March 1, 2026
All eyes will be on Shane van Gisbergen this weekend at COTA, as the Trackhouse Racing driver will be looking to win his sixth straight road course race in the Cup Series. He's going to have some work to do to accomplish that, though. In practice on Saturday, SVG struggled to put down a super-fast single lap, ranking 20th-fastest in the session. He then went on to qualify in 13th-place for Sunday's DURAMax Grand Prix, which puts him at a slight disadvantage to start the race. With that being said, van Gisbergen looked very strong on the long runs in practice--as we all expected--and that will pay dividends on race day. As far as DFS goes, SVG ranks as an elite pick for this weekend's race despite his sky-high salary ($13,000 on DraftKings). He has Place Differential upside, dominator potential, and race-winning prowess.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Action Network
March 1, 2026
Christopher Bell is the defending race winner at COTA, and should be a contender in this weekend's DURAMax Grand Prix as well. Over the last four races at this track, Bell has three podium finishes, including the aforementioned win in last year's race. This weekend, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver will roll off the starting grid from eighth-place when the race goes green, and makes for an interesting DFS tournament option on DraftKings ($9,800 salary). However, due to Bell's limited dominator upside, he may not be worth the higher salary. Still, if the road course ace ends up in victory lane, then the whole debate is moot, as Bell will definitely be in the optimal DFS lineup for COTA. He's not a must-have in daily fantasy on Sunday, but Christopher Bell is definitely one of those drivers to be overweight on in tournaments.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
March 1, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder
Jacob Melton (thumb) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Atlanta Braves. Melton was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to left thumb soreness. He received a few days off to rest and is now ready to play again. He's currently competing for a spot in the outfield on the Opening Day roster. Melton was acquired by the Rays earlier in the offseason in a three-team trade with the Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates. The 25-year-old struggled during his 32 big league games last season, but has plus speed and is normally someone who can make consistent contact.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
March 1, 2026
Despite AJ Allmendinger's poor track record at Circuit of the Americas (three finishes of 30th or worse over the last four races), he's actually one of the best here, and at road courses in general. In the two starts at COTA where he hasn't had issues, Allmendinger has walked away with sixth- and fifth-place finishes, so we know what he can do when the stars align. This weekend, Dinger had a solid practice session on Saturday and ranked seventh-fastest in 10-lap average. He also went out and qualified in seventh for Sunday's DURAMax Grand Prix race. On DraftKings, Allmendinger ($8,500 salary) makes for an interesting tournament play, because he's affordable, has race-winning upside, but his Place Differential upside is limited. Still, if the No. 16 Chevrolet doesn't have any issues on race day, you can expect AJ to compete for (at least) a top-10 finish.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
March 1, 2026
NASCAR Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch will be starting 25th in this week's DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. This is a lower starting position than his only other Cup Series start at the site last season (14th). In last year's race, Zilisch's only Cup start at COTA, Zilisch ran inside the top 15 and was gaining ground before being involved in a crash that relegated him to a finish of 37th. In practice for this week's race, Zilisch ranked fourth in five consecutive lap averages and fifth in overall lap averages among all drivers. Despite his inexperience with the Cup Series, Zilisch does come from a road racing background and is at his best at road courses. Although he is expensive to roster for DFS this week, his upside and equipment make him worth a lineup spot for fantasy players this week.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports is starting in fifth position for this week's DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. This is the second consecutive race for Elliott to start in the top five at the Texas road course after he started third in last year's race. In four starts at COTA, Elliott has one win, three top-5 finishes, and an average finish of 6.3. At road and street courses last season, the No. 9 Chevrolet driver placed in the top 10 in four races at the track type. In practice for this week's race, Elliott ranked sixth in five consecutive lap averages and fourth in 10 consecutive lap averages. COTA is one of Elliott's better tracks statistically, and with practice speeds faster than most, he is a driver who is likely to place in the top five.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
If there's one thing you can count on at road courses, it's a good finish from Chris Buescher. In the Next Gen era, the Roush-Fenway Keselowski Racing driver has a ridiculous on-track record, with 17 finishes of 11th or better over the last 22 races on this track type, including a win at Watkins Glen in 2024 as well as a couple of top fives to finish off the 2025 season. Here at COTA, where the Cup Series is racing at this weekend, Buescher has been solid as well, posting a finish of seventh last season after coming home eighth in 2024. This weekend, Buescher will roll off the starting grid from 14th-place when the DURAMax Grand Prix goes green, making him an attractive DFS option on DraftKings ($8,300 salary) with both Place Differential and finishing position upside.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Driver Averages
March 1, 2026
Trackhouse Racing's Ross Chastain will start second for the DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. It will be Chastain's first front-row start at COTA in his Cup career. In five races at the Texas road course, Chastain has one win, four top-10 finishes, and an average finish of 5.6, which is third-best among all drivers. The No. 1 Chevrolet driver also never finished worse than 12th and led in three different Cup events at COTA. Last year at road and street courses, Chastain had four finishes of 16th or better, including two top-10 finishes. In practice for this week's race, Chastain ranked eighth in five consecutive lap averages and second in both 10 and overall lap averages. Although Chastain has no upside from his starting position, he is well-positioned to lead laps early and compete for the win. Fantasy players should not underestimate Chastain as a driver who has won at COTA in the past.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports will start 10th for this Sunday's DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. It will be the fourth time in his Cup career that Byron will start inside the top 10 at the Texas road course. In five previous starts at COTA, Byron has one win, three top-5 finishes, and an average finish of 6.2, which ranks fourth among all drivers. The No. 24 Chevrolet driver also led more laps than anyone else at COTA (72) and has never finished worse than 12th in his Cup career at the site. In practice for this week's race, Byron ranked 14th in overall lap averages, 16th in five consecutive lap averages, and 18th in 10 consecutive lap averages. Considering Byron's great track history at COTA despite his underwhelming practice speeds, he is a driver who is a solid DFS option for all formats, especially with some of the best equipment in the field.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Carson Hocevar is one of the most aggressive drivers in the Cup Series garage, and that aggression has caused issues at many race tracks, including the various road course venues. With the tight turns and on-track space at the road courses, Hocevar has been seen as a wrecking ball in several events, taking out competitors in turns. However, this aggression has turned into some good finishes for Hocevar, including a third-place run at Watkins Glen in 2024, as well as 12th- and 13th-place finishes at the Charlotte Roval and COTA (respectively) that year. This weekend at COTA, Hocevar qualified 12th, but wasn't overly impressive in practice. Still, a top-15 finish is well within reach for Hocevar on Sunday--if he can keep his fenders clean. In DFS lineups, he's a risky play with more downside than upside, but you shouldn't avoid Hocevar entirely for the DURAMax Grand Prix.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: YardBarker
March 1, 2026
Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki finished Saturday's 6-2 win over the Washington Capitals with one goal and two assists. He helped his linemates, Cole Caufield and Kirby Dach, get on the scoreboard before lighting the lamp himself late in the game with Washington's net empty. Suzuki finished the contest with a season-high plus-four rating. He has now recorded multiple points in eight of his last 12 appearances. Thanks to this scoring surge, Suzuki is on pace for a career-high 95 points. He leads Montreal with 68 points (19 goals, 49 assists) in 59 games. Only Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have more power-play points than Suzuki's 31.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 1, 2026
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin recorded a goal and two assists in Saturday's 6-2 road win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Dahlin scored the game's first goal and helped Buffalo get a 5-0 lead. His second assist came on the power play in the third period. This was Dahlin's 15th career three-point game, tying him for the 10th most all-time among Swedish defensemen. Three of those performances have come this season as Dahlin has been among the most productive blue-liners in the league. 51 points (12 goals, 39 assists) in 56 games puts Dahlin seventh among defensemen in scoring. He has been held off the score sheet just three times in his last 17 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 1, 2026
Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson is starting 15th for Sunday's DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. The No. 5 Chevrolet driver matched the lowest starting position of his Cup career at the site after qualifying. In five previous races at COTA, Larson has one top-5 finish, a second-place run back in 2021 with the previous-generation car. At road and street courses last season, Larson had two top-15 finishes with a runner-up result at the Charlotte Roval. In practice for this week's race, Larson ranked third in overall lap averages and 10th in five consecutive lap averages. With favorable practice speeds despite underwhelming track history, Larson is a decent DFS option for this week, especially with his starting position providing favorable upside for a driver who can compete for a top-10 finish.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Colorado Avalanche left wing Joel Kiviranta is in concussion protocol, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports. He was hurt in Thursday's loss to Minnesota and didn't play on Saturday night against Chicago. It's unclear when Kiviranta can return. The Finnish veteran has appeared in 30 games this season, recording seven points (two goals, five assists), 25 shots, and 45 hits. On Saturday, Zakhar Bardakov filled in for Kiviranta on the fourth line but logged only 4:13 of action across four shifts.
--Taavi PailkSource: Corey Masisak
March 1, 2026
Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (face) will play on Sunday against the St. Louis Blues, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports. The Swedish forward took a stick to the face in Friday's loss to Utah and was limited to 10:25 of ice time. Fortunately, he won't have to miss additional time after receiving good news from an eye doctor. Eriksson Ek is attempting to post his third 60-point campaign in 2025-26. In 54 outings, he has totaled 17 goals and 25 assists. Prior to his early exit on Friday, he was riding a seven-game point streak.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michael Russo
March 1, 2026
Ryan Blaney of Team Penske will start in the fourth position for the DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. This is Blaney's first top-5 starting position in a COTA race since 2022, when he won the pole position at the site. In five COTA races, the No. 12 Ford driver has one top-10 finish, but he obtained positive Place Differential in each of the last three Cup events at the site. Last year at road and street courses, Blaney scored top-20 finishes in five different events at the track type and led laps in three of them. During practice for Sunday's race, Blaney ranked second in single lap times, but was the fastest driver in all other categories, including five and 10 consecutive lap averages. Blaney's practice speeds are encouraging that he will be competitive on Sunday, but his mixed track history and low upside from his starting position make him playable only in a tournament setting.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (leg) is expected to play in Sunday's contest against the San Jose Sharks. Scheifele appeared to have hurt his right leg late in Friday's overtime loss to Anaheim and took a maintenance day on Saturday. After posting 87 points last season, Scheifele is on pace for another career high in 2025-26. He leads the Jets with 70 points (27 goals, 43 assists) in 58 games. Scheifele has amassed nine goals and 16 assists across his last 20 outings, though he has finished eight of those contests scoreless.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
March 1, 2026
Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing will start in the third position for the DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. It will mark the highest starting position of Briscoe's Cup career at COTA as well as his first time starting in the top five at the site. In five prior starts at COTA, Briscoe has four top-15 finishes with positive PD scored. Last year at road and street courses, the driver of the No. 19 Toyota had five top-15 finishes, including three inside the top 10 at the track type. In practice for Sunday's race, Briscoe ranked 19th in overall lap averages and 12th in 10 consecutive lap averages. Despite his low upside and practice speeds that indicate a finish outside the top 10, Briscoe is usable in tournament lineups as a pivot option with a history of performing solidly at road courses.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Nashville Predators defenseman Adam Wilsby (lower body) was limited to 5:48 of ice time in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars. He suffered a lower-body injury, leaving the action early in the second period. The Swedish blue-liner has registered 12 points, 47 shots, and 37 blocks across 45 games this season. Justin Barron will likely replace Wilsby in the lineup if he doesn't recover in time for Monday's tilt against the Detroit Red Wings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Nashville Predators
March 1, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Gage Goncalves (undisclosed) didn't finish Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He exited in the second period with an undisclosed injury. Goncalves has recently been part of the top-six group and began the week with a three-point performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has posted 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 54 games overall. Dominic James (leg), who scored Tampa's first goal on Saturday, was also injured, so Jon Cooper may have to make several changes to his lineup in the next game. The Lightning will return to the ice on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Wild.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 1, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Russell Westbrook (thigh) is off the injury report and expected to play Sunday against the Lakers. He sat out Thursday's win over Dallas due to a thigh contusion but is ready to return. Over his last five appearances, the veteran has averaged 15.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 three-pointers. His return likely sends
Devin Carter back to the bench after Carter posted 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in 32 minutes in the last game. Westbrook remains a viable source of points and assists, though his shooting efficiency and fluctuating role can make him a bit unpredictable from night to night.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 1, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is off the injury report and expected to play Sunday against New Orleans. He sat out Thursday with left ankle soreness and missed practice due to illness, but he is ready to return. Leonard has been rolling, averaging 28.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers across 32.1 minutes in his last five games. His return pushes
Bennedict Mathurin back into a secondary role and trims
Kris Dunn's usage. Leonard remains a must-start in all formats, with his recent workload easing concerns about durability.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 1, 2026
Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing obtained a starting position of 24th after qualifying for the DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. This is the lowest starting position of Wallace's career to date at COTA. In five races at the Texas road course, Wallace has two top-20 finishes, which were scored in his last two appearances at the site. He also led four laps and won the first stage in last year's COTA race before placing 20th. At road and street courses last year, Wallace had four top-20 finishes and gained positive Place Differential four times in six events at the track type. In practice, Wallace ranked 16th in overall lap averages, 15th in five consecutive lap averages, and ninth in 10 consecutive lap averages. With solid practice speeds, decent finishes in recent COTA races, and a hot start to the 2026 season, Wallace is a favorable DFS value option for this week's race.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Joe Gibbs Racing's Ty Gibbs is starting ninth for this week's DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. It will be the second time that Gibbs will start a race at COTA inside the top 10, after he started in second at the Texas track in 2024. In three prior starts at COTA, Gibbs has two top-10 finishes with a best finish of third in 2024. Last year at road and street courses, the No. 54 Toyota driver finished 12th or better in four of the six races at the track type, including two top-10 finishes. In practice for this week's race, Gibbs ranked 27th in 10 consecutive lap averages and 28th in overall lap averages. The JGR driver has a solid history at COTA, but his starting position in the field does not offer as much upside as other drivers in his salary range. Fantasy players should mainly consider Gibbs as a tournament option who can compete for a top-10 finish.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Spire Motorsports driver Michael McDowell will start sixth for Sunday's DuraMAX Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. This will mark the first time that McDowell will start in the top 10 in a Cup race at the site. In five previous races at COTA, McDowell has four finishes of 13th or better with one DNF due to steering issues. The No. 71 Chevrolet driver also led three laps in last year's race at COTA. In practice, McDowell ranked first in single lap times, second in five consecutive lap averages, fifth in 10 consecutive lap averages, and sixth in overall lap averages among all drivers. Although McDowell's upside for Place Differential is not high, his history at COTA and road courses in general is favorable. The low upside makes McDowell best for tournament lineups, but he is still a solid option to consider for a top-10 finish.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
March 1, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with Brooklyn, marking his third straight absence. The team does not anticipate a long-term issue, though he remains day-to-day heading into Tuesday. If
James Harden (thumb) is unable to play, Cleveland would have even more offensive workload and minutes to spread around the rotation.
Jaylon Tyson started the last game and logged 41 minutes, finishing with 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals, and four three-pointers.
Sam Merrill added 20 points in 36 minutes, while
Craig Porter Jr. recorded 12 assists in 32 minutes. Tyson profiles as the top short-term add, and Merrill remains a viable scoring streamer.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 1, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (oblique) will sit out the next three games after imaging confirmed a strain. The former MVP experienced right-side discomfort following Thursday's win and is targeting a potential return on March 7. With Embiid sidelined,
Andre Drummond is expected to step into the starting role. In his last start on Feb. 22, Drummond logged 22 minutes and produced six points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Second-year big man
Adem Bona added eight points and five rebounds in 20 minutes that night. Drummond profiles as a short-term rebounding streamer, while
Tyrese Maxey should shoulder even heavier offensive usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: Tony Jones
March 1, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with Oklahoma City, stretching his absence to seven games because of a midfoot sprain. He is trending toward missing Tuesday as well. With
P.J. Washington (ankle) doubtful and
Naji Marshall (finger) carrying a questionable tag, Dallas may be forced to lean heavily on
Brandon Williams, who owns a 26.3 percent usage rate in a reserve role.
Max Christie,
Khris Middleton, and
Klay Thompson should also see added scoring responsibility.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 1, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Darius Garland (toe) is expected to make his team debut Monday against Golden State after being sidelined since Jan. 14. The All-Star guard, acquired at the trade deadline, is returning from toe issues that kept him out for several weeks. In 26 games prior to the move, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 30.5 minutes. Garland's return should give the offense a steady playmaker next to
Kawhi Leonard and likely trim
Kris Dunn's role while reducing
Bennedict Mathurin's on-ball opportunities. Garland profiles as a must-start in standard leagues if his minutes are not heavily restricted.
--Brian DailisanSource: Chris Haynes
March 1, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward/center
Zion Williamson (ankle) will not return to Saturday's game against Utah after exiting in the second quarter. He finished with four points, two assists, and one rebound in 11 minutes before being shut down. If he misses time, New Orleans could lean more heavily on
Karlo Matkovic and
Derik Queen. Matkovic delivered eight points, six rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in 25 minutes, profiling mainly as a blocks streamer. Queen added seven points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 19 minutes and offers the more intriguing upside in deeper formats if the role expands.
--Brian DailisanSource: New Orleans Pelicans
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