January 8, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Christian Kirk won't be a very popular fantasy option for playoff leagues going into the team's Monday night Wild-Card matchup against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers, even though the Steelers' defense was a top-10 matchup for opposing wideouts in 2025 in terms of half-PPR points per game. In the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, Kirk caught just one of two targets for minus-three yards, even with top receiver
Nico Collins getting the day off. However, the Texans did bench starting quarterback
C.J. Stroud after halftime. Still, the 29-year-old Kirk had fewer snaps than both rookie
Jayden Higgins and
Xavier Hutchinson, and he has only 28 catches for 239 yards and one touchdown on 52 targets all year. Kirk has been on the field plenty for Houston, but he hasn't been targeted much and has basically been sharing slot duties with rookie
Jaylin Noel of late.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal only handled three rushing attempts for 12 yards and caught one pass for a two-yard loss in the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the Denver Broncos, despite the team resting rookie
Omarion Hampton (ankle). Hampton did not practice on Wednesday and might have aggravated an ankle injury that landed him on Injured Reserve earlier this season. With Hampton's status uncertain for the Wild-Card game on Sunday night against the New England Patriots, the 24-year-old Vidal could become more interesting for fantasy playoff lineups. However, the matchup isn't a great one, with New England allowing the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game to opposing RBs in 2025. Still, a big volume increase for Vidal if Hampton is out would put him in the RB2 conversation. Vidal filled in nicely as the Bolts' lead back with Hampton hurt this year, and he posted three 100-yard games.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Keenan Allen was the team's leading receiver in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos and he caught seven passes, his most since a season-high 11 grabs back on Oct. 19. However, Allen had just 36 yards on Sunday with backup quarterback
Trey Lance getting the starting nod with the Bolts resting
Justin Herbert. The week prior, the 33-year-old Allen had just one catch for 17 yards in the loss to the Houston Texans. Allen has not scored since Week 7 and hasn't gone over 50 receiving yards in a contest since Week 11 against the Jaguars. He is a trustworthy security blanket for Herbert, the problem is that L.A.'s beat-up offensive line doesn't give Herbert much time to find his receivers. All of the Chargers' wideouts are shaky fantasy options going into the postseason against a Patriots defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest half-PPR points per game to WRs in the last five weeks.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles running back
Saquon Barkley finished the 2025 season with 1,413 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 317 total attempts. After totaling nearly 2,300 scrimmage yards in 2024, Barkley regressed, dropping from 5.8 yards per carry to 4.1 this season. Despite the Eagles' offensive struggles this season, they are in the playoffs and hosting the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Round. The 49ers allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to running backs this season, and injuries to their defensive line and linebackers should open up lanes for Barkley. The defending champions relied heavily on their star running back in last year's Super Bowl run, and they are expected to do the same as they chase back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Jalen Hurts hopes to lead the Eagles to back-to-back Super Bowl titles this season. Hurts was solid in the regular season, throwing for 3,224 yards, a career-high 25 passing touchdowns, and just six interceptions (the fewest among any full-time starting quarterback in the NFL). The Eagles' offense has regressed under offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, dropping from the seventh-ranked scoring offense in 2024 to 19th this season. While the offense has struggled this season, the Eagles are still hosting the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card round, a team that struggled against the pass toward the end of the season. In what could be a high-scoring affair, Hurts is among the top quarterbacks in fantasy this week and could be a great value against the injury-plagued 49ers' defense.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have decided to fire head coach Mike McDaniel, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. McDaniel was expected to lead the team's general manager search after they fired Chris Grier in the middle of the season. McDaniel became head coach in 2022, leading the Dolphins to back-to-back winning seasons and catapulting their offense to top-5 scoring in both seasons. With McDaniel gone, all signs point to former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. There were rumors that a team with a head coach was all over the idea of targeting Harbaugh, and it appears that team was the Dolphins. McDaniel is expected to have a market as an offensive coordinator, while the Dolphins are completely cleaning house.
--Nathan HarveySource: Adam Schefter - ESPN
January 8, 2026
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed was held without a catch in Week 18's loss to the Minnesota Vikings, playing on just 16% of snaps. Reed dealt with injuries all season, from a foot fracture in training camp to a broken collarbone in Week 2. Reed finished his third season, playing seven games and averaging career lows in every major statistical category. Reed has a chance to right his wrongs in the Wild Card round against the Chicago Bears, but it could be challenging with slot cornerback Kyler Gordon possibly being activated off injured reserve. If the Packers want to win this game against the NFC North champions, they will need to run the ball, which could limit Reed's opportunities in the passing game. The third-year receiver is a low-end WR2 this week and is very risky given his regular-season struggles.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
January 8, 2026
After letting go of long-time head coach John Harbaugh, the Baltimore Ravens are requesting an interview with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for their head-coaching opening. Flores coached the Miami Dolphins for three seasons, going 24-25 and helping the Dolphins reach just one playoff berth. After being fired after the 2021 season, Flores joined the Vikings as their defensive coordinator a year later. After ranking among the league's worst defensive units in 2022, Flores led them to 13th in 2023, followed by 5th and 7th in 2024 and 2025. With Flores expected to have a market for a head coaching vacancy, the Ravens are looking to swipe one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL.
--Nathan HarveySource: Tom Pelissero - NFL Network
January 8, 2026
Following reports that the team would make changes to its coaching staff, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard after one season. After being promoted from pass-game coordinator to offensive coordinator last offseason, Grizzard is on the move, opening the door for a new coordinator in Tampa. The Buccaneers' offense regressed significantly last season, dropping from 4th in scoring under Liam Coen to 18th in 2025, and from 3rd in total yards in 2024 to 21st. With Grizzard gone, the Buccaneers will need a new coordinator, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Falcons OC Zac Robinson, former Ravens OC Todd Monken, and Rams pass game specialist Nathan Scheelhaase are among the names to watch for this position.
--Nathan HarveySource: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
January 8, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov (foot) is expected to be in the lineup on Thursday versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ashlyn Sullivan of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. Due to a foot injury, Michkov was unavailable for the first time this season on Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. Under a new coaching regime, Michkov has taken a step back in 2025-26. He has notched nine goals and 23 points in 40 appearances. The Russian talent has managed just one goal over his last 16 outings. Thursday's matchup is a good spot for Michkov to start turning things around, as the Maple Leafs allow an average of 3.29 goals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ashlyn Sullivan
January 8, 2026
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon (lower body) will be out for about 7-10 more days, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports. Lyon sustained a lower-body injury in late December, landing on the shelf after winning seven consecutive decisions. Buffalo has gone with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in all three games since Lyon was injured. The Finnish netminder has done solid work, posting a 2-1-0 record and allowing eight goals. With Lyon and Luukkonen in top form, the Sabres have been the hottest team in the NHL since December, joining the playoff race.
--Taavi PailkSource: Heather Engel
January 8, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (upper body) was placed on Injured Reserve, ruling him out for at least three games. He has already skipped one contest due to an upper-body injury. The team considers Marchment week-to-week. Losing Marchment is a significant blow for the Blue Jackets, as he's had an impressive start with his new team. Since coming over from Seattle, Marchment has averaged a point per game in seven outings, scoring five goals. Columbus has replaced Marchment on the roster with Mikael Pyyhtia, but it's unclear whether he'll make the lineup for Thursday's matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 8, 2026
New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (illness) missed Wednesday's practice and may not be available for Thursday's tilt against the Buffalo Sabres. After bagging four points (one goal, three assists) in the first two games of 2026, Lafreniere could be sidelined by an illness. In December, Lafreniere had points in only four of 15 appearances, but he has shown encouraging signs of improvement early this month. Luckily for the Rangers, J.T. Miller (upper body) is on the cusp of returning and could take Lafreniere's spot in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 8, 2026
New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller (upper body) is on track to return to action on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres. An upper-body injury knocked the Rangers captain out of the lineup before the holiday break, leading to a seven-game absence. At the start of the week, Miller was cleared for contact and now appears ready for game action. This season, Miller has lacked his usual sharpness, going for only 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in 35 games. He has made it to the score sheet just 16 times throughout the campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 8, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Adam Henrique (undisclosed) was placed on Injured Reserve and is not expected to be healthy until after the Olympic break. The 35-year-old veteran was injured during Tuesday's win over the Nashville Predators. In 43 outings, Henrique has posted 10 points (two goals, eight assists) while winning 54.8 percent of his faceoffs. The Oilers need a new third-line center with him on the shelf. Trent Frederic and Andrew Mangiapane were scratched against Nashville on Tuesday and will be the main candidates to fill Henrique's spot in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 8, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers forward
Dean Wade (knee) won't play on Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 29-year-old is having trouble with his left knee. He ended a two-game absence on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers, but Wade logged only eight minutes before exiting the game due to a left knee contusion.
De'Andre Hunter,
Nae'Qwan Tomlin, and
Jaylon Tyson (illness) will help fill the void left by Wade. Although Tyson is listed on the injury report due to illness, he is expected to be available against Minnesota.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 8, 2026
Dallas Mavericks point guard
Brandon Williams (heel) is considered questionable for Thursday's clash against the Utah Jazz. He has sustained a heel contusion and may have to sit out some action after a good start to 2026. Over three January appearances, Williams has averaged 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 25.0 minutes. If Williams is unable to play against Utah,
Ryan Nembhard will likely receive a larger workload. This is an excellent fantasy matchup for Dallas' second unit, as Utah gives up the most bench points in the Association.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 8, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
P.J. Washington (ankle) is not expected to suit up on Thursday against the Utah Jazz, as the team has listed him as doubtful on the injury report. Washington dropped out of the lineup this week due to a sprained right ankle and is poised to miss a second straight game.
Naji Marshall got a starting opportunity on Tuesday versus the Sacramento Kings and had a good all-around performance. Across 32 minutes, Marshall amassed 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and two steals. If Washington remains out on Thursday, Marshall is likely to log another start in a very attractive fantasy matchup against the NBA's poorest defense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 8, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle) is questionable for a meeting with the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. He's been dealing with a right ankle sprain recently, missing two games. The absence of Jaquez Jr. has left Miami without one of the league's most productive reserves. The 24-year-old has contributed 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 29.1 minutes.
Nikola Jovic and
Pelle Larsson have had additional playing opportunities with Jaquez Jr. out. However, the rotation dynamics changed on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as
Tyler Herro ended a nearly month-long absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 8, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (rest) is not on the injury report for Thursday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The six-time All-Star was rested on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers.
Dean Wade (knee) started in his place but left early. Mitchell has scored 30-plus points in three straight games, shooting 54 percent. It will be challenging for him to keep the run going on Thursday night, as Cleveland faces the NBA's sixth-best defense.
Darius Garland and
Sam Merrill, who combined for 48 points on Tuesday, will have fewer scoring opportunities with Mitchell back.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 8, 2026
The Atlanta Hawks have acquired guard/forward
Corey Kispert (hamstring) from the Washington Wizards. The franchise decided to part ways with its star man,
Trae Young, and found a landing spot for him in D.C. Guard
CJ McCollum also moved to Atlanta as part of the deal. Kisper has made all of his 311 career appearances with the Wizards, averaging 10.9 points on 38.3 percent three-point shooting. Injuries have limited Kispert's impact this season; through 19 appearances, he's averaged 9.2 points in 19.5 minutes per game. From a fantasy perspective, the trade doesn't change much for Kispert, as his role in Atlanta will likely mirror what he had in Washington.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 8, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live, the Red Sox could look to target left-hander
Tim Mayza in free agency. With
Justin Wilson potentially considering a return, the Red Sox could look to sign Mayza to fill his role. Last season, the left-hander logged only 16 2/3 innings of work as he was sidelined for most of the campaign due to a left lat strain. During this brief stint, he split time with the Pirates and Phillies, posting a 3.78 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP. He struck out 15 hitters. In 2024, the southpaw logged 42 2/3 innings with the Yankees and Blue Jays, posting a high 6.33 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. While Mayza could fill a low-leverage role in the Boston bullpen, managers should not expect him to compete for any high-leverage opportunities, given his recent struggles, if he were to sign there.
Aroldis Chapman remains the clear-cut ninth-inning option, while
Garrett Whitlock and
Justin Slaten remain the top targets for holds.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
January 8, 2026
Guard
CJ McCollum has been traded for the second time in six months, this time moving from the Washington Wizards to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for star guard
Trae Young. McCollum joined the Wizards from the New Orleans Pelicans in the offseason, making 35 appearances for the team. He averaged 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 30.9 minutes. The 34-year-old will likely have a lesser role in Atlanta and won't be as impactful in fantasy. Still, he's a savvy scorer and will bring veteran leadership to a young squad. McCollum has an expiring $30.6 million contract and is playing for his future this campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 8, 2026
The Chicago Cubs remain interested in improving their third base position and continue to show interest in top infield free agents
Alex Bregman and
Bo Bichette. As initially reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cubs expressed interest in Bichette in hopes of upgrading at third base. However, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that Bregman could also fill that role and remains linked to the club. However, Rosenthal and Sammon noted that if the Cubs were to acquire either Brgman or Bichette in free agency, it could result in a trade of second baseman
Nico Hoerner and a move of
Matt Shaw to the keystone. While the Cubs have not "fully explored" Hoerner's trade market, the Cubs could look to further bolster their rotation even after acquiring
Edward Cabrera on Tuesday. Both Bregman and Bichette remain two of the top hitters on the free agent market and have been linked to several suitors. Bregman is coming off a strong debut season in Boston, where he held a .273 AVG with 18 home runs, while Bichette enjoyed a massive bounce-back campaign, posting a stellar .311 AVG with an .840 OPS.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
January 8, 2026
The Kansas City Royals have shown interest in acquiring Cardinals infielder
Brendan Donovan, according to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic. The Cardinals have shopped Donovan all offseason but have struggled to find a trade partner. While he is under club control for another two seasons, the Cardinals are looking for a sizeable return for Donovan, who the team views as a high-end player. This offseason, the Royals did not make many major additions to their starting lineup, which means Donovan could fill a super-utility role, playing time at second base and the outfield, as he has done in St. Louis. Last season, the 28-year-old posted a career-best .287 AVG with 32 doubles, 10 home runs, and three stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate, striking out at just 13.0% of the time. Donovan could see an uptick in counting stats if he joins Kansas City, batting alongside
Bobby Witt Jr.,
Vinnie Pasquantino, and
Salvador Perez.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
January 8, 2026
Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher
Lyon Richardson was sent to Triple-A after passing through waivers. Richardson has spent his entire professional career with the Reds, since joining them in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Richardson made his MLB debut during the 2023 campaign, but logged his highest workload this past summer. In 2025, the Jensen Beach HS product posted a 4.54 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP across 37 2/3 innings. He struck out 30 hitters but served up a hefty 21 free passes. Through 32 innings with Triple-A last season, Richardson held a similar 4.22 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. Managers should expect Richardson to operate in a relief role at Louisville to open the season and contend for a low-leverage role in the major league bullpen.
--Andy SmithSource: Cincinnati Reds
January 8, 2026
The Colorado Rockies have claimed right-handed pitcher
Keegan Thompson. The 30-year-old right-hander signed a contract with the Reds earlier this offseason but was designated for assignment in late December. Thompson began his MLB career with the Chicago Cubs and was selected in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of Auburn. During his debut season, Thompson posted a 3.38 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP across 53 1/3 innings. This past season, Thompson enjoyed his most productive campaign, posting a strong 2.67 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP across 30 1/3 innings of relief. He added two saves as well. Given his solid production last summer, managers should expect Thompson to carve out a role in Colorado, serving as a middle relief option or potentially in a high-leverage situation.
--Andy SmithSource: Cincinnati Reds
January 8, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have claimed left-handed pitcher
Ryan Rolison off waivers from the Colorado Rockies, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Rolison, a former first-round pick, made his MLB debut with the Rockies last summer. Across his first 42 1/3 innings in the big leagues, the southpaw posted a hefty 7.02 ERA with a 1.77 WHIP. During this stint, he tallied just 25 pinchouts and allowed 20 walks. While he generated groundballs at a promising 48.6% rate, he posted a high 5.74 xERA with a 9.5% barrel rate. Through 115 career innings at Triple-A, Rolison has posted a 5.32 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. Given his struggles in the majors last season, managers should not expect Rolison to have a significant role in the Chicago bullpen if he can crack the Opening Day roster.
--Andy SmithSource: Bruce Levine
January 7, 2026
Free-agent right-hander
Michael Lorenzen and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract on Wednesday evening that includes a $9 million club option for the 2027 season, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. The 34-year-old Lorenzen will serve as a starter for the Rockies this year. After a disappointing 2025 campaign with the Kansas City Royals, Lorenzen's fantasy appeal will dip even further in 2026 with the move to one of the worst teams in the league in one of the worst pitchers' parks in Coors Field. The veteran right-hander went 7-11 this past season with a 4.64 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 127 strikeouts with 39 walks in 141 2/3 frames over a career-high 26 starts. The one good thing going for Lorenzen with his move to Denver is the fact that he should have a long leash in Colorado's starting rotation. He improved his strikeout and walk rates in KC, but he struggled with home-run allowance, something that will need to change quickly in 2026 if he's going to be a matchup-based streaming option for fantasy managers.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
January 7, 2026
The Miami Dolphins are going into the second phase of their search for a new general manager and will be conducting in-person interviews this week, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The four candidates that will be interviewed are Los Angeles Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander, Green Bay Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan, San Francisco 49ers director of scouting and football operations
Josh Williams, and interim GM Champ Kelly. The Dolphins have been clear that they aren't firing head coach Mike McDaniel following a disappointing 2025 season, although things could be changing quickly on that front following the Baltimore Ravens' surprising firing of head coach John Harbaugh on Tuesday. Miami fired previous GM Chris Grier on Halloween. There are still a lot of moving parts to Miami's front office and coaching situation early this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
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