2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers offensive lineman Corey Linsley (knee) is questionable to return in Thursday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He suffered a knee injury during the second quarter and did not come out with the team during the second half. The 31-year-old logged the major of snaps before injuring his knee. Linsley controls many of their protection adjustments, and his absence from the offensive line only hurts quarterback Justin Herbert and the Chargers' offense.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Adam Schefter of ESPN

2 years agoFree-agent guard Malik Ellison received an Exhibit 10 deal from the Hawks. The 26-year-old signed a 10-day contract with Atlanta last season, although he didn't appear in a game. He also spent time with the Hawks' G League team, the Skyhawks, averaging 6.8 points and 4.7 rebounds in 26 games. Still, he's not a favorite to earn a place on the roster this season. But even if he does find a spot, he isn't expected to contribute anything on the fantasy end.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Michael Scotto

2 years agoLas Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs will look for his first touchdown of the season in the team's first home game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. Jacobs led the team in rush attempts (10) while playing 60 percent of the snaps in Week 1. His percentage of running back touches were a good indication of his expected usage going forward. The Raiders offense should have more success against a Cardinals defense that gave up 44 points to the Chiefs, including three touchdowns to running backs. Jacobs will look to continue his efficient play while hoping for more volume in this one. Start Jacobs as a mid-range RB2 in this Week 2 matchup.--Al Calo - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoFree-agent forward DaQuan Jeffries signed a training camp deal with the Knicks. Jefferies has played for three teams throughout his brief NBA career, making stops in Sacramento, Houston, and Memphis. During that time, he's averaged only 3.8 points and 1.9 rebounds while shooting 43.8% from the field and 29.1% from deep. If Jeffries earns a spot on the roster, he probably won't see the floor much. However, some minutes may open up if Cam Reddish or Evan Fournier gets moved. But even then, he likely won't receive enough to make an impact on the fantasy end.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NY Knicks

2 years agoNew York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee) is "really confident" in making his NFL debut in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. He continues to recover from an MCL sprain he suffered in mid-August and is trending towards the right direction of suiting up against Carolina. "Getting close," Thibodeaux said Thursday. "Like I said, trying not to look too far what is today? Today is Thursday - still have Friday and Saturday. I'm really confident in this Sunday." The No. 5 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft participated in some drills on Thursday and was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Thibodeaux will look to log a full session on Friday and could make his debut this Sunday. Stay tuned.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Jordan Raanan of ESPN

2 years agoFree-agent forward Andre Iguodala hasn't decided if he will continue playing. However, Warriors general manager Bob Myers is hoping the team will get him back for at least one more season. The veteran has been in the league since being drafted in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft. He's averaged 11.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals during his career. Yet, as expected, his production has dwindled over the years. Nevertheless, it would certainly be beneficial for Golden State to have the 38-year-old back on the bench this season, primarily for his experience and leadership. With that said, Iguodala likely won't do much for fantasy managers if he comes back for another season.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: The TK Show

2 years agoArizona Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt (calf) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. He has been dealing with a calf injury and was held out of the regular season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 33-year-old did not practice Wednesday and is hopeful of playing in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders. "It was a good day of work, a good first day back out there (at practice). I'll get some more tomorrow and then go from there," said Watt. The former Houston Texan is trending in the right direction towards suiting up on Sunday but will most likely need to log a full practice on Friday. Stay tuned.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Tyler Drake

2 years agoArizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (calf) practiced in full Thursday. He did not practice on Wednesday and was given a maintenance day off. He was upgraded as a full participant on Thursday. The 31-year-old has been dealing with a calf issue since early August but was active for Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs. "I feel great now. The calf, God willing, is behind me, so really just focused on being the best I can be on Sunday and find a way to win," said Ertz. He caught two of four targets for 14 yards and a touchdown. Ertz is a borderline TE1 against the Las Vegas Raiders and should be started in most leagues in Week 2.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Tyler Drake

2 years agoGolden State Warriors forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. (ankle) is expected to be ready for training camp, according to general manager Bob Myers. The 19-year-old was taken late in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft after averaging 12.1 points, 5.8 boards, and 1.5 assists during his lone season at Milwaukee. However, selecting him was a risky move by the Dubs, primarily since Baldwin played only 11 games at the collegiate level due to an ankle injury. Nonetheless, he shouldn't be a viable fantasy option for redraft managers in 2022-23. Yet, Baldwin could develop into something within the next few seasons, so he's worth a stash in dynasty formats.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: The TK Show

2 years agoFree-agent guard Keaton Wallace inked an Exhibit 10 contract with the Clippers. The 23-year-old went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, he landed in the G League last season and averaged 18.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.6 steals while shooting around 41% from deep. If Wallace doesn't make the regular season roster for L.A., he may see interest from other teams. He could also secure a two-way deal. Yet, no matter what Wallace is doing in 2022-23, there is nothing there for fantasy managers.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: JD Shaw

2 years agoFree-agent guard Javonte Smart landed a deal with the Pelicans. It's a training camp contract, so he's not guaranteed to remain on the regular season roster heading into October. The 23-year-old appeared in 17 games for the Bucks and Heat in 2021-22, averaging 3.0 points and 1.4 rebounds while shooting 29.6% from deep. Nevertheless, Smart has a more realistic chance of landing a two-way deal. But if he somehow manages to make the team, he probably won't play. Either way, Smart has no value to fantasy managers.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: JD Shaw

2 years agoPortland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (abdomen) declared he feels "great" after undergoing abdominal surgery early in January. The multi-time All-Star had been dealing with the injury for years. However, it became unbearable, forcing him to go under the knife. It was undoubtedly a chaotic year for Lillard, who appeared at times to be on his way out of Portland. Yet, he now seems happy and optimistic about the team's current roster, adding that he plans on finishing his career with the Trail Blazers. The 32-year-old has been an MVP-caliber superstar since entering the NBA in 2012, averaging 24.6 points, 6.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals and shooting 37.3% from deep. As long as Lillard stays healthy, he has a realistic chance of ending the 2022-23 campaign as a top-five fantasy option, so managers in all formats should strongly consider drafting him heading into October.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Dave Pasch

2 years agoAfter starting 1-2 in the UFC, Bill Algeo (16-6) has won his last two contests and is hoping to secure a three-fight winning streak when he takes on the veteran Andre Fili on Saturday. He's a grinding-style fighter who will take his opponent to the limit, and six of Algeo's 16 career wins have come by decision, with another six by submission and four via knockout/TKO. DraftKings actually has Algeo as the underdog with a salary of $7,900. Throughout his UFC career, Algeo averages 74.7 fantasy points per contest. If you are looking for an underdog bet on this main card, look toward Algeo.--Matt Bricker - RotoBallerSource: UFC

2 years agoWinless in his last three bouts, Andre Fili (21-9) will look to return to winning ways in his 31st professional bout when he takes to the Octagon to face Bill Algeo on Saturday's main card of action. Fili has the capability of getting his hand raised in numerous ways, with nine of his career wins coming by decision and another nine wins by knockout/TKO. The Team Alpha Male featherweight is the slight favorite with a salary of 8,300. Throughout his UFC career, Fili averages 57.4 fantasy points per contest. With back-to-back wins and looking impressive of late, the underdog Algeo might be the better choice if you feel the need to roster one of these two fighters.--Matt Bricker - RotoBallerSource: UFC

2 years agoSet for his UFC debut after an impressive run on the Contender Series, Joe Pyfer (9-2) will appear on Saturday's main card of action as he takes on Alen Amedovski, who is currently on a three-fight losing streak in the UFC. An efficient finisher in his career, eight of his nine wins have come via the finish, with six of them coming via knockout/TKO. DraftKings sees the debuting Pyfer as the night's biggest favorite with a salary of $9,700. Pyfer comes into his debut with a couple of impressive wins, but this is quite the price tag for a debuting fighter.--Matt Bricker - RotoBallerSource: UFC

2 years agoHoping to avoid a four-fight skid, Alen Amedovski (8-3) will step into the Octagon on Saturday, with possibly his job on the line, in a middleweight matchup with Joe Pyfer. After back-to-back first-round knockout victories in Bellator, the transition was not a smooth one for Amedovski into the UFC. The potential is there, with all eight of his career wins coming by knockout/TKO. DraftKings sees Amedovski as the night's biggest underdog with a salary of $6,500. Throughout his UFC career, he averages only 3.0 fantasy points per contest. He will be facing the debuting Pyfer, who is coming off of a second-round TKO Contender Series win.--Matt Bricker - RotoBallerSource: UFC

2 years agoTampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena had a three-hit game on Thursday when his team beat the Toronto Blue Jays 11-0. He doubled, scored a run, and drove in one in five at-bats. Arozarena was in a minor slump before the game, going 3-for-24 over his previous six games. The speedster has been an all-around contributor again, hitting .268 with 19 HRs, 79 RBI, 66 runs, and 30 SBs over 138 games. His outstanding numbers make him a deserving starting outfielder across every format.--Spencer Seguin - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 years agoJacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram is slated to make his second start with the Jaguars in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts. The former first-round pick hauled in four passes for 28 yards on four targets in Week 1 versus the Washington Commanders. After signing with Jacksonville, the Ole Miss product was expected to immediately become the starting tight end, and he's clearly earned the role. In the first game of the season, Engram was on the field for 47 offensive snaps for the Jaguars in Week 1, which was 19 more than the next tight end on the roster. For those who need someone to start with George Kittle likely out or just need a streaming option, the 28-year-old tight end is worth consideration in Week 2.--Skyler Carlin - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoAfter struggling with a loss and no-contest to begin his career, Rodrigo Nascimento Ferreira (8-1) will look to earn his first victory since 2020 on Saturday. He has shown glimpses of dominance in the UFC, earning a first-round submission in his Contender Series bout and a second-round submission in his Octagon debut. It has been over a year since we have seen Ferreira in action, though, so it may be why DraftKings has him as an underdog at $7,400. Throughout his UFC career, he averages 65.0 fantasy points per contest. He's facing a very dangerous and experienced opponent in Tanner Boser, who seems to be the safer bet in this one.--Matt Bricker - RotoBallerSource: UFC

2 years agoThe Arizona Diamondbacks selected the contract of right-hander Drey Jameson from Triple-A Reno on Thursday, and he will make his major-league debut in a start against the San Diego Padres. In a corresponding move, the team placed left-hander Kyle Nelson (elbow) on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. Jameson, the club's No. 9 prospect per MLB Pipeline, went a combined 7-13 with a 6.31 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 132 strikeouts and 46 walks in 132 2/3 innings over 26 outings (25 starts) for Double-A Amarillo and Reno this year. The 25-year-old went 5-12 with a 6.95 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in his 22 outings (21 starts) at Reno. We don't recommend streaming the youngster in his MLB debut against the Friars.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Diamondbacks Twitter

2 years agoThe Pittsburgh Steelers defense was fantastic in a Week 1 win, notching seven sacks and forcing five turnovers. They draw another plus matchup in a home matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 2. New England managed just seven points against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 and quarterback Mac Jones (back, illness) will come into the weekend banged up. Even though the Steelers will be without star pass rusher T.J. Watt, they still need to be treated as a top-10 fantasy option for Week 2.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell made three of his four field goals in a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Boswell will look for another multiple-field goal game in a home matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 2. The Patriots were generous to fantasy kickers in 2021, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Boswell could be busy against the Patriots in Week 2, but the Pittsburgh offense isn't quite explosive enough to treat him as a top-12 fantasy option for this weekend.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth led his team with 75 receiving yards in a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. The second-year tight end showed nice chemistry with new quarterback Mitch Trubisky, drawing 10 targets, good for second on the team. Freiermuth will look to keep it going at home against the New England Patriots in Week 2. The Patriots were tough on opposing tight ends in 2021, allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, Freiermuth appears to be on the verge of a breakout in 2022 and needs to be treated as an every week TE1 until he proves otherwise. Freiermuth should be active in fantasy for Week 2.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoLos Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Yency Almonte (elbow) threw 25 pitches of live batting practice to infielder Gavin Lux (neck) on Wednesday. Almonte looked good during the session and could be ready to rejoin the Dodgers bullpen sooner than later. However, the 28-year-old will throw at least one more simulated game before potentially going on a minor league rehab assignment. In his first year in LA, Almonte has been excellent in his 31 1/3 relief innings, posting a career-low 1.15 ERA (3.27 FIP), a 0.89 WHIP, one save and a 30:10 K:BB.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett

2 years agoNew York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay is set to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 of the 2022 season. The veteran wideout had a quiet performance in Week 1 versus the Tennessee Titans, concluding the game with two receptions for 22 yards. While Golladay didn't have a notable stat line in the win over the Titans, he still managed to be on the field for the most offensive snaps among the wide receivers on the Giants. That being said, Sterling Shepard (who was coming off of an Achilles injury) and Richie James Jr. were more productive on fewer snaps. Even with Wan'Dale Robinson and Kadarius Toney questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Panthers, Golladay shouldn't be considered unless you're absolutely desperate in a deeper league.--Skyler Carlin - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens garnered plenty of attention based on his productive preseason but he didn't fare as well in his regular-season debut, catching just one ball for three yards. The rookie wideout will look to bounce back in a home matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 2. On the positive side, Pickens saw plenty of playing time in Week 1, playing on 71.4% of the offensive snaps. Pickens remains a strong hold in dynasty but he's nothing more than an end of roster stash in redraft leagues moving forward. Pickens should not be in fantasy lineups in Week 2.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool saw a surprising six carries for 36 yards to lead his team in a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Claypool didn't fare as well through the air, however, finishing with four catches for just 18 yards. The third-year wideout will look to break out in Week 2 when he takes on the New England Patriots at home. The Patriots struggled against receivers in 2021, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, Claypool has struggled to produce consistently in fantasy for over a year now and is best treated as a low-end WR3 in Week 2.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoLos Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher David Price (wrist) threw a bullpen session on Wednesday. It was the first time Price has thrown off a mound since he landed on the injured list on Sept. 4 with left wrist inflammation. Despite dealing with wrist problems for a while before that, the 37-year-old southpaw has gone 2-0 with a solid 2.58 ERA (3.84 FIP), a 1.17 WHIP, one save and 37 strikeouts in 38 1/3 relief innings for the Blue this year. Barring a setback, Price expects to return from the injured list before the end of the regular season, so they should have him available as a lefty specialist out of the bullpen for the postseason.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett

2 years agoColorado Rockies shortstop prospect Ezequiel Tovar is being promoted to Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday, and the hope is that he finishes the 2022 season with the Rockies. Tovar just finished a rehab assignment after going on the injured list in July with hip and groin injuries. The team's No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, hit .318/.386/.546 with a .932 OPS, 13 home runs, 47 RBI, 39 runs scored and 17 stolen bases in 295 plate appearances over 66 games for Double-A Hartford before being promoted. The 21-year-old is one of the best defenders at the 6 in the minor leagues already, and he has also shown improved power this year as his frame matures and he gets stronger. For now, Tovar is only a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Thomas Harding

2 years agoMinnesota Twins second baseman Luis Arraez (hamstring) is not in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Kansas City Royals. Arraez was forced to leave Wednesday's game early with hamstring tightness, but he's considered day-to-day after an MRI exam showed no structural damage. He won't start on Thursday, but he could be available off the bench and could be back in the starting lineup as soon as Friday. With Arraez starting on the bench, Jermaine Palacios will start at the keystone and hit eighth, while Kyle Garlick is serving as the designated hitter and is batting leadoff against Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch. Garlick profiles as a deep sleeper in DFS. He's hitting .254 (18-for-71) and has hit six of his nine home runs against southpaws in 2022.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press