RADIO
Dillon Dingler's Power Has Faded Down the Stretch of 2026
Across 598 plate appearances in 2026, Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler is hitting .244/.304/.450 with 27 home runs, 89 RBI, and 71 runs scored. Overall, the 28-year-old has been one of the better power hitters and run producers at the catcher position in MLB this year. Dingler's strikeout rate is manageable at 22.9%, and he's posted solid barrel (10.0%) and hard-hit (42.7%) rates. However, Dingler's production has slowed down considerably in the second half of the season. After hitting just .173 across 113 plate appearances in August, Dingler has hit .203 with just one home run across his first 63 trips to the plate in September. Entering the final weekend of the regular season, fantasy managers may want to consider going away from Dingler.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Riley Has Been a Disappointment for Fantasy Managers in 2026
Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley has had a disappointing year in 2026, hitting .223/.294/.371 with 19 home runs, 72 RBI, 64 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. The 29-year-old has struck out in 31.6% of his plate appearances, his highest rate since his rookie year in 2019. While Riley's 12.4% barrel rate and 44.2% hard-hit rate remain above-average, they are a notch below the marks he posted on his way to three consecutive 30-homer, 90-RBI seasons from 2021 through 2023. Riley has been a bit better in the second half of the season, hitting .248 with 10 home runs across 233 plate appearances since the All-Star break. However, he's struggled to a .229 batting average with a 31.6% strikeout rate in September. Entering the final weekend of the 2026 season, Riley remains a middling third base option for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nolan McLean Heading into the Offseason on a High Note
Across 179 2/3 innings (31 starts), New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean has recorded a 12-10 record with a 3.16 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 194 strikeouts. The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the more exciting young arms in MLB, averaging 96.1 miles per hour on his fastball and logging a 26.0% strikeout rate. McLean has also gotten stronger in the second half of the season, logging a 2.61 ERA across 72 1/3 innings since the All-Star break. He's allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight out of his last nine outings and has pitched at least six innings in 14 out of his last 16 starts. Heading into 2027, McLean profiles as a high-end starting pitcher option for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Martin Perez Placed on 10-Day Injured List with Lower-Back Inflammation
Atlanta Braves left-hander Martin Perez (back) has been placed on the 10-day injured list with lower back inflammation, per Jesus Cano of The Athletic. While Perez could technically return in the middle of the National League Division Series, Braves manager Walt Weiss has already said that the veteran left-hander will likely not be available unless the team makes it to the National League Championship Series. Perez had a surprisingly excellent season for Atlanta in 2026, recording a 9-9 record with a 3.04 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 102 strikeouts across 142 innings (30 games). The 35-year-old's 17.1% strikeout rate limits his fantasy value, but he's been a quality innings eater who likely would have played a role in the Braves' playoff rotation. Without Perez, Braves right-handers Tyler Mahle, Grant Holmes, and JR Ritchie profile as the team's top arms behind ace Chris Sale.
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Willson Contreras Still Experiencing Pain, Not Expected to Play on Friday
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (hand) said he is still experiencing pain when swinging and that he does not expect to return to his team's lineup on Friday, per Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald. Contreras has not played since September 17 after being hit by a pitch on his right hand. X-rays on the hand have come back negative, but the playoff-bound Red Sox have little incentive to force Contreras back out onto the field for their final few games of the regular season. The 34-year-old is a critical piece of the team's lineup, as he's hit .276/.387/.518 with 27 home runs, 81 RBI, 68 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Heading into the final weekend of the regular season, fantasy managers may be forced to leave Contreras on their bench.
Source: Boston Herald - Mac Cerullo
Source: Boston Herald - Mac Cerullo
Should Fantasy Managers Be Concerned About Terry McLaurin?
Across his first two games of 2026, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has recorded just four catches for 64 yards on 13 targets. On the bright side, the veteran wideout was targeted nine times in Washington's Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and came extremely close to securing multiple touchdown grabs. However, the Commanders have gotten excellent production out of fellow veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, which could force McLaurin into a lower-volume downfield role. Perhaps most worryingly, Washington lost quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) to a dislocated elbow in Week 2, and the star signal-caller's return timeline is unclear. Between his underwhelming production so far and the quarterback uncertainty in Washington, McLaurin has slipped outside must-start territory in shallower fantasy leagues ahead of Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Brunson Fully Cleared Ahead of Camp
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson said Thursday during a live taping of The Roommates Show that he is "fully cleared" after undergoing left wrist surgery in July. The reigning Finals MVP played through the injury during New York's championship run before having the procedure. Brunson averaged 26.0 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds across 74 regular-season games last season. With no restrictions expected when training camp opens, his fantasy outlook remains intact entering 2026-27. The update also reduces the chances of Miles McBride or Jose Alvarado seeing an early bump in ball-handling duties.
Source: New York Basketball
Source: New York Basketball
KC Concepcion Jr. Struggling with Efficiency to Begin 2026
Across the first two games of his NFL career, Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. has recorded 10 catches for 71 yards on 11 targets. The Browns have schemed up ways to get the ball in Concepcion Jr.'s hands, as he also has four carries for nine yards to go along with his work as a receiver. However, the 22-year-old has struggled with efficiency and explosiveness so far, averaging just 7.1 yards per reception. Concepcion Jr. has also worked almost exclusively as a slot receiver, which has led to him playing fewer than 70% of Cleveland's snaps in both Week 1 and Week 2. While it's still early, fellow Browns rookie wideout Denzel Boston appears to be establishing himself as the number one option in Cleveland, logging seven catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 11 targets. Concepcion Jr. remains an intriguing season-long stash for fantasy managers, but he profiles as a high-floor deep-league flex option at best in the early going.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jakob Poeltl Moving Well Ahead of Raptors Training Camp
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl is moving well and looks good ahead of training camp, general manager Bobby Webster said Thursday, according to the Toronto Sun's Ryan Wolstat. Webster added that spending time at home helped the 30-year-old reset after injuries limited him to 46 games last season. Poeltl averaged 10.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 25.0 minutes per game. A healthy camp should keep him firmly in the center rotation, though Collin Murray-Boyles made a strong case for more frontcourt minutes during the playoffs. Poeltl's rebounding and efficient interior scoring should remain useful for fantasy managers if his back holds up.
Source: Ryan Wolstat
Source: Ryan Wolstat
Carnell Tate Difficult to Trust Amid Slow Start to 2026
The fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate has had a frustrating start to his NFL career. Across two games, the 21-year-old has recorded just seven catches for 65 yards on 11 targets. On the bright side, Tate leads Tennessee wide receivers in snaps and is the only player on the team who has reached double-digit targets. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the Titans' passing game and offense as a whole remain rough in quarterback Cam Ward's second season at the helm. Through two weeks, Tennessee ranks 30th in the NFL in passing yards, and Ward has thrown just one touchdown pass. Better days could be ahead for Tate as both he and Ward continue to get reps at the NFL level. Still, in the short term, Tate is difficult for fantasy managers to trust.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Terrance Ferguson Puts in Full Practice on Thursday
After being limited with an ankle injury on Wednesday, Los Angeles Rams second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson (ankle) was listed as a full participant in practice on Thursday, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Not only does Ferguson look ready to play on Sunday night in Week 3 on the road against the Denver Broncos, but fellow TE Colby Parkins (knee) could be out after missing the first two practices of the week. Additionally, star receiver Puka Nacua (groin) has yet to practice this week and is trending towards missing his second straight game with a groin injury he suffered in practice last week. The 23-year-old Ferguson, a second-rounder last year out of Oregon, saw much more involvement in the Rams' offense in Monday night's victory over the New York Giants with Nacua out, catching six of nine targets for 54 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Despite a tough matchup this weekend against the Broncos, Ferguson will be in play again as a tight end streamer by fantasy managers if Nacua misses another contest.
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
RJ Harvey Getting Healthier, Returns to Full Practice
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (hamstring) was upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after he was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to the team. Harvey came out of the Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a hamstring injury and was held out this past Sunday in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fellow RB J.K. Dobbins dealt with hamstring cramping on Sunday and was pulled, but he has also been upgraded to a full practice and looks to be on track to play on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. Rookie Jonah Coleman (ankle), who led the backfield against the Jags because of the injuries to Dobbins and Harvey, has yet to practice this week due to an ankle injury. While sharing the backfield in the season opener with Dobbins, Harvey played only 51% of the offensive snaps and carried the ball just three times for 18 yards. He did have four receptions for 23 yards through the air, though. Even if Coleman is not cleared to play this weekend, Harvey will be hard to recommend as a flex option against the Rams, even in deep PPR leagues.
Source: Denver Broncos
Source: Denver Broncos
Rome Odunze's Value in Question Amid Quarterback Uncertainty in Chicago
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has had an underwhelming start to the 2026 season, recording five catches for 95 yards on seven targets across his team's first two games. The 24-year-old entered the year battling a calf injury, which may explain some of his struggles. However, Odunze now projects to be impacted by a different injury in the games to come. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury during Chicago's Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and his return timeline is currently unclear. For as long as Odunze is catching passes from Bears backup quarterbacks Tyson Bagent (concussion) and/or Case Keenum, it may be difficult for him to provide consistent fantasy production. Even in the best circumstances, Odunze is not guaranteed to see a high volume of targets in a Chicago offense that also features wide receiver Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland. Between his slow start and the Bears' quarterback questions, Odunze profiles outside the top-48 at wide receiver for fantasy managers entering Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Anthony Davis "Focused and Ready" as Extension Talks Wait
Washington Wizards forward/center Anthony Davis is entering the season without a contract extension, but general manager Will Dawkins expressed confidence in his mindset Thursday. "AD's in a great frame of mind. He's focused and ready to start the season," Dawkins said. Alex Schiffer reports that the sides tabled extension talks over the summer and plan to revisit them during the regular season. Davis never suited up for Washington after February's trade, as ligament damage in his left hand ended a 2025-26 campaign in which he averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.1 steals across 20 games with Dallas. The production remains strong when healthy, but durability remains the biggest concern for fantasy managers.
Source: Alex Schiffer
Source: Alex Schiffer
J.K. Dobbins Upgrades to Full Practice on Thursday
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (hamstring) was listed as a full practice participant on Thursday, according to the team. Dobbins was pulled from Sunday's Week 2 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars with hamstring cramping and never returned. He only handled 10 carries for 36 yards and was not involved as a receiver before turning things over to fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman (ankle). The 27-year-old had a lackluster season debut, too, carrying the ball only eight times for 36 yards in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Second-year back RJ Harvey (hamstring) was inactive in Week 2, but he, like Dobbins, upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after being limited. Coleman has yet to practice after apparently picking up an ankle injury on Sunday. Denver's backfield is in flux right now and is hard to gauge with all the injuries, but it is looking like both Dobbins and Harvey should be active in Week 3 on Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams. Until Denver's ground game gets going, though, it will be hard to trust Dobbins as much more than a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex in a crowded backfield.
Source: Denver Broncos
Source: Denver Broncos
