NFL fantasy football news and player signals for Friday, May 29, 2026

Mac Jones is grouped in the tier of quarterbacks not projected to finish the 2026 season, alongside Kirk Cousins, Carson Beck, Justin Fields, Cade Klubnik, and Anthony Richardson.

Justin Fields is grouped in the tier of quarterbacks not projected to finish the 2026 season, alongside Kirk Cousins, Carson Beck, Mac Jones, Cade Klubnik, and Anthony Richardson.

Anthony Richardson is grouped in the tier of quarterbacks not projected to finish the 2026 season, alongside Kirk Cousins, Carson Beck, Justin Fields, Mac Jones, and Cade Klubnik.

Shedeur Sanders is projected to take over as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback mid-season in 2026, replacing Deshaun Watson.

Deshaun Watson is projected to start the 2026 season for the Cleveland Browns but is expected to be replaced by Shedeur Sanders mid-season, indicating the source does not expect him to finish the year as the starter.

Tagovailoa is projected to start the 2026 season for the Falcons but is expected to be replaced by Michael Penix Jr. mid-season, indicating the source does not expect him to finish the year as the starter.

Penix Jr. is projected to take over as the Falcons' starting quarterback mid-season in 2026, replacing Tua Tagovailoa. The source expects him to finish the season as the starter.

Gardner Minshew is one of two backup options (along with Carson Beck) projected to potentially finish the 2026 season for the Cardinals if Jacoby Brissett is benched mid-season.

Carson Beck is one of two backup options (along with Gardner Minshew) projected to potentially finish the 2026 season for the Cardinals if Jacoby Brissett is benched mid-season.

Klubnik is projected to take over as the Jets' starting quarterback by week 15 of the 2026 season, following the pattern from 2025 when Geno Smith was benched mid-season. The source expects a mid-season transition rather than Geno Smith starting all 17 games.

Cousins is projected to start the 2026 season for the Raiders but is classified in the tier of quarterbacks not expected to finish the season, indicating the source expects a mid-season benching or injury.

Aaron Rodgers is projected to start 17 games but will not be good for fantasy; he topped 20 points only three times in 2025 (finishing as QB7, QB10, and QB6 in those games), making him only viable in best-ball formats but not recommended for regular redraft leagues.

Bryce Young is projected to start all 17 games for the Panthers in 2026; the team released Andy Dalton to Philadelphia, eliminating the backup option that could have challenged Young's role.

The source assesses Stroud as not a good fantasy quarterback for 2026; the Texans are expected to run the ball heavily and not utilize wide receivers as much as typical, limiting Stroud's fantasy ceiling.

The Eagles reduced Daniel Jones' rushing production and goal-line opportunities in 2025 to prioritize Jonathan Taylor's offensive player of the year candidacy, indicating a shift in offensive role allocation.

Jones is coming off an Achilles injury heading into 2026. He was fantasy QB3-5 in the first month of 2025 when the Giants were generating rushing production and goal-line opportunities (sneaks and tush pushes), but the Eagles later reduced his rushing volume to prioritize Jonathan Taylor's offensive player of the year candidacy. The source does not have high expectations for his return from injury.

Darnold is placed in the D tier, described as a quarterback expected to start all 17 games but not considered a target for fantasy purposes.

Mayfield took a huge step back in efficiency last season, finishing as QB4 the year before but QB19 last year. Despite having great wide receivers (Chris Godwin, Mecole Hardman, Jaylen McMillan, Ted Erse) and a new pass-catching RB in Kenneth Gainwell, the source notes that at age 31 he will not generate much rushing production and his 'valleys are a little bit too deep' to prefer him over Malik Willis.

The source identifies Willis as a legitimate fantasy football sleeper, noting that quarterbacks who run 80+ times per season consistently finish as top-12 quarterbacks. Willis is expected to run significantly, and the source believes he will 'easily beat out his ADP.' Willis is positioned as the ideal QB2 in redraft and all formats, with strong appeal in superflex and dynasty. The source states 'Of this tier, he would be my top buy,' citing the bias against mobile QBs (Justin Fields, Trey Lance, Anthony Richardson) has caused the market to undervalue Willis.

The source expresses concern about Love's overall volume, noting he had only one or two regular season games with 40+ passing attempts last year and generates minimal rushing production (five rushing touchdowns for his entire career), which LaFleur's coaching staff does not emphasize. This limits his weekly ceiling and fantasy upside.

Murray was a top-12 quarterback every year of his career until last year, when he was a horrible fit for the Drew Petzing system. The Arizona Cardinals were terrible at every level (offensive line, defensive line, wide receivers). With Kevin O'Connell as an 'absolute quarterback whisperer,' Murray should rebound significantly. However, the source sees only a potential leap and does not consider it 'particularly likely' that Murray will add rushing production; he ran frequently at Incarnate Word and Washington State but was not used as a rusher at Miami or in Tennessee last year. The source suggests monitoring preseason and early-season usage to see if Brian Daboll's offense will add rushing production to Murray's game.

The source expresses skepticism about Brissett's fantasy value despite his 2025 performance, citing that the Arizona Cardinals were dead last in the entire NFL in point differential in games Brissett played, suggesting his fantasy success was not reflective of actual team performance or sustainable efficiency. Additionally, Brissett is projected to start the 2026 season for the Cardinals but is expected to be replaced mid-season by either Carson Beck or Gardner Minshew, indicating the source does not expect him to finish the year as the starter.

Nix averaged 17 fantasy points per game last year and will add good rushing production, particularly near the goal line. However, the source doesn't love Nix as a passer and notes his ceiling is not incredibly high because he's just not that good. The Jaylen Waddle addition is viewed as quite nice and could tilt the Broncos more pass-heavy, which would be good for Nix.

Purdy is described as 'probably one of the most underrated guys in fantasy football' with a career track record of QB6, QB10, and QB8 finishes. The 49ers reinvigorated their offense with George Kittle returning, Mike Evans, and Deebo Samuel additions. Purdy also gets free points near the goal line from throwing to Christian McCaffrey. The source recommends waiting on quarterback and targeting Purdy as the 13th or 14th quarterback drafted, arguing that getting Purdy as your QB1 puts you at no huge disadvantage most weeks.

Lawrence finished as QB5 last year and added 359 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, though the source expects rushing production to regress to around five to six rushing touchdowns. He has arguably the best complement of wide receivers in the entire NFL (Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., Brenton Strange, Liam Cohen). The source believes the Jaguars could get a QB1 finish from Lawrence if they decide to be aggressive offensively, and expresses genuine confidence in him.

The source calls Patrick Mahomes 'the biggest no-brainer in fantasy football' and 'the easiest profit you can generate in fantasy football.' Mahomes is trending toward being ready in week one with his full complement of wide receivers. While he will run less in 2026 (down from 422 rushing yards and 5 rushing TDs last year, over 4 PPG from rushing), his career QB finishes are QB1, QB6, QB2, QB4, QB2, QB14, and QB11. The key catalyst is Eric Bieniemy returning as offensive coordinator after Matt Nagy's departure; Bieniemy was the OC from 2018–2022. Getting a top-five to top-six fantasy quarterback at QB12 pricing represents exceptional value.

The source is optimistic about Justin Herbert with Mike McDaniel now calling plays, hoping he returns to his 2021 form when he scored 22 fantasy points per game. Herbert has been a bad fantasy QB for the last four years, but the source believes he could 'go full systems go' with McDaniel. The Chargers have a very good group of wide receivers, a pass-catching tight end, and three pass-catching running backs that position Herbert favorably for fantasy production.

Undervalued in fantasy football; finishes as a top-10 QB in nearly every season he plays a full game; the Cowboys have strong complementary pieces: CeeDee Lamb, Stefon Diggs, and Flournoy, who played okay last year; the source plans to target Prescott in the B tier (third tier) and expects to draft multiple QBs from this range in most of his leagues.

Ranked lower than some peers despite his 20 fantasy point rookie season; while acknowledging Maye has Josh Allen-like upside and a strong floor, the source worries the offensive compliments around him are not quite good enough to elevate him further; Maye's 2025 numbers were touchdown-heavy and inflated by the easiest schedule in the NFL by a historic margin; the source projects he could step back to 17–18 fantasy points per game in 2026; complementary WRs Kayshon Boutte, Romeo Doubs, and Hunter Henry are below-average players; however, the source acknowledges AJ Brown's addition helps and that Maye in the 60s or 70s ADP is acceptable value.

Strong buy despite last year's perception of poor performance; actually posted multiple elite fantasy games (QB8, QB2, QB8, QB3, QB2 finishes) with consistent rushing TD upside; Eagles' coaching staff change and A.J. Brown trade, plus additions of Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Mekai Lemon, and Elijah Stowers suggest potential shift to pass-heaviest Eagles offense ever; the source is a buyer on Hurts' rushing TD floor and potential pass-heavy upside.

Massive buy with MVP and QB1 upside in 2026; age-24 season comparable to Andrew Luck's 18-to-21 PPG jump; had very low games (QB20, QB24, QB27) due to 58% completion percentage, worst in NFL last season, but the source views this as intelligent strategy with Ben Johnson—three-is-greater-than-two mentality prioritizing downfield efficiency over completion rate; reduced sacks from 68 as a rookie to only 24 in year two—a monumental improvement rarely seen in quarterback development; was quite good on intermediate and deep throws; the source calls Williams the number one target in his tier for 2026 fantasy football.

Second-tier QB option but with significant durability red flags; played only 7 games in 2025 due to health concerns; listed at 210 lbs but the source is skeptical, estimating closer to 185-190 lbs, raising durability questions; new coaching staff (David Blough replacing Kliff Kingsbury) with only 180 passing yards per game last season; upside hinges on 1,000-yard rushing potential with 7-8 rushing TDs; the source targets him less than average drafter due to preference for Jalen Hurts.

Positioned in the sweet-spot second tier of 2026 QB rankings despite recurring health issues (8 games in 2025, 10 games in 2023, finished QB3 in 2024); elite passing weapons in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins plus pass-catching RBs Chase Brown and Samaje Perine; rushing production declining (2 TDs recent years vs. 5 in 2022), but compensates with potential 40-touchdown passing seasons in current NFL meta where passing is down; the source likes Burrow as one of the few guys who can throw for 40 touchdowns.

Fifth-round ADP represents strong value despite last year's injury-plagued season; when fully healthy, projects as QB1 with 25 fantasy points per game (vs. QB3 with 20 PPG in recent years); resolved interpersonal conflict with old coaching staff positions him for an all-time year; the source calls him a clear target at current price, though would reconsider if ADP rises significantly.

Ranked in the top tier of 2026 QB fantasy options alongside Lamar Jackson; described as one of the best quarterbacks ever seen in fantasy football with consistent QB1/QB2 tier production.

Hurts is a mid-sixth-round pick who offers great value after falling from round-three ADP last year; he could run for 15-17 touchdowns and still has playmakers around him (McKay Lemon, Sowers) despite losing A.J. Brown.

Smith is the analyst's favorite Eagles player at the 3-4 turn and offers amazing value as a locked-in alpha receiver who could easily finish as a top-10 wide receiver, especially valuable in double-running-back builds from the late first round.

Kamara is going in the 14th round, but the analyst believes the Saints want to move on from him and don't know how to do so without making him or the fanbase upset; Etienne is the clear lead back and Kamara is not a priority pick.

Johnson got volume last season out of necessity when other players were injured, but the addition of Travis Etienne and Jordan Addison significantly limits his floor and ceiling; he now needs an injury to be viable in round 12.

Addison is going in the mid-to-late sixth round and has upside as a potential top-tier wide receiver talent, though injury concerns from his college career (multiple major injuries, hamstring rehab) limit certainty; he's a good flyer in running-back-heavy builds.

Olave is going in the middle of the third round and broke out hugely last season with a pace of 100+ receptions, 1,400 yards, and 13 touchdowns when Shuck started; year two in the system with improved QB play and Kellen Moore's offense sets up well for continued success.

Etienne is the analyst's favorite Saints player, going in the mid-to-late third round with a four-year, $48 million contract ($28M guaranteed), no real competition behind him, and will get receptions, goal-line usage, and early-down work in a high-pace offense.

Hill is going in the early 11th round at an aggressive price tag, but the analyst likes his talent and upside, especially in Superflex formats or as part of a two-late-quarterback build on Underdog stacks.

Teslaa is fine as a stack option on Underdog or in deeper 12-team formats with multiple bench spots, but is unlikely to be drafted in most leagues and is better discussed as a waiver wire option.

Pacheco is an okay handcuff to Gibbs but is not a David Montgomery replacement; he's only worth drafting if you already have Gibbs and expect a Gibbs injury, and is not a priority pick in most roster constructions.

Williams is going in the early fifth round and while the math and rankings say he's a great pick with good upside on Underdog, his inconsistency and unpredictable spike weeks make him less ideal as a WR2 in smaller formats, though more viable in 12-team two-flex leagues.

LaPorta is going in the early eighth round and is probably being drafted around his worth or slightly earlier, but the analyst notes that mid-round tight end picks historically underperform and his production has been dropping in recent seasons due to injuries.

Goff is a mid-10th round value pick who is well-suited as a second quarterback or first-quarterback option paired with a risky late-round QB, especially in Superflex formats, given Detroit's high-scoring offense and likely increased passing volume near the goal line with Montgomery gone.

St. Brown is a late-first round pick (consensus ADP 108, ranging 7th-12th depending on format) who provides elite consistency with 90+ receptions in all five career years and at least 115 receptions, 1,260 yards, and 10+ touchdowns in three straight years.

Gibbs is expected to go first or second overall in most draft formats and deserves that ranking due to Detroit's easy schedule, dome games, and consolidated offense that utilizes its best players.

Tony Pollard (RB, TEN) is #70 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 77.3 with a 148.1-point projection. Verdict: Pollard is an eat your vegetables flex starter at least early on. Operation Dodge Jeremiyah Love was a success, and the presence of Nicholas Singleton isn't that scary after watching his tape. If Singleton sticks in the pros, it'll be as a pass catcher. I'm signing up for the Titans' early-down role, and that was all Pollard late into the year.

Chuba Hubbard (RB, CAR) is #68 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 70.9 with a 161.1-point projection. Verdict: Hubbard isn't as fun as theoretical Brooks but has a fantasy RB2 history. The Panthers fall in and out of love with Hubbard. Here's the timeline: Hubbard played 77% of snaps in 2024, which was the first year with the current coaching staff. He was half PPR's per-game RB12 on RB7 usage, while being the RB4 in rush yards over expected (+24%).

Kyren Williams (RB, LAR) is #30 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 31.5 with a 189.3-point projection. Verdict: Williams profiles as slight loss, major upside RB2 in top projected offense. Williams is as reliable as it gets on tape, which is why Sean McVay quickly fell in love. His vision, hands, protection, and effort all stand out, and the Rams' transition to more gap/power runs has been a nod to those traits. The Rams were 1st in points per game, yards per game, and success rate last year.

Javonte Williams (RB, DAL) is #27 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 35.6 with a 187.8-point projection. Verdict: Javonte has same projections as fringe Round 1 RBs as Round 3/4 ADP. Williams looked a little healthier on tape last season, even if he's maxed out athletically compared to others in the top-3 rounds of fantasy drafts. What he's good at (vision, power, protection) is what coaches love, and the Cowboys have some great coaches on offense. Javonte looks like a saint next to Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis, so his playing time feels quite safe after signing a 3-year, $24M contract with $16M guaranteed.

George Pickens (WR, DAL) is #25 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 23.9 with a 195.9-point projection. Verdict: Contract-year Pickens is an upside WR2 in great returning Cowboys offense. The timing of signing the franchise tag rightfully drew speculation that a draft weekend trade was likely, but that came and went. It sounds like the Jones family was being nice and just called Pickens' agent to chat. Fair enough!

Jeremiyah Love (RB, ARI) is #22 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 23.5 with a 193-point projection. Verdict: 99th percentile prospect should eat touches despite Allgeier. With the 3rd overall draft capital locked in, Love is confirmed as a 100th percentile prospect in my model next to the likes of Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott, Christian McCaffrey, Reggie Bush, Melvin Gordon, Ashton Jeanty, Darren McFadden, Bijan Robinson, Todd Gurley, Adrian Peterson, and Jonathan Taylor. Elite company. 3.

Nico Collins (WR, HOU) is #20 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 22.6 with a 196-point projection. Verdict: Collins has top-5 talent if his OC/OL can get out of the way. Collins is a total freak. At 6'4"/222, he showcases elite build up speed on his vertical routes, while also having the fluidity to be an asset after the catch on screens and slants. If ranking WRs based on real-life talent, I'd place him 3rd or 4th.

Brock Bowers (TE, LV) is #19 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 20 with a 188-point projection. Verdict: Bowers should have highest target share among TEs ... by far. Bowers is the next Travis Kelce for fantasy football. 6 YPG through his first two seasons are the most since at least 2000 at TE, and his five closest comps (George Kittle, Jeremy Shockey, Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham, and Aaron Hernandez) averaged 4 more YPG in their third NFL season. His 13-closest comps averaged +7 YPG, too.

De'Von Achane (RB, MIA) is #18 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 15.5 with a 226-point projection. Verdict: Achane at risk w/o McDaniel, but lack of weapons and an underrated OL insulate. It's fair to assume the very peak of Achane's fantasy status is behind him. He was the RB5 on RB7 last year, and he's been the RB7 on RB10 usage over the past two seasons. Mike McDaniel is one of the best play designers in the NFL, especially for his RBs after orchestrating the Shanahan rushing offense for years.

Chase Brown (RB, CIN) is #17 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 17 with a 209.8-point projection. Verdict: Brown was the RB5 with Burrow last year, now drafted as RB12. Brown is the RB12 on RB5 usage over the past two seasons in 21 games with Joe Burrow active, using half PPR scoring. It's even better in just 2025, when Brown was the RB5 on RB4 usage in his 6 games with Burrow. His ADP sits at RB12 in the middle of Round 2, so Brown has very clear upside if this split continues.

Drake London (WR, ATL) is #15 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 18.4 with a 195.7-point projection. Verdict: London has been the WR5 since 2024 when healthy as underrated super star. London is an underrated super star. 35 forty, London has no real holes. He has a huge frame, catches the ball cleanly, fights for extra yards, can dunk on CBs, and can sink his hips.

Derrick Henry (RB, BAL) is #14 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 17.6 with a 238.2-point projection. Verdict: Henry projects for most rushing TDs (12.5) in Underdog Pick'em. Derrick Henry is the RB5 on RB13 usage over the past two seasons as a Raven in half PPR scoring. He's priced at RB11 on Underdog, so the market is expecting a decline. 08) over the last two years, while he was the RB1 in rush yards over expected (+27%) last season.

Kenneth Walker III (RB, KC) is #13 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 16.4 with a 212-point projection. Verdict: Walker set to play with best OL and QB of his career as Reid's new Shady McCoy. The Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker to a 3-year, $43M contract with $28M guaranteed because their RB room has been dreadful for years. The combination of Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, C Creed Humphrey, and RG Trey Smith has elevated the rushing success rate, but it hasn't created nearly enough explosives. Compare that to the Seahawks, who have had a way worse OL than the Chiefs since 2022: That's all Walker, who finally got the backfield to himself down the stretch last year...

James Cook (RB, BUF) is #12 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 11.3 with a 247.3-point projection. Verdict: Cook is capped from top-4 RB status, as solid RB1. Cook was the RB6 on RB7 usage if we remove his Week 18 game. 3) per game. All sustainable, too.

Saquon Barkley (RB, PHI) is #11 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 13.7 with a 226-point projection. Verdict: Saquon likely to convert more than 1-of-11 GL carries for TDs with new OC. Barkley is the RB6 on RB5 usage over the past two seasons as an Eagle. 1) and only Derrick Henry is averaging more rushing yards per game (101). Of course, it was the tail of two seasons.

CeeDee Lamb (WR, DAL) is #10 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 9.5 with a 222.5-point projection. Verdict: Lamb wasn't hurt by George Pickens breakout as stud WR1. Lamb has averaged 90 receiving yards per game from 2022-2025 when Dak Prescott has started. He's the WR3 on WR5 usage and a 26% target share (WR5) over that span. With George Pickens balling out last year, Lamb averaged 89 receiving yards per game on a 26% target share, if we remove his two injured games.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, DET) is #8 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 7.6 with a 227.5-point projection. Verdict: Amon-Ra St. Brown is the most straight forward fantasy WR1. The Sun God has 3-straight seasons with both double digit TDs and 115+ receptions. Unreal, but there isn't a lot to say about what to expect. I'll leave you with one split: When David Montgomery either missed the game or finished with 5 carries (10 game sample), Amon-Ra St.

Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, DET) is #1 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 1.2 with a 277.9-point projection. Verdict: 1.01 candidate in half PPR with David Montgomery gone. 01 in half PPR after finishing 4th overall last year in fantasy points over replacement per game, despite splitting time with David Montgomery (now on the Texans). 1 half PPR points in 8 games that Montgomery has missed or played in under 25% snaps, and he should set career highs in volume. 8M this offseason on a 1-year deal, a sign that his role will be a lot smaller than Montgomery's.

Patrick Mahomes is noted as a top quarterback option that could be available in the later rounds, with potential for a high ADP increase.

Trevor Lawrence is highlighted as a quarterback to target in the later rounds, offering good potential for fantasy points.

Chuba Hubbard is expected to have an opportunity to lead his backfield and is considered a solid option in drafts.

Sam Laporta is viewed as a solid tight end option with a good fit in Detroit's offense, likely leading to increased target opportunities.

Tyler Warren is considered a good tight end option if the top choices are unavailable, with potential for increased target volume.

Devontae Smith is expected to be the number one wide receiver in Philadelphia, potentially seeing eight targets per game if A.J. Brown is gone.

Michael Mayer is expected to benefit from increased usage in 12 personnel, especially if Brock Bowers were to get injured.

Pat Friermuth could see a larger role in the new offense, making him a player to watch this season.

Juwan Johnson is coming off his most efficient season and is worth considering as a late-round tight end option.

Greg Dolcich is a tight end sleeper option, currently undervalued and potentially available on waivers, with a favorable situation for targets.

Matthew Stafford is expected to regress this season, as it's unlikely he will maintain his high touchdown rate from last year.

LaQuint Allen played a specific role last season, primarily as a pass catcher, which may limit his overall fantasy upside in the absence of Travis Etienne.

With Travis Etienne gone, there is speculation about who will absorb his workload, but LaQuint Allen's specific role last season suggests he may not be the primary beneficiary.