February 8, 2026

Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Poeltl has been out since December 21 due to a lower back strain. He's reportedly very close to returning to the court, but his main focus is reconditioning right now. His next chance to play will be against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. His continued absence should mean more minutes for Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili. It's also possible that Trayce Jackson-Davis makes his team debut, but he probably wouldn't have a significant role. Fantasy managers should check back on Wednesday to see if Poeltl will be cleared to play.--Andy Webb
Source: Blake Murphy

February 8, 2026

After he posted the best season of his career with the San Diego Padres in 2024, outfielder Jurickson Profar landed a three-year, $42 million contract from the Atlanta Braves heading into the 2025 season. Unfortunately for Atlanta, Profar was handed an 80-game PED suspension early in the year, immediately starting his Atlanta tenure on a sour note. Around the suspension, the 32-year-old quietly posted solid production. Across 371 plate appearances, Profar hit .245/.353/.434 with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, 56 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. Profar also held his barrel rate (7.3%) steady relative to his 2024 breakout, while improving his walk rate from 11.4% to 12.9%. Heading into 2026, the switch-hitting Profar should be locked into an everyday role at or near the top of the lineup in Atlanta. With a full season's worth of plate appearances, Profar could provide steady production across all five categories for fantasy managers in traditional rotisserie scoring formats.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 8, 2026

Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (back) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. Coulibaly is back in the mix after sitting out Saturday's game due to a lower back issue. The third-year guard is feeling good enough to suit up on Sunday, but it wouldn't be shocking to see the tanking Wizards be cautious with his minutes. This season, Coulibaly is averaging 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 26.7 minutes per game. He's not offering enough upside to warrant rostering in anything other than deep leagues right now. Jamir Watkins and Justin Champagnie should see reduced roles with Coulibaly back on Sunday.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report

February 8, 2026

After posting consecutive seasons with front-line numbers in 2023 and 2024, Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee's production fell back down to earth in 2025. Across 182 1/3 innings (31 starts), the 26-year-old posted a 12-11 record with a 4.24 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts. Bibee's strikeout rate dropped from 26.3% in 2024 to 21.3% in 2025, while his walk rate jumped from 6.2% to 7.1%. Still, Bibee's 3.62 xERA in 2025 suggests he suffered from some poor luck. His 71.9% strand rate was well below his career average of 76%. Additionally, Bibee was much better down the stretch of the season, logging a 1.30 ERA with 26 strikeouts across 27 2/3 innings in September and October. Heading into 2026, Bibee remains locked into a starting rotation spot in Cleveland and looks like a quality bounce-back candidate. With a current average draft position of pick 185, Bibee could end up as a value selection for fantasy managers.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 8, 2026

Washington Wizards guard Kyshawn George (knee) will suit up for Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. George sat out the front end of this back-to-back set due to a knee issue. It doesn't seem to be serious enough to hold him out of both games. His return to the rotation will send Will Riley back to the bench, while Keshon Gilbert sees a reduced role as well. George is averaging 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds across 30.5 minutes per game this season. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get George active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report

February 8, 2026

Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (hand) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Washington Wizards. Powell has been upgraded from questionable to probable and is now cleared to suit up. He missed three games due to a hand injury before suiting up for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. Powell finished with 24 points, three rebounds, and four assists across 35 minutes of action during Friday's loss. The hand injury didn't seem to impact him during that game, so fantasy managers should feel comfortable getting Powell active in their lineups on Sunday.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report

February 8, 2026

Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ has established himself as one of the most consistent players in MLB. Dating back to 2023, the 31-year-old has posted three consecutive seasons with at least 650 plate appearances, a .240 batting average, 85 runs scored, 20 home runs, and 75 RBI. Happ also owns an excellent 12.1% walk rate for his career, which makes him a consistent on-base presence at or near the top of a strong Cubs lineup. While Happ's steady and well-rounded production makes him an extremely valuable real-life player, his profile is a little less exciting for fantasy managers. In addition to his middling batting average, Happ's stolen base total dipped to six in 2025 after consecutive years with at least 13 in 2023 and 2024. Happ is still locked into everyday playing time in left field in Chicago, which should lead to quality counting stats in the run and RBI categories. He may be slightly undervalued as the 178th player off the board by average draft position, but Happ's profile is also one without high-end fantasy upside.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 8, 2026

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Sunday's game against the Washington Wizards. As expected, Adebayo is cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report due to right hip tightness. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep him out of action, so fantasy managers should expect Adebayo to have his normal workload. Over his last 10 games, Adebayo is averaging 21.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 32.6 minutes per game. Fantasy managers need to make sure Adebayo is active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report

February 8, 2026

Washington Wizards center Alexandre Sarr (ankle) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. Sarr is returning after sitting out Saturday's game due to an ankle injury. His return to the rotation should shift Tristan Vukcevic back to the bench, where he won't have as much streaming appeal. This season, Sarr is averaging 17.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across 28.3 minutes per game. The second-year big man needs to be rostered and started in basically all fantasy formats. Fantasy managers should get him active ahead of tip-off.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report

February 8, 2026

Across 167 2/3 innings (31 starts) in 2025, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot posted an 11-12 record with a 3.86 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts. Since being acquired by Tampa Bay from the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2024 season, Pepiot has emerged as a consistent source of quality strikeout rate (25.4%) and WHIP (1.16). However, he's allowed an average of 1.4 home runs per nine innings pitched, which has led to a relatively elevated ERA. Heading into 2026, Pepiot will have the advantage of returning to Tropicana Field for his home games after making his home starts in a Minor League park in 2025. That could help the 28-year-old put it all together and log his best MLB season to date. Even if Pepiot's underlying metrics hold steady, he's still proven himself a capable starting pitcher option for fantasy managers. With a current average draft position of pick 146, Pepiot profiles as a solid fantasy SP3.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 8, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki struggled in his first MLB season in 2025. Across 36 1/3 innings, the 24-year-old posted a 1-1 record with a 4.46 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts. Sasaki ended up spending nearly as much time with Triple-A Oklahoma City as he did in the Majors. He didn't get much better results against Triple-A hitters either, pitching to a 6.10 ERA across 20 2/3 innings. Down the stretch of the season, Los Angeles featured Sasaki out of the bullpen. However, it appears as though the hard-throwing right-hander will get another chance to carve out a rotation role in 2026. Sasaki was widely considered to be a high-end pitching prospect when he was initially coming up in Japan, so he still carries upside despite his rookie-year struggles. Still, the Dodgers have a multitude of quality pitching options, which means Sasaki could get optioned or moved to the bullpen if his performance does not improve. With a current average draft position of pick 224, Sasaki profiles as a high-risk, high-reward starting pitcher option for fantasy managers in 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

February 8, 2026

New England Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye finished second in MVP voting for his brilliant regular-season performance, but he has faltered through his first three playoff appearances. For the Patriots to have any chance of defeating the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, Maye will need to play like the regular-season quarterback who led the league in completion percentage, yards per attempt, EPA, and passer rating, making him a smart Super Bowl MVP bet for anyone taking the underdog. Maye's struggles have notably come in poor-weather games, both in the playoffs and in a rain-soaked first half against the Buccaneers in Week 10. With clear skies and a game-time temperature projected in the low-to-mid-60s, Maye and the number two-ranked Patriots offense should have Josh McDaniels' full playbook at their disposal. If they are able to hit on a handful of the explosive plays that they seemingly executed with ease in the regular season, and which Seattle struggled to defend against the Rams' number one offensive unit, New England has a puncher's chance.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

February 8, 2026

New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson has had a quiet postseason run following an often electric regular season that earned him an Offensive Rookie of the Year Nomination, but he has a chance to make his impact felt in Super Bowl LX. The Patriots, who have played with a lead more than any team in the NFL, come into Sunday's matchup with the Seahawks as 4.5-point underdogs, putting them in a position where they may need to play aggressively and hunt for the big plays that were a staple of their 14-3 regular season. While the Seahawks have boasted one of the most formidable run defenses in the league, the strength of their defensive line resides in the middle with Byron Murphy II and Leonard Williams. If the Patriots are able to replicate some of the outside zone success that saw Blake Corum run for over six yards per attempt in the NFC Championship, Henderson has the speed to turn any play into a long touchdown, putting him in position to be one of the game's most impactful players on minimal touches.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

February 8, 2026

Former Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr could be tempted to come out of retirement for the right situation, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. The Saints still control the rights of the now 34-year-old Carr, who retired in May of 2025 following a season-ending labral tear, and New Orleans could seek trade compensation should he unretire. In his abbreviated two seasons with the Saints, Carr completed over 68% of his passes for 40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. While Carr himself has not publicly declared any intentions of an NFL return, a weak 2026 rookie quarterback class and a higher-than-normal coaching turnover could leave several teams in search of a veteran quarterback.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Ian Rapoport

February 8, 2026

Atlanta Falcons rookie defensive end James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Saturday on two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing/eluding police. The arrest came in Florida after Pearce crashed his car, following a police chase. Pearce, whom the Falcons traded their 2026 first-round pick to acquire in the 2025 draft, was in San Francisco days earlier for the NFL Honors, where he was nominated for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Falcons have issued a statement, saying, "We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time." In addition to the criminal charges he faces, Pearce is now subject to investigation under the NFL's personal conduct policy that will likely lead to suspension.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Mike Garafolo

February 8, 2026

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place their franchise tag on Second-Team All-Pro wide receiver George Pickens. Dallas acquired Pickens via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers before the 2025 season, and in his first season with the Cowboys, the fourth-year wideout set career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. Should Pickens hit the open market, he would be the unquestioned prize of the wide receiver free agency class and could easily demand a top-of-the-market deal. By placing the franchise tag on him, the Cowboys would retain Pickens' rights at the cost of roughly $28 million for 2026, with the hope of working toward a long-term extension. Pickens is a borderline top-10 dynasty wide receiver, and his value should continue to rise if the Cowboys succeed in making Dallas his home for the foreseeable future.--Patrick McGrath
Source: ESPN

February 8, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich put together a standout season in 2025. He slashed .264/.343/.452 with 29 home runs, 103 RBI, and 16 stolen bases across 150 games. The 29 long balls were the most for Yelich since the 2019 season, when he blasted 44 homers. The increased power also came with a much higher strikeout rate. Yelich recorded a 25.9% strikeout rate, which is his highest since the 2020 season. The other concern is his health, as Yelich only played 73 games in 2024 due to lingering back issues. Yelich played less than 20 games in the outfield in 2025 and is basically limited to designated hitter duties at this point in his career. The 34-year-old offers five-category upside, but the risk of injury and age-related decline are certainly a factor. The three-time All-Star should still be productive, but another 29-homer campaign seems unlikely.--Andy Webb
Source: Baseball Reference

February 8, 2026

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan became the top option in the bullpen last season. Pagan took over as the primary closer and ran away with the job. He finished the season with a 2.88 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and an 81/22 K/BB ratio with 32 saves in 70 appearances. The biggest concern is the fly-ball rate in a hitter's park in Cincinnati. His 56.7% fly-ball rate is too high to continue having the type of success he experienced last season. Pagan gave up 10 long balls across 68.2 innings, which was his most since the 2022 campaign. His 29.1% ground-ball rate doesn't do him any favors. The 34-year-old will likely need to miss bats and record strikeouts at a higher rate to replicate the same success. Given the lack of competition, Pagan should be a safe bet for around 20 saves, but another 30-plus season seems unlikely.--Andy Webb
Source: Baseball Reference

February 8, 2026

The Colorado Rockies have signed outfielder Conner Capel to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Capel spent all of the 2025 season with Triple-A with the Atlanta Braves organization. He slashed .234/.314/.360 with 10 home runs, 39 RBI, and 21 steals during his 119 games in Triple-A Gwinnett. Capel has only played 59 career big league games since making his debut in 2022. This is looking like a depth move for the Rockies. The 28-year-old will need to compete with Brenton Doyle, Jake McCarthy, Jordan Beck, Mickey Moniak, and Tyler Freeman for playing time in Colorado. The expectation is that Capel will begin the season in the minors.--Andy Webb
Source: Milb Central

February 8, 2026

The Philadelphia Phillies have re-signed relief pitcher Lou Trivino to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Trivino made appearances with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers before finishing out the season in Philly. In total, Trivino registered a 3.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a 37/18 K/BB ratio in 47 games between the three teams. The 34-year-old has a ton of late-inning experience with 116 games finished and 37 saves across his six big league seasons. The Phillies already have a closer, so Trivino would probably work mostly in middle relief, assuming he makes the team. Trivino is unlikely to offer fantasy value, but could be a sneaky solid pickup for the Phillies.--Andy Webb
Source: Ken Rosenthal

February 8, 2026

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Keegan Akin has lost his arbitration case with the organization. Akin filed at $3.37 million, which is more than double ($1.47 million) his salary from the 2024 campaign. Akin loses his case and will now make $2.97 million for the upcoming 2026 season. Last season, Akin registered a 3.41 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and a 59/33 K/BB ratio across 64 games with the Orioles. It was a solid season from the lefty reliever, but not quite as good as his 2024 season. That year, Akin posted a 3.32 ERA with a 97/19 K/BB ratio in 66 contests. The 30-year-old is still a trustworthy option, but doesn't offer much fantasy value in a setup or middle relief role.--Andy Webb
Source: Mark Feinsand

February 8, 2026

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is considered day-to-day after being held out of Saturday's win, with the team monitoring right knee soreness. His status for Monday is still up in the air, leaving the frontcourt unsettled. Jaxson Hayes is the next man up if Ayton sits and should continue starting, though his fantasy appeal is limited to rebounds and blocks. Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber would also absorb minutes, but both remain fringe options. Managers can hold Ayton for now, but it's smart to have a short-term backup ready.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Dave McMenamin

February 8, 2026

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is dealing with a mild strain and was held out Saturday, leaving him day-to-day. With a back-to-back approaching, the Lakers are expected to monitor the issue closely, making his short-term availability uncertain. In the meantime, usage should shift elsewhere. Austin Reaves becomes the primary playmaking beneficiary, while Marcus Smart is in line for steadier ball-handling minutes. Jake LaRavia and newly acquired Luke Kennard could also see added wing run, with Kennard offering low-end three-point streaming appeal if the absence lingers.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Daniel Starkand

February 8, 2026

Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) is expected to wait until after the All-Star break to make his team debut as the organization continues to prioritize a cautious ramp-up. The 30-year-old big man has yet to suit up following his trade and remains in recovery mode. His delayed return keeps Golden State's frontcourt stable for now, with Draymond Green and Al Horford holding steady roles. Gui Santos has quietly emerged as a fantasy-relevant piece, averaging 15.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over his last three starts. Santos profiles as a short-term deep-league add, while Porzingis remains a stash with clear shutdown risk baked in.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Danny Emerman

February 8, 2026

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) is considered doubtful for Monday against Memphis, with the team signaling caution that could keep the veteran sidelined until after the All-Star break. Curry has already missed three straight games, and Golden State has leaned on committee production. Pat Spencer has delivered 15.7 points, 3.7 three-pointers, 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals in 28.9 minutes during the absence, making him a viable short-term streamer. De'Anthony Melton adds defensive juice with 3.0 steals, while Brandin Podziemski offers steady minutes but a lower ceiling. Moses Moody's scoring spike also warrants monitoring.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Danny Emerman

February 8, 2026

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (knee) will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break after missing Saturday's loss to Philadelphia, temporarily halting a strong scoring run. Allen was providing steady scoring from the wing before his injury, and his absence creates a clear opening for increased perimeter usage. Royce O'Neale stepped up last game with 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 34 minutes, making him a short-term streamer. Jordan Goodwin logged 27 minutes but remains a deep-league option, while Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks should shoulder added scoring usage.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Duane Rankin

February 8, 2026

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (ankle) exited Saturday's loss to Orlando late in the second quarter and did not return after rolling his ankle, finishing with five points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 13 minutes. George had just returned from a left ankle issue, putting his short-term availability in question again. Isaiah Collier stepped into a larger role and is the clear fantasy winner, coming off a four-game stretch averaging 20.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 12.5 assists, and 2.5 steals while logging heavy minutes. Collier profiles as a strong assist streamer, while Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. could absorb modest usage bumps.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Utah Jazz

February 8, 2026

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (hip) exited Saturday's win over Chicago late in the fourth quarter and is considered questionable for Monday against Cleveland. Murray was dominant before leaving, posting 28 points, three rebounds, and 11 assists in 31 minutes, and Denver was already in control. The team expressed optimism about his status, but any missed time would create a major fantasy ripple. Bruce Brown profiles as the primary beneficiary after logging 31 minutes with 10 points, three rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. Jalen Pickett has fallen out of the rotation but could resurface as a deep-league assists flier if Murray sits.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Katy Winge

February 8, 2026

Miami Marlins second baseman Xavier Edwards isn't a major power threat, but he gets on base and runs well, giving him plenty of fantasy value. He has also ascended into an everyday role, jumping from 70 games in 2024 to 139 contests in 2025. While his on-base skills slipped slightly during that span, he still posted at least 2.2 fWAR for the second year in a row. All in all, Edwards' 2025 campaign consisted of a .283/.343/.353 slash line, three home runs, 27 stolen bases, 95 wRC+, a 7.9% walk rate, and a 14.2% strikeout rate. The most glaring hole in his offensive profile is the lack of power; he has just four career home runs, posting a 0.4% home run rate. Still, his ability to reach safely and steal bases makes him an appealing name in fantasy baseball leagues. Plus, we can expect him to remain in an everyday role -- primarily at second base with some occasional shortstop appearances -- after Miami didn't really shake up its infield during the offseason. As it stands, Edwards ranks as the #12 second baseman and #100 hitter in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

February 8, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages should remain in an everyday role despite the team's addition of Kyle Tucker during the offseason. Pages played 156 games last year; all of them were spent in the outfield, and he did a decent amount of moving around. He logged 121 appearances in center field, 51 in right, and 27 in left. Of course, those numbers sum to greater than 156, indicating that Pages frequently switched positions mid-game. Presumably, he'll be doing less of that in 2026. The Tucker signing moves Teoscar Hernandez to left field, giving the Dodgers two everyday contributors in the corner outfield spots. As a result, Pages should get more consistent playing time in center field. He has shown that he can handle the position, as he posted 5 OAA and 7 FRV there in 2025. In addition to terrific defense, Pages had a strong season at the plate, slashing .272/.313/.461 with career-highs in home runs (27), RBI (86), and stolen bases (14). However, he did post a 4.6% walk rate and 21.6% strikeout rate. Outside of the far-from-ideal K/BB ratio, Pages had an excellent 2025 season, both at the plate and in the field. If anything, playing center field more consistently should allow him to develop a routine and could lead to even better statistics in 2026. As it stands, he ranks as the #42 outfielder and #93 hitter in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller