Ashton Jeanty a Top-Five Dynasty RB Despite Disappointing Rookie Campaign
A lot was expected of running back Ashton Jeanty in his first year in the NFL in 2025 after the Las Vegas Raiders took the Boise State product with the sixth overall pick in last year's draft. Jeanty didn't quite live up to those expectations in Year 1, but fantasy managers should still view him as a top-five dynasty RB with an upgraded offensive line and under new head coach Klint Kubiak in 2026 and beyond. The 22-year-old rushed for 975 yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries over 17 starts, adding 55 receptions on 73 targets for 346 yards and an additional five touchdowns as a pass-catcher in 2025. Even though he technically didn't live up to his rookie projections as the Raiders' lead back, he still finished as a top-15 fantasy back in half-PPR scoring. Kubiak is expected to lean heavily on Jeanty and the ground game in his first year in Sin City, giving the second-year back plenty of breakout potential as an elite RB1. RotoBaller has Jeanty ranked as the No. 3 dynasty RB at this point in the offseason, behind only the Falcons' Bijan Robinson and the Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Devin Neal the Potential RB2 in New Orleans in his Sophomore Season
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara appears to be on his way out in New Orleans after the free-agent signing of do-it-all back Travis Etienne Jr. If Kamara is cut or retires this offseason, Devin Neal would be in line for RB2 duties and an expanded role in 2026 in his second year in the NFL. After being taken in the sixth round (184th overall) out of Kansas last year, the 22-year-old appeared in only 10 games (three starts) due to a hamstring injury and finished with 57 rushing attempts for 206 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns while adding 17 receptions for 104 yards through the air. The 5-foot-11, 213-pounder doesn't have a ton of speed or athleticism, but what he lacks in those areas, he makes up for in size and power. Neal was used in a goal-line role down the stretch last year with Kamara sidelined with a knee injury, and he could be a nice complement to Etienne in his sophomore season. His fantasy ceiling isn't incredibly high, but Neal could develop into a valuable between-the-tackles grinder for the Saints in years to come. He's currently ranked as the No. 70 dynasty RB at RotoBaller.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Does Ricky Pearsall Still Have Breakout Potential for Fantasy Managers?
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has been an oft-injured disappointment through his first two seasons in the NFL after the Niners took him 31st overall in the 2024 draft. He's played in a total of 20 regular-season games (13 starts), catching 67 of his 99 targets for 928 yards and three touchdowns. Pearsall played in just nine games in 2025, finishing the regular season with 36 receptions for 528 yards and no touchdowns on 53 targets. The 25-year-old is still clearly in the team's long-term plans, but his already lengthy injury history hasn't endeared him to fantasy managers in dynasty leagues through his first two seasons in the league. The 49ers lost let Jauan Jennings walk in free agency and are expected to cut former first-rounder Brandon Aiyuk (knee), but they also added Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency and drafted rookie De'Zhaun Stribling in the second round last month. Pearsall looked to be coming through for fantasy managers with a potential Year 2 breakout last year, recording 281 receiving yards in his first three games before the injury bug hit again. The good news is that Pearsall should be fully healthy this summer. Currently, he's RotoBaller's No. 47-ranked dynasty WR. He's a risk/reward buy-low candidate, but the team's offseason moves at the position prove that even the 49ers are unsure if Pearsall can be relied on.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tory Horton's Dynasty Stock on the Decline Despite Big-Play Ability
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (shin, groin) showed plenty of big-play ability and had a nose for the end zone in his first year in the NFL in 2025, catching 13 of his 22 targets for 161 yards and five touchdowns, but the 23-year-old played in only eight games (three starts) due to shin and groin injuries. The former fifth-round pick (166th overall) out of Colorado State still isn't 100% healthy during spring workouts as he heads into his sophomore campaign, although he's expected to be ready for training camp at the end of July. Horton possesses good speed (4.41-second 40-yard dash) and above-average route-running skills, but with Rashid Shaheed sticking around as the Seahawks look to defend their Super Bowl championship in 2026, Horton is unlikely to see much volume in an offense that lost coordinator Klint Kubiak. Although veteran Cooper Kupp's prime is well behind him, both he and Jake Bobo will remain involved in some capacity as well. Horton could be a decent buy-low dynasty candidate, but his injury-riddled rookie campaign has his long-term stock on the decline. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 81 fantasy WR.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tank Dell Improving, But Not 100 Percent Yet
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) has made a lot of progress in his recovery from a devastating knee injury that he suffered in December of 2024 in which he dislocated his knee and tore the ACL, MCL, and LCL ligaments, according to KPRC2 Sports' Aaron Wilson. While Dell is making progress since having two surgeries on his knee and is running and cutting in his routes, he's not 100% yet. "Tank Dell looked good," fellow wideout Nico Collins said. "I'm glad he's back now and getting his groove back. You know how much this game means to him, and nobody wants to get hurt the way he did. So, his work ethic, his mindset on the road to recovery, was amazing. So, it's only right he gets back on the field with us, with his brothers, and get back to what he's been doing. I'm happy he's back." The 26-year-old will most likely be limited in the team's upcoming organized team activities at the end of March, but the Texans are still holding out hope that he'll contribute at some point in 2026. Whenever Dell is finally available to Houston again, he'll be competing for a role in a suddenly crowded receiver room that includes Collins, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and Xavier Hutchinson, and there's no guarantee that he'll be able to return to the form that he showed in his first 25 games (18 starts), when he caught 98 of his 156 targets for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns. Dell is a major fantasy question mark and is currently ranked as RotoBaller's No. 64 dynasty WR.
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Gus Varland Looking to Rebound After Rough Stretch in Washington
Washington Nationals right-hander Gus Varland has struggled in recent outings, posting a 7.11 ERA across his last seven appearances. His season ERA has climbed to 4.80 during his first year in Washington, and his role in the back end of the bullpen may begin to shrink. Varland is still 4-for-6 in save opportunities and has added four holds this season, showing the confidence the Nationals coaching staff initially placed in him during high-leverage situations. The 28-year-old is now on his fourth MLB organization after not appearing in a major league game during 2025. Varland will need to limit damage more consistently if he hopes to maintain a steady role in the struggling Nationals bullpen.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jake Burger Off to Slow Start, Power Still Worth Monitoring
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger has struggled through the early portion of the 2026 season, slashing .208/.242/.362 with a .604 OPS across 38 games. The power remains present for Burger, as he has already launched six home runs, but his 27.4 K% has continued to hurt his overall offensive production. Burger has not appeared in a game since Friday and could be receiving additional time away from the lineup to reset at the plate. The 30-year-old is now in his second season with Texas and has yet to fully recapture the form he showed in 2023, when he posted a .827 OPS with 34 home runs.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cam Smith Looking to Rebound Amid Astros Outfield Competition
Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith has cooled off after a strong start to the season, slashing .151/.237/.226 across his last 15 games. Smith now owns a .642 OPS with four home runs through 40 games in 2026. The 23-year-old has flashed the offensive tools needed to succeed at the major league level, but consistency has remained an issue during his second MLB season. Smith could also face increased competition for playing time, with Joey Loperfido, Jake Meyers, and Taylor Trammell all targeting returns later this month. The former first-round pick still carries intriguing upside, but he will need to rediscover his early-season rhythm moving forward.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
JJ Bleday Breaking Out With Reds, Emerging as High-End Power Source
Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday has enjoyed an early breakout in his first season with the Reds. Bleday, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins, has bounced around the majors after struggling to find the consistent success many expected early in his career. He appears to have found his stride in Cincinnati, slashing .262/.392/.643 with a 1.035 OPS and four home runs through 13 games. Bleday was called up from Triple-A Louisville on April 25 and has made the most of his opportunity, flashing impressive power in early action with the Reds. The 28-year-old is quickly gaining attention as a strong fantasy source for power production.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Caleb Kilian Emerging as Favorite for Giants Saves Opportunities?
San Francisco Giants right-hander Caleb Kilian could be in line for increased save opportunities after the club optioned struggling reliever Ryan Walker to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday. Walker opened the season with inconsistent results and was unable to secure the closer role for San Francisco. Kilian has emerged as one of the Giants' most dependable bullpen arms, posting a 1.50 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 17 appearances. He also earned the first save of his MLB career earlier this season. The Giants have recorded just seven saves through 40 games, leaving the ninth inning unsettled as Kilian's consistency makes him a strong speculative add for fantasy managers searching for saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Seth Hernandez Promoted to High-A Greensboro After Dominant Start in Single-A
The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted right-hander Seth Hernandez to High-A Greensboro after a dominant six-start run in the Single-A Florida State League. Hernandez, the No. 19 prospect in baseball and the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, logged 28 innings and allowed just three earned runs while piling up 50 strikeouts. The 19-year-old has showcased elite swing-and-miss stuff early in his professional career, using his 6-foot-4 frame to overpower opposing hitters. It is still an early step in his development, but Hernandez has already flashed frontline starter potential. If the right-hander continues to miss bats at this level, his rise through the Pirates organization could move quickly.
Source: Kody Duncan
Source: Kody Duncan
Karl-Anthony Towns Logs Sixth Double-Double of Postseason
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his sixth double-double of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Sunday, playing his part in a 144-114 blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers with 17 points, four rebounds, 10 assists, and two blocks. Towns did all of that in just 20 minutes, finishing with a 5-for-7 record from the field. He was 2-for-3 from downtown and 5-for-6 at the free-throw line. New York was completely dominant in this series, allowing the team to limit Towns' workload to 23.3 minutes per game. Yet he still averaged nearly a triple-double, tallying 15.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Towns should be fresh and ready for the Eastern Conference Finals, which may not start for a while due to the competitive nature of the Pistons-Cavaliers series.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ayo Dosunmu Replaces Mike Conley in Starting Unit Sunday
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu will start Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, replacing Mike Conley. The Timberwolves are tweaking their starting lineup for a second consecutive game after bringing Anthony Edwards back into the first unit in Game 3. Given that Conley logged only 4:13 in the last game, it's not surprising to see him drop to the bench, and there's a strong possibility the veteran will fall completely out of the rotation. Dosunmu has made a positive impression in the playoffs, averaging 17.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 29.3 minutes per game.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
Miles McBride Tallies Game-High 25 Points in Series-Clincher
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride led all scorers in Sunday's 144-114 Game 4 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. He got hot from downtown, going 7-for-9 and finishing 7-for-10 overall from the field, making all four free-throw attempts. McBride also contributed four rebounds and one steal during the series-clinching win. The 25-year-old made a second consecutive start with OG Anunoby (hamstring) sidelined. In Game 3, McBride couldn't handle the added responsibility, scoring only three points in 21 minutes. He did much better in Sunday's game, offering the Knicks reassurance that they can count on McBride if Anunoby can't return for the start of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tyrese Maxey Settles for 17 Points Sunday
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey tallied 17 points as the team's season ended with a blowout loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday. Philadelphia was swept in the second-round series, with Maxey's performance in the matchup summing up the entire team's effort. The star guard struggled from the field and averaged only 17.8 points. He finished 6-for-16 on Sunday, going 1-for-7 from downtown. In 33 minutes on the floor, Maxey grabbed two rebounds and handed out four assists. It was a disappointing finish to an otherwise highly successful campaign for Maxey, who had career-high numbers in points (28.3), rebounds (4.1), assists (6.6), steals (1.9), and blocks (0.8) during the regular season. At 25, he is just entering his prime and should provide high-level fantasy production for many more years.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Is Kyle Finnegan the Top Closer Handcuff Available on the Waiver Wire?
Detroit Tigers right-hander Kyle Finnegan has gotten results so far in 2026, pitching to a 1.53 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with 13 strikeouts and one save across 17 2/3 innings (18 games). Finnegan is currently blocked off from save opportunities in Detroit by veteran Tigers closer Kenley Jansen, who remains the team's preferred option in the ninth inning. However, Jansen has pitched to a 5.40 ERA with three blown saves across 11 appearances so far this season. Should Detroit choose to alter its late-inning mix, Finnegan could step in as the new closer. The 34-year-old has 113 career saves across 365 MLB appearances. While Finnegan's 0.0% K-BB rate does not exactly scream typical closer dominance, he's proven the ability to close games in the past. For fantasy managers in need of saves, Finnegan could be worth stashing off the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joel Embiid Scores Efficient 24 Points in Season-Ending Loss
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid scored a team-high 24 points in Sunday's 144-114 season-ending loss to the New York Knicks. Embiid battled health and consistency issues during the playoffs, but he had an impressive showing on Sunday. The former MVP finished 8-for-8 from the field and 6-for-7 at the charity stripe, making both attempts from three-point range. Embiid added five rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes. Unfortunately, Embiid couldn't shake off the injury bug this season, appearing in only 38 regular-season games and also missing time during the playoffs. Having suited up for just 96 regular-season games across the last three campaigns, Embiid continues to be a high-risk pick in fantasy leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Carlos Cortes Earning More Playing Time, Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Athletics outfielder Carlos Cortes is off to an excellent start to the 2026 season, hitting .355/.408/.570 with four home runs, 15 RBI, 11 runs scored, and one stolen base across his first 103 plate appearances of the season. Entering play on Sunday, Cortes owned an 11.1% barrel rate and had walked (eight) nearly as many times as he had struck out (nine). The 28-year-old is a bit of a late bloomer, but he posted similarly strong numbers (.866 OPS) across 99 plate appearances after making his MLB debut in 2025. The lefty-swinging Cortes appears to have worked his way into an everyday role in the corner outfield for the Athletics, at least against right-handed starting pitching. Particularly given his hitter-friendly home park in Sacramento, Cortes profiles as a viable hitting streamer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caris LeVert Iffy for Monday Night
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Caris LeVert (heel) is questionable for Monday's Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has popped up on the injury report with a right heel contusion. LeVert logged 17 minutes off the bench in Game 3 and made his biggest impact defensively, snagging four steals. Generally, he has not played a significant role for the Pistons this postseason, averaging 3.0 points and 2.1 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game. If LeVert can't go and Kevin Huerter (adductor) remains out, Daniss Jenkins and Javonte Green will lead the bench unit. It's also possible that Ron Holland II will get more run-outs.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kevin Huerter Listed as Questionable for Game 4
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) is questionable for Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. The 27-year-old has previously carried a doubtful tag on the injury report, so this should be seen as a positive development. Yet it's still unclear whether Huerter will be ready to play. Caris LeVert (heel) has also been added to the injury report, which could further increase Daniss Jenkins' workload. On Monday, Jenkins will look to rebound from a poor Game 3 performance. Injuries to the bench unit also force Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to rely more on his starters.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jorge Soler Remains an Impact Power Bat Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire
Across 157 plate appearances so far in 2026, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler is hitting .226/.325/.451 with eight home runs, 28 RBI, and 19 runs scored. With a 31.2% strikeout rate, Soler is unlikely to help fantasy managers in the batting average category. However, the 34-year-old remains a legitimate power bat even as he enters his mid-30s. Soler currently owns a 12.9% barrel rate, marking his eighth consecutive season with a barrel rate north of 12%. He's also managed to stay healthy this season after groin and back injuries limited him to just 315 plate appearances in 2025. As long as Soler can stay on the field in 2026, he should see every day playing time in the middle of the Angels lineup and could threaten 30 home runs. For fantasy managers searching for power on the waiver wire, Soler could be worth targeting.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Randy Vasquez Emerging as a Must-Add Waiver-Wire Target
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vasquez turned in another strong performance in his team's 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, throwing six innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts while picking up the win. The 27-year-old has been excellent so far this season for San Diego, recording a 4-1 record with a 3.05 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts across 44 1/3 innings. Vasquez's strikeout rate currently sits at a career-best 23.2%, and his walk rate is down from 9.1% in 2025 to 7.2%. Vasquez's 80.6% strand rate may not be fully sustainable, but his strong 0.81 HR/9 helps him avoid blow-up innings and keeps his ERA down. Vasquez's average fastball velocity is also up to 94.8 miles per hour, a significant increase from his mark of 93.5 miles per hour in 2025. Particularly in deeper leagues, Vasquez should be scooped up off the waiver wire by fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Spencer Torkelson Remains a Viable Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across his first 152 plate appearances of 2026, Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson is hitting .209/.329/.411 with six home runs, 15 RBI, and 13 runs scored. The 26-year-old's season has taken a strange shape, as five of his six home runs came in a five-day period between April 22 and April 26. Outside of that brief power surge, Torkelson has largely struggled. While his 14.5% walk rate is excellent, Torkelson's 30.9% strikeout rate puts a firm ceiling on his batting average upside. Still, his 15.9% barrel rate suggests that Torkelson remains a potent power threat. As the weather starts to heat up in Detroit, Torkelson should start to hit the ball out of the ballpark with more consistency. In deeper leagues where he may have been dropped, Torkelson profiles as a power bat worth targeting off the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kerry Carpenter Placed on 10-Day Injured List with Left AC Joint Sprain
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter (shoulder) has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left AC joint sprain. Infielder Gage Workman was recalled to take Carpenter's spot on Detroit's active roster. Carpenter exited early from the Tigers' loss to the Kansas City Royals on Saturday after colliding with the outfield wall and could now be facing an extended absence. Across his first 117 plate appearances of 2026 before getting injured, the 28-year-old was hitting .216/.299/.451 with six home runs, 17 RBI, and 11 runs scored. While Carpenter may be able to return to the Tigers relatively quickly, his performance post-shoulder ailment will be something for fantasy managers to monitor. In Carpenter's absence, Tigers outfielders Wenceel Perez and Jahmai Jones could both see an increase in playing time in right field and at designated hitter.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Auston Matthews Uncertain About Future With Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews is uncertain about his future with the team, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski reports. Toronto won the 2026 draft lottery this week, giving the team a boost after a disappointing season, but Matthews' future may lie elsewhere. He has two years remaining on his contract, with a $13.25 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause. Matthews missed the playoffs for the first time with Toronto this season and has never advanced past the second round since entering the league in 2016. He has enjoyed significant individual success, earning the Hart Trophy in 2022 and three Rocket Richard Trophies. At 28, Matthews is still in his prime, but no career lasts forever, and he may want a change of scenery to improve his chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Frederik Andersen Enjoying Special Postseason
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen remained undefeated in Game 4 against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, improving to 8-0 this postseason. Carolina has made a great start to the playoffs, sweeping two opponents, and Andersen has been a major factor in that success. He has yet to allow more than two goals this postseason, registering a 1.12 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage. Previously, only three netminders in NHL history had started a postseason with eight consecutive wins. With Andersen looking nearly unbeatable, Carolina appears well-positioned to return to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 20 years.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Manson "Close" to Returning
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (upper body) is on the cusp of rejoining the lineup, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. After Sunday's practice, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said Manson was "close" to returning. He has missed four games due to an upper-body injury. Nick Blankenburg
will likely come out of the lineup if Manson is cleared to play in Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild on Monday night. With 31 points (five goals, 26 assists) in 79 regular-season games, Manson had his second-best scoring campaign. He also made a solid offensive impact early in the postseason, recording two assists in three games.
Source: Evan Rawal
Source: Evan Rawal
Joel Kiviranta Could Return to Action Monday
Colorado Avalanche left wing Joel Kiviranta (undisclosed) could be available for Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild on Monday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. He has been out of action for five games. Kivitanta played in Colorado's first two games of the postseason, logging three SOG, five hits, and a plus-two rating. If he's cleared to play, Kiviranta will be a bottom-six option for the Avalanche and help the penalty kill, which struggled in Saturday's 5-1 loss to Minnesota, allowing two power-play goals.
Source: Evan Rawal
Source: Evan Rawal
Radko Gudas a Game-Time Call Sunday
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (lower body) is a game-time decision for Sunday's meeting with the Vegas Golden Knights, Derek Lee of The Hockey News reports. The Ducks are hoping to get their captain back after an eight-game absence, and the signs are good that Gudas will make his return. He skated on the third defensive pairing Sunday morning, replacing Drew Helleson (undisclosed), who has been ruled out for Sunday's game. If he indeed returns, Gudas will add experience and physicality to the Ducks' lineup, but he is unlikely to make a difference on the offensive end.
Source: Derek Lee
Source: Derek Lee
Mark Stone Unavailable Sunday
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (undisclosed) will miss Game 4 against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, Derek Van Diest of NHL.com reports. The Golden Knights will be without their captain due to an undisclosed injury Stone suffered in Game 3. Stone has contributed three goals and four assists in nine games this postseason. In Stone's absence, Brandon Saad will make his 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs debut. Saad is coming off a disappointing regular season, in which he posted only nine points (three goals, six assists) in 49 outings. The 33-year-old has decent playoff pedigree, but his lack of form makes him an unattractive DFS target on Sunday.
Source: Derek Van Diest
Source: Derek Van Diest
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