January 1, 2026

Right-hander Spencer Howard is signing with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball, according to Yakyu Cosmopolitan. Howard pitched in NPB last year, but before that, he spent five seasons in MLB. In 2025 for the Rakuten Eagles, injuries limitEd Howard to just nine starts, though he still posted a strong 2.22 ERA across 48 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old was once a top prospect in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, but he has struggled to find consistent success in the major leagues, finishing his five MLB seasons with a 7.00 ERA, 136 strikeouts, and a 1.736 WHIP over 144 innings. The hope is that Howard can refine his skills overseas and potentially earn another opportunity with an MLB club in the future.--Marty Tallman
Source: Yakyu Cosmopolitan

January 1, 2026

The signing window for NPB All-Star third baseman Kazuma Okamoto closes at 5 p.m. EST on Friday, and according to Katie Woo and Will Sammon of The Athletic, Okamoto has met with several teams this week in Los Angeles. The Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Boston Red Sox have shown interest in the 29-year-old Japanese slugger, but as of now, he hasn't signed with anyone yet. Okamoto is widely regarded as one of Japan's premier power hitters, having recorded 30 or more home runs in six different seasons. Even though an elbow injury limited him to only 77 games in 2025, he posted a .322/.411/.581 slash line with 15 home runs while drawing 34 walks to only 36 strikeouts. In MLB, he projects as a right-handed corner infielder or designated hitter with the potential for 25 or more home runs. For fantasy purposes, Okamoto is a high-upside draft pick with considerable risk, as he will be facing MLB pitching for the first time in his career.--Marty Tallman
Source: Katie Woo and Will Sammon

January 1, 2026

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa hauled in three of four targets for 49 yards and a touchdown in the 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the Lions' recent offensive struggles, TeSlaa has played well, totaling three catches for 45+ yards and a touchdown in back-to-back weeks. He is on a historic pace for red-zone efficiency, scoring a touchdown on 40% of his receptions this season, all inside the 20-yard line. He faces a Chicago Bears secondary in Week 18 that has allowed the second-most touchdowns to wide receivers this season, making this a potential smash spot for TeSlaa. While his usage and other metrics underwhelm, the rookie receiver continues to add value to his fantasy profile by scoring touchdowns.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 1, 2026

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed free-agent right-hander Josh Winckowski (elbow) to a two-year minor-league contract, according to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors. Since debuting in 2022 with the Boston Red Sox, Winckowski has logged 242 1/3 innings, posting a 4.20 ERA, 195 strikeouts, and a 1.47 WHIP. Winckowski has made 21 career starts but has spent the bulk of his time coming out of the bullpen. The former 15th-round draft pick by the Blue Jays in 2016 has always done a good job of keeping the ball on the ground, but after being moved to the bullpen in 2022, his fastball velocity ticked up by roughly 2 mph, and his strikeout rate climbed to a career-high 22.3%. The 27-year-old was limited to just 11 2/3 innings in 2025 due to an elbow injury and is currently rehabbing from internal-brace surgery, with hopes of returning late in the 2026 season. Once healthy, the Blue Jays plan to transition him into a starting role. For now, Winckowski carries no fantasy relevance.--Marty Tallman
Source: Steve Adams

January 1, 2026

Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers completed 14 of 22 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns in his first career win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After struggling in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ewers led the Dolphins to victory, averaging 7.8 yards per attempt and throwing a touchdown on 9% of his pass attempts. With the team deciding to bench quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, all signs point to a new quarterback taking over for the 2026 season, and the 2025 seventh-round pick is making his case. He faces a New England Patriots defense that has ranked among the top five in 2025. While the Dolphins are playing a "meaningless" game this week, this one is anything but for the rookie quarterback, who is currently contending to be the 2026 starter.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 1, 2026

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (illness) has been ruled out for Week 18's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. According to Saints reporter Nick Underhill, Olave had a blood clot detected in his lung and is currently at the hospital, where he is doing well. Olave's career season ends with 100 receptions on 156 targets for 1163 yards and nine touchdowns, ranking him WR6 in PPR formats. With Olave out, look for Kevin Austin and Mason Tipton to step up, while tight ends Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill will have big roles as well. While the Saints eye their fifth straight win against the Falcons in Week 18, they'll have to do it without their best offensive weapon.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Nick Underhill

January 1, 2026

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland hauled in six of 10 targets for 94 yards and a touchdown in the 42-38 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. After a slow start to his rookie season, Loveland has put together a fantastic second half, averaging 13.0 PPR fantasy points per game, which ranks him TE5 during that span, trailing only Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, George Kittle, and Kyle Pitts. He also led the Bears' tight ends in snaps last week, playing 81% while veteran Cole Kmet played 61% (his lowest since Week 9). With receiver Rome Odunze (foot) not practicing ahead of their Week 18 matchup against the Detroit Lions, targets will be vacated, giving Loveland another opportunity to establish himself as a starting tight end option in fantasy this week.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 1, 2026

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III exploded in Week 17, hauling in eight of nine targets for 138 yards and a touchdown in the 42-38 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. After missing a game due to an ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 15, Burden had his breakout game with Rome Odunze (foot) inactive again. Burden was injured on the last play of the game and was limited in practice on Wednesday, a good sign for his availability for Week 18's game against the Detroit Lions. The Lions' secondary ranks as the second-worst against wide receivers this season, and with the Bears planning to play their starters and potentially quarterback Caleb Williams targeting a 4,000-yard season (which would be the first in Bears franchise history), Burden is a must-start in Week 18.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 1, 2026

Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai reportedly began in-person meetings earlier this week, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon and Katie Woo. Imai has until Friday at 5:00 p.m. ET to sign with a major-league team, or he will be required to play in Japan for the 2026 season. Imai is one of the top pitchers in NPB and most recently pitched for the Saitama Seibu Lions. In 2025, he pitched to a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts across 163 2/3 innings. Since the start of 2024, Imai has posted an NPB-best 27% strikeout rate, and even though he is not viewed on the same level as Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, he is still projected to command a multi-year contract worth up to $150 million. Teams showing the most interest in the 5-foot-11 righty include the Mets, Yankees, Cubs, Phillies, White Sox, and Orioles. From a fantasy standpoint, the 27-year-old's perceived MLB upside has pushed his ADP to around 181, placing him ahead of starting pitchers such as Tanner Bibee, Carlos Rodon, and Cade Horton in early drafts. Once he officially signs, fantasy managers should expect his draft stock to rise.--Marty Tallman
Source: Will Sammon and Katie Woo

January 1, 2026

The Los Angeles Angels have shown interest in St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Arenado's performance has steadily declined over the past few seasons, and the Cardinals appear to be entering a rebuild. St. Louis has already moved on from veterans such as right-hander Sonny Gray and first baseman Willson Contreras. In 2025, Arenado slashed .237/.289/.377 with 12 home runs, 52 RBI, and 48 runs scored across 436 plate appearances. His 84 wRC+ was the lowest mark of his career outside of his 2013 rookie season. The 34-year-old also missed time with a shoulder injury, limiting him to just 107 games. For a trade to be possible, Arenado would need to waive his no-trade clause, and it remains unclear whether he would be willing to do so to return to his native Southern California. Earlier this week, the Angels restructured the contract of oft-injured third baseman Anthony Rendon, thus making a trade for Arenado more plausible. While Arenado is no longer the elite offensive force he once was, he remains an above-average defender with solid contact skills. If traded to Los Angeles, he would likely play every day and hit in the middle of the lineup. From a fantasy perspective, Arenado currently carries an ADP of around 580, making him essentially free in drafts. That price makes him a reasonable late-round flyer as a corner infielder or bench bat in 15-team leagues. If Arenado is moved, then the Cardinals' top prospect, J.J. Wetherholt, would have a greater chance of making the club out of spring training. Keep Wetherholt on your fantasy radar for 2026.--Marty Tallman
Source: Ken Rosenthal

January 1, 2026

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby could be the starter in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders. Bigsby was traded from the Jaguars to the Eagles after Week 1 and has served as a handcuff to star running back Saquon Barkley this season. However, with the Eagles planning to rest their starters in Week 18, Bigsby could have a clear path to the RB1 role this week. Bigsby has averaged 6.4 yards per carry with the Eagles this season and has played slightly more snaps than Will Shipley behind Barkley. The Commanders have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs this season and, just two weeks ago, allowed Barkley to rush for over 130 yards and a touchdown. Bigsby will be a name to monitor on waivers or as a DFS play if the Eagles decide to rest Barkley and the starters.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 1, 2026

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has proven he is the quarterback of the future during their four-game win streak. During the streak, Shough has completed 91 of 128 passes (72%) for 1,057 yards and four touchdowns, with one interception. He has also added 70 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, making him a dual threat as well. While most didn't expect Shough to be a key piece for fantasy managers in his rookie season, he has delivered, averaging 17.0 fantasy points per game since becoming the starter, which places him as QB11 during that span. In Week 18, Shough faces the Atlanta Falcons, who rank 15th against quarterbacks this season and have caused the sixth-most interceptions as well. While the matchup is relatively difficult, Shough will hope to lead the Saints to their fifth straight win and potentially take control of the offensive rookie of the year race.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 1, 2026

New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime carried 14 times for 94 yards and a touchdown in Week 17's 34-26 victory over the Tennessee Titans. After a confusing Week 16, where tight end Taysom took most of the rushing attempts, Estime took over and had the best game of his young NFL career. With Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle), Kendre Miller (ACL), and Devin Neal (hamstring) all missing significant time, Estime stepped up, playing 80% of the snaps. In comparison, backup Evan Hull played 18%, and Hill played only 14%. They face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18, who rank middle-of-the-pack against running backs this season. However, this could be Hill's final game as a Saint, and his usage on the goal line and in other key situations could cap Estime's ceiling in Week 18. In a meaningless game for the Saints, look for Hill to have a proper send-off against the Falcons, whom he has dominated in his NFL career.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 1, 2026

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard will make his first career start in Week 18 against the Houston Texans. With the Colts officially eliminated from playoff contention, Philip Rivers has stepped aside to give the rookie quarterback much-needed reps in Week 18. Leonard played in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars after starter Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles tendon. In that game, he completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards and one interception. While his passing statistics weren't indicative of a future starting quarterback, his ability to make plays with his legs makes him an intriguing fantasy option. Leonard scored on a six-yard rushing touchdown against the Jaguars, and in his final college season at Notre Dame, he scored 17 rushing touchdowns in 16 games. While the Houston Texans' defense is one of the best in the NFL and has no plans to rest their starters as they chase an AFC South title, Leonard will need to rely on his running ability in Week 18.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 1, 2026

Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Konata Mumpfield has stepped up as the team's second option in the Rams' receiver room. In his last two games, Mumpfield has seen 13 targets, ranking second on the team during this span, but has yet to have a solid connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Veteran receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has missed the previous two games and is unlikely to play in Week 18. The Saturday game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers could be a factor as well. If the 49ers win, the Rams would be locked into the sixth seed and could very well rest their starters, including Stafford and potentially star receiver Puka Nacua. Fantasy managers still playing in Week 18 will need to assess this Rams situation, as Mumpfield could be a streaming option if Nacua sits against the Arizona Cardinals.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 1, 2026

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer had the most productive game of his NFL career in Week 17, hauling in nine of 10 targets for 89 yards in the 34-10 loss to the New York Giants. With star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) on injured reserve, Mayer will have a full workload for the remainder of the 2025 season. Mayer played 93% of the snaps in Week 17, had a 36% target share, and accounted for over 50% of the team's passing yards. Quarterback Geno Smith threw for only 176 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions against the Giants, which will cap the tight end's upside if his struggles continue. With a tough matchup upcoming against the Kansas City Chiefs, who rank eighth in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, Mayer will be a safe, high-volume option at the position in Week 18.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 1, 2026

Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson brought the fireworks on New Year's Eve against the New York Rangers, finishing a 6-3 win with a Gordie Howe hat trick. He scored two goals in the contest, had one assist, and fought Rangers forward Sam Carrick in the second period. It was a busy outing for Wilson shortly after he was named to Canada's roster for the 2026 Olympics. Wilson will be hoping the new year brings him just as much success as 2025 did. He finished the calendar year with 40 regular-season goals, by far the most of his career. In Thursday's matchup against the Ottawa Senators, Wilson has a chance to record a third consecutive three-point game. The 31-year-old has 21 goals, 40 points, and 105 hits through 39 appearances, all team-highs this season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 1, 2026

Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin wrapped up 2025 with his second career hat trick in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. Colorado burst out of the gate with four goals inside the opening 4:39 of action as Nichushkin and Nathan MacKinnon became only the second set of teammates in NHL history to each score multiple goals in the first five minutes of a game. MacKinnon ended the contest with four points (two goals, two assists). After missing a large chunk of November with a lower-body injury, Nichushkin came back with a vengeance in December, averaging a point per game across 14 outings. He had been held off the score sheet only once in the past nine games. Nichushkin begins 2026 sitting on 36 points (11 goals, 15 assists) through 31 appearances this season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 1, 2026

Anaheim Ducks forward Frank Vatrano (shoulder) will be out for approximately six weeks, the team announced on Wednesday. Vatrano fractured his shoulder on Dec. 27 against the Los Angeles Kings and sat out a second consecutive contest on Wednesday versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. The six-week timeline indicates that Vatrano won't be ready to return until after the Olympics break, so he will be unavailable for 16 more games. After scoring 80 goals over the previous three campaigns, Vatrano has been largely anonymous on the offensive end in 2025-26, contributing three goals and three assists in 38 contests. Nikita Nesterenko has appeared in both games Vatrano has missed and is expected to remain a regular in the lineup until he returns.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Anaheim Ducks

January 1, 2026

New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (lower body) and center Noah Laba (upper body) were injured during Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals. The two started the contest on the third line with Taylor Raddysh. Sheary has also seen some top-six usage recently, but his offensive impact has been limited to nine points (one goal, eight assists) in 37 games. Laba has totaled 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 42 contests during his rookie campaign. The Rangers currently have one healthy extra forward on the roster in Brennan Othmann, who could slot into the lineup for Friday's Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers.--Taavi Pailk
Source: New York Rangers PR

January 1, 2026

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (upper body) was forced to make an early exit against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday. He was knocked out of the lineup by an upper-body injury in the second period. The 34-year-old veteran couldn't carry on after being involved in a collision with Predators forward Michael Bunting. McNabb has been limited to three points (two goals, one assist) in 38 games and lacks fantasy appeal. However, he has been a valuable defensive contributor for the Golden Knights, recording a team-high 98 blocks and 63 hits. Vegas currently doesn't have a healthy extra defenseman on the roster, so the team must do some roster maneuvering if McNabb isn't available on Friday night versus the St. Louis Blues.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 1, 2026

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Miles Wood (lower body) was injured during the first period of Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils. He logged only 2:51 of ice time before suffering a lower-body injury. "It doesn't look good," Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason said about the injury postgame. Wood has recently been part of Columbus' top-six group, though he hasn't done any scoring in 10 straight outings. For the season, the veteran has managed eight goals and 12 points in 32 appearances. On Wednesday, the Blue Jackets were also without Sean Monahan (undisclosed) for a second straight game, so their attacking department has taken several blows in a short span. Cole Sillinger has taken Monahan's spot on the second line, while Kent Johnson might be the replacement for Wood if needed.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

January 1, 2026

Colorado Avalanche forward Gavin Brindley (upper body) "tweaked something" in Wednesday's win over the St. Louis Blues, Bailey Curtis of DNVR Sports reports. Joel Kiviranta (lower body) was a late scratch on Wednesday, and Colorado's frontline suffered another injury in the game. The team will evaluate Brindley further on Thursday to determine the severity of his ailment. The 21-year-old rookie had his eighth consecutive outing without scoring on Wednesday. He did, however, see some success earlier in the campaign, notching nine points (five goals, four assists) in 27 games during the season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Bailey Curtis

January 1, 2026

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (illness) may miss the first game of 2026, as the team considers him questionable for Thursday's meeting with the Houston Rockets. He is battling an illness and may depart the lineup after posting at least 24 points in five consecutive games. Individually, it has been a great campaign for Porter Jr. in Brooklyn, as the former Nugget has notched a team-high 25.8 points per game, along with 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists. If Porter Jr. is unavailable, the remaining starters will have increased opportunities on offense. Overall, the Nets may have three new faces in the first unit on Thursday, with Egor Demin (back) ruled out and Terance Mann (hip) questionable.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 1, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle) appears ready to make his second consecutive appearance on Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks, as the team has listed him as probable on the injury report. Embiid recently missed one game due to a right ankle sprain. He made a spectacular return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, registering 34 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and one steal across 38 minutes in an overtime win. It might be another night of feasting for Embiid on Thursday against the Mavericks, who have given up the ninth-most fantasy points to centers this season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 1, 2026

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (adductor) has not been included on the injury report for Thursday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, indicating that he will return from a two-game absence. Davis suffered a right adductor injury on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors, but fortunately, he is back to full health after missing only two games. Davis' return will push Daniel Gafford to the bench and potentially put Dwight Powell out of the rotation. The star big man faced the Sixers only a couple of weeks ago, posting a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double. However, that came without Joel Embiid (ankle) on the floor, and Philadelphia has listed him as probable for Thursday night.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 1, 2026

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) will be re-evaluated in one week, the team announced on Wednesday. White injured his right calf on Monday versus the Minnesota Timberwolves and wasn't available for Wednesday's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. It's now clear that he will sit out at least three more games. Josh Giddey (hamstring) has been ruled out for at least two weeks, opening up two starting spots and a lot of offensive usage on the team. Both Jalen Smith and Tre Jones performed well as starters on Wednesday, while Matas Buzelis was significantly more involved in the offense. Ultimately, Isaac Okoro led Chicago in scoring with 24 points. Kevin Huarter and Ayo Dosunmu are also among the players who benefit from the absences of White and Giddey.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Chicago Bulls

January 1, 2026

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, the team announced on Wednesday. Giddey didn't play on New Year's Eve against the New Orleans Pelicans and will be out for seven more games if he can make his return in two weeks. With Coby White (calf) also out, the Bulls used Jalen Smith and Tre Jones as starters against New Orleans. Jones did a good job filling in for Giddey at point guard, posting a game-high 12 assists and scoring 20 points in 27 minutes. Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huarter also gain fantasy value from Chicago's backcourt injuries.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Chicago Bulls

January 1, 2026

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) was in a walking boot after his early exit in Wednesday's 106-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Speaking to Sportsnet's Michael Grange, Valanciunas said he had a "pop" in his right calf. Filling in for Nikola Jokic (knee) in the starting unit, the Lithuanian giant had a very productive 23-minute outing against his former team, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal, and three blocks. It looks like Valanciunas might now join Jokic on the sidelines for upcoming games. DaRon Holmes II was the reserve big on Wednesday, while Zeke Nnaji's workload is also likely to increase if Valanciunas misses time.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Michael Grange

January 1, 2026

San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (knee) was limited to 24 minutes in Wednesday's win over the New York Knicks but escaped serious injury. Wembanyama's left knee buckled when he tried to grab a rebound early in the fourth quarter. He was subbed out of the game with 10:32 remaining in the quarter, and Wembanyama didn't return to the contest. After the game, Wembanyama said he suffered a hyperextension and expected to be back for the next game. San Antonio continues the season with a back-to-back on Friday and Saturday. The team will probably be cautious with its superstar, meaning Wembanyama might still sit out some action this week even if he feels ready to play.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN