March 12, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Bucky Irving (shoulder) has been an electric player when healthy through his first two NFL seasons, collecting nearly 2,400 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns across 27 games played. However, Irving recently underwent offseason shoulder surgery after missing seven games in 2025 due to shoulder and ankle ailments. While Irving is expected to be ready to go for the start of 2026, the 23-year-old is an undersized back, and Tampa Bay may have questions about his ability to hold up while shouldering a true RB1 workload. The Buccaneers made a big splash at the running back position early in free agency, signing veteran back
Kenneth Gainwell to a two-year deal with an eight-figure guarantee. Gainwell is coming off a breakout season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and could emerge as Tampa Bay's primary receiving and short-yardage back. The Buccaneers also have a solid third-string option in
Sean Tucker, who racked up eight touchdowns in 2025. Irving's fantasy value in dynasty formats looks a bit less clear after the addition of Gainwell to the Tampa Bay backfield.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet (knee) saw his 2025 season come to an unfortunate end when he went down with a torn ACL during his team's NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. As a result, Charbonnet could miss time to start the 2026 campaign. However, Charbonnet now projects as Seattle's clear RB1 upon his return after former Seahawks back
Kenneth Walker III agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs on a new three-year contract earlier this month. The Seahawks will almost certainly bring in another body or two to the running back room before the start of the season. Still, Charbonnet's current competition in the backfield is the unproven running back tandem of
George Holani and
Kenny McIntosh (knee). Provided Charbonnet does not experience any setbacks in his recovery, he could emerge as a workhorse back and Seattle's clear RB1 of the future. Despite his current injury status, Charbonnet's dynasty stock should be trending up following Walker III's free agent departure.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers are signing free-agent running back
Keaton Mitchell to a two-year, $9.5 million deal that includes $5 million guaranteed, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Mitchell spent the first three seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, compiling 951 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 140 touches. Injuries limited the 24-year-old to just 26 games played over three years, and he's also been stuck behind workhorse back
Derrick Henry in Baltimore. However, Mitchell has been a highly efficient rusher when given the opportunity, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. In Los Angeles, Mitchell will likely be fighting with
Kimani Vidal for the RB2 role behind 2025 first-round pick
Omarion Hampton. Mitchell's speed and big-play ability will likely appeal to new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. While Hampton still projects as the team's clear lead rusher, Mitchell's arrival could create a slight logjam for backfield touches in Los Angeles.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
March 12, 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs made a big splash in the early portion of free agency by signing running back
Kenneth Walker III away from the reigning Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks. Across 17 games with Seattle in 2025, Walker III recorded 1,309 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 252 touches. The 25-year-old spent most of the year splitting touches with fellow Seahawks back
Zach Charbonnet (knee) until Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in the NFC Divisional Round. In Kansas City, Walker III should be the clear number one back and could easily set a career-high in touches. While the Chiefs may be without quarterback
Patrick Mahomes (knee) in the early portion of 2026 as Mahomes recovers from a knee injury, Walker III should be well-positioned for success in an offense that is typically one of the NFL's best. As long as he can stay healthy, Walker III has a clear pathway to fantasy RB1 production for the duration of his three-year contract in Kansas City.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports that the Miami Dolphins have officially released quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa with a post-June 1 designation, leaving the veteran signal-caller free to sign a minimum contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The number five overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tagovailoa's Miami tenure will come to a close after six seasons. In 2025, he completed 67.7% of his pass attempts for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions across 14 starts. The Falcons are reportedly planning to hold an open competition between Tagovailoa and incumbent quarterback
Michael Penix Jr. (knee). Penix Jr. is recovering from a knee injury that ended his 2025 season, so Tagovailoa may have a slight leg up heading into offseason workouts. Both quarterbacks should be in a favorable environment for success, as the Falcons have multiple high-end offensive weapons and an established new play-caller in head coach Kevin Stefanski.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
March 12, 2026
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher
Daniel Palencia is one of the best closer options to grab once the elite options are off the board, since the 26-year-old is locked in as the team's primary closer and has lots of breakout potential. Palencia had 22 saves in 54 games last year and posted an impressive 2.91 ERA, 3.08 FIP, and 61 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings. He went just 1-6 but added six holds while converting 22 of his 25 save opportunities. Palencia should get the save opportunities for a team expected to be one of the best in the National League, and the 26-year-old could easily be a top-10 closer this season, making him a great value at his current ADP as around the 15th relief pitcher off the board.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
New York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (hand) will once again play four or five innings in the field at shortstop in a minor-league game in Port St. Lucie on Thursday. The All-Star shortstop is working his way back from surgery to repair a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. He is still working towards a return for Opening Day, but he has yet to take live at-bats and has not had an official return date set just yet. He has been extremely durable, logging over 150 games and at least 685 plate appearances in each of the last four seasons with 25+ homers and 15+ stolen bases each season. His recovery is progressing well, but he still has several steps before a full return to action.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Max Goodman
March 12, 2026
Chicago White Sox pitcher
Grant Taylor has looked excellent this spring and is a breakout candidate to watch. The 23-year-old has outstanding stuff and can dominate when at his best, but his role is still a little undefined. Last year, he worked 36 2/3 innings in the majors in 36 games, including two starts. He picked up six saves and 54 strikeouts while throwing 37 pitches at 100 mph or faster, including a blistering 102.2 mph on June 22. He posted a 4.91 ERA but a more impressive 1.42 FIP. He is expected to work out of the bullpen, possibly for multiple innings, and has stated his goal is to throw 100 innings this year. He logged a career-high 63 1/3 innings last year in the minors and majors combined. He is shaping up to be an elite relief arm with a very high strikeout ceiling, although his durability and uncertain role make him a little tricky to lock into a spot, since his value depends on how your league treats relief arms. His strikeout potential definitely makes him a great option to watch for dynasty leagues, since the goal is to move him back to the rotation later in his career.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight (illness) will be available for Thursday's matchup with the Utah Mammoth, Kalen Lumpkins of the Chicago Tribune reports. The 24-year-old netminder has sat out three games due to illness. Knight has had it tough lately, dropping seven of his last eight decisions. Still, he's done solid work in the crease for the Blackhawks in 2025-26, posting a 16-18-8 record, a 2.62 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage, and three shutouts. Knight beat Utah 3-1 in October, and Chicago will look to sweep the regular-season series on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Kalen Lumpkins
March 12, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Jorge Polanco has never played a professional inning at first base, but the plan is for Polanco to play first base "more often than not," according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Polanco could gain 1B eligibility in most leagues early in the season, which could make him a very valuable and versatile utility player. Last year, Polanco posted a .265/.326/.495 triple-slash with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 78 RBI, 64 runs scored, and six stolen bases for the Mariners. He will be hitting in the heart of a solid batting order this season, and has nice upside as his current ADP. He already has 2B and 3B eligibility in most formats, so adding 1B will allow more flexibility in roster constructions.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Anthony DiComo
March 12, 2026
San Jose Sharks winger William Eklund (lower body) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Boston Bruins, Max Miller of NHL.com reports. The talented forward has a lower-body injury and didn't practice on Wednesday. Eklund has been the fifth-highest scoring Shark this season, posting 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) in 58 games. However, he also carries a team-worst minus-26 rating, showing the 23-year-old has struggled during even-strength situations. Eklund's health issues could allow Pavol Regenda to rejoin the lineup. Regenda has scored eight goals in 18 appearances this season but has been used very sparingly in recent weeks.
--Taavi PailkSource: Max Miller
March 12, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) continues to build up towards his return and threw 36 pitches in two simulated innings on Tuesday in his fifth bullpen session. According to manager Rob Thomson, Wheeler is getting close to throwing live batting practice. There's still a chance that he could appear in a spring training or minor-league game before the end of spring training. Wheeler continues to work towards an April return, which could make him a top starting pitcher again this season. He remains an injury risk, but all signs so far have been positive that he'll be back in the Phillies' rotation sooner rather than later. He can be a fantasy ace when healthy, so keep a close eye on his recovery as it progresses.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Todd Zolecki
March 12, 2026
Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin finished Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers with a power-play assist. He set up Ryan Leonard for a goal midway through the first period to give Washington the lead, but the team's offense was flat for the rest of the contest. Before Wednesday night, Ovechkin went scoreless for three games, and he's had a tough time making an impact since the Olympic break finished. Over the past seven games, Ovechkin has tallied just two goals and one assist. Nonetheless, at 40 years old, the veteran star has maintained a solid level of performance in 2025-26. With 66 games played, Ovechkin has contributed 24 goals and 27 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 12, 2026
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson extended his career-high road point streak to 10 games with an assist in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. He helped Juraj Slafkovsky open the scoring late in the first period. Another productive road outing would allow Hutson to match a franchise record among defensemen. He will have to wait for a bit for his chance to make history, as the Canadiens begin a three-game homestand on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks. Hutson will enter the matchup with 66 points (11 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games. Only two blue-liners in the league have recorded more points this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 12, 2026
Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov played a key role in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators, finishing with two points. The Russian talent became the second rookie this season with 50 points, assisting Juraj Slafkovsky in the first period and netting the game-winning goal with 7:20 played in the third. Demidov is neck and neck with Anaheim's Beckett Sennecke in the race to finish first in scoring among rookies. Both players have 51 points. Demidov has reached the mark with 14 goals and 37 assists in 64 games. He has been a bit quiet in recent months, notching points in back-to-back games only two times in 2026.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 12, 2026
Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz committed his long-term future to the team, signing an eight-year, $64 million contract extension on Wednesday. He is currently on a seven-year, $40.95 million deal, which will expire this offseason. Without an extension, Schmaltz would have been a very attractive free agency target for teams. He's enjoyed a great spell with his current franchise, posting a new career high with 63 points last season. A year later, Schmaltz is well on track for another career high, sitting on 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists) through 65 games. He has already established his new single-season record with 24 goals.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 12, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (knee) is likely to miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, as the team has listed him as doubtful on the injury report. The star forward is nursing a right knee sprain. With Siakam out,
Obi Toppin jumped into the starting lineup on Monday against the Sacramento Kings, but he's carrying a minutes restriction and was limited to 14:42 of action. Still, Toppin collected 17 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Even with a limited workload, Toppin can make an impact, but there's no guarantee it will happen again on Thursday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Atlanta Hawks guard
Dyson Daniels (toe) is carrying a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. He has sprained his left big toe and could be absent for only his fourth game of the season. If Daniels can't play on Thursday night,
CJ McCollum will pick up a few extra minutes. Meanwhile,
Gabe Vincent and
Corey Kispert could contribute more off the bench. Brooklyn will roll out a weakened lineup and is a 14.5-point underdog for this game, making this a very attractive fantasy matchup for Atlanta's second unit, which is likely to see more playing time in a blowout situation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's clash against the Atlanta Hawks. Brooklyn's leading scorer has sustained a right ankle sprain. Porter Jr.'s earlier absences this season have given
Danny Wolf an opportunity to join the starting lineup. The 21-year-old rookie has averaged 11.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks as a starter.
Jalen Wilson and
Chaney Johnson are also players who could have increased roles due to Porter Jr.'s absence. Additionally, players like
Noah Clowney, Nicholas Claxton, and
Drake Powell may receive more offensive touches.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks point guard
Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report for Thursday's contest against the Miami Heat. Porter Jr. has missed four games due to right knee synovitis, and the team has immediately ruled him out each time. The fact that he's listed as questionable on the initial injury report for Thursday is a sign that Porter Jr. has made progress and might be ready to return to the court. With Porter Jr.'s return,
Ryan Rollins is in danger of landing back on the bench. However, Rollins will continue to have a significant role in the rotation. When it comes to playing time, Porter Jr.'s addition to the lineup could affect
Ousmane Dieng the most.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (quadriceps) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. After shaking off a rib injury, Herro is dealing with a sore left quadriceps and exited the lineup for Monday's game against the Washington Wizards. In his absence,
Kasparas Jakucionis received the starting nod, contributing five points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in 30 minutes. With
Andrew Wiggins (toe) and
Norman Powell (groin) also out, Miami's offense centered around
Bam Adebayo, who had a historic 83-point outing. Due to the injury situation, players like
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and
Pelle Larsson are also positioned to play larger roles on the offensive end.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Boston Celtics guard
Derrick White (knee) might miss Thursday's showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder after the team listed him as questionable for the game. White has been part of the Celtics lineup in all but two games this season, but a right knee contusion might force him to sit out Thursday. With
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) also questionable,
Jaylen Brown and
Payton Pritchard (neck) may have a very heavy offensive workload. At the same time,
Baylor Scheierman, Huge Gonzalez, and
Sam Hauser will be candidates for more playing time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Boston Celtics forward
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After recovering from a torn Achilles, Tatum made his season debut last week and has played in three consecutive games. While Thursday's matchup isn't part of a back-to-back, it seems Boston could sit Tatum to manage his workload. In each of his first three appearances, Tatum has logged 27 minutes, averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Sam Hauser,
Baylor Scheierman, and
Hugo Gonzalez could have larger roles without Tatum, especially if
Derrick White (knee) also misses Thursday's game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Emeka Egbuka has climbed up the depth chart and could open next season as
Baker Mayfield's No. 1 target in the passing game. Legendary wide receiver
Mike Evans recently signed with the 49ers after 12 years in Tampa Bay, leaving Egbuka and
Chris Godwin Jr. atop the wide receiver depth chart. Both Egbuka and Godwin had their ups and downs last season, but the former has significantly greater upside and offers more of a threat to make big plays in contested one-on-one scenarios downfield. In other words, he edges out Godwin in terms of the superstar potential needed to fill the void of someone like Evans. The former Ohio State first-round pick finished his rookie campaign with 63 catches, 938 yards, and six touchdowns. He was the overall WR23 in PPR leagues, and that was after he came back down to earth during the second half of the season. Through the first five weeks of his rookie season, he had ranked as the WR3 in PPR leagues. Egbuka has already shown that he can be a top-five fantasy receiver, so we wouldn't be totally surprised if he returns to that form as the post-Evans era gets underway in 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Arizona Cardinals running back
Trey Benson (knee) seemed like an intriguing buy-low candidate in fantasy football entering this offseason, but his upside has been squandered following the Cardinals' backfield roster moves so far in free agency. The Cardinals restructured a deal to keep
James Conner in Arizona, signed
Tyler Allgeier, and also brought back
Zonovan Knight. Their urgency to put pen to paper with three different running backs could spell disaster for Benson going forward, and even though he's not a cut or trade candidate, he could be falling out of favor in Arizona, where new head coach Mike LaFleur is starting to put his own print on the offense. In his second pro season last year, Benson, a former third-round pick, amassed 160 rushing yards and 64 receiving yards over four games (one start). Just as he was starting to take on a larger role with Conner injured, Benson suffered a knee injury of his own and missed the rest of the season. At this point, it seems like the best-case scenario for Benson is the third-string running back role, and even that's not guaranteed after Knight signed his deal. Dynasty managers should hold Benson for now; he has minimal fantasy football trade value, but at just 23 years old and one year removed from being a backup running back, it's too soon to cut bait entirely.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Washington Commanders running back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt currently sits atop the depth chart as the new league year gets underway. With
Chris Rodriguez Jr.,
Austin Ekeler, and
Jeremy McNichols all departing for free agency, Croskey-Merritt remains the lone holdover from Washington's 2025 backfield. That could change via free agency, the NFL Draft, or even a trade, but for now, it appears that Croskey-Merritt has an early leg up on the backfield competition for 2026. He's coming off a solid rookie season in which he amassed 873 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. We should also note that it's not like Washington is just waiting to bring back some of its familiar faces, either. Rodriguez has already signed with Jacksonville, and it seems unlikely that Ekeler will return to Washington following his Achilles injury. Dynasty managers should hold Croskey-Merritt for now. Although he could be a buy-low candidate, there's also the risk of his value slipping if Washington does make a running back splash in the next month or so.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings have released safety Harrison Smith, according to an announcement on the team's official website. Smith's release will be categorized as the post-June 1 variety, which allows the Vikings to release him immediately while still spreading his cap hit over two seasons. A defensive legend in Minnesota, Smith has spent his entire 14-year career with the Vikings, amassing 207 appearances, 203 starts, and six Pro Bowl nods. He remained effective at 36 years old last season, producing two interceptions, 10 passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one sack, and 54 tackles. The Vikings' announcement describes Smith's release as procedural and leaves the door open for him to sign a different contract that would bring him back to Minnesota for a 15th season. If he does choose to continue his NFL career, he'll have the option to explore opportunities with all 32 NFL teams. However, it's difficult to envision him wearing anything other than purple and gold.
--Andersen PickardSource: Craig Peters
March 11, 2026
The Chicago Bears have signed free agent offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. to a one-year contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Wills was the Cleveland Browns' No. 10 overall pick back in 2020, and he was talented enough for the Browns to exercise his fifth-year option. However, injuries have limited him to just 13 games (12 starts) over the last three seasons combined. Specifically, Wills dealt with a nagging knee injury that resulted in him sitting out the entire 2025 season as a free agent. Signing an NFL contract is a step in the right direction for Wills, but his role is far from guaranteed. He'll need to prove that he's both healthy and productive as the Bears look to build a strong offensive line that will get them back into the playoffs for the second consecutive season. For now, Wills projects as a backup tackle with additional upside. Chicago currently has Theo Benedet and Darnell Wright at the left and right tackle spots, respectively.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
March 11, 2026
The Indianapolis Colts have signed free agent defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Terms and duration of the contract weren't disclosed, but it's likely a short-term deal, especially since Nnadi has signed a one-year contract in each of the previous four offseasons. That strategy paid off for him last year, as he initially signed with the Jets but then was traded to Kansas City, where he had spent his first seven NFL campaigns. With the Chiefs last year, he made 15 appearances (11 starts) while amassing 16 tackles and one quarterback hit. He's not a major pass-rush threat, tallying just one sack over the last four years. However, he still offers solid depth in the Colts' defense behind dependable veteran DeForest Buckner.
--Andersen PickardSource: Aaron Wilson
March 11, 2026
The Washington Commanders have signed free agent defensive lineman Charles Omenihu to a one-year, $4 million deal that has a maximum value of $7 million, according to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. A former fifth-round pick out of Texas, Omenihu has spent time in the NFL with the Texans, 49ers, and Chiefs. Across 17 games (zero starts) in Kansas City last year, he amassed 3.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and 28 tackles. The Commanders and defensive-minded head coach Dan Quinn had been in search of pass-rush reinforcements on the defensive line, so the Omenihu signing makes plenty of sense. He projects as a rotational piece alongside fellow free agent additions K'Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh.
--Andersen PickardSource: Cameron Wolfe
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