January 23, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Zyhir Hope has seen his stock increase over the past year and is seen as not only one of the top prospects in the Dodgers system but in all of baseball. In 2025, Hope began the campaign with High-A and spent 121 games with Great Lakes. During this stint, the 21-year-old outfielder posted an elite .264/.377/.428 line with an .805 OPS. He hit 27 doubles, added 13 long balls, and swiped 26 bases. He then earned a brief six-game stint with Double-A to conclude the season, where he went 6-for-19 with two doubles and a stolen base. Hope now sits as the No. 20-ranked prospect in baseball and the No. 2-ranked in Los Angeles, only behind fellow outfielder Josue De Paula. While Hope is unlikely to debut in 2026, he is a name to follow in dynasty/keeper leagues as he appears to be a budding five-category producer.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 23, 2026

The Washington Nationals acquired first-base prospect Abimelec Ortiz, along with Gavin Fien, Alejandro Rosario, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Yeremy Cabrera from the Texas Rangers, in return for left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore. Gore saw his name in many trade discussions throughout the winter, and the Nationals were able to acquire several high-end prospects in return. Oritz was viewed as the No. 18-ranked prospect in the Texas system on MLB.com prior to the trade. Last summer, the first baseman opened the campaign with Double-A but was able to join Triple-A Round Rock after an 89-game stint. With Double-A, Ortiz held a .247/.343/.444 line with 19 doubles, 16 home runs, and three stolen bases. During his first taste of Triple-A, Ortiz looked quite comfortable, holding a .283/.388/.565 line with a .953 OPS and nine home runs (across 41 games). Given Washington's lack of options at first base, Ortiz could make a strong case to begin the season in the big leagues. He is a name to closely monitor heading into camp.--Andy Smith
Source: Robert Murray

January 22, 2026

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram was a disappointment during the regular season in his first year with the Broncos, catching 50 of his 76 targets for 461 yards and only one touchdown in 16 games played. That continued in the Divisional Round overtime win over the Buffalo Bills last Saturday, as Engram caught just one of three targets for seven yards. The 31-year-old veteran just did not live up to the expectations that Denver's coaching staff placed on him during training camp. Perhaps Engram will be a favorite target for quarterback Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots in place of the injured Bo Nix (ankle), but it's probably unlikely. Engram went over 45 receiving yards just once during the regular season, and his lone TD on the year came way back on Oct. 5 in a win over the Eagles. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a sudden breakout for Engram in the AFC Championship.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 22, 2026

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught both of his targets for 36 yards and a touchdown in the Divisional Round win versus the Houston Texans last weekend. The touchdown was just Douglas' fourth of the year, and his first since a win over the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 2. Fantasy managers might want to pump the brakes on thinking that the 25-year-old wideout will be able to find paydirt again in the AFC Championship tilt this weekend against the Denver Broncos. Denver's D allowed the fifth-fewest half-PPR points per game to opposing wideouts during the regular season and only six touchdowns, which tied for the fewest in the league. Douglas was fifth on the team last week with only 17 snaps on offense, making it unlikely that he'll have a major impact on Sunday's big game unless he finds the end zone again. He hasn't gone over 40 receiving yards since Nov. 2.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 22, 2026

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry let fantasy managers down in the 28-16 Divisional Round win against the Houston Texans, catching just one of two targets for a five-yard gain. Henry played 72% of the offensive snaps, but it was his worst performance of the season against the top defense in the league. Despite his rough showing last weekend, it shouldn't scare fantasy managers away for the AFC Championship this Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Denver's D was one of the better units in the league during the regular season, but they also allowed the ninth-most receiving yards (1,015) to opposing tight ends. Before Henry's dud against Houston, the 31-year-old veteran had three touchdowns in the previous four games for New England. There aren't a lot of sure things at the position at this stage, with only four teams alive, making Henry the No. 1 TE option in most fantasy leagues this week.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 22, 2026

Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (back) will play in Thursday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Although the team downgraded Powell from probable to questionable earlier in the day, he is now listed as available. Powell is dealing with lower back tightness, which may affect his performance against Portland. Recently, the 32-year-old has been in excellent form, shooting 42.1 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 23.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across the last five games.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

The New York Mets announced they have designated left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady for assignment as a corresponding 40-man roster move following their acquisition of infielder Vidal Brujan from the Minnesota Twins. Lovelady is out of minor-league options, and if he clears waivers and is outrighted, he would have the right to elect free agency. The 30-year-old southpaw pitched just 11⅔ innings for the Mets in 2025, allowing seven earned runs while striking out nine and issuing four walks. Across his six-year major league career, Lovelady has struggled to find consistency, compiling a 5.35 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 111 innings. For him to carve out a stable role at the major league level, he would need to rediscover his 2021 form, when he struck out 27.4 percent of opposing hitters and posted a 3.85 xERA. Looking ahead to 2026, even if Lovelady does find himself on a major league roster, he is unlikely to provide any meaningful fantasy value.--Marty Tallman
Source: New York Mets X Account

January 22, 2026

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Miami Heat. He was unavailable for the last game on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings when Portland concluded a back-to-back set. Thursday's game kicks off another back-to-back for the team, making it likely that Williams III will sit out Friday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. With Williams III returning, Duop Reath and Yang Hansen will slide down the depth chart on Thursday.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (knee) missed his second straight day of practice this week on Thursday with a nagging knee issue, but head coach Sean McVay still expects Young to play in Sunday's NFC Championship game against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. The 27-year-old should be back on the practice field on Friday, but he could still carry a questionable designation into Sunday's contest. The third-year linebacker was a first-time Pro Bowler in his third NFL season over 17 regular-season games, posting career highs in total tackles (82), solo tackles (45), and sacks (12) while adding 12 tackles for loss, a career-high 29 QB hits, and a forced fumble. The Rams' defense should have Young available this weekend, but against a Seahawks offense that scored the third-most points per game (28.4) in 2025, they will have their work cut out for them to advance to the Super Bowl.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Associated Press - Greg Beacham

January 22, 2026

Portland Trail Blazers forwards Jerami Grant (Achilles) and Sidy Cissoko (illness) will be active against the Miami Heat on Thursday night. Both were listed as questionable on the injury report. A couple of hours before tip-off, Portland upgraded Grant and Cissoko to probable, and they have now been listed as available. Grant will rejoin the action after missing the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. Cissoko has started seven consecutive games, but with Grant and Jrue Holiday back from lengthy injury absences, he may soon lose his spot in the first unit.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that left tackle Charles Cross (foot) "is good," and that the team is "optimistic for the game" on Sunday in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. The Seahawks' injury report doesn't really reflect Macdonald's statements, though, as the 25-year-old offensive tackle has yet to practice this week. It's a position to watch for Seattle going into the big game this weekend, as backup both backup tackles Josh Jones (knee, ankle) and Amari Kight (knee) have also missed the first two practices of the week. Cross, Jones, and Kight are most likely going to need to practice on Friday to avoid being ruled out for the NFC Championship. Not having Cross, the blind-side protector for quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique), would be a notable development in the third meeting of the year between Seattle and L.A.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Seahawks.com - John Boyle

January 22, 2026

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) will return from a three-game absence on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports. The Clippers initially listed Leonard as questionable on the injury report. With Leonard back, Kobe Sanders is likely to return to the second unit. Leonard has been a man on a mission since the turn of the year, averaging 29.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals, while shooting 42.5 percent from three-point range.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Chris Haynes

January 22, 2026

Free-agent outfielder Corey Julks signed a minor-league contract with the Detroit Tigers last week, and The Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold reports that the deal includes a non-roster invitation to MLB spring training and would pay $875,000 if Julks makes the major-league roster. Julks has spent the past three seasons with the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox. Across 525 MLB plate appearances, the 29-year-old has slashed .234/.288/.337 with nine home runs, 23 doubles, and 20 stolen bases, good for a 74 wRC+. He has also posted a 24.4% strikeout rate alongside a modest 7.0% walk rate. A right-handed hitter, Julks has historically crushed left-handed pitching in the minors but has yet to translate that success to the major league level. Defensively, he has experience at all three outfield spots, though he is best suited for a corner role. Looking ahead to 2026, the Tigers already have Riley Greene, Wenceel Perez, Kerry Carpenter, Parker Meadows, and Jahmai Jones on the 40-man roster. If Julks does receive a call-up, it is unlikely to be a long-term opportunity unless he significantly outperforms expectations. Outside of the deepest dynasty leagues, you can leave Julks off your fantasy radar for now.--Marty Tallman
Source: Evan Petzold

January 22, 2026

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) was limited in practice again on Thursday, according to Seahawks PR. Darnold suffered an oblique injury in practice a week ago, but he played through the injury in the blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round last Saturday night. Head coach Mike Macdonald said earlier this week that Darnold didn't suffer any sort of setback with his oblique last weekend, although he's being considered day-to-day this week. Barring something unforeseen, the 28-year-old signal-caller should be active on Sunday in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, but it doesn't mean he won't carry a questionable tag into that game for the second straight week. There are valid concerns about Darnold going into this weekend, surrounding his health, but also the fact that he threw only two touchdowns and six interceptions against the Rams in two games in 2025.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Seahawks PR

January 22, 2026

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) will play on Thursday against the Miami Heat, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports. The veteran will be back in action after skipping the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. Holiday recently returned from a right calf injury, averaging 10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in 19.3 minutes. He has been productive since returning, but the team has understandably limited Holiday's workload following his two-month injury layoff.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Danny Marang

January 22, 2026

Miami Heat point guard Davion Mitchell (shoulder) won't play Thursday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. He has been trending in the wrong direction throughout the day, and the team has downgraded Mitchell from doubtful to out before tip-off. Last week, Mitchell injured his left shoulder. He returned to the lineup on Monday and played in both games of a back-to-back set, but it appears his shoulder still hasn't fully healed. Kasparas Jakucionis saw an increased workload with Mitchell out of the rotation last week and is likely to see significant minutes again, especially with Tyler Herro (ribs) also sidelined.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

The Washington Nationals announced they have designated catcher Riley Adams for assignment, a corresponding move for their claim of right-hander Gus Varland. Adams had been one of the longest-tenured Nationals, having been acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021 in exchange for left-handed reliever Brad Hand. Over five major league seasons, the 29-year-old has slashed .211/.287/.354 with 21 home runs in 849 plate appearances. While Adams has shown occasional power, his 79 wRC+ over that span indicates his offense has done more harm than good, particularly given that he grades out as a below-average defender. Washington further crowded its catching depth chart in December by acquiring Harry Ford from the Seattle Mariners in the José A. Ferrer trade. With Keibert Ruiz and Drew Millas already on the 40-man roster, Adams' designation seemed inevitable.--Marty Tallman
Source: Washington Nationals X Account

January 22, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) will miss Friday's contest against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Spanish veteran is experiencing right knee soreness, forcing him to skip a second consecutive game. Following Aldama's exit from the lineup, John Konchar started in Wednesday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Unfortunately, he had a quiet evening with two points in 21 minutes. GG Jackson II also logged 21 minutes as a member of the second unit, contributing nine points, two rebounds, one assist, and two blocks. Both players could have expanded roles again on Friday night, though neither looks like a reliable fantasy option.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (elbow) won't play on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. After returning from a calf problem, Morant managed to make two appearances before suffering a new injury. He is on the injury report with a UCL sprain in his left elbow. Morant's absence on Friday will likely give Cam Spencer a chance to rejoin the starting lineup. Spencer has frequently filled in for Morant this season, averaging 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 9.3 assists as a starter. It's a good matchup for Spencer, as he faces a team that allows the fourth-most assists to point guards.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (hip, illness) is listed as questionable for Friday night's action against the Houston Rockets. He's dealing with a hip contusion and an illness, and these issues might keep Cunningham on the shelf for a second consecutive game. If that's the case, Daniss Jenkins will continue in a starting role. He totaled 17 points, one rebound, four assists, two blocks, and two steals in Wednesday's win over the Indiana Pacers. Friday's matchup will be much tougher, but Jenkins could still make some noise in a larger role.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

The Minnesota Twins announced they have traded infielder Vidal Brujan to the New York Mets in exchange for cash considerations. Minnesota designated Bruján for assignment on Tuesday after acquiring Tristan Gray in a trade with the Boston Red Sox. The Mets have not yet made a corresponding roster move. Across five MLB seasons, the switch-hitting Bruján has slashed .199/.267/.276 with five home runs and 16 stolen bases in 645 plate appearances. Optimistically, Bruján has recently shown modest gains in power without sacrificing his low strikeout rate, but he has still been unable to find a long-term home. The 27-year-old Dominican Republic native was once a highly regarded prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays organization but has never been able to secure consistent playing time or production at the major league level. Bruján is out of minor-league options, meaning he would need to remain on the active roster to stay with the Mets. If he does stick around, he would likely serve as infield depth following the Mets' decision to trade Luisangel Acuna for Luis Robert earlier this week. For now, fantasy managers can safely leave Bruján off their radar.--Marty Tallman
Source: Minnesota Twins X Account

January 22, 2026

San Antonio Spurs forward/center Jeremy Sochan (illness) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's meeting with the Utah Jazz. He was initially listed as questionable by the team. Unfortunately, Sochan hasn't been relevant in fantasy basketball this season, averaging 4.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in 13.5 minutes across 26 appearances. On Thursday night, Sochan could play a role in the rotation because Luke Kornet (adductor) is absent from San Antonio's lineup.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Veteran free-agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez remains on the open market, and Nick Deeds of MLBTradeRumors.com believes the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Seattle Mariners remain the most likely landing spots. The Red Sox appear to be the most obvious fit after losing out on Alex Bregman and missing on other veteran power bats such as Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso earlier this winter. Boston is in clear need of right-handed power, and Suárez would immediately help fill that void. The Pirates also make sense as a potential destination. The front office has shown signs of attempting to field a more competitive roster around Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, and Suárez would likely slot into the heart of the lineup, hitting either third or fourth while playing every day. The Mariners have been linked to Suárez since the end of the season, though a reunion comes with concerns. The 34-year-old Venezuelan has historically struggled in Seattle, slashing just .227/.317/.424 across 365 games in a Mariners uniform, though he still managed to hit 66 home runs during that span. From a fantasy perspective, Suárez landing in Boston would be the most appealing outcome, but regardless of where he signs, he should see ample RBI opportunities in a middle-of-the-order role. On the downside, Suárez has become a below-average defender, and his strikeout rate has climbed to nearly 30 percent, limiting his overall fantasy ceiling.--Marty Tallman
Source: Nick Deeds

January 22, 2026

The Chicago White Sox and veteran free-agent first baseman/outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. have agreed to a minor-league contract, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Wade will report to MLB camp as a non-roster invitee. Across seven MLB seasons, Wade owns a .236/.341/.390 slash line with 55 home runs and 185 RBI over 560 games. In 2025, the 32-year-old split time between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels, struggling to a .167 batting average with just one home run in 242 plate appearances. The White Sox have become something of a landing spot for underperforming veteran bats, so it's not impossible that Wade makes the roster out of spring training. Even if he does, however, he would offer minimal fantasy value outside of the deepest AL-only leagues. Chicago already has Munetaka Murakami and Miguel Vargas, who could play first base.--Marty Tallman
Source: Jon Heyman

January 22, 2026

Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (illness) has been cleared to return from a two-game absence on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. He was initially listed as questionable for the matchup. Sensabaugh missed a back-to-back set at the start of the week due to illness. Before landing on the shelf, he had an eye-popping three-game stretch, during which he averaged 31.7 points and 5.3 rebounds with 61.4 percent shooting. Sensabaugh's hot streak could continue on Thursday night, as Lauri Markkanen's (conditioning) absence should provide him with additional scoring opportunities.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

New Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said it is a priority for the organization to make sure it has the proper infrastructure in place for whenever they "find our guy" at QB, according to Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN. "We need to get the quarterback situation in place, but we're not going to do it in an irresponsible manner where we sacrifice building the infrastructure of this football team," Sullivan said. The new GM complimented quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but it seems likely that he'll be released after being benched for rookie Quinn Ewers for the final three games in 2025. Tagovailoa threw a career-high 15 interceptions and didn't go over 200 passing yards in eight of 14 games played. If Miami released him before June 1, they'd take a $99 million dead-cap hit, while that number drops to $67.4 million if it's done after June 1, with an extra $31.8 million dead-cap hit in 2027. Even if the Dolphins think Ewers could be their starter in 2026, the Dolphins are a good bet to draft a QB this spring.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Marcel Louis-Jacques

January 22, 2026

Utah Jazz point guard Keyonte George (forearm) has shed a questionable tag and will play in Thursday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. This is great news for the Jazz, who remain without Lauri Markkanen (conditioning). George had a career-high 43 points in Tuesday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and has been his team's offensive leader recently. Over the last six games, George has averaged 29.3 points and 5.7 assists. This stretch includes a 30-point, six-assist effort against the Spurs on Monday night.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (foot) will be in action on Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks. It was initially unclear whether Payton II would play, as the team listed him as questionable on the injury report. Payton II mainly contributes on the defensive end for the Warriors and doesn't have significant fantasy value. Across 10 January appearances, Payton II has averaged 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 15.4 minutes.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb, who will be a free agent in March, won't be returning to the team for next season, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Dare Ogunbowale will also be a free agent, but he has a better shot at potentially re-signing for backfield depth. Chubb began the 2025 campaign as Houston's lead RB with Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but he lost the job to rookie Woody Marks halfway through the year. The 30-year-old veteran averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 122 rushing attempts for 506 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in 15 regular-season games for the Texans. The four-time Pro Bowler just has not looked like the same player since suffering a gruesome knee injury in 2023 with the Browns, in which he tore multiple ligaments. At best, Chubb will be backfield depth in 2026 if he latches on with another team in free agency.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander

January 22, 2026

Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cisse (illness) will play on Thursday against the Golden State Warriors. The 23-year-old big man has been battling an illness this week. But Dallas has upgraded Cisse on the injury report a couple of times during the day, and he is now officially listed as available. The Mavericks are currently short of bodies in the paint, giving Cisse a larger role. He has averaged 11.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 21.6 minutes across the last three games. Cisse's momentum could continue on Thursday night against a Warriors team that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to centers this season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report