April 6, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Pat Bryant is no longer a top candidate to enjoy a Year 2 breakout. The second season in the league is a common time for receivers to take a major leap, and it seemed like Bryant was heading in the right direction after the 2025 campaign. After all, he had cemented himself as the Broncos' No. 3 receiver and averaged 5.3 targets over his final five games. However, his role suddenly changed when the Broncos surprisingly traded for
Jaylen Waddle out of nowhere. Denver now has Waddle and
Courtland Sutton atop its depth chart, and
Troy Franklin has a clear advantage over Bryant for the No. 3 receiver role. At this point, it seems like the Year 2 breakout is on hold for Bryant. He is a talented player, but his path to consistent fantasy production is nearly nonexistent as long as Waddle, Sutton, and Troy Franklin are healthy.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 6, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Troy Franklin enjoyed a second-year breakout as the overall WR31 in PPR leagues last season. It seemed like he was trending up and due for an even stronger showing in 2026, but then, the Broncos went out and traded for
Jaylen Waddle. That acquisition offers a major shakeup in Denver, establishing
Courtland Sutton and Waddle as the undisputed top two receivers on the team. As a result, Franklin will fall to the No. 3 role. Not only is he no longer a lock to consistently start games, but he's also due for a step backward in fantasy football. His 2025 finish as the WR31 could end up being the peak of the early portion of his career, as Franklin will have trouble being a top-36 fantasy receiver if both Sutton and Waddle are healthy. It'll be tough to sell high on the 23-year-old, so he's merely a hold in most leagues for now.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 6, 2026
Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks
Sam Howell and
Joe Milton III will compete for the backup role behind
Dak Prescott this summer, head coach Brian Schottenheimer told Todd Archer of ESPN.com. The Cowboys acquired Milton last offseason in hopes that he could offer a strong, accurate arm in case Prescott went down. Prescott was healthy for all 17 contests, but when Milton did get into the game, he struggled. He had three turnovers and just one touchdown across parts of four games. Perhaps because of his subpar results on the field, Dallas brought in Howell during the offseason. It appears that the Cowboys have a specific vision for their backup quarterback, as Howell offers mobility and a strong arm similar to Milton. The fantasy implications here are minimal, as we expect Prescott to start the full season unless he gives us a reason to believe otherwise.
--Andersen PickardSource: Todd Archer
April 6, 2026
Tennessee Titans quarterback
Cameron Ward (shoulder) has been "progressing very well" from a right shoulder injury that required offseason rehab, head coach Robert Saleh told Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. Saleh also noted that Ward has consistently been working in the building, sometimes on his own. It was a rookie season to forget for the No. 1 pick, who finished the 2025 campaign with just 3,169 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also took an NFL-high 55 sacks and lost seven fumbles. The turnover-to-touchdown ratio was far from ideal, and Ward will look to play cleaner football next season. He should benefit from an improved offense that now features wide receiver
Wan'Dale Robinson. We also expect
Gunnar Helm,
Elic Ayomanor, and
Chimere Dike to make significant second-year leaps. It's too early to proclaim Ward will be fantasy relevant across the board, but as he continues to recover amid his first full offseason in the NFL, he's certainly trending up.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jim Wyatt
April 6, 2026
Tennessee Titans quarterback
Will Levis could be the odd man out heading into the NFL Draft. Jim Wyatt of the team's official website writes that
Mitch Trubisky will back up
Cameron Ward next season, leaving Levis as either a trade candidate or competing with
Hendon Hooker for the No. 3 role. Wyatt even wrote that he "suspect[s] some teams have been inquiring about Levis," and he indicated that the second-round pick is talented enough to justify a trade, rather than a demotion to the third-string quarterback role. No trade has materialized yet, but we wouldn't be surprised if something came together during the NFL Draft, similar to how the Cardinals traded away
Josh Rosen during the draft after he simply didn't pan out in Arizona. One team that could be interested in Levis is the New York Jets. Rich Cimini of ESPN.com recently wrote that the Jets want to add a veteran backup before the draft, and he specifically mentioned Levis as a name to watch.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jim Wyatt
April 5, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman
Andres Gimenez has established himself as an intriguing waiver wire option for fantasy managers with his hot start to the 2026 season. The 27-year-old is in his second year with Toronto and owns an .848 OPS with two home runs in nine games. Known for his defense, Gimenez has taken a step forward with the bat this season and is worth adding as he continues to produce. It is worth noting that he has also shown a positive trend in reducing strikeouts over his career, something for fantasy managers to keep an eye on as he looks to continue this production from the bottom end of the Jays lineup.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
April 5, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman
Kazuma Okamoto struggled again Sunday in a 3-0 loss vs. the Chicago White Sox, finishing 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk. This marks the 29-year-old's sixth game with multiple strikeouts, as he continues to have trouble limiting swing-and-miss. Okamoto is in his first MLB season and was known for an elite contact tool in Japan before coming overseas. He may still be adjusting to increased velocity at the major league level, with his strikeout rate at 42.9 percent. He has shown positive signs, however, with two home runs while slashing .235/.333/.412 in eight games. He will look to make adjustments quickly as he works to settle into Major League pitching.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
April 5, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder
Garrett Mitchell is off to a hot start this season and has become a priority waiver wire target as he continues his early success. The 27-year-old is hitting .318 with a 1.014 OPS in eight games, showing an increase in power numbers early. Four of Mitchell's seven hits have gone for extra bases, and his average exit velocity sits at 98.4 mph, which ranks in the 99th percentile league-wide. This uptick in power has led to 11 RBI, and his strong production early is expected to create more opportunities moving forward.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
April 5, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder
Jordan Walker has enjoyed an early breakout in the 2026 season, emerging as a must-add waiver wire target with significant upside. The 23-year-old has already recorded two three-hit games along with two home runs, and is slashing .300/.382/.567 in nine games. Walker has always been a power threat, but he has displayed a major uptick in barrel percentage from 6.6% last year to 13.3% this year. He has cut down on strikeouts and taken more walks, all positive signs for the young talent in a limited sample size. These early underlying metrics point to extremely high potential for a breakout year, and fantasy managers should add Walker as soon as possible.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
April 5, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates reliever
Gregory Soto is emerging as a key waiver wire opportunity, showing strong upside early in the 2026 season. The left-hander has allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings, while relying heavily on swing-and-miss stuff with 11 strikeouts. His 52.4 K% ranks in the 99th percentile, highlighting his dominance in a small sample. Soto has already recorded his first save of the season and owns a 0.75 WHIP with a .111 opponents average. If the 31-year-old maintains control and limits walks, he can continue to thrive in the back end of the Pirates bullpen and push for more save opportunities.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
April 5, 2026
Chicago Cubs outfielder
Seiya Suzuki (knee) is expected to continue his rehab assignment Tuesday and Wednesday before rejoining the team Friday for a weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Suzuki was placed on the 10-day injured list March 25 with a right knee injury and has spent the last few days playing with Double-A Knoxville. The 31-year-old has not played a game this season and will look to return to his everyday role upon activation. Suzuki is in his fifth season with Chicago and posted a .245 AVG, .326 OBP, and .478 SLG last year, providing a steady and productive bat in the lineup.
--Julian BrookeSource: Taylor McGregor
April 5, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard
Cameron Payne (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a strained right hamstring and is expected to miss at least two weeks, likely sidelining him for the rest of the regular season. His absence could lead to more backup point guard minutes for
Quentin Grimes behind
Tyrese Maxey. Grimes has logged 10 points and four rebounds in 25 minutes against Minnesota and 12 points with two three-pointers in 23 minutes against Washington recently, though his fantasy upside remains modest with Maxey,
VJ Edgecombe, and
Paul George handling most of the offense.
--Brian DailisanSource: Austin Krell
April 5, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard/forward
Duncan Robinson (hip) is questionable for Monday's game against the Orlando Magic after logging 11 points, two rebounds, and two assists in 23 minutes Saturday. If he sits,
Kevin Huerter,
Caris LeVert, and
Ron Holland II could all see increased opportunities, with one likely moving into the starting lineup. Huerter posted five points, five rebounds, and six assists in 25 minutes in his last outing and could offer short-term value for assists and three-pointers. Holland's recent activity also puts him on the deep-league radar if Robinson is unavailable.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (calf) will remain sidelined for Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets due to a lingering calf strain. His continued absence should keep
Scoot Henderson in an elevated role with the starting group. Henderson has averaged 16.7 points, 2.0 three-pointers, and 4.0 assists in 24.6 minutes across his last three starts, making him a viable fantasy option for points and assists while Grant remains out.
Deni Avdija should continue to see a bit more offensive responsibility, while Grant's absence leaves Portland a little short on forward depth down the stretch.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward
Tobias Harris (knee) is questionable for Monday's game against the Orlando Magic after playing through the issue in his last outing. With Detroit already locked into playoff positioning, the team could take a cautious approach with its veteran forward. If Harris sits,
Ron Holland II,
Javonte Green, and
Caris LeVert could see expanded roles. Holland finished with 11 points, six rebounds, one steal, and one block in 20 minutes in his last appearance, making him a possible deep-league streamer, while Green could enter the starting lineup if Harris is held out.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
New York Knicks forward/center
Karl-Anthony Towns (elbow) is off the injury report and expected to return Monday against the Atlanta Hawks after missing one game. His return should move
Mitchell Robinson back into a reserve role and reduce the minutes available for
Mohamed Diawara and
Ariel Hukporti. Towns has averaged 18.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 28.8 minutes over his last five games and posted a 20-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double in his last outing. He remains a must-start fantasy option, while Robinson's short-term streaming value likely takes a hit with Towns reclaiming starting duties.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (oblique) is off the injury report and expected to play Monday against the San Antonio Spurs after sitting out Saturday for maintenance on the second night of a back-to-back. His return should send
Andre Drummond back to a reserve role and cut into
Adem Bona's minutes. Embiid has averaged 27.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.8 blocks across 33.1 minutes over his last four games, reinforcing his must-start status. His presence should slightly trim the offensive workload of
Tyrese Maxey and
Paul George, though both remain strong fantasy options, while Drummond and Bona take the biggest hit in playing time.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Los Angeles Angels outfielder
Mike Trout (hand) was removed early during Sunday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Trout was taken out of the contest after getting hit by a pitch during the eighth inning. According to Rhett Bollinger, it sounded like it hit Trout's hand pad, but he was pulled from the contest anyway. Before leaving, Trout went 1-for-4 with a run scored and a double. The expectation is that Trout will undergo imaging to determine the severity of the injury. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on his status.
Bryce Teodosio took over in center field and could see an expanded role if Trout misses time.
--Andy WebbSource: Rhett Bollinger
April 5, 2026
New York Mets starting pitcher
Kodai Senga saw his velocity drop during Sunday's start against the San Francisco Giants. Senga was averaging 97.4 mph during his last start. He began Sunday's outing sitting at 96 mph on his fastball. The right-hander was averaging 93-94 mph during his final inning of work. Outside of the decreased velocity, Senga was sharp during Sunday's victory. He tossed 5.2 innings, allowing two earned runs while striking out seven batters in the no-decision. Senga has pitched well over his first two starts of the season, but the dip in velocity is concerning. Fantasy managers should monitor this situation during his next outing against the Athletics on April 11.
--Andy WebbSource: Anthony DiComo
April 5, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Brandon Williams (illness) is available Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers after initially being listed as probable. The 26-year-old has averaged 15.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.0 steals across 23.7 minutes over his last five games, giving him some deep-league appeal for scoring and assists. His return should limit
Ryan Nembhard's opportunities off the bench, while
Cooper Flagg should continue handling primary playmaking duties. Williams could remain a situational fantasy option in deeper formats if his recent usage and bench role remain steady.
--Brian DailisanSource: Mavs PR
April 5, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder
Sal Frelick (side) was held out of the starting lineup during Sunday's game against the Kansas City Royals. This isn't shocking considering Frelick exited early during Saturday's contest due to a side issue. Brewers' manager Pat Murphy said Frelick could've played on Sunday, but they decided to play it safe. The Brewers were facing a southpaw on Sunday, so it's probably best for Frelick to return against right-hander
Brayan Bello on Monday. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of Monday's game to confirm Frelick is back in the mix.
--Andy WebbSource: Todd Rosiak
April 5, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
Marvin Bagley III (shoulder) is available Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers after missing three games. His return could cut into
Dwight Powell's reserve minutes, with Bagley likely reclaiming a steady bench role. The former No. 2 pick has averaged 12.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 three-pointers across 19.9 minutes over his last five games, making him a possible deep-league scoring option.
Daniel Gafford should continue leading the frontcourt, but Bagley's return gives Dallas another scoring option off the bench while Powell's fantasy value takes a hit.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Charlotte Hornets center
Moussa Diabate (ankle) is available Sunday against Minnesota after missing one game. His return likely sends
Ryan Kalkbrenner back to a reserve role and could push
Xavier Tillman out of the rotation. Diabate has averaged 7.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks across 26.6 minutes over his last 10 games, giving him deep-league value for rebounds and defensive stats. He could provide late-season category help in those areas, while Kalkbrenner may see his minutes and fantasy value take a step back.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 5, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder
Brandon Lockridge (hip) appears to have suffered an injury during Sunday's game against the Kansas City Royals. Lockridge looks like he suffered a hip injury during this game, but didn't exit the contest. He was seen hobbling around late in the game, but stayed in through the entire contest. He finished this game, 1-for-2 with an RBI, a stolen base, and two walks. Lockridge should be considered day-to-day for now. He could miss a game or two, but hopefully won't need to be placed on the Injured List.
--Andy WebbSource: Todd Rosiak
April 5, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman
Carlos Santana (groin) was forced to exit early during Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Santana singled in his lone plate appearance, but appears to have tweaked his groin in the process.
Ildemaro Vargas replaced Santana at first base and could see more action at the cold corner. For now, Santana is considered day-to-day, but the D-Backs will likely continue to evaluate him. The veteran switch-hitter is off to a sluggish start and doesn't need to be rostered in most leagues at the moment anyway.
--Andy WebbSource: Arizona Diamondbacks
April 5, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays infielder/outfielder
Addison Barger (ankle) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Chicago White Sox. Barger departed the game in the bottom of the sixth inning due to bilateral ankle discomfort. Before exiting the game, Barger went 0-for-3 at the plate. Jays' manager John Schneider said Barger could return as early as Monday's game versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jesus Sanchez took over in right field during Sunday's game. The expectation is that Sanchez could see a few starts if Barger does miss any time. It doesn't sound like fantasy managers should be worried about Barger missing an extended period of time from this injury.
--Andy WebbSource: Toronto Blue Jays
April 5, 2026
Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov took down the Detroit Red Wings 5-4 on Sunday with his sixth career hat trick. The Russian star netted two even-strength goals during the second period and broke the Red Wings' hearts with a late power-play marker in the third. Only Marian Gaborik (9) has scored more hat tricks for the Wild than Kaprizov, whose last three-goal game was 24 months ago. While Kaprizov hadn't had a hat trick for a while, he has been sharp in front of the net all season. In 75 games, he has scored 43 goals and 87 points. Kaprizov has struck five goals during his current four-game point streak, adding two assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 5, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner (upper body) didn't dress for Sunday's contest against the Florida Panthers, Wes Crosby of NHL. com reports. He was hit in the eye by a puck during Saturday's matchup with Florida. Arturs Silovs started for a second consecutive day, with Taylor Gauthier brought up from the minors to serve as the backup. The Penguins also have the highly rated duo of Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist as potential call-up options if Skinner misses significant time. Since moving to Pittsburgh in December, Skinner has posted an 11-8-5 record, a 2.99 goals-against average, and a .886 save percentage. Prior to this weekend, he had started four of the last five games for the Penguins.
--Taavi PailkSource: Wes Crosby
April 5, 2026
Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren will start in Sunday's matchup with the New York Rangers, Mike Vogel of the Capitals' official site reports. He gets an opportunity to make his 20th start of the season, with the Capitals on a back-to-back for the first time since mid-March. In his most recent outing, Lindgren picked up an impressive 2-1 win over Buffalo. However, his season overall hasn't been great. The 32-year-old holds a 9-7-3 record, a 3.29 goals-against average, a .886 save percentage, and one shutout. On Sunday, Lindgren will aim to make it three wins in three games against the Rangers this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Vogel
April 5, 2026
St. Louis Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich (undisclosed) will rejoin the lineup on Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche. He is expected to be part of the fourth line after Buchnevich missed Friday's win over Anaheim for maintenance. Buchnevich usually plays on a scoring line and could move up in the lineup during the game. He is the Blues' second-highest scorer with 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 74 games. Nathan Walker, Oskar Sundqvist, and Otto Stenberg will all head to the press box on Sunday, with Alexey Toropchenko and Jack Finley joining Buchnevich on the fourth line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
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