March 13, 2026
New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye enjoyed plenty of success in 2025, including finishing as the MVP runner-up, ranking as the QB2 in fantasy scoring, and making it to the Super Bowl. It was a remarkable second season for the former first-round pick, and he'll look to follow it up with an equally dominant campaign in 2026. The biggest question mark for Maye is whether he'll have a receiving group capable of supporting his hefty upside.
Stefon Diggs wasn't an elite receiver by any means last season, but he still carried the position group and offered plenty of reliability with big-play upside. However, Diggs was released, and the Patriots downgraded at wide receiver by signing
Romeo Doubs to take his place. Making a splash at wide receiver -- like trading for
A.J. Brown or even bringing back Diggs on a different deal -- would be great for Maye's fantasy aspirations. However, with his current receiving room, he may have trouble topping last season's 4,394 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
New York Jets wide receiver
Garrett Wilson has dealt with some poor quarterback play throughout his NFL career, and that might not change in 2026. New York recently struck a deal to acquire quarterback
Geno Smith, taking on the final year of his hefty contract in exchange for a late-round pick. It's a move that signals the Jets want to have better quarterback play than last year, but still don't plan to be very competitive next season. Smith wasn't able to support very promising fantasy results from his receivers in 2025, as
Jakobi Meyers was traded midseason and Vegas' top-scoring fantasy receiver was
Tre Tucker (WR38). Make no mistake, Wilson should still be a fantasy WR2 when healthy; he was the WR15 in terms of fantasy points per game last year, but he missed more than half the season. He was also the overall WR10 with over 100 catches back in 2024, but that was with
Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback. The bottom line is that Wilson will deliver fantasy-relevant results regardless of the quarterback situation, but his true ceiling will continue to be limited as the Jets roll out quarterbacks like
Justin Fields,
Tyrod Taylor, and now, Smith. He's best viewed in the WR16-WR24 range for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Miami Dolphins wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle finds himself in the middle of an evolving offense, and not in a good way. The Dolphins endured an ugly season of quarterback play from
Tua Tagovailoa, and they replaced the former first-round pick with
Malik Willis, who flashed upside in Green Bay but will likely start to get figured out by opposing defenses now that he's a full-time starter. Plus, Willis' top trait has been his mobility and physical running style, leaving some questions about his passing. All in all, that's not great news for Waddle. On the bright side, though, the former first-round receiver is headed for significant volume once again. Much like most of the 2025 regular season, Waddle will enter the 2026 season without
Tyreek Hill in Miami's receiving room. Waddle is the No. 1 wide receiver in Miami, and between
Tutu Atwell and
Malik Washington, there's not much competition. Therefore, even though we're not sold on this offense in 2026, Waddle should still have a productive fantasy season while commanding a heavy target share every week. That type of role resulted in a modest stat line of 64 catches, 910 yards, and six touchdowns last season. We wouldn't be surprised to see him push for 75 catches, 1,000 yards, and another six-plus scores in 2026, keeping him in the mix as a mid-to-low WR2 for fantasy football purposes.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Carolina Panthers running back
Jonathon Brooks (knee) could be an appealing buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues as he works his way back from injury. Brooks missed the entire 2025 regular season due to a torn ACL that he suffered in 2024. Injuries have limited the once-promising running back to just three games through two NFL seasons. The former Texas product showed some promise when healthy, though. In Week 13 of the 2024 season, when the Panthers were still getting him up to speed, he handled six carries and also caught three passes for 23 receiving yards. Brooks should be healthy for training camp in 2026, and he could ascend into a significant role right away.
Rico Dowdle departed the Panthers in free agency, leaving Brooks and
Trevor Etienne in competition for a larger workload alongside
Chuba Hubbard. While Hubbard has an early leg up on the competition, we would not be surprised to see both Brooks and Etienne get a fair crack at the job. Brooks could have low-end RB3/flex appeal if he locks up the backup running back role, and earning the starting job could put him in RB2 territory. 2025 showed that Chuba Hubbard isn't an every-down back, so Brooks would likely handle a sizable workload even if he split touches with Hubbard.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
New York Giants wide receiver
Malik Nabers (knee) finds himself alone atop the depth chart heading into the 2026 NFL season. Nabers is working his way back from a torn ACL, and when he returns, he won't face much competition for targets.
Wan'Dale Robinson walked in free agency, and the Giants responded by signing
Calvin Austin III, who had a very underwhelming season in Pittsburgh. New York does still have
Darius Slayton, and while he's been known to deliver some solid performances from time to time, he lacks the consistent type of production that we saw from Robinson. Unless the Giants make an unforeseen wide receiver signing or trade (or prioritize the position in the draft), we should expect Nabers to be
Jaxson Dart's primary target more often than not in 2026. Even coming back from injury, he has top-three wide receiver upside in fantasy football.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Josh Downs is a candidate to get more involved on offense after the team traded away
Michael Pittman Jr. earlier this week. Pittman's departure for Pittsburgh leaves Downs and the newly-extended
Alec Pierce as Indianapolis' top two wide receivers. Pierce's $116 million deal indicates that he's the new No. 1 receiver on the Colts, but there's still plenty of room for Downs to exist and contribute. The 24-year-old had 58 catches, 566 yards, and four touchdowns last year. Those were subpar numbers, but part of the blame can be placed on the state of the Colts' offense during the back half of the season with
Philip Rivers at quarterback. With
Daniel Jones (Achilles) returning and Pittman shipped away, Downs will have a chance to return to his 2024 form, when he was the Colts' No. 2 receiver and finished as the overall WR35 in PPR leagues. A top-36 finish is well within reach for Downs in 2026, making him a potential buy-low dynasty option this offseason.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander
Yoshinobu Yamamoto will remain with Team Japan as long as they are still alive in the World Baseball Classic, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Yoshinobu is not scheduled to pitch again in the WBC after the quarterfinals this Saturday versus Venezuela. In his first outing for Japan, last year's World Series MVP threw 2 2/3 shutout innings to earn the win in the group stage against Chinese Taipei. Before leaving spring training for the WBC, he had allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits (one homer) while walking none and fanning seven in 4 2/3 innings in two Cactus League starts. Yamamoto was a first-time All-Star in 2025, going 12-8 with a 2.49 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 201 strikeouts, and 59 walks in 173 2/3 innings over 30 regular-season starts. He kept it going in the postseason and was downright dominant to win a second World Series ring in as many years with L.A. The Japanese hurler is ranked as the No. 5 fantasy starting pitcher at RotoBaller.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
March 12, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar
Shohei Ohtani threw a four-inning live batting practice session on Thursday against Samurai Japan hitters during a workout ahead of the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against Venezuela on Saturday, according to David Adler of MLB.com. Ohtani threw 59 pitches during the workout and had seven strikeouts while facing 18 batters. It's part of the 31-year-old four-time MVP's process to be ready to pitch for the Dodgers when the regular season starts on March 26. He is only serving as a hitter in the WBC for Japan, though, and will not pitch in the tourney. The Dodgers are being cautious with Ohtani after he returned in 2025 from right-elbow surgery and then pitched through a long postseason in the fall. Ohtani is expected to be a full-time starter for L.A. for all of 2026, but he could have limited pitch counts early on. Despite a potential overall innings limit, Ohtani offers elite starting pitching upside in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - David Adler
March 12, 2026
Chicago Cubs right-hander
Edward Cabrera has been throwing his four-seam fastball around 30% of the time in spring training as he heads into his first season with the Cubs, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Cabrera used the fastball oly 13% of the time in 2025 with the Miami Marlins, reducing its usage from 27.7% in 2024. "I want to see how they play off each other. If there are opportunities for us to help him play up the fastball by using it in certain situations or following certain sequences, then I want to try to help him find that," pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. Cabrera has a signature changeup that he throws often, but the Cubs want him to use his heater more to make both offerings more effective. The 27-year-old's fantasy stock is on the rise in 2026 with a better team after he had a 3.53 ERA and 150 strikeouts in 137 2/3 innings for the Fish in 2025. Cabrera offers plenty of upside as a No. 3 or No. 4 fantasy starting pitcher.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jordan Bastian
March 12, 2026
The Boston Red Sox announced on Thursday that infielder/outfielder
Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) had a successful left-shoulder arthroscopic debridement on Thursday. The procedure was performed by Dr. Jeffrey R. Dugas in Alabama. The Red Sox also placed Gonzalez on the 60-day injured list on Thursday, which means he will miss at least the first two months of the 2026 season. The 29-year-old had yet to make an appearance in spring training due to shoulder inflammation. In his second year in Boston in 2025, Gonzalez only had 341 plate appearances, but he was effective, slashing .305/.343/.483 with an .826 OPS, career-high nine home runs, 53 RBI, and six stolen bases in 96 games played. Gonzalez's batted-ball metrics backed up the strong season. His 2026 fantasy value obviously takes a hit because of his shoulder injury, but when back to full health, Gonzalez figures to compete for a platoon role in Beantown, primarily as a lefty killer.
--Keith HernandezSource: Boston Red Sox
March 12, 2026
New York Mets left-hander
Sean Manaea doesn't have an explanation for his lower velocity in spring training -- it was in the 89-90 mph range on Thursday -- but he's not concerned about it at this point, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Manaea said he will ideally get up to 92-93 mph once the adrenaline of the regular season hits. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw allowed three runs on six hits while walking one and striking out four in 2 2/3 innings in his Grapefruit League start on Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Manaea isn't the only pitcher dealing with lower velocity in spring training, and it's not always something to be concerned with. To bounce back in 2026 for the Mets, Manaea needs to stay healthy. He battled elbow and oblique injuries last year and struggled to a 5.64 ERA after having a late-career breakout in 2024. Manaea is a risk/reward late-round target for fantasy managers.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
March 12, 2026
Houston Astros right-hander
Mike Burrows has been nearly unhittable in Grapefruit League action in spring training, throwing 12 2/3 scoreless innings in four outings. Burrows has struck out 15 batters, walked six, and given up only six hits after throwing 77 pitches over four innings of work on Thursday night. The Astros acquired the 26-year-old in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates in December, and so far, it's looking like it could be a steal for the Astros. Burrows made one relief appearance for Pittsburgh in 2024 but saw his first extended run in the majors last year, posting a 3.94 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 97 strikeouts and 31 walks in 96 innings over 23 outings (19 starts). He has added a two-seam fastball to help neutralize right-handed hitters and has breakout potential as a high-strikeout arm. Particularly in dynasty/keeper formats, Burrows is becoming more attractive as a late-round dart throw by the day.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
March 12, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (lower body) was forced to leave the game with a lower-body injury in Thursday's 6-4 victory against the Ducks. The Maple Leafs captain was injured on a knee-on-knee collision in the second period of the contest, with Ducks captain Radko Gudas getting a major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct, too. Matthews was assisted by a trainer and was only able to put minimal weight on his leg. Before the injury, Matthews scored a power-play goal to bring his season total to 27 goals through 60 games.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 12, 2026
St. Louis Blues right winger Jimmy Snuggerud had a two-goal game in a 3-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. His goals came back-to-back and gave the Blues a 2-1 lead. The 21-year-old rookie has been on fire lately with five goals and nine points in his last four games. He is a great waiver-wire pick-up right now in most fantasy leagues.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 12, 2026
San Jose Sharks center Michael Misa had a goal and an assist in a 4-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Thursday. He got the scoring started six minutes into the game and then assisted on William Eklund's goal in the third period. The second overall pick from the 2025 draft got off to a slow start this season, but now he has picked it up and has 15 points in 26 games so far. He has a bright future ahead of him.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 12, 2026
Utah Jazz point guard
Keyonte George (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, ESPN's Tim Bontemps reports. The talented guard was injured in Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks and has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. George looks set to miss at least seven games, but considering the Jazz's approach to the season, it wouldn't be surprising if he were shut down for the rest of the campaign.
Isaiah Collier will move into the starting point guard spot and is expected to make a big impact. Across his previous 16 starts this season, Collier has produced 15.3 points, 8.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: Tim Bontemps
March 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Isaac Okoro (knee) will miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 25-year-old was initially listed as questionable on the injury report. With Okoro unable to return to the lineup,
Leonard Miller will make another start. He had a good outing with 17 points and 11 rebounds on Tuesday night against Golden State. Okoro will get his next chance to return on Friday night against the Clippers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Chicago White Sox utility man
Brooks Baldwin (elbow) had imaging done on his right elbow that revealed inflammation, per Scott Merkin of MLB.com. While it's not entirely clear what the issue is for Baldwin, it appears as though he could be at risk of missing Opening Day. Across 328 plate appearances for Chicago in 2025, Baldwin slashed .240/.290/.407 with 11 home runs, 38 RBI, 32 runs scored, and five stolen bases. The 25-year-old's main appeal is his versatility, as he has spent time at every defensive position other than first base, catcher, and pitcher. If Baldwin misses time, recently acquired utility man
Luisangel Acuna (eye) could see a more prominent role in the early portion of the season for the White Sox.
--Will BradySource: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
March 12, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward
Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is considered questionable for Friday night's action against the Golden State Warriors. The former Bull is listed on the injury report with a right thumb sprain and could be absent for a second consecutive contest. Since moving to Minnesota, Dosunmu has averaged 11.0 points and 2.5 assists in 25.3 minutes per game.
Kyle Anderson and
Terrence Shannon Jr. saw their workload increase when Dosunmu sat out Wednesday's loss to the Clippers. Despite receiving more minutes, the duo failed to make a significant impact, making them poor fantasy options at present.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Athletics catcher
Shea Langeliers took his game to new heights in 2025, hitting .277/.325/.536 with 31 home runs, 72 RBI, 73 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across 523 plate appearances. The 28-year-old had already established himself as one of the better power-hitting catchers in the two years prior, hitting 51 combined home runs between 2023 and 2024. He emerged as a more complete hitter last season by dropping his strikeout rate to 19.7%, a significant improvement from his career average of 26.1%. Langeliers sacrificed a bit of hard contact for the improvement, as his barrel rate dropped from 12.8% to 11%. However, the Athletics' move to Sacramento and the extremely hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park helped offset any negatives for Langeliers. He also should be locked into a prime position in the heart of an improving Athletics lineup, helping him rack up counting stats. Even if Langeliers' batting average regresses a bit towards his career norm in 2026, he should still profile as one of the best hitters at his position for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs signed former Arizona Cardinals running back
Emari Demercado to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Demercado had over 1,100 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns (three rushing) in his three years with the team, and he'll now join
Kenneth Walker III in KC's new-look backfield going into the 2026 season. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of TCU had a career-high 312 rushing yards on 44 carries in 13 games in Arizona in 2025, but he didn't find the end zone on the ground. Demercado added 13 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown in an expanded role after both
James Conner (foot) and
Trey Benson (knee) suffered season-ending injuries. He never held a big role in Arizona's backfield, but he was productive when he touched the ball, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt on 126 carries. Demercado should have more upside as a stash candidate in deeper fantasy leagues while competing for backup duties with
Brashard Smith.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
March 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Patrick Williams (ankle) has been downgraded from doubtful to out for Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. Williams was trending in the wrong direction throughout the day, having been listed as questionable on the initial injury report. The 24-year-old hasn't been able to build any momentum this season and will be sidelined for the sixth time in seven games. Chicago begins a back-to-back set, and it's unclear whether Williams will be in contention to play on Friday against the Clippers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider said on Seattle Sports Radio on Thursday that running back
Zach Charbonnet's (knee) ACL surgery "went very well," and his "outlook is good." Schneider wouldn't provide a timeline for Charbonnet's recovery or a timetable for when he might be able to resume football activities. The 25-year-old tore the ACL in his knee during the Divisional Round win against the San Francisco 49ers, so given the timing of the injury, it wouldn't be realistic to expect Charbonnet to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Typically, recovery from a torn ACL takes anywhere from eight to 12 months. Seattle's backfield is thin because of Charb's injury, and with
Kenneth Walker III signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. If Charbonnet isn't ready in early September, the Seahawks could pair a rookie RB with both
George Holani and newcomer
Emanuel Wilson. Charbonnet's 2026 fantasy value is probably going to take a pretty big hit because of his injury, but when he's finally healthy, he could have a clear path to being the RB1.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Michael-Shawn Dugar
March 12, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot, hip) will return to action on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. The veteran superstar has dealt with several health issues recently, missing three games.
Rui Hachimura has been a starter during James' absence and will likely drop back to the bench for Thursday's tilt. James had a 24-point outing in his first meeting with the Bulls this season. He has averaged 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.1 steals since making his 22nd All-Star appearance.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dave McMenamin
March 12, 2026
In his first full season with the Seattle Mariners in 2025, outfielder
Randy Arozarena hit .238/.334/.426 with 27 home runs, 76 RBI, 95 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases across 709 plate appearances. Heading into 2026, Arozarena is locked into a max-playing time role in the heart of the Seattle order and should be highly motivated to put together his best season, as he will hit free agency next winter. The main hole in Arozarena's profile from a fantasy perspective remains batting average. The 31-year-old has posted strikeout rates north of 26% in each of the last two seasons and has hit .236 across 948 plate appearances with Seattle. Still, Arozarena posted excellent hard-hit (50.6%) and barrel (11.5%) rates in 2025, and he's recorded at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in five consecutive seasons. As long as he continues to stay healthy, Arozarena looks like a good bet to be a power/speed asset for fantasy managers once again in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Guerschon Yabusele (foot) will miss Thursday's encounter with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been ruled out for the contest after being downgraded to doubtful on the injury report earlier on Thursday. Meanwhile,
Jalen Smith (calf) has been cleared to play and will anchor the frontcourt with
Nick Richards. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has already announced that Smith is likely to be held out of Friday's matchup with the Clippers, which would allow Yabusele to take on a significant role again if he's ready to return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider praised running back
George Holani on Seattle Sports radio on Thursday, so it sounds like Holani will have a bigger role in 2026, according to John Boyle of the team's official website. Super Bowl LX MVP
Kenneth Walker III left in free agency to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, and there's a good chance
Zach Charbonnet (knee) won't be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season this fall after tearing his ACL in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks added former Green Bay Packers RB
Emanuel Wilson in free agency for more backfield depth, but if Charbonnet isn't ready for Week 1 in September, Holani could be Seattle's RB1, depending on what they do in the upcoming NFL draft in April. The 26-year-old mostly worked on special teams in 11 regular-season games in 2025, carrying the ball only 22 times for 73 yards and one touchdown and catching both of his targets for 15 yards. Most likely, the Seahawks will pair a rookie RB with Holani and Wilson to begin next season while they wait for Charbonnet to heal.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
March 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Matas Buzelis (ankle) will suit up on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Due to an ankle injury, Buzelis was initially listed as probable for the game. The 21-year-old sophomore is fresh off a career night against the Warriors and should be full of confidence ahead of Thursday's matchup. Since the All-Star break, Buzelis has produced averages of 19.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
All in all, Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
George Kirby has been one of MLB's most consistent right-handers since making his MLB debut in 2022. However, the 28-year-old had his first taste of real adversity in 2025. Kirby opened the year on the Injured List due to a shoulder issue that ultimately delayed his season debut until late May. Upon his return, Kirby pitched to a 10-8 record with a 4.21 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 137 strikeouts in 126 innings (23 starts). Kirby's strikeout rate soared to a career-best 26.1%, but he also allowed the highest opponent hard-hit rate (43.9%) of his career. Still, there's plenty of reason to think Kirby can regain his top-end form in 2026. While his walk rate spiked from 3.0% in 2024 to 5.5% in 2025, Kirby remains one of baseball's best command artists and could easily return to his career WHIP mark of 1.11. If he can hold some of the strikeout gains he made in 2025 while seeing a bit more batted ball luck, Kirby could post an ace-level season for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (ankle) has received the green light to play on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was listed as probable on the initial injury report. Despite dealing with a right ankle sprain, Giddey logged 43 minutes in Tuesday's overtime against Golden State, so he doesn't appear to be limited in any way. Giddey produced a 21-13-17 line against the Warriors and will head out for his third consecutive triple-double on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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