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Player News
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Treylon Burks Not an Option to Consider in Week 16
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Decision on Deshaun Watson Coming Next Week
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Dylan Sampson Won't Play Against Bills
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John Bates Shouldn't Be Considered for Fantasy in Week 16
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David Njoku to Miss Second Straight Game
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Emari Demercado Set for Backup Role Against Falcons
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Treylon Burks Not an Option to Consider in Week 16
Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks hasn't recorded a reception since his spectacular one-handed touchdown catch in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos. His route share dropped from a season high of 67.3% in that game to 25% in Week 14 against the Vikings, with Noah Brown back in the lineup, but Brown suffered another injury to his ribs in that game and will miss the remainder of the season. The 2022 first-round pick still didn't see his routes tick back up without Brown last week against the Giants, climbing to just 26.9% and going catchless on two targets. Washington has trended much more run-heavy with quarterback Marcus Mariota under center, limiting the fantasy appeal of their pass-catchers. Burks shouldn't be considered for fantasy football lineups in Week 16 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. -
Decision on Deshaun Watson Coming Next Week
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that a decision on activating quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) to the 53-man roster will be made next week, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. The deadline for the Browns to activate Watson from the Physically Unable to Perform list is next Tuesday. Watson has been ruled out for the Week 16 contest against the visiting Buffalo Bills. Even if the 30-year-old is activated from the PUP list before the Week 17 divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, rookie Shedeur Sanders is expected to remain Cleveland's starter to close out the 2025 season. If the Browns don't activate Watson by next Tuesday, he'll be ineligible for the final two games of the year. The three-time Pro Bowler's NFL future remains incredibly murky, although he's expected to stick around in Cleveland next year and compete for the starting job with Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. -
Dylan Sampson Won't Play Against Bills
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf, hand) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the visiting Buffalo Bills in Week 16, according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot. Sampson was unable to practice all week and will miss his second straight game due to a pair of injuries. It's unclear if the 21-year-old will be ready to play in Week 17 against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. With Sampson out again, expect Trayveon Williams and Raheim Sanders to battle for backfield scraps behind rookie starter Quinshon Judkins. Sampson has really only been valuable in fantasy for the Week 1 regular season opener when Judkins was out. In the 17-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Sampson had a season-high 12 carries for 29 yards and caught all eight of his targets for 64 yards. Since then, he's had only two games with more than three rushing attempts. -
John Bates Shouldn't Be Considered for Fantasy in Week 16
Washington Commanders tight end John Bates stepped into a near full-time role last week against the New York Giants with Zach Ertz (knee) out for the year with a torn ACL. Bates played 42 of 61 snaps (69%) and ran a route on 13 of 26 dropbacks (50%) while recording one catch for 19 yards on one target. The 28-year-old has operated as Washington's top blocking tight end this season, but will take on more responsibility as a receiver with Ertz out of the picture. Bates has never been an impactful pass-catcher at the NFL level, though, with a career high of just four catches in a game, a single-game best of 46 yards, and two total touchdowns in 79 career games. He should continue to see steady playing time in Week 16 with third-string TE Colson Yankoff (ankle) also out this week, but he could cede more receiving work to second-year tight end Ben Sinnott down the stretch, given Sinnott's Day 2 draft capital and better athletic profile. Bates shouldn't be considered as a viable fantasy option for Saturday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. -
David Njoku to Miss Second Straight Game
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has officially been ruled out for the second straight game and will not dress for the Week 16 contest this Sunday against the visiting Buffalo Bills, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Njoku has not practiced the last two weeks after suffering a knee injury on a touchdown grab in Week 14. It's unclear if he'll be able to play in the final two weeks of the 2025 regular season. The 29-year-old has taken a clear back seat to rookie Harold Fannin Jr. this year, catching just 33 passes on 48 targets for 293 yards and four touchdowns. With Njoku out in last week's blowout loss to the Chicago Bears, Fannin had seven catches on a team-high 14 targets for 48 yards. Fannin will have more TE1 upside for a second straight week this Sunday against Buffalo with Njoku out again. -
Emari Demercado Set for Backup Role Against Falcons
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Friday that running back Michael Carter will get the starting nod in the backfield on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons with Bam Knight (ankle) done for the year, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. Emari Demercado is "expected to be involved as well." Carter should handle most of the early down work for Arizona in the final three games of the season, with Demercado serving as the team's passing-down specialist. The 26-year-old returned from a three-game absence due to an ankle sprain in last week's loss to the Houston Texans. Demercado played just 11% of the snaps and had one carry for one yard and two catches for no gain on three targets. In 10 games in 2025, he's averaged only 3.2 yards per carry for 242 yards, and no touchdowns on 32 carries on the ground, adding 10 catches for 64 yards and a TD. At best, Demercado will be a low-upside RB3/flex option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues this weekend. -
Tee Higgins Questionable to Play in Week 16
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) will be questionable for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 16, according to Mike Petraglia. Higgins was limited in practices on Wednesday and Thursday and still has one more hurdle to clear to pass through the league's concussion protocol. For context, the 26-year-old wideout has had two concussions in the last several weeks, and the Bengals could be extra hesitant to throw him back out there now that they've been eliminated from the playoffs. Higgins' first concussion occurred late in the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots, and he experienced more concussion symptoms following the Week 14 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He's missed two of the last three games and could miss another contest this Sunday. When active, Higgins is a must-start in fantasy with a 46-667-9 line on 81 targets this year. -
Cowboys Want to Re-Sign Javonte Williams
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on Friday that he would like to re-sign running back Javonte Williams, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. "He's had an outstanding season," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. "I love the way he brings the wood, so to speak, when he runs. Looking forward to him hopefully being a Cowboy for a time to come." Williams is having his best NFL season in his first year in Dallas, as he enters Week 16 with career-highs in carries (230), rushing yards (1,113), and touchdowns (10) in 14 starts for the Cowboys. The 25-year-old former Denver Broncos RB has added 33 catches on 46 targets for 128 yards and another two TDs through the air. Williams suffered a neck injury in Week 15 in the first quarter, but he returned in the second half and should be good for Sunday's matchup against the Chargers. He'll be a low-end RB1 for fantasy managers this weekend. -
Marvin Harrison Jr. has "Looked Pretty Good" in Return to Practice
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) has "looked pretty good" in his return to practice this week, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. "Getting his wind back a little bit. That's a tough injury, but particularly (for) a skill guy that runs fast and has to decelerate and accelerate. Our staff has done a good job with him. He's done a good job pushing through. We'll see how he does today," Gannon said. The head coach added that the team "will have a plan for him" when asked about any extra concern about getting his conditioning back for a return this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. After missing the last two weeks with a heel injury and four of the last five weeks due to an appendectomy, Harrison looks primed to return in Week 16. However, he could take a back seat to Michael Wilson, who has gone nuclear for fantasy managers in Harrison's absence. If Harrison is active, treat him as a low-end WR2 in fantasy football. -
Jaylin Lane Off the Fantasy Radar for Week 16
Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane has gone catchless in three straight games after recording at least one reception in 11 consecutive games to open the season. Lane hasn't proven to be a reliable receiver yet, but he's been one of the most impactful punt returners in the league. The rookie fourth-rounder scored his second touchdown on a punt return in last week's win over the New York Giants and is one of five players with multiple punt-return touchdowns this season, ranking sixth in average yards per return (14.3). The Virginia Tech product doesn't have a major role in the offense behind Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr., though, and shouldn't be considered as a fantasy option for Saturday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. -
Tetairoa McMillan Ready to Go for Week 16
Carolina Panthers rookie first-round wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (ankle, foot) has been cleared from the final Week 16 injury report and will suit up on Sunday for a big divisional matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McMillan sat out of Wednesday's practice with ankle and foot injuries, but he returned to a full practice a day later and is ready to roll this weekend. The 22-year-old from Arizona has been the Panthers' clear WR1 all year after being selected in the first round back in April, and he's produced 59 receptions, 851 receiving yards, and six touchdowns on his 102 targets through 14 games. McMillan doesn't have more than two catches in any of the last three games, but he's also scored twice and has four total touchdowns in the last four games. Coming off a two-catch, 25-yard dud last week against the Saints, fantasy managers are counting on a bounce-back performance in a big contest in Week 16. -
DaRon Bland Likely to Miss the Rest of the Season
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Friday that cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) will likely need surgery and miss the rest of the 2025 season, according to Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News. Bland injured his foot in the Sunday night loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15 and will now miss the final three games of the regular season. The Cowboys have an extremely slim chance of making the postseason, but losing the 26-year-old defensive back is a big loss for the Cowboys as they head into a Week 16 matchup this Sunday against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. If Bland is officially ruled out for the year, he'll finish his fourth year in the NFL with a career-high 73 tackles (45 solo), three tackles for loss, one interception returned for a touchdown, and six pass breakups in his 12 starts. -
Jason Sanders Unlikely to Return This Week
Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders (hip) is unlikely to return in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but it's possible that he could come off Injured Reserve to kick in Week 17 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or for the regular-season finale in Week 18 against the division-rival New England Patriots, according to Travis Wingfield of MiamiDolphins.com. The 30-year-old's 21-day practice window was opened on Wednesday, but he's not ready to return yet from a hip injury that has kept him out all season. With only two games left after this week and the Dolphins eliminated from the playoffs, it's unclear why Miami would even consider bringing Sanders back, but it appears that's still a possibility. Riley Patterson will kick for at least one more week against Cincy on Sunday, and he'll be a deep-league streaming option at the position in a plus matchup. -
More Work Coming for Jaleel McLaughlin in Broncos Backfield?
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton hinted earlier this week that more work could be on the way for running back Jaleel McLaughlin, according to Jon Heath of Broncos Wire. "We're doing it in third-down situations with Tyler Badie and Adam Prentice," Payton said. "Jaleel, I probably need to get him a little bit more touches. I made that note after the game. Again, RJ Harvey is built in a way where he can handle a good dose of running." Harvey injured his ribs late in Sunday's win over the Green Bay Packers, but he's fine and ready to go for Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Harvey has had as many as 23 touches in a game since J.K. Dobbins' season-ending injury, while McLaughlin has had a high of seven. He had only two carries in Week 15. McLaughlin will probably be a little more involved to close out the season, but make no mistake, Harvey is Denver's RB1. -
Michael Carter Will Start at RB in Week 16
As expected, Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed on Friday that running back Michael Carter will be the starting RB in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons with Bam Knight (ankle) done for the season, according to Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. After Knight was carted off with a season-ending ankle injury in last week's loss to the Houston Texans, Carter had 18 touches for a season-high 94 scrimmage yards. The 26-year-old will be Arizona's lead back for the final three games of the 2025 season, and he'll have immediate RB2 upside this weekend as the primary RB in the desert against the visiting Falcons. However, Emari Demercado should see plenty of work as well as the expected passing-down back in an offense that loves to throw the football. Carter has averaged a mediocre 3.3 yards per carry on 67 rushing attempts for 221 yards and one rushing touchdown in his 10 games played for the Cards this year. -
Dalton Kincaid Will Practice on Friday, Expected to Play on Sunday
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) will return to practice on Friday, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Head coach Sean McDermott said the Bills are "just trying to manage the knee injury with reps." The team doesn't think it's something that will keep Kincaid from playing on Sunday against the hosting Cleveland Browns, but they didn't want to commit to it. It sounds like Kincaid will be questionable on Friday's final injury report, but he should be active on Sunday after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury. The 26-year-old has not had a setback with his knee injury and should be treated as a low-end TE1 in fantasy football unless something changes between now and Sunday. Kincaid's presence this weekend in Cleveland will make Dawson Knox hard to trust as a touchdown-dependent TE2 streamer despite his two-touchdown performance in last week's big win over the Patriots. -
Woody Marks Back at Practice on Friday
Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (ankle) is present for Friday's practice with a helmet and a trainer, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. After missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday, it looks like Marks will be limited on Friday, giving him a chance to play on Sunday versus the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old has been battling an ankle injury for a while now, and he aggravated it in the first half of the Week 15 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Marks did not return, but head coach DeMeco Ryans said the young RB could have come back into the contest if the game was close. It suggests that Marks' injury isn't serious, but he'll probably at least be questionable for this weekend's game against the Raiders. Marks has clear RB2 upside if he's active, but if he's out or not 100%, veteran Nick Chubb (rib) or Jawhar Jordan could take valuable backfield touches away from him. -
Woody Marks Back at Practice Friday
According to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (ankle) has returned for the team's final practice of the week. Alexander notes that Marks and defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique) will be limited participants as they work with trainers. It's excellent news for the team and fantasy managers, as the USC product played only 15 snaps last Sunday as he dealt with an ankle injury in Houston's 40-20 win over Arizona. As it stands, it's still unclear if he'll be able to suit up for Week 16's home meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders, but it's at least a step in the right direction. Owners should continue monitoring his status over the next 48 hours or so, as it would be some combination of backfield mates Nick Chubb (ribs), Dare Ogunbowale, and Jawhar Jordan working in Marks' stead if he's ruled inactive. -
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Good to Go for Saturday
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) has been cleared from the injury report and is good to go for Saturday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Rodriguez was a game-time decision for last week's contest against the New York Giants and was ultimately ruled out due to a groin injury. It looks like it will only be a one-game absence for the third-year running back, as he was back as a full participant every day in practice this week. The Kentucky product has found the end zone in three of the past five games since taking over as Washington's primary early down back, totalling 54 carries for 253 yards and one reception (two targets) for six yards. He should return to his standard 10-15 carries in a favorable matchup on Saturday against an Eagles' defense that is allowing 4.8 yards per carry over the past four weeks, ranking sixth-worst in the league. However, after rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt's big game in Week 15, the Commanders could be looking at more of a split backfield. -
Mason Taylor to Return in Week 17
ESPN's Rich Cimini reports that New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor (neck) is expected to return for Week 17's home matchup with the New England Patriots. The 21-year-old has been labeled as a non-participant at practice ever since injuring his neck during New York's 34-10 loss to the Dolphins in Week 14. It's unfortunate news for Taylor, who has been decent in his first season despite a mostly dysfunctional offense around him. With the rookie missing another contest, teammate Jeremy Ruckert will assume duties as Jets' TE1, and Jelani Woods, Andrew Beck, and Stone Smartt will mix in behind him. As it stands, Ruckert shouldn't be considered for fantasy, even in a decent outing with the hosting New Orleans Saints. -
Garrett Wilson Shelved for Remainder of 2025
According to head coach Aaron Glenn, New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) will be shut down for the remainder of the season as he recovers from a hyper-extended knee. Wilson initially injured his knee in New York's Week 6 loss to the Broncos. After two games and a bye week's worth of rest, the 25-year-old returned to the field. However, he'd reaggravate the ailment, be placed on IR, and is now set to miss the remaining three games. Despite the Jets' offensive woes, Wilson was a bright spot, but he'll now set his sights on 2026. With the news, fantasy managers can expect Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie III to continue playing prominent roles in the team's aerial attack. Isaiah Williams has carved out a role as the third wideout working in behind them. -
Kimani Vidal to Operate in Committee Moving Forward?
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal may still be a viable fantasy play in Week 16 if the team continues featuring him as they have, despite teammate Omarion Hampton's return to the field. Hampton missed a massive chunk of the season with an ankle injury. While he's been back for a few weeks now and saw a modest increase in snaps during his second game, Vidal has handily out-snapped him 93-47 over that time frame. The actual touch distribution has been much closer, with the rookie leading 31-28, although it's possible LA will still lean on the former at times, considering he was an excellent stand-in while Hampton was shelved. Vidal should have some decent flex appeal for fantasy until (unless) he's phased out of the game plan in his backfield mate's favor. They'll get an improved Dallas rush defense on the road this Sunday. -
Xavier Worthy to be the Chiefs' WR1 This Week?
Kansas City Chiefs second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy could be in store for an elevated target share in Week 16's road outing with the Tennessee Titans, depending on the health of his running mates. It's been a strange season for the former Texas Longhorn. Worthy essentially missed the first three weeks of the campaign with a shoulder injury, and before he could really get his year on track, teammate Rashee Rice (concussion) returned from a suspension to act as KC's WR1. In the eight games together since, the 22-year-old has played a clear second fiddle. Still, there's some hope he'll see a substantial uptick in work this weekend, particularly with Rice and Tyquan Thornton (concussion) in danger of missing the game. For now, the situation is worth monitoring, as Worthy, Marquise Brown (personal), and JuJu Smith-Schuster (rib) would operate in three-wide-receiver sets if the duo mentioned above is inactive. -
Gardner Minshew Set to Finish 2025 as the Starter in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew has spent most of 2025 serving as his team's backup QB behind star signal-caller Patrick Mahomes (knee). However, with Mahomes suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 15, Minshew is in line to finish the 2025 season as the starter in Kansas City. Across 62 career NFL games (46 starts), Minshew has completed 63.3% of his pass attempts for 11,972 yards, 68 touchdowns, and 35 interceptions. His most recent run as a starter came in 2024 for the Las Vegas Raiders, where he threw for 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across 10 games (nine starts). With a career average of 6.9 yards per pass attempt, Minshew carries limited upside. Still, he's had competent stretches of NFL quarterback play at various points in his career and will face a favorable matchup in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans. Given his newfound playing time outlook, Minshew could be a low-end streaming option in two-quarterback fantasy formats. -
J.J. McCarthy Showing Signs of Improvement Heading into Final Weeks of the Season
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy's struggles this season have been well-publicized, as the 22-year-old has thrown 11 interceptions across eight starts. However, McCarthy has shown signs of improvement since returning from a concussion that forced him to miss a game in late November. Over his last two starts, McCarthy has completed 66% of his pass attempts for 413 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. He also remains a threat with his legs, rushing for 34 yards and a score on 10 attempts over that stretch. McCarthy has had favorable matchups over the past two weeks against the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys. However, his schedule remains on the lighter side over Minnesota's next two games, as they will face the New York Giants in Week 16 and the Detroit Lions in Week 17. If McCarthy can hold some of the gains he's made since returning from the concussion, he profiles as a solid fantasy QB2. -
Zach Werenski Enjoys Second Consecutive Multi-Goal Game
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski wrote his name into the history books on Thursday night, becoming the first blue-liner in franchise history with back-to-back multi-goal games. He was Columbus' lone scorer in a 5-2 home loss to the Minnesota Wild. In the entire league, only three defensemen in the past 10 years had scored multiple goals in consecutive games. Werenski recorded his second career 20-goal campaign last term and is currently on track for a 30-goal year. In 34 outings, Werenski has lit the lamp 13 times, ranking second among defensemen in scoring with 38 points. -
Logan Thompson Collects Second Shutout of the Season
Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson kept Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs at bay on Thursday night, stopping 22 shots in a 4-0 victory. Thompson has been in impressive form throughout the season, but this marks only his second shutout of the campaign. The 28-year-old is second in the league with a 2.00 goals-against average and also holds second place among all goalies with his .925 save percentage. In December, Thompson has been a bit inconsistent, going the entire month without back-to-back wins. He will look to rectify it this weekend during a home-and-home set against the Detroit Red Wings. -
Linus Ullmark Blanks Penguins Thursday
Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark recorded his first shutout of the season in Thursday's 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, finishing with 24 saves. The 2023 Vezina Trophy winner won his third consecutive start and improved to 13-8-4 for the season. He has registered a 2.89 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage. Ullmark currently has the worst save percentage of his NHL career, which shows that it has not been smooth sailing for him this season. However, he has improved it to .913 this month, offering fantasy managers hope that the Swedish veteran could have a strong second half of the campaign. -
Tyson Kozak Hurt Against Flyers
Buffalo Sabres center Tyson Kozak (upper body) played only a handful of minutes in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Starting on the fourth line, Kozak recorded one shot and one hit with a minus-one rating in 4:46 of ice time, but an upper-body injury forced him to leave the game in the second period. The 22-year-old made his 24th appearance of the season. Kozak ranks third on his team with 62 hits but has been anonymous offensively. So far, he has tallied only two goals and four points in 2025-26. Josh Dunne is likely to fill the gap on the fourth line if Kozak isn't ready to play on Saturday against the New York Islanders. -
Conor Timmins to Miss 6-8 Weeks With Broken Leg
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Conor Timmins broke his left leg in Thursday's 5-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres and will miss 6-8 weeks of action. The Sabres had a great night, with five different skaters lighting the lamp, but it was dampened by Timmins' injury late in the third period. The recovery timeline indicates that Timmins definitely won't be ready to play before February, and he will probably remain sidelined until after the Olympic break. Timmins doesn't do much on the offensive end but leads Buffalo with 70 blocks this season. He has gone goalless with 33 efforts on the net and has registered six assists in 33 games. Jacob Bryson is likely to replace Timmins in the lineup, but he doesn't have any fantasy value. -
Tristan Jarry Sustains Lower-Body Injury Versus Bruins
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry (lower body) exited Thursday's 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins in the second period. Jarry made his third appearance with the Oilers, but a lower-body injury cut his night at the office short. The former Penguin allowed one goal on 13 shots to continue his strong start with his new team. Calvin Pickard replaced Jarry and helped Edmonton to a 3-1 victory. Pickard could now see more action going forward if Jarry has to miss additional time. Jarry has begun his career in Canada with a 3-0-0 run, allowing 3.08 goals with a .887 save percentage. -
Anthony Cirelli Injured in Thursday's Loss
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) left Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings in the third period. The Lightning were without Nikita Kucherov (illness) and Brandon Hagel (upper body) for the contest and lost Cirelli after he had collected a power-play assist. The team may now be missing half of its top-six group in this week's final game, a matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. Cirelli is third on the Lightning roster with a plus-15 rating and has amassed 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in 30 appearances. -
Padres Bring Michael King Back on Three-Year Deal
The San Diego Padres re-signed right-hander Michael King on a three-year, $75 million deal on Thursday night, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The deal includes a $12 million signing bonus, and then salaries of $5 million next year, a $28 million player option in 2027 ($5 million buyout), and a $30 million player option in 2028 (no buyout). It will either be worth $22 million for one year, $45 million for two seasons, or $75 million for three years. The 26-year-old was excellent in his first year in SD, sporting a 2.95 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a career-high 201 strikeouts in 30 regular-season starts (173 2/3 frames). However, right-shoulder and knee injuries limited him to just 15 starts in 2025. King demonstrated in 2024 that he has the stuff to be a high-end fantasy starter in a good spot in SD, but that was also his only full season in the big leagues. It makes him a high-risk, high-reward pitching target in fantasy in 2026. -
John Means Suffers Ruptured Achilles
Free-agent left-hander John Means (Achilles) announced on his Instagram account on Thursday that he suffered a ruptured Achilles earlier this week, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Means also said that he was close to signing with a team before suffering the devastating injury that will almost certainly knock him out for the entire 2026 season. The 32-year-old veteran southpaw had his second Tommy John surgery in June of 2024 and didn't pitch at all in the big leagues in 2025. He was set to be fully recovered by Opening Day before his unfortunate Achilles injury. Means has had terrible injury luck recently and has made only 10 starts since the start of 2022. In 26 2/3 innings during his rehab in the minors with Cleveland this year, Means had a rough 6.41 ERA. Means will now be fighting an uphill battle for a big-league roster spot when he's able to return in 2027. -
Anthony Edwards on the Injury Report Again for Friday Night
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (foot) is questionable for Friday's matchup against OKC. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick missed only six games in the two seasons heading into the 2025 campaign. However, he's already missed seven this season. If Edwards stays on the shelf versus the champs, Bones Hyland is the favorite to remain the starting lineup. Hyland recently amassed 12 points, five assists, and one steal in Wednesday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, although he could have a tough time being as productive in the meeting with the defensively-sound Thunder. -
Joel Embiid on the Injury Report for Friday Due to an Illness
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (illness) is questionable for Friday's game in New York. Usually, he's listed on the injury report because of his knee. This time, the 31-year-old popped up on it due to an illness. Embiid has appeared in Philly's previous three contests, combining for 77 points during that stretch. Of course, the team won't take any chances with the 2023 MVP, so he likely won't be on the floor unless he's fully healthy. If Embiid can't suit up, Andre Drummond will presumably take his place in the rotation against the Knicks. Drummond has played well in his 11 starts throughout the 2025 campaign, averaging 10.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 42.9% shooting from behind the arc. -
Logan Webb Will Pitch for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
San Francisco Giants right-handed pitcher Logan Webb announced on Thursday that he will join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in 2026. Webb enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, posting a 3.22 ERA (3.58 xERA) with a career-high 20.8 K-BB% and a 1.24 WHIP across 207 innings. The 29-year-old veteran struck out 26.2% of all hitters he faced while maintaining a 53.2% ground-ball rate. Webb joins Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, Joe Ryan, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Matthew Boyd in the United States' potential starting rotation. -
Tarik Skubal Joins Team USA for World Baseball Classic
Detroit Tigers left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal announced on X Thursday afternoon that he will join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in 2026. Skubal is coming off another Cy Young season, and now he will demonstrate his dominance on the world stage. Last year, the 29-year-old pitched to a 2.21 ERA (2.72 xERA) with a 32.2 K-BB% and a 0.89 WHIP across a career-high 195 1/3 innings. Skubal joins National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes to create the best 1-2 punch the world has ever seen. Team USA's first game is on March 6 at 8 p.m. EST against Brazil. -
Braves Attempted to Sign Edwin Diaz?
The Atlanta Braves made a five-year proposal to reliever Edwin Diaz before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency, according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Castillo went on to say that none of the financial information was leaked, but the Braves were serious about landing the star closer. Ultimately, Diaz signed with the Dodgers, while the Braves signed Robert Suarez and brought back Raisel Iglesias. Most notably, Iglesias will start as the primary closer in Atlanta, but if he falters, Suarez will be right there to take his job. -
Shawn Armstrong, Guardians Agree to One-Year Deal
The Cleveland Guardians and right-handed reliever Shawn Armstrong have agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal with a mutual option. Armstrong was one of the best relievers last season with the Texas Rangers. The 35-year-old righty pitched to a 2.31 ERA (2.96 xERA), 26.1% strikeout rate, and 0.81 WHIP while collecting 12 holds across 74 innings. For 2026, Armstrong is expected to be used in high-leverage situations and could take over the closing role if there is an injury to Cade Smith. For now, Armstrong will be most helpful in leagues that count holds as a category. -
Jorge Alcala Agress to Minor-League Deal With Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays and free-agent relief pitcher Jorge Alcala have agreed to a minor-league deal, which includes an invite to big-league camp in spring training. Alcala pitched for the Twins, Red Sox, and Cardinals last year, posting a 6.22 ERA (4.54 xERA) with a 12.1 K-BB% and a 1.75 WHIP across 55 innings. If the 30-year-old Dominican right-hander does make the team, he will be nothing more than an extra bullpen arm. At this point, Alcala is not fantasy-relevant. -
Padres, Triston McKenzie Agree to Minor-League Deal
The San Diego Padres have agreed to a minor-league deal with free-agent right-hander Triston McKenzie. McKenzie will also receive an invite to spring training. The 28-year-old has pitched just 97 innings over the last three seasons due to shoulder and elbow injuries. Last season, McKenzie allowed seven earned runs on seven hits and walked seven batters in 5 2/3 innings before being optioned to the minors. The long-time Guardian is determined to replicate his 2022 form, when he posted a 2.96 ERA (3.54 xERA) with a 25.6% strikeout rate and a 0.95 WHIP across a career-high 191 1/3 innings. Although it's a great story to see him back on the mound, it is unlikely he will make the team out of camp. -
Anthony Davis Cleared to Play Versus Detroit
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (calf) will play on Thursday against Detroit. The 32-year-old was sidelined for nearly a month because of a calf strain. While he returned for the loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on November 28, he's missed some time since then. AD has had a tough year outside of his injury woes, averaging 20.0 points, one of the lowest marks of his career. Davis will likely have his work cut out for him versus a Pistons team that have been sound defensively all year. -
LaMelo Ball Available Against Atlanta
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) is available for Thursday's meeting with the Hawks. On a night when Atlanta will get Trae Young (knee) back in the lineup, Ball will return from a three-game absence. However, the 24-year-old will be on a minutes restriction, so his fantasy ceiling will be considerably lower. Although he's still a must-start in season-long fantasy formats, DFS managers may want to look in another direction. -
Trae Young on a Minutes Restriction on Thursday
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (knee) will return on Thursday against Charlotte. However, according to head coach Quin Snyder, he'll be on a minutes restriction. The former Sooner missed the last 22 games because of a right MCL sprain, so it's not surprising that he'll see fewer minutes than the 27.8 he averaged before going on the shelf. Still, it's hard to imagine Young not being productive for fantasy managers in a favorable matchup versus the Hornets, even if he's limited to 20-25 minutes. -
Michael Kesselring Available After 14-Game Absence
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring (lower body) is expected to end a 14-game absence in Thursday's matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers. Kesselring also missed time earlier in the campaign and has been limited to nine appearances in 2025-26. While Kesselring has been a two-way contributor in previous years, he hasn't yet scored any points this season. Without the puck, he has recorded nine blocks and seven hits. Kesselring will replace Jacob Bryson as Owen Power's partner on the blue line. However, Bryson may still get an opportunity to play, as Conor Timmins (undisclosed) is considered a game-time decision. -
Tyrese Maxey Off the Injury Report for Friday Night
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (illness) isn't listed on the injury report heading into Friday's matchup with the Knicks. He was having an exceptional year before an illness forced him to miss the last two games, averaging a career-high 31.5 points. Without question, that type of production has put him in the MVP conversation. Maxey is always a must-start in any fantasy setup. However, he might be even more potent offensively if Karl-Anthony Towns (knee), Josh Hart (abdomen), and Mitchell Robinson (ankle), who are all sidelined on Thursday against Indiana, aren't able to get back on the floor. -
Peyton Krebs Good to Go Thursday
Buffalo Sabres forward Peyton Krebs (illness) is expected to suit up on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers. His status for the game was in doubt after Krebs missed Wednesday's practice due to illness. However, he appears to have made a quick recovery and will likely line up on the top line next to Tage Thompson and Josh Doan. Krebs mainly adds physicality to the line, as he ranks second on the team with 76 hits. He has yet to light the lamp this season with 37 shots on goal but does have nine assists in 32 outings. -
Norman Powell Good to Go Against Brooklyn
Miami Heat forward Norman Powell (ankle) is available on Thursday against Brooklyn. The ankle injury isn't anything new. Fortunately, it won't keep him off the floor, which is excellent news, considering Tyler Herro (toe) won't suit up. As a result, Powell, who has averaged a career-high 24.4 points this season, could be in line for a productive showing versus a Nets team that hasn't been consistent defensively. -
Jake Bean Set for Surgery, Out Indefinitely
Calgary Flames defenseman Jake Bean (undisclosed) is scheduled for surgery and will be out indefinitely, head coach Ryan Huska said on Thursday. Bean has been on Injured Reserve since Dec. 11 and last played for the Flames on Dec. 6. In total, he has made only 16 appearances in 2025-26, recording two points (one goal, one assist) and 29 blocks. Huska noted that Bean had been attempting to play through his injury, but said that undergoing surgery was "the best path forward for him". The Flames boss did not specify if Bean would miss the rest of the season. Among Calgary's d-men, Rasmus Andersson has been by far the best fantasy piece this season, providing steady offense and around two blocks per game. -
Mike Matheson Misses Second Straight Game Thursday
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (upper body) will skip a second consecutive contest on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Matherson's absence has left a huge gap on the blue line, as the veteran leads all skaters on the team in ice time with 24:54 per game. He has notched 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 32 games while blocking 69 shots. Arber Xhekaj has joined the lineup during Matheson's absence, with Jayden Struble moving into the top-four group. Both Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson absorbed additional minutes in Tuesday's loss to the Philadelphia Flyers and have extra fantasy value until Matheson returns. -
Mitchell Robinson Won't Suit Up Against Indiana
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) won't play on Thursday versus Indiana. He logged 18 minutes in Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the San Antonio Spurs, finishing with four points, 15 rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. The 27-year-old is listed as out for injury management purposes, so it appears he may be back on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. With Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) also unavailable, Ariel Hukporti and Guerschon Yabusele will presumably split time in the middle, with the former the favorite to start. -
Andrei Vasilevskiy Back for Lightning Thursday
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (undisclosed) is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Los Angeles Kings. The team activated Vasilevskiy from Injured Reserve earlier this week, while reassigning Brandon Halverson to the minors. It's unclear whether Vasilevskiy will start the contest. However, having the former Vezina winner back is definitely good news for the Lightning. The Russian netminder has won 11 of his last 14 starts, carrying an 11-6-2 record for the season. He has recorded one shutout, allowing 2.31 goals with a .917 save percentage. The Kings average the fifth-fewest goals in the NHL (2.58), making this a good matchup for Vasilevskiy if he returns to the crease on Thursday. -
Josh Hart Sidelined on Thursday Evening
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (abdomen) is ruled out heading into Thursday's matchup with the Pacers. The 30-year-old has been starting of late, most recently amassing 11 points, eight rebounds, and two steals in Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the San Antonio Spurs. Fantasy managers will now have to take the wait-and-see approch regarding his availability for Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. With Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) also sidelined, Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby (knee) should have plenty of work to do versus one of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association. Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek, combining for 29 points on Tuesday, are also projected to see some extra minutes. -
Ryan McDonagh Available Thursday
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (undisclosed) was activated from Injured Reserve and is poised to end an 18-game absence on Thursday versus the Los Angeles Kings. Declan Carlile is expected to come out of the lineup to accommodate McDonagh's return. Tampa's blue line has been badly hit by injuries this season, and McDonagh hasn't seen any action since Nov. 8. Erik Cernak (undisclosed), Victor Hedman (elbow), and Emil Lilleberg (undisclosed) remain out against L.A., so McDonagh could have a heavy workload in his return. The veteran rearguard has managed six points (three goals, three assists) in 15 outings this season, sending 15 shots on goal and blocking 26 efforts from the opposition. -
OG Anunoby Available Against Indiana
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (knee) will play on Thursday against the Pacers. The former Raptor had a fantastic showing in Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the Spurs, amassing 28 points and nine rebounds while shooting 5-for-10 from behind the arc. The Knicks won't have Karl-Anthony Towns (knee), Josh Hart (abdomen), and Mitchell Robinson (ankle), so Anunoby should be very busy versus an Indiana team that hasn't looked good defensively throughout the 2025 campaign. -
Karl-Anthony Towns Out on Thursday Night
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) won't play in Thursday's game in Indiana. KAT, who had a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double in Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the San Antonio Spurs, will miss his second contest of the 2025 campaign. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day, so there's a chance he may be back on the floor on Friday night against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. With Mitchell Robinson (ankle) also out, Guerschon Yabusele and Ariel Hukporti will presumably split time in the middle for the meeting with a Pacers team that has struggled on the defensive side of the ball this season. -
Artemi Panarin a Game-Time Call Thursday
New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (illness) is a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup against the St. Louis Blues. The Rangers' leading scorer is battling an illness and wasn't available for the morning skate. Even during a down year, Panarin is averaging nearly a point per game, recording 11 goals and 23 assists in 35 appearances. If Panarin can't play, Conor Sheary could start Thursday's game as a member of the top six. Sheary has popped up with a couple of good performances this month but hasn't provided consistent fantasy production all season. -
Norman Powell Upgraded to Probable
Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (calf) was upgraded from questionable to probable on Thursday before his team visits the Nets. Powell also said he'll play, so he should be ready to roll in what should be a favorable matchup for him in the absence of Tyler Herro (toe). Powell has scored at least 20 points in six of his last seven games and is averaging 24.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in his 22 games this season. Without Herro, Powell will carry more of the work on Thursday, and he'll be a strong DFS option with a high ceiling in all formats. -
Lauri Markkanen Ruled Out Thursday
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (groin) will not play Thursday night when the Jazz host the Lakers. While there doesn't seem to be a significant injury, he will get a maintenance day after scoring at least 26 points in four of his last five games and leading the Jazz to victories in all four of those games. Without him on Thursday night, Kyle Filipowski will likely stay in the starting lineup while Brice Sensabaugh and Taylor Hendricks get more run off the bench. Markkanen will most likely be back in the lineup for Saturday's game against Orlando, but the rest of the Jazz will have to pick up more work in his absence on Thursday. -
LaMelo Ball Upgraded to Probable for Thursday
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) was listed as questionable for Thursday night's home game against the Hawks, but he was upgraded to probable on Thursday afternoon and should be ready to go against Trae Young (knee), who is also lined up to return, according to the latest reports. Ball has missed three games with his most recent left ankle bone bruise, and his return will likely send Sion James back to the bench. In his 16 games, Ball is averaging 19.4 points, 8.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 28.9 minutes per contest. He'll likely be eased back into the rotation on Thursday, but he only missed three games, so he should be ready for a big enough role to be deployed as you normally would in his return to the court. -
Trae Young Will Play Thursday Against the Hornets
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (knee) will be able to return on Thursday night as his team takes on the Hornets in Charlotte. Young hasn't played since Oct. 29, so he'll likely be on a heavy minutes restriction. The Hawks are also on the front half of a back-to-back, so he'll probably sit out Friday's game against the Spurs. In his five games before getting injured, Young was off to a slow start, averaging 17.8 points, 7.8 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 28 minutes per game. He'll step back onto a squad playing well with Jalen Johnson leading the way for the team to go13-9 in Young's absence. -
Gabe Vincent Will Miss at Least a Week
Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (back) will be re-evaluated in a week after being diagnosed with lower back tightness. Vincent has played 14 games for the Lakers (six starts), but he is averaging only 4.7 points, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 rebounds per game in 21.5 minutes per game. With Austin Reaves (calf) also sidelined, Marcus Smart is lined up for as much work as he can handle. Smart started the Lakers' last game, and he'll likely get heavy minutes for as long as Vincent and Reaves are out, beginning in Thursday night's matchup against the Jazz in Utah. -
Sebastian Aho Leads Hurricanes to Victory With Three-Point Period
Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho posted a game-high three points in Wednesday's 4-1 victory against the Nashville Predators. He did all of the scoring in the third period, helping Carolina turn a tight road game into a comfortable victory. Aho netted two goals and delivered one assist. With his 21st career multi-point period, Aho passed Ron Francis (20) for the second most in franchise history. Only Eric Staal (25) has managed more. The Finnish star badly needed this one, as Aho was stuck on a five-game point drought before Wednesday's contest. It was his worst run without any points since March 2023. Overall, Aho can be fairly happy with his campaign, tallying 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 33 contests. -
Joel Hofer Notches Third Shutout of the Season
St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer recorded his third shutout of the season on Wednesday night, stopping the Winnipeg Jets from scoring with 24 saves in a 1-0 win. Hofer became the fifth goalie this season with as many as three shutouts. Minnesota's Jesper Wallstedt is the only one with four. While Hofer has impressed at times, he still holds a disappointing 6-7-2 record. The 25-year-old has allowed 2.97 goals with a .896 save percentage. St. Louis averages the second-fewest goals in the league, making it tough for the team's goalies to please fantasy managers. Jordan Binnington, who is 7-8-5 for the year, will take over the crease for Thursday's matchup against the New York Rangers. -
Jordan Martinook Sustains Lower-Body Injury
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jordan Martinook (lower body) played only 5:44 in Wednesday's 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, exiting the action during the second period due to a lower-body injury. Martinook leads all Hurricanes forwards with 56 hits in 33 games and has chipped in with four goals and seven assists on the offensive end. Jesperi Kotkaniemi is expected to come into the lineup if Martinook is unavailable for this weekend's back-to-back against Florida and Tampa Bay. Kotkaniemi's fantasy value is at an all-time low, as he has managed only five points (two goals, three assists) in 17 appearances this season. -
Jonathan Marchessault Exits Early Wednesday
Nashville Predators right wing Jonathan Marchessault (lower body) logged only 5:27 of ice time in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. He was forced to leave the game early due to a lower-body injury. Marchessault's season in Music City has been a nightmare, and a significant injury would only add to his frustrations. The three-time 30-goal scorer has lit the lamp only seven times in 28 outings, adding three assists. His minus-18 rating is tied for the third-worst mark in the league. Rookie Reid Schaefer could get an opportunity to impress in a larger role if Marchessault misses time. -
Evan Rodrigues Suffers Lower-Body Injury Wednesday
Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues (lower body) had a limited role in Wednesday's win over the Los Angeles Kings after he was hurt early in the game. He exited the action in the first period after taking a hit along the boards on a clearing attempt. Rodrigues returned to the contest for the second period, but he missed the final 5:16 of the third frame, finishing with barely 12 minutes of ice time. He doesn't appear to be dealing with anything serious. "We don't think it's too significant," Panthers head coach Maurice said postgame. On Wednesday, Rodrigues finished scoreless for the sixth time in nine December outings. He has totaled eight goals and 16 points in 33 games for the season. -
Lars Eller to Miss at Least Three More Weeks
Ottawa Senators center Lars Eller (foot) will be sidelined for at least three more weeks, head coach Travis Green said on Wednesday. Green revealed that Eller broke his foot against the Columbus Blue Jackets a week ago. Eller recently saw time on the second line, but even that didn't get him going for this season. The Danish veteran has managed just two goals and four assists across 28 games. In his absence, Stephen Halliday has filled in for the past two outings, but he doesn't carry any fantasy value. -
Thomas Chabot Remains Out Thursday
Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (upper body) has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He remains on Injured Reserve with an upper-body problem. Chabot last played on Nov. 22, and he could soon be available to re-enter the lineup, as the 28-year-old returned to practice on Wednesday. The injury has disrupted a superb campaign for Chabot, who amassed 10 points (two goals, eight assists), 22 shots, and 36 blocks in 18 outings with a plus-five rating when he was healthy. Nikolas Matinpalo has played regularly during Chabot's absence, but his production hasn't been anywhere near the same level. -
Jrue Holiday Remains Out Thursday
Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) won't be in the lineup on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings. He has been out of action since mid-November due to a right calf strain, and his return doesn't appear to be near. With Scoot Henderson (hamstring), Matisse Thybulle (thumb), and Blake Wesley (foot) also out of commission, Sidy Cissoko, Rayan Rupert, and Caleb Love have held roles in the rotation. However, the trio has been underwhelming. Deni Avdija has taken on more playmaking duties without Holiday and will look to continue his superb campaign on Thursday night. There could be many standout fantasy lines in this matchup, as both teams are ranked inside the top 10 in pace. -
Khris Middleton Unavailable Against Spurs
Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (knee) will miss a fourth consecutive game on Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs. The veteran is nursing a right knee contusion, giving up his spot in the starting unit to Justin Champagnie. Middleton's absence has coincided with Bilal Coulibaly's (oblique) injury layoff. The latter will return to action on Thursday, potentially pushing Champagnie out of the starting lineup. However, even as a starter, Champagnie hasn't provided much fantasy production, averaging 8.7 points and 6.4 rebounds. Middleton is likely to miss at least one more game this week, as Washington starts a back-to-back set on Saturday. -
Bilal Coulibaly Back From Four-Game Absence Thursday
Washington Wizards guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly (oblique) is not on the injury report for Thursday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, indicating that he is ready to return from a four-game absence. An oblique strain has limited Coulibaly to only two appearances this month. He has also faced other health issues, making only 12 appearances in 2025-26. The 21-year-old Frenchman is averaging 6.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 27.2 minutes per game. Coulibaly has struggled to make an impact on the offensive end due to his low shooting efficiency of 37.4 percent. With Coulibaly back in the mix, Bub Carrington or Justin Champagnie will likely be bumped to the bench. -
Collin Sexton Out on Thursday
Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks, missing a fifth consecutive game. Sexton strained his left quadriceps earlier this month. He has been mainly used as a spark plug off the bench this season, averaging 15.5 points and 4.2 assists in 25.2 minutes. Tre Mann (knee) is also out on Thursday, while LaMelo Ball (ankle) is considered questionable. In this situation, players like Sion James and KJ Simpson could be fantasy options in a good matchup against a fast-paced team with a mediocre defense. -
Tari Eason Remains Questionable on Injury Report
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (oblique) is listed as questionable for Thursday's meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans. He has carried the questionable tag for a while, but Eason has struggled to shake off a right oblique strain, missing more than a month of action. If Eason remains out on Thursday, Jabari Smith Jr. could be in for another night of 40-plus minutes of work. He has played at least 40 minutes twice in the past three games. Josh Okogie also gets extra shifts in the rotation due to Eason's absence. -
Dennis Schroder Questionable for Thursday
Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder (ankle) is back on the injury report, as the team considers him questionable for Thursday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. On Sunday, Schroder returned from a hip injury, posting 17 points and three assists in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now, he is on the injury report due to a right ankle sprain and may miss more time. Sacramento has just lost Zach LaVine (ankle) for a week, and Schroder's absence would give further playing opportunities to Malik Monk, Nique Clifford, and Keon Ellis. -
Grayson Allen Could Miss Clash Against Warriors
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Golden State Warriors. The veteran has played in each of the last four games, but he may have to take Thursday night off due to a sore right knee. Royce O'Neale and Ryan Dunn are the candidates to fill in for Allen in the starting lineup. Of the two, O'Neale has been a much better fantasy option in 2025-26, although his numbers tend to be around the same whether he starts or not. In 26 outings, O'Neale has contributed 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. -
Deandre Ayton May Skip Meeting With Jazz
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (elbow) is listed as questionable for Thursday's favorable fantasy matchup against the Utah Jazz. Will Hardy's team allows the seventh-most fantasy points to centers this season, but Ayton might miss the opportunity to feast due to a sore left elbow. Jaxson Hayes would be his natural replacement in the starting lineup. Across two previous starts in 2025-26, Hayes has averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 31.1 minutes, making 10 of 11 field-goal attempts. -
Cole Anthony Iffy for Thursday's Action
Milwaukee Bucks guard Cole Anthony (neck) is on the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. The 25-year-old could play a significant part in the rotation against Toronto if he shakes off a neck strain, as AJ Green (shoulder) and Kyle Kuzma (illness) are also iffy for the contest. If both miss the game, Anthony would be in line for extra work. At the same time, Anthony's absence from the lineup would allow Gary Harris to see more action off the bench. -
Jhonkensy Noel Designated for Assignment
The Cleveland Guardians announced on Wednesday that they designated outfielder Jhonkensy Noel for assignment to make room on the roster for left-hander Justin Bruihl, who was acquired for cash via the Toronto Blue Jays. Noel, 24, gets booted off Cleveland's 40-man roster this offseason after struggling to a .162/.183/.297 slash line in 153 plate appearances over 69 games played in his second year in the majors. He had six home runs, 13 RBI, and 19 runs scored after hitting .218 (39-for-179) with 13 homers, 28 RBI, and 25 runs scored in 67 games in his rookie campaign. Big Christmas is big and powerful at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds, but he has posted an ugly 32.8% strikeout rate and a low 4.8% walk rate in his two seasons in the Show. The high-end power should make it easy for him to latch on with another club going into the 2026 season, but he'll merely be battling for a roster spot in spring training. -
Nolan McLean to Pitch for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Nolan McLean will pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to Brian Murphy of MLB.com. Per MLB Pipeline, McLean is the No. 11 prospect in the game heading into next season. The 24-year-old looked the part after making his MLB debut this past season, posting a 2.06 ERA with 57 strikeouts over 48 innings (eight starts). He'll be joining a Team USA rotation that will be headlined by Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. In addition to McLean, the team announced that Mets right-hander Clay Holmes and Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan will pitch for USA in the WBC. The 24-year-old former two-way player has a diverse arsenal and plenty of different ways to generate swings and misses. McLean isn't going to crack the 200-inning mark in his first full year in the big leagues, especially after pitching in the WBC, but he's got one of the highest ceilings of any young arm in the game. -
Bo Bichette Willing to Make the Move to Second Base
Free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette has been telling interested teams this offseason that he is willing to make the position switch from shortstop to second base, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Bichette hasn't been an excellent defender at the 6, but he showed in the World Series that he can play the keystone just fine after being forced to second base in the postseason due to a knee injury late in the season. Feinsand mentions the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and even the Toronto Blue Jays as teams with openings at the keystone. The 2025 season was a major bounce-back campaign for Bichette in his walk year, as he hit .311 with 63 extra-base hits, 94 RBI, 78 runs, 281 total bases, and an .840 OPS in 13 regular-season games for Toronto. Returning to Toronto is probably best for Bichette's fantasy outlook, but even if he departs, he has a high floor as a middle infielder, averaging 20 homers and 10 steals since he became a full-time starter. -
Brad Keller Agrees With Phillies on Two-Year Deal
Free-agent right-hander Brad Keller and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a two-year, $22 million deal on Wednesday, sources told Jesse Rogers of ESPN. There were reports this offseason that several clubs were interested in moving Keller, who excelled in a relief role in 2025 with the Chicago Cubs, back to the starting rotation. At least to open next season, the Phillies intend to keep the 30-year-old in the bullpen after he had a career-best 2.07 ERA (2.93 FIP), 0.96 WHIP, a career-high three saves, 75 strikeouts, and 22 walks in 69 2/3 innings over 68 appearances (one start) in the regular season for Chicago. With more velocity on his heater, Keller's strikeout rate spiked to a career-high 27.2% this past season, and he should be plenty valuable in holds leagues as the primary setup man in front of closer Jhoan Duran in 2026 in Philly. -
Mets Finalizing Two-Year Deal With Luke Weaver
The New York Mets are finalizing a two-year, $22 million deal on Wednesday with free-agent right-handed reliever Luke Weaver, a source told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The Mets lost All-Star closer Edwin Diaz in free agency to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but they have gained Weaver and right-hander Devin Williams, who both pitched across town with the New York Yankees in 2025. The 32-year-old Weaver will most likely open the 2026 campaign in Queens as the primary setup man in front of Williams, but he could factor into the ninth inning if Williams struggles like he did in pinstripes. Weaver wasn't at his best in the second half in the Bronx this past season and finished with a 3.62 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, a career-high eight saves, 21 holds, 72 strikeouts, and 20 walks in 64 2/3 innings in relief. With an elite strikeout rate and plenty of holds coming his way with the Mets, Weaver will continue to have plenty of appeal in fantasy as a high-leverage reliever. -
Matthew Tkachuk's Status Uncertain for Winter Classic
Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (groin) is nearing his season debut, but he may not be ready at the start of 2026. "I don't know," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said Wednesday when asked whether Tkachuk would be available for this season's Winter Classic on Jan. 2 against the New York Rangers. Before the season started, Zito said Tkachuk was expected to be out until "December-ish." Tkachuk's return would be huge for a Panthers team that has lost Aleksander Barkov (knee) for the season and has taken several injury blows throughout the campaign. The back-to-back champions are currently just outside the playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. -
Tyson Foerster Ruled Out for Five Months
Philadelphia Flyers winger Tyson Foerster (arm) was ruled out for five months on Wednesday. He had surgery on his arm on Monday, effectively ending his 2025-26 campaign. Initially, Foerster was ruled out for 2-3 months with an upper-body injury when he was hurt at the start of December. Foerster needs the Flyers to make the playoffs to have a chance of playing again this season. Before he exited the lineup, the 23-year-old winger contributed 10 goals and three assists in 21 outings. Foerster is still Philadelphia's second-highest goal-scorer this season, as the team has had a balanced offense. Eight forwards have reached 15 points, with Trevor Zegras at the top of the pile with 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists) through 32 games. -
Quinton Byfield Back From One-Game Absence Wednesday
Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (illness) will return to the lineup on Wednesday night against the Florida Panthers. Due to illness, Byfield was unavailable for the first time this season when the Kings faced the Dallas Stars on Monday. Byfield is the third-highest scoring King this season, totaling 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) in 31 appearances. Yet, he has been ice-cold this month, finishing all six December outings pointless. This is Byfield's worst point drought since April 2024. He will look to end it on Wednesday night as a member of the Kings' second line and first power-play unit. Alex Turcotte will drop down in the lineup, though he should continue to see additional ice time due to Phillip Danault's (illness) continued absence. -
Gustav Forsling Available Against Kings
Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (undisclosed) has been cleared to play in Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Kings. He sustained an undisclosed injury in Monday's win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, exiting the contest in the third period. Fortunately for Florida, Forsling won't have to miss additional time. The Swedish blue-liner has played in all 32 games this season, logging 14 points (one goal, 13 assists), 39 shots, 37 blocks, and 26 hits. He has been a great asset for the Panthers, though Forsling's contributions on the attacking end have been lacking recently. He has not scored any points in four straight games, appearing on the score sheet just twice in 10 appearances. -
Drew Pomeranz Agrees to One-Year Deal With Angels
The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz. Pomeranz enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign with the Chicago Cubs, posting a 2.17 ERA, 28.1% strikeout rate, and 1.07 WHIP across 57 appearances. The 37-year-old veteran also recorded 14 holds and surrendered the lead just twice all season. For 2026, Pomeranz is expected to serve as a high-leverage lefty and offers limited fantasy value outside of leagues that count holds. -
Jordan Romano, Angels Agree on One-Year Deal
Right-handed reliever Jordan Romano has agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. Romano, 32, struggled in 2025 with the Philadelphia Phillies, posting an 8.23 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 25.1% strikeout rate, and 9.1% walk rate across 42 2/3 innings. He landed on the injured list in late August with inflammation in his right middle finger, an issue that reportedly affected his velocity throughout the season. The two-time All-Star now looks to revive his career in Southern California. With the Angels losing Kenley Jansen to free agency and no clear closer in their bullpen, Romano could quickly move up the depth chart and see save opportunities. For fantasy purposes, Romano is a high-risk, high-reward option, and as of now, it appears he will be the closer in Los Angeles. -
Yu Darvish Considering Retirement?
San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish (elbow) may retire after completing rehab from his latest injury, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Over the weekend, Darvish spoke at a charity event and said he is focused on his rehab and is unsure if he will try to pitch again after the process is complete. The 39-year-old veteran underwent surgery in October to repair a flexor tendon and the UCL in his right elbow. Darvish is one of the most decorated Japanese pitchers in MLB history. Over his 13-year career, he has a 3.65 ERA with 2,075 strikeouts across 1,778 innings. Hopefully, we get to see the five-time All-Star pitch again, but if not, he had an amazing career. -
Alex Bregman Drawing Interest From Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks have expressed interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, though re-signing him remains the Boston Red Sox's top priority. Bregman, 31, opted out of his three-year deal with Boston after slashing .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs, 62 RBI, and 64 runs scored across 495 plate appearances, good for a 125 wRC+. While he would fit well with either club, Fenway Park is the preferred landing spot for fantasy purposes, as his pull-heavy approach plays perfectly off the Green Monster. For 2026, Bregman profiles as a top-10 third baseman with top-five upside if he lands in the right situation. -
Angels Open to Mike Trout Playing Center Field in 2026
The Los Angeles Angels may allow outfielder Mike Trout to play center field again in 2026. General manager Perry Minasian said he's keeping his options open, which includes Trout seeing time at all three outfield positions. Trout, 34, appeared in 130 games last season, his highest total since 2019. He served as the designated hitter in 106 games and played right field in just 22, reinforcing the idea that keeping him out of center field is likely the best path to preserving his health. In 2025, Trout slashed .232/.359/.439 with 26 home runs, 64 RBI, and 74 runs scored, good for a 120 wRC+. With a current ADP of 194, the future Hall of Fame slugger offers power upside without requiring a significant draft-day investment. -
Rangers Bring Back Chris Martin on One-Year Deal
Free-agent righty reliever Chris Martin has agreed to a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. Martin, 39, was effective in 2025, posting a 2.98 ERA (3.11 SIERA) and a 24.7% strikeout rate over 42 1/3 innings. He recorded two saves and 13 holds last season and could see a few matchup-based closing chances again in 2026 because the incumbent closer, Robert Garcia, is a lefty. However, the Rangers also recently signed Alexis Diaz, so fantasy managers should take a wait-and-see approach before drafting any of the Rangers' relievers. -
Giants Add Jason Foley to Their Bullpen on One-Year Deal
The San Francisco Giants announced on Tuesday that they agreed to terms with free-agent right-handed reliever Jason Foley (shoulder) on an undisclosed one-year major-league deal. Foley had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder and didn't appear at all in the big leagues in 2025 as a result. The 30-year-old veteran comes to San Francisco with a career 3.16 ERA (3.22 FIP), 1.24 WHIP, 35 saves, 150 strikeouts, and 51 walks in 199 2/3 innings over 210 appearances out of the bullpen for the Detroit Tigers in four seasons. Foley won't be on the fantasy radar at all next year, especially since he's not expected to be ready to pitch for the Giants until around the All-Star break in mid-July. He'll be under team control through the 2028 season, though. In his last season in Detroit in 2024, Foley had a 3.15 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with a career-high 28 saves in 69 outings. -
Reds Agree With Lefty Reliever Caleb Ferguson
Free-agent left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, pending a physical, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Ferguson brings much more real-life value to Cincinnati's bullpen for the 2026 season than he carries fantasy appeal. The 29-year-old southpaw appeared in a career-high 70 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners last season over 65 1/3 innings pitched. He had a combined 3.58 ERA (3.26 FIP) and 1.16 WHIP with 51 strikeouts and 22 walks. Ferguson's strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 18.9% in 2025, but he held left-handed hitters to a weak .184/.261/.204 slash line on the year. He'll continue to be a lefty specialist in 2026 for the Reds and won't carry any real fantasy appeal. -
Adrian Houser Joins Giants on Two-Year Deal
Free-agent right-hander Adrian Houser and the San Francisco Giants agreed on a two-year, $22 million deal on Tuesday that includes a club option for a third season, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. In addition to Houser, the Gigantes also added right-handed reliever Jason Foley on Tuesday to help shore up their pitching staff. Houser, 32, looked much better this past season, going 8-5 with a 3.31 ERA (3.81 FIP) and 1.28 WHIP with 92 strikeouts and 38 walks in 125 innings over 21 starts with the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. He was much better in Chicago, posting a nice 2.10 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 47:22 K:BB ratio in his 11 starts. Houser showed better velocity than he did in a rough 2024 season with the New York Mets, in which he had a career-worst 5.84 ERA, but he still had a weak 17.8% strikeout rate. The landing spot in SF is nice, but Houser brings limited fantasy upside with his 18.4% career K rate. -
Foster Griffin, Nationals Agree on One-Year Deal
Free-agent left-hander Foster Griffin and the Washington Nationals agreed on a one-year, $5.5 million deal on Tuesday, pending a physical, sources familiar with the deal told Robert Murray of FanSided.com. With incentives, Griffin can make up to $6.5 million. The 30-year-old southpaw will make a return to the U.S. after three seasons pitching for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball. Griffin had a nice 2.57 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with a 25.1% strikeout rate in 315 2/3 innings in Japan the last three seasons, and he'll be competing for a spot in Washington's starting rotation in spring training. He was originally a first-round pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2014. Griffin made his MLB debut in 2020 in KC but only appeared in seven big-league games in two seasons, allowing seven runs (six earned) in eight innings pitched. -
Phillies Planning to Start Justin Crawford in Center Field
With newly signed outfielder Adolis Garcia taking over in right field for the Philadelphia Phillies next season, the team is looking to use prospect Justin Crawford as a center fielder, according to Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We believe so," president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. "We'd like to have that happen. "If you're going to give Crawford an opportunity, you've got to give it to him. And that's where we are. We're going to give him an opportunity and have him play a lot." Brandon Marsh will likely be the left fielder, at least against right-handed pitchers. The Phillies are unlikely to add another outfielder this offseason. There's plenty to like about the 21-year-old Crawford in fantasy baseball after he hit .334/.411/.452 with seven homers and 46 steals at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025. His defense is a work in progress, but for his speed alone in a stacked Philly lineup, Crawford's stock is on the rise. Per MLB Pipeline, Crawford is the Phillies' No. 3 prospect. -
Ha-Seong Kim Re-Signs With Braves on Monday
Free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim re-signed with the Atlanta Braves on Monday night on a one-year, $20 million deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Kim started the 2025 season with the Tampa Bay Rays but didn't make his season debut until July 4 after recovering from shoulder surgery. The 30-year-old South Korean native played in only 24 games with Tampa before being cut, and he finished the year with the Braves. Kim slashed a combined .234/.304/.345 with a .649 OPS, five home runs, 17 RBI, 19 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 191 plate appearances over 48 games played. He hit .253 with three homers and 12 RBI in 24 games in Atlanta, and he figures to see most of the playing time at short for the Braves going into next season. Kim's biggest draw in fantasy baseball is for his speed, as he swiped a combined 60 bases in 2023 and 2024. His reckless playing style makes him injury-prone, which we've seen firsthand the last two years.