March 19, 2026
The Athletic's Daniel Popper believes Los Angeles Chargers tight end
Oronde Gadsden will play in a role that "maximizes his receiving skill set" under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in 2026. The Chargers signed tight end
Charlie Kolar, who is an elite run blocker and an "ideal fit" in McDaniel's movement offense. He also has upside as a pass-catcher, but Gadsden will be the Bolts' clear top pass-catching TE after he impressed in his first year in the NFL in 2025 with 49 catches on 69 targets for 664 yards and three touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (seven starts). His numbers were good enough to make him the TE16 in half-PPR scoring as a rookie. Gadsden also ranked 14th at his position in yards per route run. He's an ascending player with a good fit in the offensive scheme as he heads into his second year in the league. For fantasy managers who wait at the TE position, Gadsden is a great late-round target with upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
March 19, 2026
The Athletic's Daniel Popper writes that new Los Angeles Chargers running back
Keaton Mitchell's "acceleration and threatening speed to the edge will thrive" in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme in 2026. The Bolts drafted
Omarion Hampton in the first round last year, but the 24-year-old Mitchell runs with explosiveness and has been compared to Miami's
De'Von Achane, whom McDaniel coached with the Dolphins. Mitchell has averaged a healthy 6.3 yards per carry in his three years in the NFL with Baltimore, but injuries have kept him from reaching his true potential, as his 13 games played in 2025 were a career-high. In his 26 NFL games (two starts), Mitchell has 767 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 121 carries, adding 19 receptions for 184 more yards on 24 targets. Mitchell will be a handcuff for Hampton at the very least, but he could also absolutely carve out standalone value as an RB3/flex in fantasy in 2026 if he can stay on the field in L.A.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
March 19, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles reworked kicker
Jake Elliott's contract for the 2026 season, according to OverTheCap. Elliott accepted a $1 million pay decrease from $6 million to $5 million, but the Eagles guaranteed the $5 million, which is a clear sign that Elliott will remain their kicker this year after a disappointing 2025, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports. Elliott's previous salary cap hit was due to be $4.893 million, and his new cap hit will be $4.65 million. If Elliott were cut after June 1, there would be no further cap savings. He remains under contract through the 2028 season. The 31-year-old veteran made just 20 of 27 field goals last year and was 4-for-8 from 50-plus yards out. In the last two seasons, Elliott is 5-for-15 from 50-plus yards, giving him the worst percentage in the NFL among 35 kickers with at least five attempts. If Elliott continues to struggle, especially from long range, the Eagles could have a shorter leash with him in 2026, making him a more volatile kicking option in 12-team fantasy football leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Philadelphia - Dave Zangaro
March 19, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings are adding quarterback depth on Thursday by re-signing veteran
Carson Wentz to an undisclosed one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Despite dealing with a significant shoulder injury last year, Wentz started five games for Minnesota in 2025 and kept the team alive. He will now return to the Vikes in a QB room that now includes former Arizona Cardinals QB
Kyler Murray,
J.J. McCarthy, and
Max Brosmer. The 33-year-old completed 65.1% of his pass attempts in his five starts last year, throwing for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions while filling in for the injured McCarthy. It was an uphill battle for Wentz despite plenty of receiving options, and he will head into his 11th year in the NFL as the QB3 for the Vikings. Wentz underwent season-ending surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder in late October, but he's expected to be a full participant in the team's offseason program.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 19, 2026
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher
Matt Strahm (leg) was diagnosed with a leg contusion and is considered day-to-day after being struck by a line drive against the Rangers. He was removed as a precaution, but the injury doesn't look like it will impact his availability for Opening Day. Strahm was acquired by the Royals from the Phillies, where the 34-year-old has spent the last three seasons. He is expected to fill a high-leverage role in the Royals' bullpen, and he is worth a look in leagues that count holds as a category. He isn't expected to compete for saves, though, while
Carlos Estevez is healthy, which limits his value in standard mixed leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Anne Rogers
March 19, 2026
Houston Astros starting pitcher
Tatsuya Imai has looked solid in spring training, allowing just two hits and one walk while picking up seven strikeouts in six innings. He worked three perfect innings with four strikeouts against the Marlins last Wednesday. The fact that he only has one walk is especially important since his control has been an issue at times in his eight years in the NPB in Japan. Last year, the righty posted a career-best 1.92 ERA and 2.01 FIP in 163 2/3 innings, racking up 178 strikeouts but also issuing 45 walks. He has huge upside as he joins the Astros rotation and will help fill in the void left by
Framber Valdez's departure via free agency. Imai has looked very sharp and brings great upside as the #44 starting pitcher and #65 overall pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026. If you can snag Imai, as a way to build rotation depth, he has the ceiling to be an elite producer if he successfully transitions to the MLB.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 19, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period of time, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. This is a massive blow for the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons, who have looked like title contenders this season. Cunningham has led the way for the team, averaging 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 9.9 assists, and 1.5 steals. With Cunningham out,
Daniss Jenkins and
Marcus Sasser will move up on the depth chart. Jenkins has consistently performed well without Cunningham and could be a difference-maker for fantasy teams. He has averaged 14.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.3 steals as a starter this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Shams Charania
March 19, 2026
Chicago Cubs first baseman
Michael Busch broke through as a regular in 2024 and emerged as a solid fantasy starter in 2025. He posted a .261/.343/.523 slash line with 34 home runs, 90 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases. He was able to reduce his strikeout rate from 28.6% in 2024 to 23.5% in 2025 while increasing his barrel rate from 11.2% to 17.1% and his hard-hit rate from 39.9% to 47.3%. While he had lopsided platoon splits last year, struggling against southpaws, manager Craig Counsell said earlier in spring training that Busch has earned the right to play full-time and is not expected to be platooned to start the year. Busch's power production is excellent at his current ADP, and he is a legitimate bat to add once the elite options are gone at 1B. He's the No. 12 1B in RotoBaller's rankings, and his ADP is climbing based on the expectation that he'll be in a full-time role to start the season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 19, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Juan Soto is the No. 2 outfielder in the RotoBaller rankings, and he looks ready to live up to lofty expectations in his second season with the Mets. He is worth an early first-round pick since he consistently contributes across the board in multiple categories. Last year, he had a .263/.396/.525 triple-slash with a .390 wOBA, 43 homers, 120 runs scored, and 105 RBI. He also added even more value by setting a new career high with 38 stolen bases. In his first seven seasons in the majors, he had never stolen more than 12 bases. With such well-rounded production and a secure spot near the top of one of the better lineups in the National League, he's an elite play. He had a slow spring training before the World Baseball Classic, but he went 6-for-23 (.261) with a pair of homers for the Dominican Republic.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 19, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers forward/center
Jabari Walker (illness) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's tilt against the Sacramento Kings. He has sat out three games while battling an illness. Walker will compete with
Trendon Watford for backup minutes in the frontcourt. As a reserve, Walker doesn't have any fantasy appeal, averaging 4.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.3 minutes coming off the bench this season. He may currently have a slightly larger workload due to the absence of
Joel Embiid (oblique),
Paul George (suspension), and
Kelly Oubre Jr. (elbow).
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Boston Red Sox first baseman
Willson Contreras is putting together a strong first impression after joining the team this offseason in a trade from the Cardinals. After hitting .257 with 20 homers and a .344 wOBA last year, the 33-year-old has gone 6-for-13 with a pair of homers in limited Grapefruit League action. He was part of the WBC-winning Venezuela team, going 3-for-12 with three RBI in four games. He is ranked as the No. 16 1B in RotoBaller's rankings and can be a solid option once the elite starters are off the board. He could get a boost from Fenway Park and a more competitive environment and lineup. He's expected to hit in the heart of the order and should be a solid source of average and power again this season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 19, 2026
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward
Devin Vassell (ankle) will hop back into the lineup on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. He hasn't been listed on the injury report after sitting out the second game of a back-to-back on Tuesday against Sacramento. Vassell's absence allowed
Harrison Barnes to start against his former team, and the veteran will return to a reserve role on Thursday night. In recent weeks, Vassell has struggled with consistency, averaging 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in March.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (hip) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The UCLA product has been one of the Heat's most durable players this season, but he might be unavailable on Thursday night due to hip tightness. If Jaquez Jr. doesn't suit up,
Simone Fontecchio and
Keshad Johnson will be candidates for increased playing time. Both performed well off the bench in Tuesday's loss to Charlotte, combining for 25 points. Johnson also made a mark defensively, snagging three steals and blocking one shot.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher
Braxton Ashcraft struck out eight in 5 1/3 strong innings on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. The 26-year-old appeared in 26 games (eight starts) in his first taste of the majors last season, logging 69 2/3 innings and compiling a 2.71 ERA and 2.78 FIP. He looks ready to anchor a key spot in the Pirates' rotation going into the season and is an underrated part of the Pirates' exciting young rotation. If you need a late-round starting pitcher, Ashcraft can be an intriguing sleeper pick and can definitely be a streaming option to consider early in the season if he goes undrafted in mixed leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
March 19, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Anthony Black (abdomen) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets. His absence due to an abdominal sprain will stretch to seven games. It's unclear when Black will be ready to return.
Tristan da Silva has started in Black's absence and is likely to remain in the first unit on Thursday night. The 24-year-old has averaged 11.6 points and 4.6 rebounds across 27 starts this season. Da Silva tends to be inconsistent as a starter. He kicked off last week with back-to-back 20-point games but has added 31 points in three outings since then.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (heel) is considered questionable for Thursday's clash against the Detroit Pistons. He could be sidelined for a second consecutive game after missing the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday night against the Pistons.
Justin Champagnie slid into the first unit on Tuesday and could retain his spot after a strong performance. He led Washington with nine rebounds and had 18 points, two assists, and one steal. Champagnie's averages as a starter this season are 10.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Indiana Pacers center
Ivica Zubac (head) didn't complete Wednesday's matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports. The Croatian big man took a blow to the head in the fourth quarter, exiting the action with 10:44 remaining in the frame. This was Zubac's fifth and best outing for the Pacers. He tallied 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and one block in 23 minutes.
Jay Huff started at center before Zubac was ready to make his Pacers debut, and he is likely to slot back into the spot if Zubac isn't available on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs.
Kobe Brown would also have an increased role, especially if
Micah Potter (triceps) remains out.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dustin Dopirak
March 18, 2026
New York Yankees veteran infielder
Paul DeJong doesn't plan to opt out of his minor-league deal with the team on Thursday, a source told Joel Sherman of the New York Post. DeJong's plan is to try to make the big-league squad out of spring training, and if he doesn't, he'll begin the year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. If the 32-year-old veteran were to win a job on the Opening Day roster for next week, he'd be operating in a bench role, leaving him very little fantasy upside at this point in his career. He's going into his 10th season in the big leagues with his seventh different team. Last year in 57 games with the Washington Nationals, DeJong hit .228/.269/.373 with a .642 OPS, six home runs, 23 RBI, 18 runs scored, and four stolen bases. DeJong reached the 30-homer mark once in his career, but that was all the way back in his third year in the big leagues in 2019 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Joel Sherman
March 18, 2026
The Cleveland Browns agreed to terms on an undisclosed deal with former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Tylan Wallace on Wednesday, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. The 26-year-old will reunite with new Browns head coach Todd Monken, who was previously the Ravens' offensive coordinator. Wallace was a fourth-round pick by Baltimore in 2021 out of Oklahoma State. He carved out a special teams role with the organization in his first five years in the NFL but was rarely heard from on offense, totaling just 22 receptions on 35 targets for 305 yards and two touchdowns in 68 total regular-season games (three starts). Wallace will likely continue to primarily be an option for the Browns as a kick returner, so he'll remain off the fantasy radar in 2026. His best season came in 2024, when he caught 11 of 12 targets for 193 yards and one touchdown in 17 games on offense.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
March 18, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals right-handed reliever
Matt Svanson could be involved in a closing committee in St. Louis this year, making him an intriguing candidate to speculate on for saves in deeper fantasy formats going into the 2026 campaign. Manager Oliver Marmol is already on record saying that he won't have a fixed closer going into the season, so Svanson,
Riley O'Brien,
JoJo Romero, and
Ryne Stanek could all be options for the ninth inning. The 27-year-old Svanson was 4-0 in his major-league debut in 2025 with a 1.94 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 68 strikeouts, and 20 walks in 60 1/3 innings pitched. He was deployed in a high-leverage spot in Wednesday's 4-1 Grapefruit League debut win over the Houston Astros, too, picking up his third spring win while throwing two shutout innings with a strikeout and no walks. Svanson entered the day with a 1.50 ERA, six K's, and a walk in six spring innings. His strong performance in spring training could make him a favorite to lead St. Louis' bullpen in save chances.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 18, 2026
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes extended his point streak by scoring a goal and adding two assists in Wednesday's 6-3 road victory against the Rangers. Hughes followed up his three-point performance in the Devils' most recent game against the Bruins with another one on Wednesday, and he has now scored six goals and totaled 15 points through eight games in March. The 24-year-old is producing points at an elite rate on the offensive end at the perfect time for fantasy managers, as the fantasy hockey playoffs are underway in the majority of leagues.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 18, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes right winger Jackson Blake scored a goal and assisted twice in a wild 6-5 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. He reached the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career, and he also has a career high in points with 43 with a few weeks to go in the NHL season. Blake is a solid middle-six forward for a Hurricanes team that currently has the most points in the Eastern Conference.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 18, 2026
Washington Capitals defenseman Cole Hutson played in his first career game on Wednesday night and scored an empty-netter in a 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. The younger brother of Canadiens superstar Lane Hutson is also a highly regarded prospect who was a second-round pick in the 2024 draft. He had 10 goals and 32 points in 35 games in college for Boston University and now joins the NHL after their season ended.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 18, 2026
Phoenix Suns forward
Royce O'Neale (knee) is in danger of missing his first game of the season on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs, as the team has tagged him as questionable on the injury report. The 32-year-old is experiencing soreness in his left knee.
Grayson Allen (knee) is also questionable, so the Suns may need to significantly adjust their rotation on Thursday night.
Ryan Dunn,
Haywood Highsmith, and
Rasheer Fleming are the main options to cover O'Neale's minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
New England Patriots running back
TreVeyon Henderson had an impressive rookie season, sparking optimism that he might be the best running back from the 2025 draft class. It took a little while for him to get going, but once he stepped into the lead-back role with
Rhamondre Stevenson injured, Henderson broke out. In eight games from Week 9 through 18 (excluding his injury-shortened outing in Week 16), he averaged 15.3 carries, 85 rushing yards, 2.3 catches, 14.2 receiving yards, 1.1 touchdowns, and 18.9 fantasy points in full-PPR leagues. He scored double-digit fantasy points in seven of those eight games. During that same window, he ranked as the overall RB9 in total points and the overall RB6 in average points per game. Throughout the back half of the season, the Patriots went extremely run-heavy, supporting top fantasy performances from both Henderson and Stevenson more often than not. Assuming that trend continues in 2026 and Henderson takes a natural second-year leap, the Ohio State product should remain a weekly must-start in fantasy football. It's probably too late to buy low on Henderson, but it's worth sending out soft offers in case you can find a manager who's wrongfully concerned about the Patriots' offense or Stevenson's presence in this backfield.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 18, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (knee) is questionable to face the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. He might miss a second consecutive game due to a sore left knee.
Collin Gillespie and
Jordan Goodwin are candidates for additional playing time with Allen missing from the rotation. The former led the Suns with 37 minutes on Tuesday night against Minnesota, contributing 12 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and one steal. Goodwin had three points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals across 24 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Malik Monk (ankle) still isn't fully healthy and remains on the injury report as questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. He is having trouble recovering from a right ankle sprain. Monk's absence from the rotation has given
Killian Hayes,
Daeqwon Plowden, and
Doug McDermott consistent roles. From a fantasy perspective, Plowden has made the biggest impact, scoring 10-plus points in six straight games and recording multiple steals in four of the last five.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard/forward
Nique Clifford (hamstring) is considered questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 24-year-old is in the midst of a strong stretch but may have to exit the lineup due to a sore left hamstring.
Malik Monk (ankle) might also miss another game, so there's a chance
Daeqwon Plowden (lower body) and
Doug McDermott maintain a significant role in the rotation. Plowen suffered a lower-body injury in Tuesday's loss to San Antonio, but the team hasn't included him on the injury report ahead of Thursday's game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Kyle Kuzma (elbow) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz. He looks ready to make his sixth consecutive appearance, despite nursing an elbow contusion. Kuzma has been a disappointment in recent games, but he could play a key role in Thursday's matchup. The Bucks won't have
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) in the lineup, while
Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) and
Myles Turner (calf) are both questionable. However, to carry the offense, Kuzma must improve his efficiency. After racking up 33 points against Phoenix on March 10, Kuzma has shot just 11-for-26 from the field.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 18, 2026
Chicago Bears quarterback
Caleb Williams had a breakout season during his second year in the NFL. The former No. 1 pick helped lead the Bears to the playoffs while throwing for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also added 383 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. The USC product's 30 total touchdowns and eight total turnovers represent an impressive ratio, reflecting not only his ability to dominate in fantasy football but also in the NFL. Part of Williams' ascension can be credited to the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson, who elevated the Bears' offense as a whole. Chicago was firing on all cylinders in 2025, and that should continue in Johnson's second season (and Williams' third) in 2026. The departure of wide receiver
DJ Moore is notable, but it likely won't have a major effect on Williams, given how well
Rome Odunze,
Luther Burden III, and
Colston Loveland are developing. With a strong offensive line and group of pass-catchers at his disposal, Williams will be right back in the mix to repeat his QB5 finish from last year.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
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