January 13, 2026
Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson enjoyed the best season of his collegiate career in 2025, totaling 1,451 rushing yards, 370 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns. The 22-year-old handled 297 total touches to close out his career in Lincoln, showcasing his workhorse ability. The upcoming rookie running back class isn't viewed as one of the best in recent years, but Johnson is largely considered one of the top five ball carriers heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Johnson's 92 career receptions demonstrate that he can operate in a modern NFL offense, and he's a strong tackle-breaker. For fantasy managers taking part in early rookie drafts, Johnson has appeal in the middle of the second round in single-QB formats. He should at least have the chance to compete to work in a committee backfield as a rookie.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 13, 2026
The Washington Commanders are hoping to interview Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for their vacant defensive-coordinator job, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Flores' contract is up in Minnesota, allowing him to look at similar jobs around the league. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is confident that Flores will return to his DC job in Minnesota, unless he lands a head-coaching gig somewhere. Washington is looking to replace both their offensive and defensive coordinators this offseason after moving on from Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt Jr., respectively, after the 2025 season. Flores is expected to interview for the Baltimore Ravens' head-coaching job this week. In his three years as head coach of the Dolphins, Flores went 24-25 before being fired after the 2021 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 13, 2026
Former Alabama and Michigan running back Justice Haynes has officially entered the transfer portal, and On3 sources suggest Georgia Tech is the top school to watch in his recruitment. Haynes spent two seasons with the Crimson Tide before a breakout season in Ann Arbor in 2025. The 21-year-old tallied 121 carries for 857 yards (7.1 YPC), 13 receptions for 50 yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns in just seven games. Haynes rushed for at least 100 yards in every game he finished (six), but he missed six total contests due to upper-body and foot injuries. Haynes is one of the top available ball carriers in the portal, and he'd be a fantastic addition to the Georgia Tech offense, as they look to replace Jamal Haynes.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3 on X
January 13, 2026
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that he's confident that the team will get defensive coordinator Brian Flores to return in 2026, unless he gets a head-coaching job, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. O'Connell said Minnesota has been "aggressive" in trying to retain Flores and doesn't have a reaction to the fact that they haven't reached a deal yet. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are hoping to interview Flores for their vacant defensive-coordinator position. Flores has previous head-coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins and is considered one of the most respected defensive minds in the league. In 2025, the Vikings defense allowed only 19.6 points per game (seventh-fewest) and 282.6 total yards per game, which was the third-fewest in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
January 13, 2026
Atlanta Hawks guard
Luke Kennard (neck) is questionable for Tuesday's matchup in Los Angeles against the Lakers, who are on the second night of a back-to-back. Kennard played 20 minutes on Sunday and had 22 points while knocking down six triples. He has scored at least eight points in each of his last seven games, averaging 13.1 points and 3.0 three-pointers per contest in 24.3 minutes per game over that stretch. With
CJ McCollum in the mix for the Hawks and
Trae Young in Washington, Kennard's role is uncertain, but he can be a solid source of points and threes if he gets opportunities.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 13, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Saddiq Bey (hip) was originally listed as doubtful, upgraded to questionable, and is now all the way up to probable for Tuesday's clash against the Denver Nuggets. He has missed the last six games since straining his right hip flexor on Dec. 31 against the Bulls. Before the injury, Bey was putting up good numbers for the Pels, averaging 15.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.9 steals in 29.9 minutes per game. His return will likely reduce the role of
Bryce McGowens, who has struggled in his absence.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 13, 2026
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Jordan Addison, who has a history of legal troubles since he entered the NFL, was arrested and booked into a Florida jail on Monday for probable-cause trespassing in an occupied structure, according to Joe Nelson of Sports Illustrated. Addison was released on Monday after posting a $500 cash bond. The 23-year-old pass-catcher was suspended for three games in 2025 for his 2024 DUI arrest in Los Angeles. In his third year in the NFL with the Vikings, Addison had his worst showing, catching 42 of 79 targets for a career-low 610 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 14 games played. Obviously, Addison's three-game suspension didn't help, but he was also more inconsistent every week with second-year quarterback
J.J. McCarthy struggling with efficiency, turnovers, and injuries. It remains to be seen if he'll be facing another suspension to begin the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Joe Nelson
January 13, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Anthony Davis (hand) will likely have surgery on his left hand to repair ligament damage, sidelining him for several months. Davis originally suffered the injury in last Thursday's loss to the Utah Jazz. With the trade deadline around the corner, AD could still be traded to a playoff contender, with a potential return in the playoffs. If he stays with the Mavericks, he is not likely to return this season, since the team is not expected to be in the playoff race. Without Davis,
Moussa Cisse and
Dwight Powell will likely fill in behind
Daniel Gafford at center for the rest of the season, while
Cooper Flagg will remain more the focus of the offense. Davis is not officially done for the season, but it looks like his time in Dallas is over, according to this latest report from ESPN's Shams Charania, who says multiple teams are still trying to trade for AD to be a part of their playoff run.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Shams Charania
January 13, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals have traded third baseman
Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In exchange, the Cardinals received right-handed pitcher Jack Martinez. Arenado has had his name on the trade block throughout the winter and finally agreed to waive his no-trade clause to join the Diamondbacks. The 34-year-old is coming off a quiet season, posting a low .237/.289/.377 slash line with just 12 home runs and three stolen bases. Under the hood, the former second round of pitch generated a .289 xwOBA, placing him in the ninth percentile among qualified hitters. However, Arenado remains one of the top defenders in the sport as he placed in the 83rd percentile in Range and has been awarded 10 Gold Gloves and six Platinum Gloves. Managers should expect Arenado to see an everyday role at the hot corner, which would likely shift
Jordan Lawlar to the outfield or a super-utility role. In St. Louis,
Thomas Saggese and
Nolan Gorman figure to compete for daily opportunities at third base.
--Andy SmithSource: John Gambadoro
January 13, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Julian Phillips (wrist) was originally listed as probable but later downgraded to questionable for Tuesday night's matchup with the Rockets. Phillips is dealing with a left wrist strain and is only playing 10.2 minutes in his 28 games this season, averaging 3.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.5 steals per game. If he's ultimately unable to play, there could be a few more minutes for
Patrick Williams and
Dalen Terry, although the 22-year-old Phillips hasn't made meaningful contributions for fantasy in his current limited role.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 13, 2026
Miami quarterback
Carson Beck was once viewed as a future top signal-caller prospect for the NFL Draft, but his final season at Georgia put a damper on his outlook. After throwing for 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions in 2023, Beck threw double the interceptions in 2024, and his Bulldogs career ended after suffering an elbow injury in the SEC Championship Game. Now, in Miami, the sixth-year senior has the Canes in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game behind 3,581 passing yards, 31 total touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The 23-year-old has prototypical NFL size at 6'4", 225 pounds, and we've seen the stock of quarterbacks rise dramatically in the past following great postseason runs. Although he's highly unlikely to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, he may be playing himself into the third round after coming into the season as a Day 3 prospect. He's an interesting dynasty quarterback stash option in Superflex leagues.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Sports Reference CFB
January 13, 2026
Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is interviewing in person for the Miami Dolphins' head-coaching job on Tuesday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Stefanski, who is a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, has already interviewed for head-coaching jobs with the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens. He's one of the hottest head-coaching candidates this cycle after the Browns fired him after six seasons in Cleveland. From 2020-25, Stefanski went 45-46 with the Browns. He's known as one of the brightest offensive minds in the game, but he'd have a lot of work to do if he's hired in Miami. Not only has their offense cratered the last two seasons, but they could be moving on from former first-round quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 13, 2026
Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan was non-committal on Tuesday when asked if the team is considering a contract extension for quarterback
Bryce Young, according to David Newton of ESPN. "We're still talking through the roster. It's up in the air, and we're still working through it," Morgan said. Young had the best season of his young career in 2025, setting career highs in completion percentage (63.6%), passing yards (3,011), and touchdown passes (23) while throwing 11 interceptions in 16 regular-season starts. The 24-year-old former first overall pick in 2023 led the Panthers to their first postseason appearance since 2018. The Panthers are expected to pick up Young's fifth-year option, but it wouldn't be a surprise if they hold off on a long-term extension until after the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - David Newton
January 13, 2026
Houston Texans rookie wide receiver
Jayden Higgins caught three of his four targets for 39 yards in Monday night's Wild-Card win over the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers. Higgins finished second on the team in receiving yards behind
Christian Kirk's 144. It was a bit of a disappointing showing for the 23-year-old rookie after top wideout
Nico Collins suffered a concussion in the second half and never returned. Higgins also broke a streak of two straight games with a touchdown reception. He finished third on the team in receiving during the regular season, with 41 catches for 525 yards, and his six touchdowns were tied with Collins for the most on the team. If Collins cannot clear the league's concussion protocol in time for Sunday's Divisional Round contest at the New England Patriots, Higgins will have much more fantasy upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
January 13, 2026
Houston Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud wasn't at his best on Monday night, but the Texans were still able to pull it out and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers by a score of 30-6 in the Wild-Card playoff matchup. Stroud finished the game 21-for-32 passing for 250 yards with one touchdown and an interception. The 24-year-old signal-caller also lost two fumbles. He was sacked three times for a loss of six yards and ran the ball once for no gain. Stroud fumbled the ball a third time in the second half, but thankfully, he was able to recover it. The Steelers couldn't take advantage of Stroud's miscues, as they only scored three points on his three turnovers. Stroud just didn't look comfortable in the pocket on Monday and missed a couple of easy throws that could have gone for big yardage. He'll need to play much better if Houston is going to go into New England and beat the Patriots on Sunday in the Divisional Round.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
January 13, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kenneth Gainwell had 10 touches for 46 scrimmage yards in Monday night's 30-6 loss in the Wild-Card round to the visiting Houston Texans. He also added 100 yards on four kickoff returns. The 26-year-old carried the ball six times for 20 yards and caught four of his six targets for 26 yards. Gainwell's performance didn't stand out on offense, but it was a career year for him in 2025 in his first season in Pittsburgh, as he finished with a career-high 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns on a career-high 114 carries in 17 regular-season games. He added a career-best 73 receptions on 85 targets for 486 yards and three touchdowns. The Steelers will most likely be interested in re-signing Gainwell, who will be an unrestricted free agent in March. Gainwell's 2026 fantasy value could change drastically if he's not in Pittsburgh.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
January 13, 2026
The San Francisco Giants are looking to fill in their infield with another strong bat this offseason, and they are aggressively pursuing an addition at second base, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Passan mentions both the Cubs'
Nico Hoerner and the Cardinals'
Brendan Donovan as options they have been engaged about recently. Last offseason, the Giants added
Willy Adames as a free agent, and then they traded for
Rafael Devers in the middle of the season. With
Matt Chapman at 3B, they already have a strong infield, but adding a top 2B would give them one of the better offensive infields in baseball. The Giants have added
Adrian Houser and
Tyler Mahle as free agents to the rotation and are looking to boost their offense via trade. They're definitely worth watching in the coming weeks leading up to Spring Training.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jeff Passan
January 13, 2026
The Houston Texans were able to run the ball effectively on Monday night against a stout Pittsburgh Steelers run defense in the Wild-Card playoff game, with rookie running back
Woody Marks going for 112 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground on 19 carries. Marks was unable to reel in his only target in the passing game. The 25-year-old left the game briefly to be checked for a concussion in the first half, but he was able to get back on the field to produce the first 100-yard game of his career. Marks spent most of the first half of the 2025 season splitting backfield work with veteran
Nick Chubb, but he took over lead-back duties around the halfway mark and hasn't looked back since. He'll have a tough time producing back-to-back 100-yard performances in the Divisional Round on the road against a New England Patriots team that allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR fantasy points to RBs during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
January 13, 2026
Out of nowhere, Houston Texans wide receiver
Christian Kirk had a breakout game in the 30-6 blowout win over the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild-Card round on Monday night. Kirk, who disappointed with only 28 catches for 239 yards and one touchdown on 52 targets in 13 games during the regular season in his first year with the team, caught eight of his nine targets for a season-high 144 yards and one touchdown to help send the Texans to the Divisional Round this weekend against the New England Patriots. It helped the 29-year-old's cause when top wideout
Nico Collins left with a concussion in the second half and never returned. Fantasy managers probably shouldn't expect a repeat performance for Kirk against New England, but he'll definitely see more targets this weekend if Collins is unable to clear the league's concussion protocol.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
January 13, 2026
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio writes that it's hard to imagine Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin not coaching in 2026 after another early playoff exit in Monday night's 30-6 Wild-Card round loss to the Houston Texans. "I'm not even in that mindset as I sit here tonight," Tomlin said. "I'm more in the mindset of what transpired in this stadium, and certainly what we did and didn't do. Not a big-picture mentality as I sit here tonight." If Tomlin were to coach for a different team, it would likely require a trade, unless the Steelers let him walk without compensation in honor of the 19 years he's given to the organization. The question for now is whether Tomlin wants to come back to the Steel City for a 20th year. Tomlin, 53, has been coaching since the mid-90s, and he's won 63% of his games in his tenure with the Steelers.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Talk - Mike Florio
January 13, 2026
After a frustrating year that included only three finishes inside the top 25, Tom Kim's tour membership is on life support. His 70th ranking in strokes gained on approach (+0.152) and 33rd ranking in strokes gained around the green (+0.197) weren't enough to overcome the abysmal game off the tee and on the greens. Kim was too inaccurate with the driver when compared to his middling distance, and he's never been one to make a whole lot of putts. He needs a solid year to get back into the fold of golf's elite, but until we see signs of life, he'll need to remain in DFS purgatory.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
January 13, 2026
Free-agent shortstop
Jax Biggers has signed a minor-league contract with the Houston Astros after spending the first seven seasons of his career in the Rangers' system. Biggers hit only .214 in 79 games in Double-A and Triple-A last season with one home run and 11 stolen bases. He showed more upside in 2024, posting a solid .275/.390/.382 slash with 22 doubles, three home runs, 12 stolen bases, and a 71:87 BB:K ratio. He has never reached the MLB level, but with a change of scenery, he could be an interesting defense-first, contact-heavy middle infield option for the Astros. The team initially assigned him to Triple-A, but his position in the organization could change as major and minor league Spring Training unfolds.
--Zach ThompsonSource: MLB.com
January 13, 2026
After losing most of last season to a hip surgery in May, Billy Horschel was able to sneak in a few events before the year ended. He last played at the Hero World Challenge in December, following his participation in a couple of fall events. Due to the lack of data, opinions about his ability this week will be more rooted in feelings than statistics. However, it is unquestioned that the things Horschel has done well throughout his career are what should spell success at Waialae. The 39-year-old closed out the year with an average of +0.81 strokes gained putting and +0.52 strokes gained on approach. If that trend continues, there's no reason to think he can't make a run at an early victory this week.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
January 13, 2026
Free-agent pitcher
Bryan Sammons is coming back to the United States after spending last year in Japan. The 30-year-old lefty went 5-5 in 16 games (15 starts) for the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball last year, posting a 3.78 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 7.7 K/9. He made six appearances out of the bullpen for the Tigers in 2024, posting a 3.62 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings. The tall southpaw will likely serve as organizational depth this season but will get an invitation to Spring Training, so he'll have his chance to earn a larger role. He will likely start the year in Triple-A but could have a chance to earn some starts if injuries strike the Tigers' rotation this season. He's someone to monitor in Spring Training and be aware of for streaming purposes in AL-only leagues.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jon Morosi
January 13, 2026
While there were some solid finishes last season for Corey Conners, it wasn't exactly up to the same level of play that we had come to expect. The Canadian's ball-striking prowess slipped a little in 2025, ranking 39th in strokes gained on approach (+0.315), which was his lowest performance output since the 2017-2018 season. For a guy who lives and dies by the ability to hit quality approach shots to take pressure off a mediocre putter, if he isn't top 15 in approach, we're probably going to see a similar outcome this year. However, expect Conners to figure it out and get back to contending for leads. He is making his eighth start in this event, where he has had plenty of success outside of last year's missed cut. It will again come down to what he does on the greens. For someone looking for solid upside, the 34-year-old is a decent option to start the new season.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
January 13, 2026
Chicago Cubs third baseman
Matt Shaw could lose playing time after the signing of
Alex Bregman, or the team could look to move him in a trade. There was initial speculation that the team could move the top prospect to 2B and look to trade
Nico Hoerner, but The Athletic's Keith Law reported that Shaw has shown "resistance to help from the Cubs' staff" and could be a trade candidate as a result. Shaw hit .226 in his 126 games last season with 13 home runs, a .300 wOBA, and an elevated 21.5% striekout rate. The 24-year-old Shaw would be an interesting acquisition for any team looking for young infield help since he has shown so much promise, but struggled to put it together in the majors. In 2024, he hit .284 between Double-A and Triple-A with 21 homers and 31 stolen bases. He has great upside but comes with some coachability questions, which makes him an intriguing but risky potential addition this offseason.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Keith Law
January 13, 2026
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken will interview in person for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive-coordinator opening on Wednesday in Tampa, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Monken is a former Buccaneers assistant who worked with quarterback
Baker Mayfield for one year with the Cleveland Browns. Monken will almost certainly leave Baltimore after the Ravens fired long-time head coach John Harbaugh last week. Reports suggested that Monken could follow Harbaugh to his next destination and serve as his OC again, but that remains to be seen. Monken is drawing some consideration for open head-coaching jobs around the league, as he already met with the Cleveland Browns. Tampa fired OC Josh Grizzard and are looking for their fifth OC in the last five years. Hiring Monken to run the offense would be great news for Mayfield.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
January 13, 2026
Houston Astros first baseman
Christian Walker seems to be in an overcrowded situation in Houston, but according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, there isn't much interest in him on the open market. The Astros have
Carlos Correa back in the mix, most likely at 3B, with
Yordan Alvarez locked in as DH for most of next season. That leaves Isaac Parades without an everyday spot unless he moves to 1B, or he could be moved in a trade. Parades would likely get more in return, but it makes more sense for the Astros to try to move Walker. The veteran has two years, $40 million left on his contract, and could end up being moved in a salary dump if the Astros can find a taker. While he did have 27 homers last year, he only hit .238 with a .310 wOBA in 154 games. Walker's market doesn't seem to be heating up, though, so the Astros may have to get creative to solve their infield logjam.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chandler Rome
January 13, 2026
The Tennessee Titans will interview former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll for their open head-coaching job on Friday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. It's the first known head-coaching interview for Daboll this cycle. Daboll was fired by the Giants in the middle of the 2025 season after going 20-40-1 over three-plus seasons in the Big Apple. In his first year as the head coach, the Giants went 9-7-1, made the playoffs, and even won a postseason game. However, Daboll then posted records of 6-11, 3-14, and 2-8 in the three years that followed. He'll be more of a long shot to get the Titans' head-coaching job, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Daboll resurface in the NFL in 2026 as an offensive coordinator somewhere.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
January 13, 2026
After a breakthrough season in 2025, Chris Gotterup will begin his new season at the year's first event. We've already seen him take some swings with his involvement in the early TGL season as well, but that's very different than playing actual 72-hole competitions. His highlights last season were unsurprisingly heavy in success off the tee, as he was the seventh-longest hitter on tour (316.7) and ranked ninth in strokes gained off the tee (+0.566). The low ranking in putting and approach play was marred by a rough start to the year, but improved as things went along, culminating in a victory at the Scottish Open. While distance doesn't always spell success at Waialae Country Club, the game he showed as things were wrapping up shows he's more than capable of having success in other ways.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
RADIO
