3 Altcoins To Watch In The Second Week of January 2026

The second week of January 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal period for the altcoin market, driven by a convergence of major network upgrades and high-profile real-world adoption. As the industry recalibrates for the new year, three specific assets Mantle (MNT), MANTRA (OM), and Polygon (POL) have emerged as frontrunners in the race for narrative dominance. From Ethereum-aligned mainnet updates to state-sponsored stablecoin partnerships in Wyoming, these tokens are navigating critical technical and fundamental milestones that will likely dictate their trajectory for the remainder of Q1. I. Mantle (MNT): The Fusaka Upgrade Catalyst Mantle is entering a high-volatility window as it prepares for a major mainnet upgrade designed to align with Ethereum’s highly anticipated “Fusaka” update. This scheduled enhancement aims to significantly boost the network’s scalability and utility, potentially attracting a new wave of on-chain activity. Trading near the $0.99 level, MNT is currently facing early upward pressure. For the bulls to regain control and erase recent double-digit losses, the price must decisively breach the $1.04 resistance. A successful flip of this level would open the door for a move toward $1.11, while a failure to hold momentum could see the token retest its all-time low near $0.94. II. MANTRA (OM): The Great Token Migration Deadline The MANTRA community is facing a critical structural shift as the protocol mandates a full migration from ERC20 OM to the native MANTRA Chain before the January 15, 2026, deadline. This “managed sunset” of the Ethereum-based token is intended to concentrate liquidity and unify the ecosystem on its own sovereign chain. While such transitions often spark short-term price moves due to reduced fragmentation, the technical indicators for OM are currently mixed. With capital outflows visible on the Chaikin Money Flow, the token must hold above $0.077 and aim for a reclaim of $0.083 to invalidate the current bearish pressure and avoid a slide toward $0.072. III. Polygon (POL): Wyoming’s Stablecoin Selection Polygon has secured one of the most prestigious fundamental wins of 2026 after being selected by the Wyoming Stable Token Commission to host the state’s first-ever stablecoin. This institutional nod has catapulted POL into the spotlight, driving a massive 46% rally before a natural cooling period. Currently, POL is struggling to flip the 200-day EMA into support near $0.183. If the asset can secure a daily close above this macro level, it could clear the path for a run toward $0.200. However, investors should remain cautious; if profit-taking intensifies, a retreat to the $0.138 support zone is highly probable, potentially stalling the recent momentum. IV. Essential Financial Disclaimer This analysis is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Network upgrades (such as Mantle’s Fusaka alignment) and token migrations (such as MANTRA’s transition) involve technical complexities that can lead to unforeseen market volatility or loss of funds if not executed correctly. Price targets and resistance levels including MNT’s $1.04, OM’s $0.083, and POL’s $0.183 are based on current technical chart patterns and do not guarantee future performance. Cryptocurrency markets are highly speculative; always conduct your own exhaustive research (DYOR) and consult with a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Which of these three catalysts do you think has the most “staying power” Mantle’s tech upgrade, MANTRA’s unified chain, or Polygon’s state-level adoption?