January 19, 2026
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Buffalo Bills have opted to move on from head coach Sean McDermott. McDermott has been the head coach of the Buffalo Bills since the 2017 campaign. The Bills saw their playoff run cut short once again this past weekend, falling to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. As the Bills' HC, McDermott has been unable to lead the team to the Super Bowl as they have continued to fall short in the AFC. Overall, the 51-year-old finishes his time in Buffalo holding a 98-50 regular-season record but an underwhelming 8-8 playoff record. McDermott marks the 10th head coaching change set to occur ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Last week, two of the openings were filled as the Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski to fill their vacancy, while the Giants brought in longtime Ravens HC John Harbaugh to fill theirs. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to this opening as a new coach, especially an offensive mind, could affect
Josh Allen's future fantasy outlook.
--Andy SmithSource: Ian Rapoport
January 19, 2026
Cleveland Guardians top prospect
Travis Bazzana is expected to begin the 2026 season with Triple-A Columbus. The Guardians selected the second baseman with the top pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oregon State. Following the draft, Bazzana was given a brief 27-game taste of High-A to conclude 2024, where he struggled, holding a modest .238 AVG with a .738 OPS. In 2025, Bazzana began the season with Double-A and was eventually able to earn a promotion to Triple-A. Across 77 games split between the top two levels in the Cleveland system, Bazzana held a .246/.383/.430 line with an .813 OPS, nine home runs, and 11 stolen bases. Unfortunately, multiple oblique injuries significantly limited his total playing time. While Bazzana figures to compete for a first-half MLB debut, fantasy managers should expect the top prospect to begin 2026 at Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 19, 2026
Chicago Cubs catcher/first base prospect
Moises Ballesteros could see a full-time role on the MLB roster in the 2026 season. The team's top catching prospect made his MLB debut last season and showed flashes in his limited 20-game stint. During this small taste, the 22-year-old held a .298/.394/.474 line with two home runs. However, with
Kyle Tucker off the roster, the team's primary designated hitter last season,
Seiya Suzuki, will likely shift back to right field, opening a spot in the lineup for Ballesteros. Additionally, the backstop could serve as the No. 2 option to
Carson Kelly, further opening up opportunities. Through 114 games at Triple-A last summer, Ballesteros flashed immense upside, holding a .316/.385/.473 line. He is a name to closely monitor during camp, as he could be a top late-round power target if he claims the primary DH role.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 19, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
De'Anthony Melton (knee) will sit out the front end of the team's back-to-back set, with his next opportunity to play coming Tuesday against Toronto. His absence nudges minutes and usage across a crowded wing rotation.
Brandin Podziemski stands to benefit most after producing 16 points, six rebounds, and seven assists in 30 minutes on Friday, while
Buddy Hield,
Gary Payton II, and
Will Richard should also see added run. The rotation remains fluid, keeping all three as situational fantasy options.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (lower body) might be ready to end a seven-game absence on Monday against the Colorado Avalanche. After returning to practice last week, Wilson participated in the morning skate ahead of Saturday's contest against the Florida Panthers. He was labeled a game-time decision for the matchup, but the team ultimately didn't activate him from Injured Reserve. Wilson's return would be a welcome boost for a Capitals team that has won only three games in 2026. The power forward has been a point-per-game player this season, leading Washington with 22 goals and 42 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 19, 2026
Seattle Mariners top prospect
Colt Emerson is a name to keep a close eye on during camp, as he could push for an early MLB debut in 2026. Last summer, the No. 9-ranked prospect in the sport according to MLB Pipeline began the season in High-A and finished the season with Triple-A Tacoma. With High-A, Emerson posted a .281/.388/.453 line with 16 doubles, 11 home runs, and six stolen bases. Through his first taste of Double-A, Emerson held a .282 AVG with a solid .790 OPS across a 34-game stint. Then, during his brief six-game taste of Triple-A, Emerson continued to play at a high level, hitting two home runs with a .364/.444/.727 line. While Emerson figures to earn a full stint at Triple-A to start 2026, he could debut in Seattle much earlier than expected if he can continue his current trajectory.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 19, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Zaccharie Risacher (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Milwaukee as he continues to recover from a bruised left knee. His ongoing absence keeps
Vit Krejci in the starting lineup, though the fantasy return has been modest. Krejci has averaged 5.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across his last five starts while logging 21.9 minutes per game. The minutes are stable, but the low usage and limited peripheral stats cap him as a deep-league option until Risacher is cleared.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Detroit Tigers top prospect
Kevin McGonigle is a name to closely monitor early in the season. McGonigle enjoyed an impressive 2025 campaign and is quickly approaching the top level of the Detroit system. Last season, the No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline, trailing only Pittsburgh's
Konnor Griffin, opened the season at Low-A but quickly reached Double-A by the second half. Across 88 total games, McGonigle held an elite .305/.408/.583 line. Through 46 games with Double-A Erie, the 21-year-old posted a .254/.369/.550 line with 10 doubles, 12 home runs, and seven stolen bases. While McGonigle remains at least one stop away from the majors, he could be in the mix for a second-half MLB debut if he can carry this production into Triple-A. He remains a high-end dynasty asset that could hold redraft value late in the regular season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 19, 2026
Boston Bruins defenseman Henri Jokiharju (personal) was designated as a non-roster player on Sunday. He's dealing with a family matter and could miss some action this week. In a corresponding move, the Bruins recalled Billy Sweezey from the minors. The team will get back to work on Tuesday night against the Dallas Stars. In addition to Sweezy, Vladislav Kolyachonok is also an option to fill in for Jokiharju, who has skated on the second defensive pairing. Jokiharju has yet to score despite 30 shots on goal, but he has nine assists in 32 outings this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 19, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) will sit out Monday against New York, extending his absence to three games as he continues to work through a right ankle sprain, with Thursday against Golden State next on the schedule. Dallas remains thin up front with
Anthony Davis (finger) and
P.J. Washington (personal) sidelined.
Dwight Powell logged 10 points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes Friday, while
Moussa Cisse posted 10 points and 13 rebounds in 23 minutes earlier this week. Both remain deep-league options with volatile roles.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder
Jac Caglianone appears ticketed to see a near-everyday role at the start of the 2026 campaign. The former sixth overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft made his MLB debut last season but struggled as he held a .157/.237/.295 line with just six doubles and seven home runs across a 62-game stint. However, during his time at Triple-A, the former Florida Gator flared immense upside, hitting an elite .357/.426/.705 line with six doubles and 11 home runs. Earlier in the offseason, the Royals appeared interested in acquiring Boston Red Sox outfielder
Jarren Duran in a trade. However, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that this trade appears unlikely, leaving Caglainone facing even less competition for an everyday role. Currently, he is slated to cover right field while
Kyle Isbel,
Isaac Collins, and
Lane Thomas split center and left field. Given his power upside, Caglianone could enjoy a massive breakout season if he can see every day at-bats.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 19, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
P.J. Washington (personal) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup against New York and will miss a second straight game while addressing a personal matter, with Thursday against Golden State next on the schedule. His continued absence leaves
Naji Marshall with increased playing time, and the versatile wing logged 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists in 29 minutes Saturday. Marshall's consistent minutes and multi-category contributions give him short-term fantasy relevance while Washington remains sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (face) rejoined practice on Sunday. He has been sidelined since Dec. 20 after taking a puck to the face in a matchup against the Calgary Flames. While Nazar is expected to miss his 14th consecutive game on Monday against the Winnipeg Jets, he could be an option to return to the lineup on Thursday versus the Carolina Hurricanes. Nazar has notched 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 33 outings this campaign. With Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) also out, Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev are currently part of the top-six group in Chicago, giving them additional fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 19, 2026
Cincinnati Reds prospect
Sal Stewart is expected to earn opportunities at first base during camp. Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reported that, given Cincinnati's crowded infield, the Reds will look to provide Stewart as many opportunities as possible instead of keeping him in the DH spot. Last summer, the team's top hitting prospect made his MLB debut and spent most of his time at first base. However, coming up in the minor leagues. Stewart never saw a game at first base and instead covered second and third. However, with
Ke'Bryan Hayes at the hot corner and
Matt McLain at second, the 22-year-old has had to learn a new position. Managers should monitor his status during camp, as Stewart could shift between first base and DH if his bat can continue to produce. During his first 18 games with the Reds, Stewart flashed solid upside, hitting five home runs with an .838 OPS.
--Andy SmithSource: Charlie Goldsmith
January 19, 2026
St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist (lower body) was involved in a scary incident during Sunday's 5-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, suffering a skate cut. He needed assistance to leave the ice in the third period after being cut by a skate on his lower body. "Luckily, it did not touch his Achilles," Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said after the game. "So it's just going to be now, how long he's out, it's day-to-day... We know the cut was deep, I don't know how long that takes until he's back and has the flexibility in his ankle without hurting the cut." Sundqvist operates in a bottom-six role, recording 10 points (three goals, 10 assists) and 47 hits in 39 appearances this season. The team will turn to Robby Fabbri or Jonatan Berggren to fill Sundqvist's spot in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 19, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Sam Merrill (hand) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Oklahoma City, marking his second straight absence with a right-hand sprain, though he remains day-to-day. With
Darius Garland (toe) also sidelined, Cleveland's backcourt rotation stays thin, and usage is redistributed.
Jaylon Tyson continues to benefit most, coming off a 39-point outing in 38 minutes Friday while handling a larger offensive role.
Lonzo Ball and
Craig Porter Jr. should see added minutes off the bench but remain situational fantasy plays due to volatile production.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Edmonton Oilers right wing Kasperi Kapanen (undisclosed) was labeled day-to-day after his early exit from Sunday's win against the St. Louis Blues. Kapanen only recently returned from a knee injury, and unfortunately, he will have to miss time again. However, it's good news that he isn't expected to be out long-term. The Finnish forward has played well in recent weeks, producing three goals and four assists in eight games since his return to the lineup. The Oilers' offense is also without Leon Draisaitl (personal) and Adam Henrique (undisclosed), resulting in Trent Frederic moving into the top six. Kapanen's departure from the lineup will open up another spot on the second line.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 19, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Cleveland after exiting Saturday early, with additional testing confirming a right hamstring strain and no clear return timeline. His absence opens perimeter minutes and usage, pushing
Ajay Mitchell into a larger role after he posted 15 points in 28 minutes Friday.
Aaron Wiggins offers scoring upside, while
Cason Wallace and
Alex Caruso provide defensive stats with volatile offensive returns. Mitchell profiles as the strongest short-term add.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Defenseman Zach Whitecloud was acquired by the Calgary Flames from the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, with defenseman Rasmus Andersson heading in the opposite direction. Calgary also acquired defensive prospect Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick. Whitecloud was an undrafted free-agent signing by the Golden Knights in 2018 and has carved out a solid NHL career. The 29-year-old has made 368 career appearances, winning the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023. This season, Whitecloud contributed seven points (two goals, five assists), 63 blocks, and 73 hits in 47 outings, averaging 18:46 of ice time. Whitecloud could see increased usage in Calgary, though his fantasy stock will remain low due to his limited offensive skills.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 19, 2026
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportnet, the Toronto Blue Jays have had meetings with free agent left-hander
Framber Valdez and remain in the mix to sign him. The Blue Jays have had a very active offseason, including signing
Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year deal and starting pitcher
Dylan Cease to a seven-year contract. Additionally, they were heavily linked to Kyler Tucker and even offered him a massive $350 million, 10-year deal before he signed with the Dodgers. With Tucker off the board, the Blue Jays have remained active among the top free agents and could look to further bolster their rotation by adding Valdez. The southpaw has been one of the most stable workhorse pitchers in the sport as he has logged over 190 innings in three of his last four seasons. During these four campaigns, the southpaw has held a 3.21 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP. Valdez projects to carry solid SP2 upside in all formats heading into 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith
January 19, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will not play Monday against Cleveland as he continues to rehab a right soleus strain, with Wednesday in Milwaukee representing his next possible checkpoint. With
Jalen Williams (hamstring) also sidelined, the Thunder will continue to lean heavily on
Chet Holmgren, who logged 14 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks in 30 minutes Friday.
Jaylin Williams has seen a steadier run off the bench and profiles as a deep-league streamer, while
Kenrich Williams remains volatile and matchup dependent.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
The Vegas Golden Knights acquired defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames on Sunday night. In the deal, Vegas departed with defenseman Zach Whitecloud, prospect defenseman Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick. The 2028 pick becomes a first-rounder if Vegas wins the Stanley Cup in 2026. Andersson is on an expiring contract with a $4.55 million cap hit. Calgary will retain 50 percent of Andersson's salary. The Swedish blue-liner is expected to sign an extension with the Golden Knights. Andersson has spent his entire 10-year NHL career in Calgary and has had one of his best campaigns in 2025-26. In 48 games, Andersson has recorded 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists), 112 shots, and 90 blocks, while averaging 24:14 of ice time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 19, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Milwaukee, extending his absence to six straight contests as he continues to manage left Achilles tendinitis, with his next opportunity to return coming Wednesday. The continued absence keeps
Onyeka Okongwu entrenched as the primary center, and he has delivered strong fantasy value with 21 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in 33 minutes Friday.
Mouhamed Gueye remains the backup, but his role is limited, making Okongwu a clear hold while Porzingis remains sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
The New York Mets remain interested in the top hitter available on the free agent market, outfielder
Cody Bellinger, even after signing infielder
Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract on Friday afternoon. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets would prefer to sign Bellinger to a short-term deal after signing Bichette to that high contract. While Bellinger has been heavily linked to the Yankees on a longer-term deal as well, the Mets would likely offer a higher annual value, albeit for a shorter term. With the Yankees last season, Bellinger posted a strong .272/.336/.480 line with 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases. His home run total was the highest since his incredible 2019 campaign. If Bellinger were to join the Mets, he could potentially block top prospect
Carson Benge from an everyday role early in the season.
--Andy SmithSource: Will Sammon
January 19, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Philadelphia, extending his absence to nine straight contests since suffering a right thumb sprain on Jan. 2. Indiana continues to reshuffle wing minutes, keeping
Aaron Nesmith (rest) in a featured scoring role upon his return.
Johnny Furphy has started recently and delivered double-digit scoring twice over his last five games, making him a deep-league streamer.
Ben Sheppard remains a volatile option due to fluctuating minutes and usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
Before signing a three-year, $45 million extension with the Philadelphia Phillies, catcher
J.T. Realmuto was linked to the Tampa Bay Rays. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Rays were interested in the veteran backstop but were unable to match Philadelphia's contract offer. The 34-year-old has spent the majority of his 12-year MLB career in Philadelphia. Last summer, he saw his offensive production take a hit, posting a low .257/.325/.384 line with 12 home runs and eight sotlen baes. Under the hood, he generated a .316 xwOBA with a slightly above-average 45.5% hard-hit rate. With the Rays missing out on Realmuto, managers should expect Nic Fortes,
Hunter Feduccia, and
Dominic Keegan to compete for starting opportunities. Fortes will likely be the starting option but holds minimal fantasy value outside of 15+ team AL-only formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal
January 19, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (illness) has been ruled out for Monday's game against San Antonio, marking his fourth straight absence, though a return Tuesday remains possible. Utah continues to redistribute usage, making
Brice Sensabaugh the clear fantasy beneficiary after averaging 31.7 points on 61.4 percent shooting over his last three games.
Ace Bailey has also stepped into a larger role, logging 14.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in expanded starts. Sensabaugh's scoring volume and secure minutes profile him as a strong short-term add in standard leagues.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 19, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Kansas City Royals are unlikely to land either of the two hitters they have been pursuing in trade talks, Brendon Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals, or
Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox. Through the winter, both the Cardinals and Red Sox have been listening to offers for these two players, but have yet to strike a deal. However, Rosenthal believes that the Royals appear to be out of the running to bolster their lineup ahead of spring training. Donovan is a super-utility infielder who turned in a productive 2025 campaign, posting a .287/.353/.422 line with 10 home runs and three stolen bases. Duran took a step back in 2025 as he held a lower .256/.332/.442 line compared to the impressive .285/.342/.492 line he held in 2024. With the Royals likely missing out on both bats, managers should expect
Jonathan India to remain the primary second baseman heading into camp, while
Lane Thomas,
Kyle Isbel, and
Jac Caglianone hold the positions in the outfield. This is an excellent sign for former top prospect Caglianone, as he will face even less competition for a full-time role.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal
January 19, 2026
Houston Rockets center
Steven Adams (ankle) was diagnosed with a sprained left ankle after exiting early in Sunday's win over New Orleans, with significant swelling reported and further testing pending. Adams was unable to put weight on the ankle, putting his short-term availability in doubt. Fantasy managers should expect
Alperen Sengun to shoulder heavier frontcourt minutes, while
Clint Capela could see a situational bump off the bench. Capela remains a risky streamer given Houston's occasional small-ball lean, but he can return value when minutes spike.
--Brian DailisanSource: Kelly Iko
January 19, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers could look to shop outfielder
Ryan Ward following the signing of star outfielder
Kyle Tucker. As reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers are "likely" to explore trade offers for the 27-year-old ahead of spring training. While initial reports suggested they could shop
Teoscar Hernandez, the Dodgers are likely to shift him to left field and instead move the long-time minor leaguer. Last season, Ward turned in an impressive campaign with Triple-A Oklahoma City and was making a strong push to join the Dodgers down the stretch. The Pacific Coast League MVP posted a remarkable .290/.380/.557 line with a .937 OPS, 31 doubles, 36 home runs, and 16 stolen bases. Ward is a name to closely monitor as he would become an intriguing sleeper for deeper leagues if he can join a club that would give him an opportunity to crack an Opening Day roster.
--Andy SmithSource: Ken Rosenthal
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