April 5, 2026
Veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore has officially announced his retirement from the NFL. Gilmore crafted a thoughtful Instagram post in which he thanked his family, coaches, and fans for their continuous support throughout his 13-year career. He spent his first nine seasons in the AFC East with the Bills and Patriots before embarking on one-year stints with the Panthers, Colts, Cowboys, and Vikings. Gilmore expressed a desire to play football in 2025 but ultimately sat out last season. The former first-round pick finishes his career with 32 interceptions and 149 passes defended. He led the league in both categories with the Patriots in 2019, when he was also named Defensive Player of the Year. While not a Hall of Fame lock, Gilmore was as good as anyone during the peak of his career.
--Andersen PickardSource: Stephon Gilmore
April 5, 2026
The Houston Astros have placed right-handed pitcher
Hunter Brown (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with a right-shoulder strain. According to Matt Kawahara of The Houston Chronicle, this transition is retroactive to April 2. In a corresponding move, the Astros promoted
Christian Roa from Triple-A Sugar Land. Brown made his last outing on March 31 against the Boston Red Sox. In this start, the ace looked like his dominant self, logging six innings of one-run ball with just one hit and two walks. He struck out eight hitters. In his season debut, Brown tossed 4 2/3 innings with four hits, four walks, no runs, and nine punchouts. While Brown remains on the shelf, the Astros could turn to right-hander
Spencer Arrighetti, who was unable to crack the team's Opening Day roster.
--Andy SmithSource: Matt Kawahara
April 5, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford could have a limited workload leading up to the 2026 regular season, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. Stafford missed most of training camp last summer due to a back injury, and the Rams will likely modify the number of throws he makes this upcoming summer to ensure that he stays healthy.
Jimmy Garoppolo took most of the QB1 reps when Stafford was sidelined last summer, and the Rams will likely follow a similar plan during training camp this year. Not only does reducing Stafford's workload keep him healthy, but it also increases the reps for Garoppolo, who needs to be ready in case his number is called at any point during the regular season. As long as Stafford stays healthy, he remains a low-end QB1 in fantasy football because of his role in a high-volume passing offense and the tremendous presence of receivers
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams.
--Andersen PickardSource: Sarah Barshop
April 5, 2026
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh said that he is "certain" tight end
Isaiah Likely will take a major leap in 2026, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. Harbaugh explained that he saw tremendous upside in Likely when the two were together in Baltimore, but the tight end never had much of an opportunity to break out because of the scheme and personnel. Indeed, Likely had his career-worst fantasy finish last year, checking in as the TE45 with 27 catches, 307 yards, and one touchdown. If Harbaugh is right, Likely could be due for his first-ever top-18 finish in 2026. However, we also need to be careful of just how much trust we invest in offseason coachspeak. Likely finds himself in a crowded Giants offense that also features
Malik Nabers (knee),
Theo Johnson,
Darius Slayton, and
Darnell Mooney. Likely is a high-risk, high-reward trade target this offseason. He could break out, as Harbaugh suggested, but he could also be headed for another year in a depth role.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jordan Raanan
April 5, 2026
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese appears to be "the best fit" for the New York Jets at No. 2 overall in the NFL Draft, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. General manager Darren Mougey recently said the Jets haven't identified who they'll select with the pick, but Cimini drew the conclusion that New York is leaning toward Reese based on comments made by head coach Aaron Glenn at last week's annual league meetings. He cited the Jets' plans to use multiple different defensive fronts, since Reese displayed scheme versatility in college. Glenn also said that he compared Reese to Danielle Hunter in the sense that both players have a rare blend of football traits and character. Reese is coming off a terrific junior season in which he logged 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.
--Andersen PickardSource: Rich Cimini
April 5, 2026
The Cleveland Browns are expected to select Ohio State wide receiver
Carnell Tate with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft if they're unable to trade down, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Jackson notes that the Browns are looking to trade down from either of their selections at No. 6 or No. 24, and if they stay put at No. 6, Tate will be their target. There's a case to be made that Tate is the best receiver in the draft, and we all know that Ohio State has an incredible track record of producing top-tier NFL wideouts. The 21-year-old had 51 catches, 875 yards, and nine touchdowns during his final season with the Buckeyes. If this selection comes to fruition, Tate would instantly slot into the No. 1 receiver role in Cleveland, surpassing
Jerry Jeudy. He ranks as the overall WR14 in our latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: Zac Jackson
April 5, 2026
The Tennessee Titans have the fourth overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, and many experts are connecting them to Notre Dame running back
Jeremiyah Love. However, the Titans are content with their current RB room, which consists of
Tony Pollard,
Tyjae Spears,
Michael Carter,
Kalel Mullings, and
Julius Chestnut, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. "I love our backfield, I love our running back room right now," head coach Robert Saleh said. "I look at our running back room as one of the better ones in football." Pollard now has four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, and Spears is a nice pass-catching complement, but it will be pretty hard for the Titans to pass on Love if he's available at No. 4 overall at the end of April. Pollard's status as a high-end RB2 in fantasy football will be out the window in 2026 if the Titans were to select Love in the early portion of the first round.
--Keith HernandezSource: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
April 5, 2026
NFL officials in Phoenix all believe that free-agent wide receiver
Jauan Jennings is asking for too much money on the open market this offseason, according to Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "He's outplayed his talent," one head coach said. Jennings and the San Francisco 49ers couldn't work out a long-term deal last summer and instead worked out a one-year deal. The 28-year-old is by far the best remaining player on the free-agent market, but his financial demands might need to come down a bit for him to find a new home. Jennings, a former seventh-round pick in 2020 out of Tennessee, wasn't very involved in the Bay Area in his first three NFL seasons before breaking out in 2024 with a 77-975-6 line in 15 regular-season games. Jennings had a career-best nine touchdowns in 2025, but he also regressed elsewhere with just 55 catches for 643 yards in 15 regular-season starts. His 2024 campaign could easily end up being Jennings' high-water mark, but he could still have plenty of fantasy relevance as a chain-mover in 2026, depending on where he ends up.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur
April 5, 2026
The San Francisco 49ers have made it clear that wide receiver
Brandon Aiyuk (knee) won't be back with the team in 2026, but they are in no rush to get rid of him, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur. If an NFL team is interested in Aiyuk's services and wants him in their building this spring to learn their offense, they can trade for him, but there's no reason for the Niners to do any other team a favor by handing Aiyuk over now for a draft pick. They may release him after the NFL draft at the end of April if they can't find a trade suitor by then, but they can also wait longer if they want to, as the 49ers don't owe Aiyuk anything until his option bonus is due on Sept. 1. The Washington Commanders seem like the logical destination because of general manager Adam Peters' familiarity with Aiyuk from his time in the Bay Area. Aiyuk was also teammates with Washington quarterback
Jayden Daniels at Arizona State. The 28-year-old former first-rounder had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, but he played in only seven games in 2024 before tearing his ACL, and he didn't play at all last year. There are questions about Aiyuk's motivation, making him a very risky option for NFL teams and fantasy managers going forward.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur
April 5, 2026
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson confirmed that wide receiver
Luther Burden III will be a big part of the team's passing attack heading into his second year in the NFL, according to CHGO Bears. "[Luther] is exactly what we thought we were getting out of the draft last year...this guy loves football. If you took football away from him, I don't know what he would want to do with himself," Johnson said. Especially since the Bears traded receiver
DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason, Burden will be a popular breakout candidate in fantasy football in 2026 as he heads into his sophomore campaign. The 22-year-old former second-rounder out of Missouri started slow last year but finished with 47 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets in 15 regular-season starts. Target volume could be an issue with
Rome Odunze and tight end
Colston Loveland also being involved, but Burden will be a focal point for explosive plays in Chicago's offense going forward. His dynasty/keeper value is rising by the day.
--Keith HernandezSource: CHGO Bears
April 5, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander
Jesus Luzardo was dominant on Saturday in his first win of the 2026 season against the Colorado Rockies, allowing just one earned run on five hits while walking none and striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings of work at Coors Field in Denver. It was a nice bounce-back outing early on for the 28-year-old southpaw, as he was greeted harshly in his season debut last week by the Texas Rangers, allowing six runs in six innings. Fantasy managers should have had Luzardo in their starting lineups on Saturday against the Rockies despite his rough opening start. In his dominant outing, he generated 23 swinging strikes. The former third-round pick by the Washington Nationals in 2016 is a high-upside strikeout arm on one of the best teams in baseball, giving him plenty of fantasy appeal in his third year in Philly. Fantasy managers will want to keep him active in his next scheduled outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 5, 2026
Minnesota Twins outfielder
Byron Buxton (forearm) is back in Sunday's lineup against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander
Nick Martinez, according to MLB.com. Buxton will serve as the designated hitter and will bat second for the Twins. The 32-year-old oft-injured veteran was removed from Friday's game against Tampa after being hit in the forearm by a pitch, and he was held from the lineup on Saturday as a precaution. Buxton thankfully avoided any structural damage in his arm and will return to action for the series finale. He will most likely return to outfield duties early next week. Fantasy managers may want to keep Buxton on their benches on Sunday, though, given his slow start at the plate in 2026. He's hitting just .154/.207/.269 with an RBI, one walk, and nine strikeouts in a small sample size of seven games. The good news is Buxton has a good history against Martinez, as he's hit .400 against him with two home runs and three RBI in 10 career at-bats.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 5, 2026
Seattle Mariners infielder
Brendan Donovan (groin) is dealing with some soreness in his groin area and underwent imaging on Saturday, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. The Mariners hope to have a better idea on his situation when the medical staff examines the results of his tests. For now, he's being considered day-to-day after leaving Friday's game early against the Los Angeles Angels. The 29-year-old did not play in Saturday's game against the Angels and will most likely be held out of the series finale on Sunday, too, but this doesn't appear to be a serious injury for the Mariners' new infielder. In his first eight games with Seattle this year, Donovan has gone 10-for-27 (.370) with two home runs, two doubles, four RBI, four runs scored, a stolen base, four walks, and six strikeouts in 33 plate appearances. Donovan doesn't have a ton of power for fantasy managers, but he can be useful in points leagues as a counting-stat aggregator as an everyday player in the Mariners' strong lineup.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
April 5, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that shortstop
Mookie Betts's (oblique) MRI exam showed a right-oblique strain after he was pulled from Saturday's game early against the Washington Nationals, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Roberts thinks the injury occurred on a check swing during his at-bat on Saturday. Betts will go on the 10-day injured list, and infielder
Hyeseong Kim will replace him on the active MLB roster. It's unclear when the 33-year-old former MVP will be able to return from the Dodgers, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be back at the end of his 10-day IL stint. Oblique injuries can be tricky to recover from and often take around a month. With Betts out, veteran
Miguel Rojas is expected to see most of the playing time at the 6, although he offers very little fantasy baseball appeal offensively. Betts has gotten off to another slow start in 2026 in his first eight games, batting .179 (5-for-28), although he does have two home runs and seven RBI in 32 plate appearances.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
April 5, 2026
NFL executives expect the New England Patriots to acquire wide receiver
A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in June, once the salary cap implications "become more tenable for the Eagles," according to Mike Sando of The Athletic. The Patriots have not closed the door on adding Brown this offseason despite signing
Romeo Doubs to a deal worth $17 million per year. Brown previously played for Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with the Titans in Tennessee, so the two have a history. The 28-year-old seven-year NFL veteran had his sixth 1,000-yard season in 2025 in 15 regular-season games, but Brown has been in a three-year decline, and he had a career-low 12.9 yards per catch. Still, landing Brown would be huge for a New England team coming off a Super Bowl appearance with young quarterback
Drake Maye. Perhaps a change of scenery will be a plus for Brown, who publicly voiced his displeasure with Philly's offense in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mike Sando
April 5, 2026
The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander
Cade Horton (forearm) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 4) with a right-forearm strain on Sunday, according to Taylor McGregor of Watch Marquee Sports. In a corresponding move, the team recalled left-hander
Riley Martin from Triple-A Iowa. Horton suffered a forearm strain in his outing on Friday against the Cleveland Guardians. It's unclear if the 24-year-old will be ready to return from the IL when he's eligible on April 19. It's a tough break for the former seventh overall pick in 2022 out of Oklahoma early on in 2026. In his two starts before his arm injury, Horton had allowed two earned runs on four hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out four in 7 1/3 innings pitched. Hopefully, he'll be back in Chicago's starting rotation before the end of April. In the meantime, either
Colin Rea or
Javier Assad will take Horton's spot in the Cubbies' rotation.
--Keith HernandezSource: Watch Marquee - Taylor McGregor
April 5, 2026
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Emerson Hancock was excellent once again on the mound during Friday's outing against the Los Angeles Angels. Hancock tossed six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts in his season debut. He carried over that success into Friday's outing versus the Angels. Hancock tossed 6.2 innings, allowing one run while striking out six in the loss. It has been an outstanding beginning to the season for Hancock. The right-hander is only in the rotation because
Bryce Miller (oblique) is currently on the 15-day Injured List. It's going to be difficult for the Mariners to pull Hancock out of the rotation with the way he's pitching right now. He's lined up to pitch against the Houston Astros on Friday. Hancock should be rostered in most 12-team formats ahead of that matchup.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
April 5, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher
Edwin Uceta (shoulder) was able to throw a live batting practice session on Friday. The right-hander is currently working his way back from right shoulder soreness. He's expected to throw again on Tuesday before hopefully starting a minor league rehab assignment. Once he's healthy, Uceta could immediately slide into the closer role for the Rays.
Griffin Jax has already blown two saves and could be on a short leash if he continues to struggle. Uceta could be worth stashing for fantasy managers searching for saves. The hope is that Uceta will be able to make his season debut in late April.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
April 5, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher
Paul Sewald notched his third save of the season versus the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. Sewald needed 21 pitches to work a scoreless ninth, which included two strikeouts. The veteran right-hander is now 3-for-3 in save situations with four scoreless innings over five total appearances. It seems likely that the D-Backs stick with Sewald as the closer going forward. The 35-year-old is an experienced option with 89 career saves and appears to be the most trustworthy option at the moment. Fantasy managers in need of saves or a reliever should consider adding Sewald.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
April 5, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) is slated to make two more minor-league rehab starts, according to Phillies manager Rob Thompson. The plan is for Wheeler to start on Wednesday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and make another start after that. The veteran right-hander is currently working his way back from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. He was hit around for five runs during his second rehab start on Friday. The overall results don't matter as much as Wheeler building up his stamina. Barring any setbacks, Wheeler should be able to rejoin the Phillies rotation in late April. Fantasy managers better make sure to stash Wheeler on their IL if he's available in your league.
--Andy WebbSource: Matt Gelb
April 5, 2026
Miami Marlins outfielder
Owen Caissie is off to a hot start to begin his Marlins career. The 23-year-old was traded to Miami this offseason in a deal that sent
Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs. Through eight games with his new team, Caissie is slashing .320/.357/.640 with two home runs and nine RBI. That includes a walk-off home run in his third game with the team. The future is bright for the former second-round pick, and he's expected to see regular playing time in Miami. He's quickly becoming a hot pickup in fantasy leagues given his red-hot start to the season. He should cool down at some point, but Caissie is worth rostering in most 12-team formats right now.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
April 5, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Isaiah Collier (hamstring) will not play Sunday against Oklahoma City, marking his 10th consecutive absence. With
Keyonte George (hamstring) and
Elijah Harkless (hamstring) also out, Utah should continue leaning on
Kennedy Chandler and
Cody Williams for expanded roles. Williams is coming off a 27-point, 11-rebound, four-assist performance in 38 minutes and looks like the most appealing fantasy option from this group. Chandler and
Bez Mbeng offer limited upside as deep-league assist streamers, though both carry risk due to inconsistent offensive production while the Jazz remain short-handed in the backcourt.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard
Immanuel Quickley (foot) will miss another game Sunday against the Boston Celtics as he continues to recover from plantar fasciitis.
Ja'Kobe Walter should remain in the starting lineup after posting seven points, eight rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 28 minutes in his last game, though his fantasy value remains limited to deeper formats.
Jamal Shead has also stepped into a larger role, finishing with 11 points, six assists, and two steals in 23 minutes and offering streaming appeal for assists and steals.
Scottie Barnes should continue handling more on-ball duties while Quickley remains sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton (hand) will not play Sunday against Washington due to soreness in his right hand. His absence should open additional frontcourt minutes for
Josh Minott and
Chaney Johnson. Minott has scored 10 points with two three-pointers, three rebounds, and one steal in 21 minutes in his last appearance and could be a deep-league option for scoring and threes. Johnson added 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 23 minutes and may offer deeper streaming appeal.
E.J. Liddell remains a risky dart throw if he cracks the rotation.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center
Evan Mobley (calf) will not play Sunday against Indiana as the team manages his workload on a back-to-back. With
Jarrett Allen (knee) and
Dean Wade (ankle) also out, Cleveland could lean on
Keon Ellis,
Larry Nance Jr., and
Nae'Qwan Tomlin for extra frontcourt minutes. Ellis logged four points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 22 minutes in his last game and could be a deep-league option if the Cavaliers downsize. Nance and Tomlin remain speculative rebound streamers, while
Thomas Bryant should continue seeing stable minutes with Cleveland short-handed inside.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen (knee) will not play Sunday against Indiana as part of injury management on the first night of a back-to-back. With
Evan Mobley (calf) also sidelined,
Thomas Bryant is positioned for a larger workload after posting 14 points, three three-pointers, six rebounds, and one block in 25 minutes in a recent appearance.
Larry Nance Jr. and
Nae'Qwan Tomlin could also see expanded minutes, though both remain risky deep-league options. Bryant profiles as the best short-term streaming target for rebounds and scoring with Cleveland thin in the frontcourt.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward/center
Pascal Siakam (ankle) will not play Sunday against Cleveland after suffering an ankle injury in his last outing. His absence could move
Obi Toppin into a larger role, with the athletic forward posting 11 points, three three-pointers, four rebounds, and one assist in 20 minutes off the bench in his last game.
Kobe Brown also impressed with 12 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in 28 minutes and could remain fantasy relevant in deeper formats. If
Jarace Walker (back) remains out, both Toppin and Brown become viable short-term streaming options.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Utah Mammoth winger Clayton Keller played the leading role in Saturday's 7-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, scoring a hat trick and adding an assist. Keller helped Lawson Crouse score early in the third period and recorded Utah's sixth hat trick this season with an empty-netter late in the game. The Olympic champion has been on a heater in recent games, amassing three goals and seven assists over his last four outings. It should only be a matter of time before Keller can celebrate his third 80-point campaign. He has notched 25 goals and 53 assists across 76 games in 2025-26.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 5, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back) will not play Sunday against Cleveland as he continues to manage a lingering back issue. His absence should keep
Quenton Jackson in a starting role after he produced 16 points, two three-pointers, three rebounds, five assists and one steal in 25 minutes during his last outing.
Ethan Thompson logged 30 minutes off the bench and could remain in the rotation, while
Taelon Peter offers deep-league streaming appeal for managers chasing three-pointers. With multiple Pacers guards sidelined, Jackson looks like the safest short-term assist streamer until Nembhard returns.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel had three assists in Saturday's 5-1 road win over the Edmonton Oilers. He set up Brett Howden and Jeremy Lauzon in the second period and Mark Stone in the third. This big performance secured Eichel his second consecutive 80-point season. He has tallied 25 goals and 57 assists in 69 games. After a dire six-game point drought last month, the four-time All-Star has recorded one goal and seven assists over a five-game stretch. With Vegas still chasing a playoff berth, Eichel has every reason to keep his foot on the gas, which is great news for fantasy managers.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
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