17 hours agoBoth ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler are expecting the Carolina Panthers to be aggressive this offseason in pursuing upgrades on the defensive side of the ball, and they will have plenty of salary cap space in which to work from. The Panthers could be in on the top free-agent safeties in Jevon Holland and Camryn Bynum, among others and also might be willing to spend big on Eagles free-agent defensive tackle Milton Williams. As they look to add edge-rushing depth, Chase Young will be one of the more intriguing options on the free-agent market. In house, Fowler writes that the Panthers want to sign star cornerback Jaycee Horn to an extension before the cornerback market blows up. Carolina could surely use the help on the defensive side of the ball, as they allowed the most points per game (31.4) and the most total yards per game (404.5) in 2024.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler
17 hours agoPortland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Grant will miss his second game in a row due to a lingering knee issue. Fellow forward
Deni Avdija (quad) is back in the mix, so he figures to play minutes in the 30s on Sunday.
Shaedon Sharpe and
Kris Murray should see more run as well. Sharpe has been on a hot streak lately with 20 points or more in three of his last four games.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Blazers PR
17 hours agoESPN's Dan Graziano writes that the Atlanta Falcons have some interest in trading the No. 1 5 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft in order to collect more draft capital, depending on how the first half of the first round shakes out. In addition, Graziano thinks the Falcons are likely to use most, if not all, of their early-round picks in 2025 on defensive players after they spent $100 million and the eighth overall pick on the quarterback position last year in
Kirk Cousins and
Michael Penix Jr., respectively. Atlanta is desperately looking to upgrade a defense that ranked 23rd in points allowed and 20th in EPA per play a year ago via the draft. There's even more urgency for the Falcons to build up their defensive depth through the draft because of the fact that they have several key veteran players on that side of the ball set to hit free agency in March.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
17 hours agoPortland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (quad) is available ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Avdija is back in action after sitting out of Friday's game due to a left quad contusion. He shouldn't be limited at all after only missing one game, so fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about his playing time. The 24-year-old figures to get plenty of run down the stretch and has been making the most of his with a double-double earlier in the week.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Blazers PR
17 hours agoBoth ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler write that the Cleveland Browns continue to insist they aren't open to trading All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett under any circumstances. And even if the Browns were open to trading him, they'd likely wait until after June 1, as a trade would jump Garrett's 2025 salary cap number from $19.7 million to a dead-money hit of $36.2 million. Waiting until after June 1 would allow Cleveland to spread that charge out over two seasons. It's looking like the Browns won't seriously entertain trading the 29-year-old until they're convinced he'd be willing to miss regular-season games in 2025. Fowler writes that he thinks the Browns are very dug in and willing to wait Garrett out. If the Browns get serious about trading him, the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles are expected to be two of the most aggressive suitors.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler
18 hours agoLos Angeles Lakers guard
Austin Reaves (calf) won't play on Sunday against the Clippers. He injured his calf when the Lakers and Clippers met on Friday night. Fortunately, an MRI "revealed no serious injury." However, fantasy managers had a feeling Reaves would miss some time. With that said, the 23-year-old has averaged a career-high 19.1 points this season, so the Lakers need him back as soon as possible. But while Reaves is out of commission,
Dalton Knecht and
Gabe Vincent are in line for more work.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Mike Trudell
18
hours
agoNames
on
the
Indianapolis
Colts'
radar
as
they
look
to
bring
in
competition
for
quarterback
Anthony
Richardson
include
Daniel
Jones,
Justin
Fields,
Trey
Lance
and
Jacoby
Brissett,
according
read more...
18 hours agoAccording to ESPN's Shams Charania, Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) will undergo surgery. It was already announced he would be sidelined indefinitely. However, now that it's known Suggs will have surgery to remove a cartilage fragment from his left knee, it's tough to say if he'll return to the floor this season. The 23-year-old has averaged a career-high 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 2024-25. But while he is on the shelf,
Cole Anthony, averaging 13.6 points, 1.1 steals, and 38.9% shooting from deep in 18 starts this season, should remain with the first five.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
18 hours agoNew York Mets left-handed pitcher
A.J. Minter (hip) faced live hitters during his bullpen session on Sunday. This was his first time throwing against live hitters since undergoing hip surgery last August. Earlier in the offseason, Minter signed a two-year contract worth $22 million with the New York Mets. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression as he could be cleared in time for Opening Day if he continues this current pace. Before being shut down last season, the southpaw held a 2.62 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP across 34 1/3 innings of work. He tallied 35 punchouts and added nine holds. From 2021 through 2023, Minter tallied at least 20 holds in each season operating as the set up man in Atlanta. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Minter to have a similar role in Queens, operating as the eighth inning option in front of
Edwin Diaz. He should be in line to tally double-digit holds, pitching on a competing Mets roster.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Tim Healey
18 hours agoColorado Rockies right-handed pitcher
Jeff Criswell (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2025 campaign. The 25-year-old made his MLB debut last season and was expected to compete for a bullpen role. Across his first 19 2/3 innings, Criswell held a 2.75 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP. He tallied strikeouts at a strong 31.0 percent rate and whiffs at a 39.0 percent rate. However, he did generate hefty 5.01 xERA and a .247 xBA, suggesting he should have faced some regression during the upcoming season. Across 57 2/3 innings at Triple-A last summer, Criswell posted a 6.24 ERA with a 1.79 WHIP. He tallied 83 strikeouts and allowed 28 free passes. With Criswell sidelined, fantasy managers should expect
Victor Vodnik,
Seth Halvorsen, and
Tyler Kinley to compete for save opportunities in the Colorado bullpen.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Thomas Harding
18 hours agoColorado Rockies starting pitcher
Austin Gomber (shoulder) was scratched from his start on Sunday due to left shoulder soreness. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case this injury begins to linger. For the time being, it does not appear the southpaw is in danger of missing Opening Day. Over the past two seasons, Gomber has been deployed exclusively out of the bullpen. Last summer, the 31-year-old posted a 4.75 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP across 165 innings of work. He tallied 116 punchouts and showed strong command with a 5.5 percent walk rate. However, he struggled to limit hard contact as he generated a high 41.2 percent hard-hit rate and a 9.6 percent barrel rate. He also held a 5.07 xERA and a .278 xBA, which were well below the average marks. When healthy, Gomber will have a spot in the starting rotation.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Thomas Harding
18 hours agoSt. Louis Cardinals starting pitching prospect
Quinn Mathews was assigned to minor-league camp on Sunday. As a result, the budding ace will not open the season in the major leagues. Mathews was invited to camp and had an outside chance of breaking the Opening Day roster. However, the team will opt to let their top arm continue his development in the minor leagues. Last season, the 24-year-old made his professional debut and looked quite comfortable. He spent most of his season at Double-A where he logged 52 1/3 innings to the tune of a 2.41 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. He tallied 70 punchouts and served up just 15 free passes. Then, in his first 16 2/3 innings at Triple-A, the southpaw served up 12 earned runs. Fantasy managers should monitor his development as he should open the season at Triple-A. If he can take the next step at Triple-A, he could push for an early-season MLB debut.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: St. Louis Cardinals
19
hours
agoBaltimore
Orioles
starting
pitchers
Albert
Suarez
and
Cade
Povich
are
viewed
as
the
team's
No.
6
and
No.
7
starters.
While
this
may
keep
them
out
of
a
job
in
the
starting
rotation
to
open
the
season,
they
read more...
19 hours agoChicago White Sox third base prospect
Bryan Ramos (elbow) is in the starting lineup on Sunday afternoon. Ramos will serve as the designated hitter and bat in the seven-hole. This is Ramos' first start of the spring. The 22-year-old has been dealing with a sore elbow and has still faced defensive restrictions. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression but seeing him return to the field, even as a designated hitter, is a positive sign. Ramos was given a brief taste of the majors last summer. Across 32 games, he posted a .202/.252/.333 line with four doubles and three home runs. Earlier in the season at Triple-A, Ramos held a .263/.339/.416 slash line with 13 doubles and eight long balls. If Ramos is able to produce well offensively, he could still make the Opening Day roster even if he is limited defensively.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Chicago White Sox
19
hours
agoThe
sense
that
ESPN's
Jeremy
Fowler
has
gotten
is
that
quarterback
Justin
Fields
has
an
edge
over
veteran
Russell
Wilson
in
the
Pittsburgh
Steelers'
free-agent
QB
pecking
order
this
offseason.
Fowler
goes
on
to
write
that
there
is
read more...
19
hours
agoMinnesota
Vikings
impending
free-agent
quarterback
Daniel
Jones
(knee)
is
expected
to
be
on
the
Cleveland
Browns'
radar
this
offseason,
according
to
people
that
ESPN's
Jeremy
Fowler
has
talked
to.
Because
the
Browns
still
owe
injured
quarterback
Deshaun
Watson
(Achilles)
$92
read more...
20 hours agoESPN's Jeremy Fowler continues to hear that the Minnesota Vikings won't mortgage their future to re-sign impending free-agent quarterback
Sam Darnold. Fowler also says that there wasn't much momentum coming out of the NFL Combine this week that the Vikings will use the franchise tag on Darnold, who should have multiple suitors if he reaches the open market. The New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers could all be involved for a QB that won 14 games for the Vikes in 2024 and is the best option at the position on the market by a wide margin. Aside from Darnold, there's a real possibility Minnesota re-signs
Daniel Jones (knee) as insurance for
J.J. McCarthy (knee) in case last year's first-rounder needs more time. Fowler also points out that the Vikings interviewed Miami's Cam Ward at the Combine. All signs are pointing to Darnold not returning to Minnesota in 2025.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
20
hours
agoChicago
Cubs
starting
pitcher
Javier
Assad
(oblique)
will
not
be
ready
by
Opening
Day.
Assad
was
diagnosed
with
a
mild
oblique
strain
in
February.
He
has
begun
playing
catch
and
is
targeting
a
return
to
the
mound
sometime
next
week.
However,
it
appears
read more...
20 hours agoDenver Nuggets forward
Aaron Gordon (ankle) won't play on Sunday against Boston. The veteran has been bothered by a calf injury this season. However, he has a sprained ankle, so his next chance to suit up again will be on Wednesday versus the Sacramento Kings. Without Gordon,
Russell Westbrook, averaging 14.2 points, 7.0 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 27 starts, should fill the hole in the lineup. But even if
Zeke Nnaji (ankle) draws the start, if he's available, Westbrook should still benefit.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Bennett Durando
20 hours agoThe Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that while the Cincinnati Bengals have made an offer to All-Pro wide receiver
Ja'Marr Chase, the two sides remain far apart in extension talks for now. Chase is fully expected to reset the non-QB market after he and the Bengals were unable to agree on an extension before the start of the 2024 season, but Cincinnati appears to be prioritizing an extension with
Tee Higgins first this offseason. Cincinnati is trying to keep all three of Chase, Higgins and defensive end Trey Hendrickson, but if they can't get deals done with all three, Hendrickson is most likely to be the odd man out. The 25-year-old Chase had the league's receiving Triple Crown in 2024 by leading the NFL in catches (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17), making him deserving of being the highest-paid non-QB. He'll be the first receiver off the board in the first round in 2025 fantasy drafts.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
20 hours agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher
Lucas Giolito (elbow) is expected to make his spring debut on Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Giolito is working his way back from an internal brace procedure he underwent which kept him sidelined for the entire 2024 campaign. Giolito has been throwing simulated games during camp and will now look to see his first game action since the 2023 season. Fantasy managers should monitor his status as he should be in a good position to claim a spot in the Opening Day rotation if he performs well during the remainder of camp. In 2023, Giolito spent time with three clubs and held a cumulative 184 1/3 innings with a high 4.88 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. He tallied 204 strikeouts but generated a high 4.61 xERA. If he performs well in spring training, he could be an intriguing late-round pick in deeper formats.
UPDATE: Giolito will throw one more up-and-down session on Thursday before making his Grapefruit League debut on March 11 against the Philadelphia Phillies.--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ian Browne
20 hours agoAccording to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Julius Randle (groin) is expected to return on Sunday night against Phoenix. The former Knick has struggled throughout his time in Minnesota, averaging 18.9 points, his fewest since his final year with the Lakers back in 2017-18. He's also missed the last 13 games because of a groin injury. Randle will likely need at least a few games to ramp up. However, he's a must-start for fantasy managers, especially with
Rudy Gobert (back) ruled out and
Anthony Edwards (calf) questionable. Either way, Randle's return should still result in fewer minutes for
Donte DiVincenzo and
Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Chris Haynes
20 hours agoThe New York Giants have been a team to watch on multiple fronts as they try to find an answer at quarterback, especially after striking out on Los Angeles Rams QB
Matthew Stafford, according to league sources. One avenue for the Giants could be to trade up into the No. 1 overall draft spot to ensure they can secure their favorite QB option this year. The Tennessee Titans currently own the No. 1 pick, but there has been plenty of interest from teams wanting to move up into the top spot. If the G-Men don't outbid other teams to secure the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, New York Jets QB
Aaron Rodgers is another option. The Giants have already spoken to Rodgers' representation about playing for their team once he's officially released by the Jets as a post-June 1 cut. There has been plenty of speculation that New York could draft a QB this year while also adding a veteran bridge signal-caller.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
20 hours agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher
Brayan Bello (shoulder) may not be ready in time for Opening Day. Manager Alex Cora said, "He's behind. But I think he's been itching to throw for a while, so we took care of him, and hopefully doing that, he can actually not catch up." The manager noted, "We're still shooting for him to be on the Opening Day roster, but obviously it's March 2 now." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression during camp as a minor setback could result in him opening the season on the injured list. The right-hander has been battling shoulder soreness during the early part of camp and was shut down for some time. Last season, the 25-year-old logged a career-high 162 1/3 innings and held a 4.49 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP. He tallied 153 punchouts and held a high 9.1 percent walk rate. When healthy, Bello will have a spot in the starting rotation.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ian Browne
20 hours agoBoston Celtics guard
Jrue Holiday (finger) won't play on Sunday against Denver. He's battled a shoulder injury throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, a finger injury will keep him off the floor versus the Nuggets. Holiday also wasn't available in Friday's loss to the Cavaliers. As a result,
Sam Hauser entered the starting lineup and finished with six points and six rebounds. Hauser should see a bump in fantasy potential on Sunday. But with
Jaylen Brown (knee),
Derrick White, and
Jayson Tatum available, nobody on the roster is considered a lock from a scoring standpoint, even with
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) sidelined.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
20 hours agoThe Philadelphia Eagles' interest in trading for Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett is real, sources have told The Athletic's Dianna Russini. "Garrett could be this year's version of
Saquon Barkley for Howie (Roseman)," one NFL general manager said. "He's an impact add and isn't a free-agent overpay. Howie's not afraid to try stuff, and it fits where they are as a team." The only way to make it work for Philadelphia would be if they were to let key members of their Super Bowl-winning group walk, including linebacker Zack Baun. In addition to Baun, edge rusher Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams and guard Mekhi Becton headline the Eagles' free-agent class, and bringing them all back would prove difficult if they added Garrett, who could easily become the highest-paid defensive player in the league on his next contract.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
20 hours agoBoston Celtics center
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) isn't available for Sunday's meeting with Denver. He's not hurt, which is always a concern. However, the veteran isn't feeling well, so he'll miss a second-consecutive game.
Al Horford got the start on Friday against the Cavaliers, finishing with five points and seven rebounds. Horford will likely draw the start once again versus
Nikola Jokic and company, with
Luke Kornet coming off the bench. Yet, with
Jaylen Brown (knee) and
Jayson Tatum on the floor, everyone else could have a tough time getting consistent scoring opportunities, capping Horford's fantasy potential.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
20 hours agoSan Francisco Giants outfielder
Heliot Ramos (oblique) is expected to return on Tuesday. Ramos suffered an oblique injury last week. The outfielder has begun hitting off a tee and has not faced any setbacks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress leading up to his return. After appearing in just 34 MLB contests during his first two seasons, Ramos logged a career-high 121 games in 2024. During this stint, the slugger launched 22 home runs with a .269/.322/.469 slash line. He swiped six bags and tallied 72 RBI. Under the hood, he generated an elite 14.5 percent barrel rate and a 47.5 percent hard-hit rate. He also placed in the 90th percentile in bat speed. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Ramos to have an everyday role in left field and typically bat in the top half of the lineup.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Susan Slusser
20 hours agoNFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that the San Francisco 49ers are open to trading both wide receivers
Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and
Deebo Samuel Sr. The 49ers already traded Samuel to the Washington Commanders on Saturday in exchange for a fifth-round pick, so it's unclear if San Fran is still open to dealing Aiyuk. The 26-year-old suffered a torn ACL last October and reportedly turned down a trade to the Patriots last offseason due to their quarterback situation. It's uncertain if the Patriots would want Aiyuk now after his torn ACL, although Aiyuk could be more open to joining New England after QB
Drake Maye's intriguing rookie season. Aiyuk could be ready for the start of the 2025 season, but it's not guaranteed, especially after he also suffered damage to his MCL in the Week 7 loss to the Chiefs. Aiyuk would certainly give Maye a bonafide No. 1 wideout in his second NFL season, though. Stay tuned.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
20 hours agoBoston Celtics guard
Jaylen Brown (knee) will play on Sunday against Denver. He had 37 points in Friday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the 28-year-old popped up on the injury report on Saturday because of knee pain. With
Jrue Holiday (finger) and
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) both ruled out, Brown and
Jayson Tatum could exceed expectations from a production standpoint versus a Denver team that hasn't been the most efficient on the defensive side of the ball during the 2024-25 campaign.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
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