well as an underpriced draft pick at his ADP in redraft formats.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 3, 2026
Chicago Bears running back
D'Andre Swift faced strong competition from rookie
Kyle Monangai during the 2025 NFL season, but he managed to hold onto his lead-back role thanks to a productive campaign of his own. Swift benefited from new head coach Ben Johnson's offense, ultimately finishing the year with 1,087 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, both career highs. He also caught 34 passes for 299 yards and another touchdown through the air. Swift's snap share had dipped to just above 50% by the end of the season. Still, over the final six weeks, he had 13.5 carries per game, 1.7 receptions per game, and five total touchdowns. Monangai had a strong season of his own and should take on a bigger role next year, but Swift showed that he deserves to continue to lead this backfield, at least for the time being. He'll need to continue playing well to fend off Monangai in his second season. Swift is still an attractive RB2 option in redraft leagues, but the eventual threat of Monangai taking over -- even if not imminent -- makes the veteran running back a sell-high candidate in most dynasty formats.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 3, 2026
Houston Astros starting pitcher
Mike Burrows landed with his new team as part of a three-team swap this offseason, and the team sees him as an "upside play" who can jump into their rotation right away. The Astros saw an opportunity to adjust his pitch mix a little bit and add in a two-seam fastball. The early returns have been very positive for Burrows, who has pitched five scoreless innings in his first two Grapefruit League outings, striking out six with two walks and two hits allowed. He went 2-4 with a 3.94 ERA, 4.00 FIP, and 97 strikeouts in 97 MLB innings with the Pirates last year, but the Astros could help unlock even stronger results from the 26-year-old righty this season. He's going at the end of drafts in most formats but is worth considering as a deep-league sleeper with considerable upside. The team has several starting pitching options to consider for the rotation, but they are high on Burrows, who seems to be on his way to earning a spot in the Opening Day rotation. At his extremely low ADP, Burrows is bursting with sleeper potential.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 3, 2026
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher
Garrett Crochet can be a first-round pick in almost all fantasy baseball formats, and is the No. 10 overall player in RotoBaller's rankings coming into the year. He's the second-highest starting pitcher on the board behind only
Tarik Skubal. Crochet put up dazzling numbers last year with a 2.59 ERA, 2.89 FIP, and 1.03 WHIP over 205 1/3 IP in 32 starts. It was his second straight season with 32 starts, and he set a new career-high in innings and strikeouts. He also looked strong in the postseason with an 11-strikeout outing against the Yankees. While pitching his home games at Fenway Park did lead to a few more homers, he continued to limit damage by holding opponents to a .216 batting average and allowing a career-low 37.3% hard-hit rate. Crochet will look to build on that success in 2026 and can serve as the ace of your fantasy staff, just like he will for the Red Sox this year.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 3, 2026
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Casey Mize finally had a healthy season in 2025, and the No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 MLB Draft had his best season in the majors. He went 14-6 in his 28 starts with a 3.87 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 3.89 FIP, while totaling 139 strikeouts over 149 innings. Mize doesn't pick up enough strikeouts to be an elite starting option, but he should open the season as the Tigers' fifth starter behind
Tarik Skubal,
Framber Valdez,
Jack Flaherty, and
Justin Verlander. With a good lineup behind him, he can be a solid source of wins, ERA, and innings if he stays healthy again this season, which will be his last year before becoming a free agent for the first time in his career. He is currently ranked as RotoBaller's No. 104 starting pitcher, but his ADP (average draft position) has him even lower than that, so if you need a late-round depth option to help round out your staff, Mize has a high floor with enough upside to make him a good value consideration, especially if you have high-strikeout, high-risk options elsewhere in your rotation.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 3, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler (lower body) logged only 6:01 of ice time in Monday's 3-2 shootout win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team lost him to a lower-body injury in the second period, and head coach Rick Tocchet didn't have an update on Seeler after the game. Seeler has appeared in all 60 Flyers games this season, registering eight points (two goals, six assists), 74 shots, 112 blocks, and 95 hits. The 32-year-old has struggled to replicate his form from last season, when he had a career-high 20 points. Philadelphia has Noah Juulsen and Adam Ginning on the roster as potential replacements for Seeler. The team will be back in action on Thursday night against the Utah Mammoth.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 3, 2026
Washington Nationals outfielder
Daylen Lile was one of the few bright spots in a rough season for the team last year, and the 23-year-old lefty brings a ton of upside based on his ADP (average draft position) in fantasy drafts coming into his second season in the majors. He closed out last year with NL Player of the Month honors in September, and in his 91 games as a rookie, Lile hit .299 with 35 extra-base hits, including nine home runs, 15 doubles, and a club rookie record with 11 triples. Lile added eight stolen bases (in 14 attempts), 51 runs scored, 41 RBI, and finished with a 132 wRC+, .199 ISO, and .360 wOBA. He finished in the 100th percentile of qualified hitters in both xBA and LA Sweet-Spot%, showing his results were definitely not fluky. This year, he should occupy a premium spot in the batting order and bring his well-balanced skillset to a great run-producing spot in a rising young lineup. Lile's excellent contact skills give him a high floor to go with a very high ceiling, and if he carries over his momentum from the end of last season, he will be a great late-round addition.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 3, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Andrew Painter had a dominant first start of spring training and looks like he will be on the team's Opening Day roster, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. Painter threw two perfect innings against the Yankees on Sunday against the Yankees, throwing 20 pitches and getting a strikeout against
Jasson Dominguez. The former top prospect struggled to a 5.40 ERA and 4.90 FIP in Triple-A last year, but he was able to throw 118 minor-league innings, a huge accomplishment after missing 2023 and 2024 with Tommy John surgery. If he continues to put together a strong spring, he will likely open the year in the rotation, and he could keep that spot over
Taijuan Walker after
Zack Wheeler's return if he can deliver on his elite potential.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jon Morosi
March 3, 2026
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph (upper body) didn't finish Monday's 6-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, Izzy Cheung of The Hockey News reports. Joseph logged 10:36 of ice time in the Canucks' sixth consecutive defeat. Canucks head coach Adam Foote revealed postgame that Joseph would get X-rays on his injury. The 26-year-old blue-liner has made 24 appearances for the Canucks in 2025-26, recording five points (one goal, four assists), 18 shots, and 19 blocks with a minus-12 rating. He has been limited to 13:18 of ice time per game. Joseph may have a larger role after the trade deadline, but he doesn't warrant any fantasy consideration.
--Taavi PailkSource: Izzy Cheung
March 3, 2026
New York Yankees designated hitter
Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) is set to see his first action of Spring Training on Tuesday when the Yankees face off against Panama. He will bat fourth as the designated hitter as he begins his ramp-up to Opening Day. Stanton is still dealing with tennis elbow issues in both arms, but his goal is to be ready for a full season despite the issue. Last season, Stanton didn't play his first game until June 16 due to the problem, but he was effective once he debuted, hitting 24 homers in 77 games with a .273 batting average, .321 ISO, and .395 wOBA. If he plays a full season while managing his injury, he brings good power potential, although his health will definitely be something to monitor leading up to the start of the season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Bryan Hoch
March 3, 2026
Los Angeles Kings right wing Joel Armia (upper body) has been placed on Injured Reserve. The Finnish veteran missed a second consecutive game on Monday night against the Colorado Avalanche. Armia has notched 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 53 contests this season, sitting tied for the league lead with four short-handed goals. The Kings recalled Jared Wright from the minors ahead of Monday's game, and he made his NHL debut in Armia's place. L.A.'s attack was also without Trevor Moore (illness) and Quinton Byfield (upper body) on Monday, opening a spot in the lineup for another debutant, Kenny Connors.
--Taavi PailkSource: Los Angeles Kings
March 3, 2026
Colorado Avalanche winger Artturi Lehkonen (upper body) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Anaheim and will miss time, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. The Finnish forward suffered an upper-body injury on Monday against the Los Angeles Kings, exiting the contest after taking only three shifts. With Lehkonen out, the Avalanche must cope without their fourth-highest scoring forward. In 59 contests, Lehkonen has contributed 19 goals and 23 assists. Victor Olofsson or Ross Colton could slot into the top six during Lehkonen's absence, while the Avalanche must also tweak their second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: Evan Rawal
March 3, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore is dealing with an illness, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. The 2026 Olympian is the victim of an illness that has been spreading in the team's locker room, leaving Theodore's status uncertain for Tuesday's contest against the Buffalo Sabres. Without Theodore, Vegas would have a big hole in the lineup, as he has recorded 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists), 95 shots, 68 blocks, and a plus-13 rating across 48 appearances this season. Ben Hutton is expected to fill in for Theodore if he isn't feeling well enough to play.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
March 3, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitchell Marner is battling an illness, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy revealed that an illness was going around the locker room, affecting Marner, Shea Theodore, and a third, unnamed player. Marner has been a good fit in Vegas this season, posting 59 points (16 goals, 43 assists) in as many games. He has been used throughout the lineup, most recently as the second-line center. If Marner can't play in Tuesday's matchup with the Buffalo Sabres, Tomas Hertl will likely get a chance to join the top six.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
March 3, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (upper body) is day-to-day, according to head coach Bruce Cassidy. The oft-injured star suffered an upper-body injury in Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, it appears Stone avoided a major injury and could be in contention to return to the lineup on Tuesday night against the Buffalo Sabres. Stone has racked up 60 points (21 goals, 39 assists) in 43 games this season, averaging the sixth-most points in the league (1.40 per game). Alexander Holtz is poised to replace Stone in the lineup if he's forced to miss additional time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
March 3, 2026
Jason Day was enjoying a solid start to the 2026 season. The Australian golfer almost won The American Express with a runner-up result. A couple weeks ago Day missed the cut at The Genesis Invitational after a 73-74 start. Day could not get off the tees far enough accurately and the birdie opportunities just did not fall. Day is still averaging 296.9 yards off the tee (142nd) with accuracy under 60% at 59. 69%. Approach and proximity are important at the Arnold Palmer. Bay Hill is a long course at 7,454 yards. This includes five Par 4's all longer than 450 yards. Day might be someone to stay away from in betting circles this weekend.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
March 3, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Santi Aldama (knee) is considered questionable for Tuesday's action against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Spanish big man is managing a right knee injury and hasn't played since January, missing 16 of the last 18 games.
GG Jackson II and
Olivier-Maxence Prosper have benefited from the Grizzlies' lack of depth in the frontcourt. Aldama's return could affect the playing time of both players, though it looks almost certain he will play with a minutes restriction initially after missing so much time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 3, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward
Cedric Coward (knee) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 22-year-old rookie could return to the lineup after missing seven games with a right knee injury. Despite battling some consistency issues, Coward has had a good rookie campaign, averaging 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across 26.3 minutes of play. If Coward is cleared for action, there could be fewer minutes available to
Walter Clayton Jr. and
Rayan Rupert.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 3, 2026
Jacob Bridgeman comes off an impressive win at The Genesis Invitational. The young American golfer has been on fire with his putter gaining a tour-leading 1.276 strokes. Furthermore, Bridgeman is gaining almost across the board on all major metrics in 2026. That includes a surprising 15th in greens in regulation at 74.17%. Bridgeman's nerves do seem to tighten up on Sunday's though as he averages 29.8 putts per round. He finished T-15 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last year where Bridgeman got better as the event went on. Bridgeman remains a solid DFS threat for this weekend and even into the weekend.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
March 3, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ty Jerome (thigh) is in danger of missing a third consecutive game, as the team has listed him as questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 28-year-old is battling a left thigh contusion. Jerome has averaged 19.6 points and 5.6 assists in 21.0 minutes per game since making his season debut in late January. His absence has left a significant hole in the Grizzlies' offense.
Scotty Pippen Jr. has made back-to-back starts since Jerome left the lineup, averaging 15.5 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals.
Cam Spencer and
Javon Small have also taken on larger roles without Jerome.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 3, 2026
Miami Heat point guard
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets. During Saturday's win over Houston, Mitchell reinjured his left shoulder, which had bothered him in January. He missed eight games due to the injury. Fortunately, the issue appears less severe than before, and Mitchell was able to practice on Monday. This could be a sign that he will be ready to go on Tuesday night. If Mitchell isn't available,
Kasparas Jakucionis could start in his place. The Lithuanian rookie has averaged 6.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists as a starter.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 3, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (groin) will be absent for a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. Last week, Powell was diagnosed with a Grade 1 right groin strain and labeled week-to-week, so it could take a while before the first-year All-Star returns to action. With Powell unavailable,
Tyler Herro made his way back to the first unit on Saturday against the Houston Rockets, scoring 18 points and dishing out three assists.
Pelle Larsson and
Jaime Jaquez Jr. also benefit from Powell's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 3, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Anthony Black (quadriceps) is considered probable for Tuesday's matchup with the Washington Wizards. He is dealing with a right quadriceps contusion, but it looks like Black's absence will be limited to one game. Black's return will likely bump
Tristan da Silva to the second unit. Coming off the bench, da Silva has averaged 7.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game this season, notably less than his production as a starter. However, Washington allows the second-most bench points in the league, which may help da Silva maintain his recent momentum.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 3, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Klay Thompson (adductor) is questionable to play on Tuesday night against the Charlotte Hornets. The veteran suffered a right adductor contusion in Sunday's loss to Oklahoma City and exited after logging only 15 minutes of action. He may now miss an entire game due to the issue. Thompson has contributed 11.5 points in 21.9 minutes per game during a disappointing season.
AJ Johnson could see more action off the Mavericks' bench if Thompson can't play, especially with the team potentially missing three starters. Johnson managed six points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 22 minutes on Sunday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 3, 2026
Russell Henley fell behind early at The Genesis Invitational after an opening-round 76, ultimately missing the cut by two strokes. He now returns to the Arnold Palmer Invitational to defend his 2025 title, where he won by one stroke over Collin Morikawa. Henley was solid throughout the bag in the victory, especially around the greens (+6.38 strokes gained) and with the putter (+3.61). This season, he ranks 38th in total strokes gained (+0.872 per round) and 29th on approach (+0.526), though there have been some concerns. He sits only 106th around the green (-0.054) and has struggled with long-iron proximity, ranking 149th from 175-200 yards (37'8") and 102nd from 200-plus (52'0"), key distances that accounted for nearly 50% of approach shots here last year. With three top-19 finishes before the missed cut and a strong course history at Bay Hill, Henley profiles as a solid bounce-back candidate at $9,400 on DraftKings, though, with slightly more risk than what would normally be expected.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 2, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Max Scherzer is with the team at camp and threw a side session in full uniform on Monday, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. Scherzer could make his Grapefruit League debut as early as this Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer signed a one-year, $3 million deal with Toronto last week to return for a 19th major-league season. The eight-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner could be ready to open the year in the team's starting rotation despite signing late this spring. Scherzer will always be a bulldog, but Father Time is catching up with him. He went 5-5 with a career-high 5.19 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 82:23 K:BB in 85 innings over 17 regular-season starts. Not only is Scherzer no longer dominant on the mound, but durability is a major concern. Scherzer could be a matchup-based streamer in the right matchups, but he's outside RotoBaller's top-100 starting pitcher rankings.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet.ca - Ben Nicholson-Smith
March 2, 2026
Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat scored and added an assist in Monday afternoon's win versus the Nashville Predators. Halfway through the second period, DeBrincat assisted on Lucas Raymond's 20th goal of the year, and then with 28 seconds left in the game, he scored an empty-net goal to make it 4-2. DeBrincat now has 31 goals and 29 assists on the campaign, and he is leading the Red Wings in scoring.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 2, 2026
Chicago White Sox outfielder
Andrew Benintendi (side) took swings in camp on Sunday and planned to do so again on Monday, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Benintendi said he would be playing if it were the regular season, but there is no reason to rush things on March 2. He is expected to be back in Grapefruit League action after Wednesday's off day. The 31-year-old veteran has been out since being scratched from Friday's spring game with right-side soreness, but he should be ready for Opening Day later this month, barring a setback. Benintendi has quietly hit 20 home runs in each of the last two seasons, but that is pretty much his ceiling, and he hasn't offered much else on one of the worst teams in baseball. He's outside of RotoBaller's top-100 outfield rankings despite being Chicago's starting left fielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
March 2, 2026
The Houston Texans plan to release veteran safety Jimmie Ward (foot) after his contract tolled last year on the Physically Unable to Perform list, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Ward was scheduled for a $2.75 million base salary in 2026. Ward didn't play a single snap for the Texans in 2025 and had foot surgery in December. The 34-year-old veteran defensive back is nearing the end of his career and probably won't have a strong market in free agency this offseason. By cutting Ward, the Texans will save $750,000 in salary cap space for this season. The former 30th overall pick in 2014 by the San Francisco 49ers out of Northern Illinois, Ward only played in 20 games in his time in Houston since the start of the 2023 season, and he recorded 98 tackles (65 solo), five tackles for loss, three interceptions (one returned for a TD), seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
--Keith HernandezSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
March 2, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams announced on Monday that they tendered exclusive-rights free-agent kicker
Harrison Mevis and wide receiver
Xavier Smith. Neither Mevis nor Smith will be allowed to negotiate with other teams this offseason. Mevis, 23, made his NFL debut last year and was impressive, making 12 of his 13 field-goal attempts (made his lone try from 50-plus yards) and all 39 of his extra-point tries in nine regular-season games. He finished the year ranked as the No. 8 fantasy kicker in terms of fantasy points per game at 8.3. In the playoffs, Mevis was a perfect 15-for-15 on field goals (six) and extra-point tries. The former undrafted kicker out of Missouri should enter the 2026 season as the favorite to be L.A.'s starting kicker, which will make him pretty attractive in fantasy football in one of the league's highest-scoring offenses.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Rams
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