January 27, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Deni Avdija (back) missed his second straight game with a back strain on Monday, but head coach Tiago Splitter was hopeful that Avdija could return on Tuesday. He has a chance to take on his former team, the Wizards, but he's still uncertain to return since he got another questionable tag. Avdija has been excellent when available this season, but he has missed five of his team's last seven games. He's averaging 26.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game this season, and his return would give his team a huge boost against the Wizards. Avdija will have a very high ceiling if available, so check back to see if he's ready to return before finalizing your Tuesday night roster.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
Former Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is expected to be hired by the New York Jets to take over the offensive play-calling, sources told Connor Hughes of SNY. The addition of Reich to head coach Aaron Glenn's staff would be big. Reich won a Super Bowl as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016-17, although head coach Doug Pederson called the plays then. He was also the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts (2018 to 2022). Reich has been coaching at Stanford for the last two years. The Jets don't plan to fire current OC Tanner Engstrand, but his role with the team will change. Sources close to Engstrand said he doesn't expect to call plays in 2026, but he might keep the OC title. New York had the fourth-worst EPA per play in 2025, but they also had a dumpster fire at QB. Reich will probably have similar issues if the Jets can't fix the quarterback position.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
January 27, 2026
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic (illness) was downgraded from doubtful to out before Tuesday's home matchup against the Clippers. The veteran has been a regular on the injury report with an illness, but he has been playing very well when available, producing a triple-double in each of his last three games.
Keyonte George (rest) will also be sidelined on Tuesday, but
Lauri Markkanen will return from his seven-game absence. Without Nurkic,
Kyle Filipowski will likely move into the starting five. Filiposki is averaging 12.8 points and 7.4 rebounds in his 10 games without Nurkic and
Walker Kessler this season, and he'll be an interesting streaming option if he starts alongside Markkanen as expected.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz seems to be gaining momentum to become the Browns' next head coach, a league source told Mark Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Schwartz has previous head-coaching experience with the Detroit Lions from 2009 through 2013, going 29-51, although he did lead them to a playoff appearance. The 59-year-old joined the Browns in 2023, the same year that the Browns had the top defense in the league. The Browns really don't want to lose Schwartz as a coach, but the only way they might be able to retain him is to promote him to head coach. In addition to Schwartz, the Browns' finalists are Baltimore Ravens OC Todd Monken and Los Angeles Rams pass-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. Cleveland's defense has been strong in recent years under Schwartz, but they'd need a strong OC candidate if Stefanski gets the job as head coach.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
January 27, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) has been upgraded to available for Tuesday night's matchup at home against the Clippers. The Finnish star will return after missing seven games with illness and return to competition conditioning. He could step right into a big workload since
Keyonte George (rest) will get the night off. George's absence opens lots of usage for Markkanen and will make
Isaiah Collier the teams primar point guard. Markkanen could face minutes limitations after so long on the sidelines, but he still brings a high ceiling without George.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Tuesday that offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will call plays in 2026, according to Tori McElhaney of AtlantaFalcons.com. Stefanski added that he trusts Rees, and the two are very like-minded in the way they see the offense in Atlanta operating. With the Cleveland Browns in 2025, Stefanski began the year as the offensive play-caller before ceding those duties to Rees halfway through the season. The Browns predictably struggled under Rees as the play-caller, but in his defense, he was working with inexperienced rookie quarterbacks
Dillon Gabriel and
Shedeur Sanders. Under Stefanski and Rees in 2026, the Falcons' offense might look entirely different, and it remains to be seen who will be starting under center in Week 1 after QB
Michael Penix Jr. (knee) partially tore his ACL late this year. Rees will have plenty of talent to work with on that side of the ball, but it remains to be seen if he can get the most out of them.
--Keith HernandezSource: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
January 27, 2026
Will Zalatoris finished tied for 18th at last week's American Express, and this followed a top-15 finish at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Player back in December. Zalatoris looked like he had brushed off the rust after an injury-riddled 2025 season by gaining 1.20 strokes on approach at the American Express last week. Zalatoris missed last year's Farmers Insurance Open but finished tied for 13th at last year's edition. Over the last 12 months, Zalatoris ranks in the 90th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is important because at last year's Farmers Insurance Open over 33% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
January 27, 2026
Adam Scott finished tied for 24th at last week's American Express, following a tied for 40th finish at the Sony Open in Hawaii two weeks ago. Scott has had a sizzling start to the 2026 season with three top-25 finishes in four starts. The last time Scott made an appearance at the Farmers Insurance Open was in 2021, when he finished tied for 10th. Over the past 12 months, Scott ranks in the 38th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is worth mentioning because at last year's Farmers Insurance Open over 33% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
January 27, 2026
Keith Mitchell finished tied for 44th at last week's American Express, and that followed a tied for 66th finish at the Sony Open in Hawaii two weeks ago. Following a rough finish to the 2025 season, Mitchell has started the 2026 season on the right foot by making the cut at both of his starts. Mitchell missed the Farmers Insurance Open last year but missed the cut in the 2024 edition. Over the past 12 months, Mitchell ranks in the 29th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is important because at last year's Farmers Insurance Open over 33% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
January 27, 2026
New Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke to the media on Tuesday about the importance of getting quarterback
Michael Penix Jr. (knee) back healthy in 2026, per Tori McElhaney of AtlantaFalcons.com. "Michael (Penix) is someone I am very excited about," Stefanski said. Penix suffered a partially torn ACL in his left knee late in the season, putting his availability for the start of the 2026 campaign in question. The 25-year-old signal-caller also tore his right ACL twice in college and suffered season-ending injuries to both of his shoulders before getting to the NFL. While Stefanski and Atlanta's new coaching staff may like what Penix has put on tape early in his career, his long-term durability is a major question mark. The Falcons could move on from veteran
Kirk Cousins this offseason, and if they do, they'd need to bring more QB insurance in case Penix isn't ready. The situation in Atlanta is nice for Penix, but his lengthy injury history makes him a risky QB2 in fantasy going into the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
January 27, 2026
Hideki Matsuyama missed last week's American Express but finished tied for 13th at the Sony Open in Hawaii two weeks ago. Matsuyama's finish at the Sony Open in Hawaii continued a strong run of form dating back to the end of the 2025 season. Matsuyama finished the 2025 season with five straight top-20 finishes and included a win at the Hero World Challenge in December. Matsuyama finished tied for 32nd at last year's Farmers Insurance Open. Over the past 12 months, Matsuyama ranks in the 97th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is worth pointing out because at last year's Farmers Insurance Open over 33% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
January 27, 2026
Tom Hoge finished tied for eighth at last week's American Express after finishing tied for 40th at the Sony Open in Hawaii two weeks ago. This has been a welcome start to the 2026 season for Hoge, especially after his 2025 season was a forgettable one. Hoge missed last year's Farmers Insurance Open but finished tied for 56th in his previous appearance in 2024. Over the past 12 months, Hoge ranks in the 92nd percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is important because at last year's Farmers Insurance Open over 33% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
January 27, 2026
Harris English finished tied for 27th at last week's American Express and will return to this week's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, as the defending champion. English has been in great form since the end of the 2025 season, with three top-15 finishes in his last six starts. At last year's Farmers Insurance Open, English gained over two strokes putting and 1.29 strokes on approach. Over the past 12 months, English ranks in the 79th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is worth mentioning because at last year's Farmers Insurance Open over 33% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
January 27, 2026
Patrick Cantlay finished tied for 13th at last week's American Express and will look to continue playing well at this week's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California. Cantlay skipped last year's Farmers Insurance Open but finished tied for 56th in 2024. Going back to the end of last season, Cantlay has three top-25 finishes in his previous five starts. Over the past 12 months, Cantlay ranks in the 90th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is important because at last year's Farmers Insurance Open over 33% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
January 27, 2026
Ludvig Aberg was forced to withdraw before his third-round tee time at last week's American Express due to illness. He appears to have recovered enough from his illness that he is in the field for this week's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, La Jolla, California. Aberg finished tied for 42nd at last year's Farmers Insurance Open. Aberg will look to bounce back and continue showing the form he was in to end the 2025 season. Over the past 12 months, Aberg ranks in the 95th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is worth pointing out because at last year's Farmers Insurance Open, over 33% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
January 27, 2026
The Athletic's Dan Wiederer writes that it's not hard to envision Chicago Bears tight end
Colston Loveland becoming an "even more complete weapon" and a "major force" in the offense in his second season in 2026. "He's going to be a weapon for a long time," head coach Ben Johnson said. The 21-year-old Loveland, who was taken 10th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Michigan, is overflowing with talent. But what makes him even more intriguing for the long term is that he's united with quarterback
Caleb Williams and Johnson, one of the smartest play-callers in the league. Williams continues to point out how Loveland is a very friendly target because of his size, catch radius, fluidity, and ability to separate. Loveland got off to a slow start in his first year in the NFL, but he came on strong at the end of the year and finished as the TE12 in half-PPR scoring with a 58-713-6 slash line in 16 regular-season games. Going into Year 2 in 2026, Loveland will have high-end TE1 upside for fantasy managers.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dan Wiederer
January 27, 2026
New England Patriots (shoulder) should be fine to play in the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. "This is a sport where there's gonna be things that come up. We'll talk about whatever status each player has for the game once we're required to," head coach Mike Vrabel said when asked if Maye injured his shoulder in the AFC Championship win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. It doesn't sound like the second-year signal-caller's injury is very serious, and the good news is he'll have an extra week to recover before the big game in Santa Clara, Calif. It was hard to throw the ball in snowy conditions in Denver, as the 23-year-old went 10-for-21 passing for 86 yards, but he also added 10 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown. As long as Maye's shoulder doesn't affect his throwing, he should bounce back with better numbers against the Seahawks.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 27, 2026
Heading into 2025, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall was a popular pick to have a breakout season. However, the former first-round pick battled through a knee injury and recorded just 36 receptions for 528 yards and zero touchdowns on 53 targets across nine games played. Availability has been a consistent issue for Pearsall so far in his NFL career, as he's played in just 20 games across his first two seasons. Even when on the field, the 25-year-old has not yet emerged as a featured option in the San Francisco passing game. He's logged just 99 targets in his career, an average of fewer than five per contest. However, Pearsall will likely have an opportunity for a larger role with the 49ers in 2026. Star San Francisco tight end
George Kittle (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the team's NFC Wild Card Round win over the Philadelphia Eagles and will likely miss time in 2026 as a result. Additionally, 49ers wideout
Jauan Jennings is set to hit unrestricted free agency in mid-March after leading the team's wide receiver corps in targets in 2025. Fully buying in on Pearsall remains difficult until he proves the ability to stay healthy for an extended stretch. Still, he appears to have a clear pathway to a lead role in the San Francisco passing game in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 27, 2026
After a let-down season in 2025, Xander Schauffele is back to play at perhaps the most-loved course on the entire schedule for the two-time major winner. After missing in his first three appearances, the X-Man has posted finishes of T9, T13, T34, and T2 over his last four tries. He's the second-highest player in the field in terms of average total strokes gained in the previous five seasons (+1.966). He's one of the best long iron players in the world, ranking 32nd in proximity over 200 yards (47' 8") in 2025. Schauffele also ended the season ranked third in par-5 scoring average (4.46), which is where most of the ground is made up on the South Course. Assuming he is ready to start his new campaign, he could get an early win like we saw Scotty Scheffler do a week ago.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
January 27, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Omarion Hampton battled through an injury-marred rookie season in 2025, playing in just nine out of 17 games. However, the 22-year-old was productive when healthy, recording 737 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 156 touches. Beyond just improved health, there are reasons to think that the offensive environment around Hampton in Los Angeles in 2026 will be enhanced. For one, Chargers offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (knee) and Joe Alt (ankle) should be back in the lineup after the two combined to play just six games in 2025. Additionally, Los Angeles will have a new play-caller after moving on from former offensive coordinator Greg Roman and hiring former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. During his tenure in Miami, McDaniel consistently showed an ability to boost running back production. Under McDaniel, Dolphins running back
De'Von Achane has posted back-to-back seasons with at least 60 receptions, 1,400 scrimmage yards, and double-digit touchdowns. Fantasy managers in both redraft and dynasty formats should view Hampton as a high-upside running back option heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 27, 2026
Across 17 games in 2025, Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan recorded 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns on 122 targets. The number eight overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, McMillan established himself as the number one wide receiver in Carolina right away as a rookie. The 22-year-old also closed the season strong, recording five of his seven touchdown catches from Week 11 onwards. Heading into 2026, McMillan should have the benefit of stability in Carolina. The Panthers made the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2017 and figure to retain both quarterback
Bryce Young and play-calling head coach Dave Canales. Carolina struggled to find reliable pass-catchers outside of McMillan in 2025, so the team could look to bring in additional talent. However, any potential additions seem unlikely to unseat McMillan as the option in the pass game. All in all, McMillan profiles as a fantasy wide receiver on the rise in both dynasty and redraft formats after his strong rookie season.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 27, 2026
The Tennessee Titans are set to hire former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll to be their new offensive coordinator, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter notes that Daboll taking the Titans job is contingent on him not getting the Las Vegas Raiders head coaching position, which remains unfilled. Daboll was fired in the middle of the 2025 season by the Giants after the team got off to a 2-8 start. He led New York to the number 18 offense in the NFL by total yardage in his first year at the helm in 2022, but the team regressed to 29th in 2023 and 30th in 2024. Prior to his stint with the Giants, Daboll served as the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. He helped lead Buffalo to back-to-back top-five finishes in total yardage in 2020 and 2021. In Tennessee, Daboll will have a chance to work with a young quarterback in 2025 number one overall pick
Cameron Ward. The Titans hired defensive-minded Robert Saleh as their new head coach, so Daboll will likely function as the team's lead offensive voice.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 27, 2026
It was a rough showing this past week for Justin Rose, who posted a three-round total of eight-under par to miss the cut by two at the American Express. It was a horrible showing from a putting and short-game perspective, as he averaged nearly 2 shots lost across the two strokes gained metrics over the three rounds. That doesn't inspire confidence heading to a long and difficult test like Torrey Pines. However, it should be noted that weighting will be much different this week compared to the birdie fest at PGA West. The 45-year-old has displayed plenty of ability in his approach play, but isn't quite as strong once you reach 200 yards and more. In 2025, Rose ranked 119th in proximity to the hole from beyond 200 yards (151' 3"). The former U.S. Open winner has a chance to pop anywhere, but this doesn't exactly feel like the right place at this point in his career.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
January 27, 2026
After an excellent rookie season in 2024, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Ladd McConkey posted a relatively disappointing sophomore campaign in 2025. Across 16 games played, the 24-year-old recorded 66 receptions for 789 yards and six touchdowns on 106 targets. McConkey's production fell off sharply down the stretch of the season, as he recorded just one game with more than 40 receiving yards after Week 10. After losing in the AFC Wild Card Round to the New England Patriots, the Chargers decided to move on from offensive coordinator Greg Roman, replacing him with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. While McDaniel's tenure in Miami went downhill over the last couple of seasons, he coached the Dolphins to top-five offenses by measure of total passing yardage in both 2022 and 2023. By contrast, Roman-coached teams have never finished better than 13th in passing yardage in any of his 12 seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator. Given the change in offensive infrastructure around him, McConkey could be in line for a bounce-back season in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 27, 2026
Across 15 games in 2025, Chicago Bears wide receiver
Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. While the 22-year-old's full-season numbers may not jump off the page, he closed his rookie season on a strong note. Across his final seven games, including postseason play, Burden III hauled in 31 catches for 423 yards and a touchdown on 46 targets. In that same seven-game stretch, Burden III earned at least six targets in every game but one. Heading into 2026, Burden III could be poised to hit the ground running as one of the featured pieces in the Chicago passing game. It's worth noting that the Bears have other talented pass-catchers in wide receivers
Rome Odunze and
DJ Moore, as well as tight end
Colston Loveland, who are also worthy target-earners. Still, Burden III's late-season breakout demonstrates his upside. He profiles as a wide receiver option on the rise for fantasy managers in both dynasty and redraft leagues.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 27, 2026
Free-agent starting pitcher
Aaron Sanchez has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Royals after an impressive showing in the Dominican Winter League. Sanchez compiled a 1.55 ERA with 34 strikeouts and 9 walks in 46 1/3 innings to earn the Pitcher of the Year award in that league. Sanchez hasn't pitched in the majors since 2022, but he was an All-Star in 2016, going 15-2 with a 3.00 ERA. In 2022 and 2023, he spent time with the Nationals, Twins, and Diamondbacks before returning to the Blue Jays to pitch in Triple-A in 2024. The former top-prospect struggled at Triple-A Buffalo, giving up a 7.92 ERA in 61 1/3 innings. After re-emerging with his dominant work this winter, he'll get a shot to earn a spot in the Royals rotation as he continues to author his comeback story. He has been plagued by health issues, but if he's 100% and ready to go, he could be a SP worth watching in AL-only leagues. His strikeout numbers are strong enough that he could be a good streaming or DFS option to monitor as well if he earns a spot going into the season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Robert Murray
January 27, 2026
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne is one of the top 10 ball carriers in the 2026 NFL Draft class after finishing his career in Winston-Salem with two seasons of at least 1,040 yards from scrimmage. Over the last two years, he tallied 458 total touchdowns for 2,350 yards and 23 touchdowns in 24 games as the engine of the Wake Forest offense. Claiborne has absurd lateral agility and homerun speed, making him a perfect pairing with a physical bruiser in a committee in an NFL backfield. The two-time All-ACC performer is currently projected to be a fifth-round pick, but an impressive predraft process could give him a shot at Round 3 or Round 4 in April.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 27, 2026
Most people wouldn't have had this sentiment a few years ago, but Maverick McNealy has grown his golf game to the point where playing well at one of the PGA Tour's longest venues seems much more attainable. He's now averaging over 300 yards off the tee while maintaining the strength of being lights out with the putter and a respectable wedge and iron player. His time spent at Torrey Pines has been acceptable, with only one missed cut in seven previous appearances. It's only translated into one top 20 finish, but his ability to consistently make cuts here is admirable. As long as his long iron game and his average of -0.075 strokes gained around the green from last season have improved, he should be a safer play this week, even if his ceiling appears limited.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
January 27, 2026
The Buffalo Bills are promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Brady, who has spent the last four years on Buffalo's coaching staff, will be replacing Sean McDermott after his nine-year run as the Bills' head coach. Brady took over as the OC for Ken Dorsey and has been in the role the last two seasons, developing a close relationship with star quarterback
Josh Allen. All along, the Bills wanted their new head coach to be offensive-minded and someone who could develop a strong relationship with Allen. Brady already has a strong working relationship with Allen, so the move makes plenty of sense. He'll have big shoes to fill, as McDermott led the team to eight playoff victories in his nine years at the helm. Ultimately, the move to promote Brady to head coach is great news for Allen's fantasy outlook in the years to come.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 27, 2026
Indiana running back
Roman Hemby was likely considered an undrafted free agent NFL prospect following four years at Maryland, but his performance in his final season with the College Football Playoff National Champion Indiana Hoosiers could propel him into being a Day 3 pick in April's 2026 NFL Draft. After compiling 3,268 total yards and 27 touchdowns in 42 games with the Terps, Hemby led the Indiana running backs in attempts (230), rushing yards (1,120), receptions (17), and receiving yards (165). While Fernando Mendoza and the passing attack rightfully got a ton of shine, Hemby was an unsung hero of the offense and ran hard throughout the College Football Playoff. Hemby is an explosive runner with good vision, but his lack of size will likely keep him in a complementary back role in the NFL.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
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