January 28, 2026
Coming off a major breakout campaign in 2025, J.J. Spaun opened the year with a solid start, finishing T40 at the Sony Open two weeks ago. He'll look to carry that form into the Farmers Insurance Open, where his history is mixed, with four missed cuts and three top-25 finishes across nine appearances. Spaun's success here has typically hinged on strong approach play, an area he excelled in last season, ranking fifth in strokes gained on approach (+0.738 per round). He was also 62nd in driving distance, 41st in strokes gained off the tee (+0.291), and 121st in proximity from 200+ yards, a range that accounted for over 33% of all approach shots here last year. At $9,400 on DraftKings, Spaun offers a solid floor for fantasy managers looking for a safer option in this price range.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
January 28, 2026
After a strong 2025 campaign that included six top-10 finishes and a victory, Andrew Novak started The American Express with an opening round 64 but ultimately missed the cut by one stroke. He'll look to rebound at the Farmers Insurance Open, where he finished third in 2025 and also notched a T13 at the 2025 Genesis Invitational, both at Torrey Pines. Success at this course typically hinges on off-the-tee distance and long-iron approach shots. Last year, Novak ranked 102nd off the tee (+0.042) and 113th on approach (-0.036), but he makes up for it with his short game, ranking 43rd around the green and 49th in strokes gained putting. At $7,200 on DraftKings, Novak's upside is dependent on a solid week of ball striking to complement his strong short game.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
January 27, 2026
Denver Broncos passing-game coordinator and quarterbacks coach
Davis Webb is receiving some serious interest around the NFL this cycle for not only head-coaching jobs, but also offensive-coordinator positions. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that after Webb interviewed this week for the Las Vegas Raiders' and Buffalo Bills' head-coaching jobs, he received interview requests for offensive-coordinator jobs with the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens. The former backup QB is a hot, rising name in the coaching ranks after the work he's done with
Bo Nix in Denver. The Broncos appear intent on not letting Webb leave, though, after firing offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi on Tuesday. The expectation is that head coach Sean Payton will try to promote Davis to OC to keep his bright offensive mind around.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 27, 2026
Denny McCarthy had a solid 2025 with 10 top-25 finishes and has carried some of that form into 2026, posting five sub-70 rounds through two starts. He'll look to continue that at the Farmers Insurance Open, though his history at Torrey Pines is mixed, with two missed cuts, two results of T64 or worse, and a T5 at the 2025 Genesis Invitational. Last year, he ranked 147th off the tee (-0.258), 62nd on approach (+0.202), and fourth in strokes gained putting (+0.679). Through two events this season, he's 37th off the tee (+0.528) and 52nd in proximity from 200+ yards, a range that accounted for over 33% of approach shots here last year. At $7,500 on DraftKings, McCarthy is a wild card with upside if his improved approach and off the tee game hold up.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
January 27, 2026
After a 2025 season that fell short of expectations, Max Homa has seemingly found a resurgence as of late, recording four finishes of T27 or better in his last five events. He'll look to continue that at the Farmers Insurance Open, where he has four top-19 finishes in his last six trips, including a 2023 win. Homa has also thrived in California, with four of his six career PGA Tour victories coming in his home state. His 2023 victory at Torrey Pines was driven by strong approach play, gaining +2.74 strokes per round, an area he struggled with last season when he ranked just 155th on Tour. Through one event in 2026, he's 12th on approach, fifth in total strokes gained, and 21st in driving distance, all areas that correlate to success at Torrey Pines. All signs point to Homa having the bounce-back season many had hoped for, and his upside is well worth his price tag of $8,300 on DraftKings.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
January 27, 2026
Baltimore Orioles infielder
Jordan Westburg was an All-Star in his second MLB season in 2024, when he hit .264/.312/.481 with a .792 OPS and career-highs in home runs (18) and RBI (63) in 107 games played. Westburgh took a slight step back in 2025 and played in just 85 games. The 26-year-old former first-rounder in 2020 out of Mississippi State slashed .265/.313/.457 with a .770 OPS, 17 home runs, 41 RBI, and 59 runs scored for the O's. Most of the disappointment came in the form of injuries -- he missed six-plus weeks with a hamstring injury and a month with a right-ankle sprain. Westburg is probably only eligible at third base in most fantasy baseball leagues going into 2026, but his high contact rates and power stroke still give him upside in Baltimore if he can avoid injuries. If you wait at the position, Westburg is a decent low-end starting third baseman with the clear potential for 20-plus home runs over a full season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
January 27, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays speedy outfielder
Chandler Simpson made his major-league debut in 2025 and didn't disappoint with his wheels, stealing 44 bases in 109 games. Simpson also hit an impressive .295 (122-for-414), but outside of his speed and high average, there was a lot to pick apart. The 25-year-old former second-rounder was caught stealing a league-high 12 times, had zero home runs, and only drove in 26 runs while hitting at the bottom of the batting order. Simpson's lack of power is a major drawback, and his subpar defense puts him at risk of losing playing time if he's not hitting and getting on base regularly. On the plus side, Simpson hit over .300 against both fastballs and breaking pitches in his first year in the big leagues. If you draft Simpson specifically for his speed, you'll need to get your power elsewhere. Heading into his sophomore season, RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 39 fantasy outfielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
January 27, 2026
Since winning the Cognizant Classic in March of last year, Joe Highsmith has not been able to find any form, missing 17 cuts in his last 27 starts. His history at Torrey Pines is limited, with just three events played, resulting in two missed cuts and a T33 finish, which came at the 2024 Farmers. Success here typically hinges on distance off the tee and approach with long irons, areas where Highsmith has struggled. In 2025, he ranked just 117th in driving distance, 160th in strokes gained on approach (-0.362 per round), and 107th in proximity from 200+ yards, a distance that accounted for over 33% of approach shots last year. At $6,300 on DraftKings, Highsmith can safely be left out of fantasy lineups until any sign of a turnaround appears.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
January 27, 2026
Atlanta Braves second baseman
Ozzie Albies has been a disappointment for fantasy managers each of the last two years. He played in only 99 games in 2024 due to injury, but Albies was even worse in 2025 despite playing in 157 contests. The 29-year-old switch-hitting infielder slashed .240/.306/.365 with a career-worst .671 OPS, 16 home runs, 74 RBI, 74 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases in 667 plate appearances in his ninth year in the big leagues. It was one of Albies' worst seasons, and it ended on a sour note with a fractured hamate bone in his hand. There's reason for hope, though, as Albies reached the 30-homer mark in his previous two full seasons, and he should be fully recovered from his left-hand injury in time for Opening Day. Albies has dropped to No. 11 in RotoBaller's 2B rankings for 2026. Reasons to not be optimistic include his underwhelming hard-hit rate (30.7%), barrel rate (4.9%), and average exit velocity (87.5 mph) from last year.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
January 27, 2026
Wyndham Clark was in contention for much of the week at The American Express before a final-round 72 dropped him to a T13 finish. He'll look to carry that form to Torrey Pines, where he has seven career starts, with his best result being T31 at the Genesis Invitational last year. Success here typically hinges on distance off the tee and strong long-iron approach play. In 2025, Clark ranked 154th in strokes gained on approach (-0.284 per round) and 107th in proximity from 200+ yards, a distance that accounted for over 33% of approach shots here last season. His upside comes off the tee, where he ranked 25th in driving distance. Clark is expected to be a bounce-back candidate entering 2026 after a disappointing 2025, but his long-iron play remains a concern this week.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
January 27, 2026
Houston Astros left-handed closer
Josh Hader (shoulder) was among the most dominant closers in baseball again in 2025, but he will carry more risk into 2026 after his season was cut short by a left-shoulder strain. The 31-year-old veteran southpaw said recently that he feels back to normal, but until we see that he's at full strength during spring training, Hader will carry extra risk in fantasy baseball. When he was on the mound last year, Hader was still dominant as ever, ranking fifth with a 29.1 K-BB percentage. Hader leaned heavily on his wipeout slider and produced an absurd 55.2% whiff rate with the pitch. The six-time All-Star had a nice 2.05 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with 28 saves, 76 strikeouts, and 16 walks in 52 2/3 innings. Hader's price tag on draft day might be a little deflated due to his shoulder injury, but if it proves to be a thing of the past, he could wind up being a massive value.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
January 27, 2026
Tony Finau has been riding the struggle bus to start the 2026 season, missing the cut in both the Sony Open and The American Express. In these two starts, he has lost strokes off the tee (-0.256 per round), on approach (-1.043), and ranks just 113th in driving distance, all areas important for success at the Farmers Insurance Open. Despite that, Finau's history at this event is reason enough to believe he can turn it around. In 11 starts at the Farmers, he has missed the cut only twice and recorded nine top-25 finishes, including six top-10s. After a disappointing 2025 season, his current form is approaching rock bottom, but this event has proven to be one where he can suddenly click. At $7,000 on DraftKings, he remains a high-risk, high-reward play.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
January 27, 2026
In his first full season in the Bronx, New York Yankees second baseman
Jazz Chisholm Jr. earned his second career All-Star nod and finished the year by slashing .242/.332/.481 with an .813 OPS and career-highs in home runs (31) and RBI (80). He also had 31 stolen bases and a career-high 75 runs scored in 130 regular-season games. In what will be a contract year if he doesn't reach a long-term extension with the Bombers, the 27-year-old infielder could have another strong season in pinstripes. Chisholm's power/speed combination is rare for a player who qualifies at the keystone, and it helps mask some of his liabilities. The former Miami Marlins second baseman is streaky, has a lengthy injury history, and has struck out almost 28% of the time in his six-year big-league career. Fantasy managers are mostly comfortable with sacrificing some average at the 2B position for Chisholm's power/speed upside, especially with the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
January 27, 2026
Chicago Cubs outfielder
Seiya Suzuki had a career-worst .245 batting average in his fourth year in the big leagues with the Cubs in 2025, but he also set career-highs in home runs (32), RBI (103), and runs scored (75) while stealing five bases in a career-high 151 regular-season games. Suzuki's career-best numbers in homers and RBI were attributed to the fact that he pulled the ball more and put the ball in the air more often than in his previous three campaigns after coming over from Japan. The 31-year-old veteran's counting stats were also aided by the fact that he didn't go on the injured list for the first time in his MLB career. Reaching the 30-homer mark for a second straight season in a contract year is certainly attainable for Suzuki, and he should once again have plenty of chances to drive in runs in the middle of Chicago's batting order. Fantasy managers should consider Suzuki just inside the top-25 outfielders for 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
January 27, 2026
Houston Astros right-hander
Hunter Brown broke out as an All-Star in 2025 in his fourth year in the big leagues, going 12-9 with a 2.43 ERA (3.14 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, and 206:57 K:BB in 31 starts over 185 1/3 innings pitched. The 27-year-old was essentially Houston's ace. The former fifth-round selection out of Wayne State has come a long way since he had a 5.09 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 155 2/3 innings in 2023 in his first year in the big leagues. Brown reached the illustrious 200-strikeout mark for the first time in his career, and opposing hitters batted a tick over .200 against him. Brown has the arsenal (six pitches) to keep batters off balance and continue to be successful in 2026, but fantasy managers shouldn't necessarily expect another ERA under 3.00. Keeping the ball in the yard was a big reason for his success last year, as he allowed just 0.8 home runs per nine innings. RotoBaller has Brown ranked as the No. 8 starting pitcher.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
January 27, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard
Darius Garland (toe) will miss a seventh consecutive game on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was back at practice on Monday, but Wednesday's game comes too soon for Garland to be ready to play. However, he could be available later in the week as the team plans to re-evaluate Garland soon. During Garland's absence, both
Donovan Mitchell and
Jaylon Tyson have stepped up as playmakers, while
Lonzo Ball's workload has increased.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
Akshay Bhatia was not able to turn around his luck at The American Express, missing the cut by 10 strokes. He'll look to rebound at Torrey Pines, where he has had much more success, finishing T13 at the Farmers Insurance Open in 2024 and T9 at the Genesis Invitational in 2025. In those two starts, Bhatia gained over 3.2 combined strokes per round off the tee and on approach. He also ranked 14th on Tour in strokes gained putting last season at +0.575 per round, but he has been ice cold on the greens recently, recording negative strokes gained with the putter in three straight events. His strong course history makes him an interesting option at $7,400 on DraftKings, but recent struggles make him a risky play for fantasy managers.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
January 27, 2026
Outfielder
Teoscar Hernandez has won the World Series in both of his seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was much better in his first year in Hollywood, slashing .272/.339/.501 with an .840 OPS, career-high 33 home runs, 99 RBI, 12 stolen bases, and 84 runs scored in 154 regular-season games. Last year in 134 regular-season games, Hernandez hit .247/.284/.454 with just a .738 OPS, 25 home runs, 89 RBI, 65 runs scored, and five steals. The 33-year-old Dominican outfielder had a career-best 24.6% strikeout rate, but also a career-worst 4.8% walk rate. His power was down in 2025, but Hernandez's batted-ball metrics weren't far off from his strong 2025 campaign with L.A. Fantasy managers should know that Hernandez has hit at least 20 homers in each of the last seven full seasons. Hitting in the middle of the best lineup in baseball gives Hernandez a pretty safe floor, while he has 30-homer, 100-RBI upside. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 31 fantasy outfielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
January 27, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's Battle of Florida against the Miami Heat. In mid-January, Wagner returned from an ankle injury, but he made only two appearances before landing back on the shelf. Wednesday's game will mark his fourth consecutive absence. Due to Wagner's ongoing injury woes,
Anthony Black has enjoyed increased playing time throughout the season. While Black's recent performances have been inconsistent, he remains an attractive fantasy option.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Draymond Green (back) is listed as probable for Wednesday's clash against the Utah Jazz. The veteran, who is dealing with a minor back issue, sat out Monday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves as Golden State wrapped up a back-to-back set.
Al Horford (toe) is also on track to return, meaning
Gui Santos and
Quinten Post will likely head to the bench. The Warriors have an excellent fantasy matchup on Tuesday, facing an opponent that pushes the pace but struggles defensively. Green has posted 8.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in January.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
The New York Jets reached out to former NFL head coach Jon Gruden about the idea of joining head coach Aaron Glenn's coaching staff, multiple sources told Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. However, Gruden wasn't interested in the job. The report comes after the Jets parted ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand on Tuesday. The expectation is that former Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich will be brought in to call plays for the Jets' offense in 2026. It's unclear exactly what role the Jets had in mind for Gruden. Gruden has not coached in the NFL since he resigned as the Las Vegas Raiders' head coach after an email scandal that featured insensitive language in 2021. After finishing 3-14 in 2025 in Glenn's first year, the Jets need a lot of help on offense, but it must start with a quarterback.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
January 27, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) has shaken off a questionable tag and will play on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz, Law Murray of The Athletic reports. He's ready to make his third consecutive appearance despite nursing a left knee contusion. The Clippers have been on a roll recently, and largely thanks to Leonard's outstanding play. Leonard has averaged 31.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.4 steals over his last 15 appearances, during which the Clippers have gone 13-2. This run includes a 45-point effort from Leonard against Utah on Jan. 1.
--Taavi PailkSource: Law Murray
January 27, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter
Kyle Schwarber led the league and set a new career high with 56 home runs in 2025 in his fourth season with the Phils. He also had a league- and career-high 132 RBI while slashing .240/.365/.563 with a career-best .928 OPS, career-high 111 runs scored, and career-best 10 stolen bases in 162 games. The 32-year-old left-handed slugger is strictly a DH, though, and his high strikeout totals will ensure that his batting average will remain low. He finished last year third in walks (108), and he was the runner-up to
Shohei Ohtani in the National League MVP voting. Schwarber has had 100-plus RBI in each of the last three years. The fact that Schwarber re-signed with the Phillies is a huge plus for his fantasy outlook going into the 2026 campaign, where he'll remain an elite power threat and run producer. RotoBaller has Schwarber ranked as the No. 23 overall player.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
January 27, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Jordan Goodwin will make his third start of the season on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. With
Devin Booker (ankle),
Jalen Green (hamstring), and
Collin Gillespie (hand) all sidelined, the Suns are left shorthanded in the backcourt, and Goodwin will get a chance to make his first start since Nov. 24. In his previous two starts this season, Goodwin has averaged 11.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals. Given Phoenix's injury situation and the lack of offensive threats, it's reasonable to expect even bigger numbers from Goodwin on Tuesday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Phoenix Suns
January 27, 2026
New York Yankees infielder
Marco Luciano has been designated for assignment by the organization on Tuesday. Luciano didn't even last a week on the team before getting kicked off the 40-man roster. The Yankees needed to make room for recently acquired pitcher Don Hamel, so Luciano was the odd man out. Since the end of the 2025 season, Luciano has been on the Giants, Pirates, Orioles, and Yankees. The 24-year-old is a former top prospect, but hasn't put it together at the MLB level. During parts of two seasons, Luciano is slashing .217/.286/.304 with three RBI in 41 games. He posted an ugly slash line in the minors last season, but blasted 23 home runs with 85 walks at Triple-A Sacramento. Luciano should hopefully land somewhere to at least compete for a spot during Spring Training.
--Andy WebbSource: New York Yankees
January 27, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (ankle) will return from a one-game absence on Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons. Watson was sidelined for the second leg of a back-to-back on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks as he dealt with sprains in both ankles. In his last outing, Watson dropped 35 points on the Washington Wizards. He has elevated his game this month, averaging 23.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 36.2 minutes per game. Watson will start Tuesday's contest alongside
Jamal Murray,
Jalen Pickett,
Spencer Jones, and
Jonas Valanciunas.
Julian Strawther and
Zeke Nnaji will drop to the bench, while
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) has been ruled out for the game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
Right-handed power-hitting first baseman
Pete Alonso signed with the Baltimore Orioles in free agency on a five-year, $155 million contract. The New York Mets decided not to bring him back after a very successful 2025 season in Queens, in which he hit .272/.347/.524 with an .871 OPS, 38 home runs, a league-leading 41 doubles, 87 runs scored, and 126 RBI in 162 games played. The 31-year-old played in all 162 regular-season games for the second year in a row. While Camden Yards hasn't been the most hitter-friendly park in the American League East, we don't think Alonso will have any issues driving in plenty of runs in the middle of the O's lineup. In the last four regular seasons, only
Aaron Judge has driven in more runs than Alonso. The Polar Bear is ranked just inside the top-25 overall players by RotoBaller, and he's the No. 3 first baseman, behind only
Nick Kurtz and
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
January 27, 2026
The New York Yankees have reportedly expressed interest in re-signing free-agent first baseman
Paul Goldschmidt. It seems that the Bronx Bombers are open to a reunion with the veteran slugger. During his lone season in the Bronx, Goldschmidt slashed .274/.328/.403 with 10 home runs and 45 RBI in 146 games in 2025. The Yankees are seeking a platoon partner for
Ben Rice, so Goldschmidt does make sense for them. The power dropoff from Goldschmidt is concerning, as his 10 long balls are the third-fewest during his 15-year career. The 38-year-old still posted a solid slash line and is a viable option at first base. It would likely be a short, one-year deal, so it's unlikely to be a bad investment if the Yankees decide to go that route.
--Andy WebbSource: SNY
January 27, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) has been upgraded from probable to available for Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Last week, Valanciunas returned from a calf injury, but he was held out of Friday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite missing three weeks, Valanciunas didn't show any rust against the Washington Wizards last Thursday, notching 16 points and nine rebounds in 22 minutes. He has a much trickier matchup on Tuesday against
Jalen Duren and the Pistons.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 27, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (hamstring, hip) will play on Tuesday against
Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons. The Canadian star has dealt with several health issues recently and sat out Friday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. He was initially listed as probable for Tuesday's tilt. With
Nikola Jokic (knee) on the shelf, Murray has taken on a much larger offensive load, averaging 29.0 points and 8.7 assists in January. His form will get a stern test on Tuesday against the NBA's second-best defense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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