January 24, 2026
The New York Jets were scheduled for an in-person interview with Wink Martindale for their defensive-coordinator job, sources told Connor Hughes of SNY. Although the Jets have interviewed seven other candidates for the job, Martindale is considered a favorite for the position. He has previously served as the DC in the NFL with the New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, and Denver Broncos, and at the collegiate level at the University of Michigan. Martindale's defenses typically are aggressive at getting after the quarterback, which aligns with head coach Aaron Glenn's philosophy on that side of the ball. The Jets need all kinds of help on the defensive ball after they became the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without recording a single interception in 2025. Hiring Martindale would at least give the Jets some experience and an aggressive mentality as they look to bounce back in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
January 24, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard
Nolan Traore (illness) won't play on Sunday against the Clippers. The rookie had a career-high 21 points in Friday's double-overtime loss to the Boston Celtics. With
Cam Thomas (ankle) ruled out, Traore would have been in line for more action, especially since he had double-digit scoring performances in three of his last four appearances. While that may still be the case once he's healthy to return,
Ziaire Williams and
Tyrese Martin are now the favorites to receive additional scoring opportunities versus Los Angeles.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Nashville Predators defenseman Nicolas Hague (lower body) was labeled week-to-week before Saturday's loss to the Utah Mammoth. He exited the lineup due to a lower-body injury, with Adam Wilsby (lower body) filling in for Hague in his return from a four-game injury absence. The injury to Hague will all but end his attempt to reach 20 points for the first time in his career. The 27-year-old has totaled 11 points (two goals, nine assists), 32 shots, 37 blocks, and 54 hits in 41 appearances this season. Since Wilsby isn't known for scoring either, the change in Nashville's lineup doesn't really affect fantasy hockey.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
San Diego Padres right-hander
Yu Darvish's (elbow) agent, Joel Wolfe, said that no decision has been made on Darvish's retirement, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. A report earlier on Saturday said that Darvish was hanging up his cleats. "Yu has not made a final decision yet. This is a complicated matter we are still working through," Wolfe said. The 39-year-old veteran will not play at all in 2026 after having an internal-brace procedure and flexor-tendon surgery. Darvish is set to make $46 million over the next three seasons if he doesn't retire, but the Japanese legend doesn't appear to have much left in the tank. He has made a combined 31 starts in the last two seasons in San Diego and has gone 12-8 with a 4.28 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 146:41 K:BB in 153 2/3 innings pitched. The odds are against Darvish being a reliable fantasy pitching option in 2027 if he doesn't retire.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
January 24, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) won't play on Sunday against Memphis. The 30-year-old played on Friday versus the Bucks, the second of a back-to-back. Unfortunately, he exited that contest because of a right hamstring strain, an injury that kept him off the floor for six weeks earlier in the season. There hasn't been much information released since Gordon suffered the injury. However, fantasy managers should expect to see his absence extend beyond Sunday's game. The Nuggets are banged up, with
Nikola Jokic (knee),
Cameron Johnson (knee), and
Christian Braun (ankle) also on the shelf. As a result, guys like
Tim Hardaway Jr.,
Zeke Nnaji, and
Jalen Pickett could all see more scoring opportunities behind
Peyton Watson (ankle) and
Jamal Murray (hamstring) for at least the next week or two.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (lower body) will sit out a second straight game on Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets. On Thursday, Edvinsson was a late scratch for a matchup against the Minnesota Wild, and he hasn't shaken off a lower-body injury in time for Saturday's game. Edvinsson has made a mark at both ends of the ice, registering 17 points (six goals, 11 assists), 57 shots, 104 blocks, and 63 hits in 48 contests. Travis Hamonic filled in for Edvinsson on Thursday, though Erik Gustafsson is also an option on the roster to join the blue line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
The New York Post's Joel Sherman writes that the New York Mets got indications that Detroit Tigers left-hander
Tarik Skubal might have cost them their "five best prospects" in a trade. New York's five best prospects were
Nolan McLean,
Carson Benge,
Jett Williams,
Jonah Tong, and
Brandon Sproat before they traded Williams and Sproat to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-hander
Freddy Peralta this week. The Tigers have a sky-high asking price for Skubal, who won his second straight American League Cy Young award in 2025 after setting career highs in ERA (2.21), WHIP (0.89), strikeouts (241), and innings pitched (195 1/3). The 29-year-old southpaw is the most dominant starting pitcher in the game right now, and although he'll be a free agent after the 2026 season, it appears Detroit will hang onto him for now.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Joel Sherman
January 24, 2026
Montreal Canadiens winger Alexandre Texier (lower body) will return to action on Saturday against the Boston Bruins. The French forward missed a couple of games earlier this week due to a lower-body injury. Since moving to Montreal in late November, Texier has seen a lot of success, posting 16 points (seven goals, six assists) in 27 outings. He's had four multi-point games in January, including his first career hat trick a couple of weeks back against the Florida Panthers. On Saturday, Texier will rejoin Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on the first line. Joe Veleno will be scratched to make room for Texier in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard
Cam Thomas (ankle) won't play on Sunday against the Clippers. The 24-year-old has already missed plenty of time this season. He's also struggled statistically, averaging 16.2 points, his lowest since his sophomore campaign. Thomas tweaked his ankle during Friday's double-overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, so it's unknown how long he'll be out of commission. However, with the trade deadline on the horizon, fantasy managers are left wondering if he's already played his final game as a Net. At any rate, while Thomas is sidelined,
Ziaire Williams and
Tyrese Martin may see more action. That could also apply to
Nolan Traore (illness), who had a career-high 21 points on Friday, once he shakes off an illness.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Brian Lewis
January 24, 2026
The Seattle Seahawks elevated running backs
Cam Akers and
Velus Jones Jr. from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship contest against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic.
Zach Charbonnet (knee) suffered a season-ending torn ACL in last weekend's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, so both Akers and Jones will give Seattle more RB depth this weekend behind starter
Kenneth Walker III. The Seahawks also activated
George Holani from Injured Reserve this week, and he will be active as more backfield depth against the Rams. Akers, 26, previously played for L.A. and has more experience than both Jones and Holani. However, he's appeared in only six games this year with the Rams and Vikings and has only five carries for 19 yards. Walker is likely to see the lion's share of touches for the Seahawks on Sunday, leaving few opportunities for Akers, Jones, and Holani.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Michael-Shawn Dugar
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (upper body) will miss his ninth consecutive game on Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues. The Kings captain is traveling with the team on a six-game road trip, but Saturday's game comes too soon for him. It's possible that Kopitar will return at some later point during the trip. With Kopitar out, Alex Laferriere is handling first-line center duties, skating with Adrian Kempe and Corey Perry. Laferriere has struggled to make an impact in the role, going five straight games without registering a point.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
The New England Patriots activated wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) from Injured Reserve on Saturday ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Despite the fact that Hollins was activated, he's still questionable to play against the Broncos. The 32-year-old veteran was put on IR in late December and he hasn't played since Dec. 21. If Hollins returns this weekend, it would give quarterback
Drake Maye another deep threat on the outside, although his snap count would most likely be limited. During the regular season, Hollins had 46 receptions on 65 targets for 550 yards and only two touchdowns. Fantasy managers should probably look elsewhere for a WR sleeper for Sunday's games against a Broncos defense that allowed a league-low six touchdowns to receivers in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (illness) is expected to be back in the lineup on Saturday against the St. Louis Blues. The 2016 Norris Trophy winner didn't play in Tuesday's win over the New York Rangers due to illness. Jacob Moverare is expected to exit the lineup to make room for Doughty. 41 appearances into his 18th NHL campaign, Doughty has recorded 13 points (three goals, 10 assists), 64 shots, 46 blocks, and 22 hits. He hasn't scored any points in his last 11 appearances, marking the worst offensive slump of Doughty's career.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) will play on Saturday against Cleveland. His return will mark the end of an eight-game absence caused by a right MCL contusion. The 2021 No. 5 overall pick is expected to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, although he'll likely be limited for at least a few contests. With
Franz Wagner (ankle) ruled out,
Anthony Black will presumably remain with the first-five, with the 22-year-old averaging 18.1 points, 4.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 38.6% shooting from behind the arc in 23 starts throughout the campaign.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Orlando Magic
January 24, 2026
Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy (lower body) is poised to rejoin the lineup on Saturday against the Florida Panthers. "Boldy, I would anticipate playing tonight," Wild head coach John Hynes said after the morning skate. Boldy, who has missed four games due to a lower-body injury, worked with Marcus Johansson and Joel Eriksson Ek during the session. The Wild have seen Boldy take a significant leap in 2025-26, averaging more than a point per game. He has contributed 27 goals and 24 assists in 48 appearances. The 24-year-old shares the team lead in goals with Kirill Kaprizov and ranks second to the Russian forward in points.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (undisclosed) was activated from Injured Reserve ahead of Saturday's tilt against the Minnesota Wild, Alex Baumgartner of Five Reasons Sports reports. The veteran forward has missed seven games due to an unspecified injury. Marchand has been great for the Panthers this season, scoring 23 goals and 46 points in 41 games. With Matthew Tkachuk also back in the lineup, Florida is looking much more dangerous up front. Marchand is expected to slot into a middle-six role upon his return and will join the top power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: Alex Baumgartner
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Blake Corum handled only six touches in the team's Divisional Round win over the Bears, and in Sunday's Conference Championship, he faces a Seahawks defense that ranked as the most formidable against fantasy running backs in the regular season. In their Divisional Round thrashing of the 49ers, Seattle held MVP finalist
Christian McCaffrey to 35 rushing yards and 39 receiving yards on 17 total opportunities. Should Corum find himself drastically out-touched by
Kyren Williams as he was against Chicago, he'll need elite efficiency to see any relevance in playoff fantasy leagues -- a tall order, given Seattle's track record. Corum is RotoBaller's RB6 for the week.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Throughout his NFL career, Denver Broncos quarterback
Jarrett Stidham has played at a respectable level from a clean pocket while struggling mightily under pressure, with his completion rate dropping roughly 30% in such situations. Against a mostly healthy Patriots defense that has allowed 74 total yards to running backs through their first two playoff games, Denver may be forced into enough third-and-long looks to keep their offense out of rhythm. New England has employed an aggressive, blitz-heavy approach to great success against
Justin Herbert and
C.J. Stroud. With Denver's running game struggling as a whole since losing
J.K. Dobbins in Week 10, Stidham may find himself battling against the chains for much of Sunday. He is RotoBaller's QB4 for Conference Championship Weekend.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson has seen the team's third-highest target share through two playoff games, trailing only All-Pro receivers
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams. His 90 receiving yards through those two contests also rank third, but with rookie
Terrance Ferguson returning for the Rams' Divisional Round victory over the Bears, and Los Angeles regularly employing two or even three tight end sets, Parkinson's fantasy ceiling is capped and largely touchdown-dependent. Given his season-long usage in the red zone, he still profiles as the safest option in a crowded tight end room, and with few elite options remaining in the playoffs, he is RotoBaller's TE2 in fantasy playoff leagues. That said, he should not be relied on for a week-winning performance against a stingy Seattle defense.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers are working towards a deal to make former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy their fourth head coach since 1969. A former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers, the 62-year-old McCarthy is a Pittsburgh native who will now take over for Mike Tomlin after a year away from coaching. His ties to quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, whom he coached for 13 years in Green Bay, including a Super Bowl-winning season in 2010, will likely become a major talking point as Rodgers mulls over his options following his 21st season in the NFL. Including the postseason, McCarthy has a career record of 185-123-2, though none of his teams have made it past the Divisional Round of the Playoffs since 2016.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Tom Pelissero
January 24, 2026
New York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (elbow) is coming off an excellent 2025 season in which he posted a .267/.346/.466 slash line with 31 home runs, 86 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases across 732 plate appearances. The 32-year-old underwent offseason elbow surgery, but he's expected to be fully ready to go once 2026 Spring Training gets underway. Lindor should plug in as the everyday leadoff hitter at the top of a new-look Mets lineup. New York lost star first baseman
Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles in free agency, which could hurt the team's offense. However, the Mets pivoted by signing infielders
Bo Bichette and
Jorge Polanco, as well as trading for outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. Of course, New York also retains outfielder
Juan Soto, who drove in 105 RBI in his first season with the Mets in 2025. All in all, Lindor should be in a position to record his fourth consecutive season of at least 100 runs scored as long as he remains healthy. He remains an elite fantasy shortstop option heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
After struggling through much of his rookie season in 2024, Baltimore Orioles second baseman
Jackson Holliday provided much more stable production throughout 2025. Across 649 plate appearances, Holliday slashed .242/.314/.375 with 17 home runs, 55 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases. While those numbers don't exactly leap off the page, Holliday is still just 22 years old and showed real signs of improvement at the plate, cutting his strikeout rate from 33.2% in 2024 to 21.6% in 2025. Entering 2026, Holliday should see everyday playing time at second base and could be locked in at the top of a Baltimore lineup that looks much improved after adding superstar first baseman
Pete Alonso in free agency. With another offseason to get stronger and work on his game, Holliday profiles as a possible breakout candidate for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
San Diego Padres outfielder
Jackson Merrill was one of the stars of the 2024 MLB season, winning a Silver Slugger award and finishing ninth in the National League MVP vote as a rookie. However, the 22-year-old battled through injuries and underperformance in a disappointing 2025 sophomore campaign. Across 483 plate appearances overall, Merrill posted a .264/.317/.457 with 16 home runs, 67 RBI, 59 runs scored, and one stolen base. His strikeout rate rose from 17% in 2024 to 22.5% in 2025, and his slugging percentage dipped from .500 to .457. Entering 2026, Merrill should be back to full strength and could be in line for a bounce-back campaign. In addition to a potential rebound at the plate, improved lower-body health could help Merrill push closer to the 16 stolen bases he logged as a rookie. RotoBaller currently ranks Merrill as the number 16 outfielder in traditional rotisserie scoring fantasy formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
After spending the first seven years of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, infielder
Bo Bichette will suit up in 2026 for the New York Mets. The soon-to-be 28-year-old inked a three-year $126 million contract with New York that will see him move from shortstop to third base. Bichette had an excellent year with Toronto in 2025, posting a .311/.357/.483 slash line with 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 628 plate appearances. While Bichette had a strong lineup around him with the Blue Jays, there's an argument to be made that he's in a better position to rack up counting stats with the Mets. Bichette will likely hit at the top of the lineup alongside outfielder
Juan Soto and shortstop
Francisco Lindor, both of whom topped 200 combined runs and RBI in 2025. If there's a reason for concern with Bichette, it may be the adjustment period that could come with learning a new position. However, he will gain multi-position eligibility early in the season, which only boosts his 2026 fantasy value.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Boston Red Sox second baseman
Kristian Campbell got off to a strong start to the 2025 season, earning a starting role in Spring Training and signing an eight-year extension in April. However, the 23-year-old faded over the course of the season and spent the last three-plus months of the year in Triple-A. Across 263 MLB plate appearances overall, Campbell posted a .223/.319/.345 slash line with six home runs, 21 RBI, 24 runs scored, and two stolen bases. As things currently stand, the Red Sox project to enter 2026 Spring Training with opportunities for playing time at both second and third base. As such, Campbell could be competing for a job with infielders
Marcelo Mayer and
Romy Gonzalez, as well as utility men
Nate Eaton and
Nick Sogard. Boston may also be looking to move Campbell to the outfield, although the team's outfield depth chart is significantly more crowded. Campbell's progress in Spring Training will be a storyline for fantasy managers to monitor closely.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward
Paul George (knee) is probable for Saturday's game against the Knicks as he continues left knee injury management. George has played through the issue recently, averaging 14.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.8 steals in 31.7 minutes over his last five appearances. His availability slightly redistributes usage, trimming opportunities for
Kelly Oubre Jr. and dialing back secondary touches for
VJ Edgecombe and
Quentin Grimes. George remains a hold in standard leagues, with moderate production tied to health and workload alongside
Joel Embiid and
Tyrese Maxey.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (elbow) will be reevaluated in roughly three weeks after suffering a left elbow UCL sprain, effectively sidelining him until after the All-Star break. The extended absence shifts short-term fantasy value to the backcourt replacements.
Cam Spencer has been the most reliable option, averaging 12.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 24.7 minutes over his last five games while handling primary creation duties.
Vince Williams Jr. remains a secondary play, while
Ty Jerome (calf) profiles as a speculative add once healthy.
--Brian DailisanSource: Grizzlies PR
January 24, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (ankle) is probable for Saturday's matchup against the Knicks after sitting earlier this week for ankle management. He returned Thursday and delivered 32 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, one block, and one steal in 46 minutes, signaling full workload capability. Over his last five appearances, Embiid is averaging 28.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 51.7 percent in 34.5 minutes. If active, he remains a top-tier anchor across formats, though managers should note occasional rest risk tied to schedule density.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) is probable for Saturday's game against the Lakers as he manages a right ankle sprain, which matters for a Dallas frontcourt thinned further with
Anthony Davis (finger) still sidelined. When available, Gafford has handled interior responsibilities and averaged 6.2 points and 9.0 rebounds in 21.9 minutes over his last five appearances. That role keeps him relevant for rebounds and blocks if his minutes hold.
Dwight Powell's fantasy appeal takes a hit, while Gafford carries moderate upside tied to health and workload.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) is probable to return Saturday against Cleveland after missing eight games with a right knee MCL contusion. A minutes cap or bench role remains possible, but his presence reshapes Orlando's backcourt. Suggs averaged 17.0 points, 4.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 27.5 minutes over his last five appearances.
Anthony Black has thrived during Suggs' absence, though his role bears monitoring as the rotation tightens. Suggs remains a hold with upside if his workload ramps quickly.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
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