NFL fantasy football news and player signals for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Will @​AdamAizer hold up his side of the friendly wager with @​heathcummingssr on Devonta Smith vs Zay Flowers? [Retweeted](

QB J.J. McCarthy says he wants to remain with the Vikings despite losing the starting job, per @​SeifertESPN "This is the place I want to be. And I love every single person in this building. I love the state. I love the fanbase."

The source highlights Christian Watson as one of their favorite targets for the 2026 fantasy football season, implying his current draft position does not reflect his potential.

The source identifies Parker Washington as one of their favorite targets for the 2026 fantasy football season, suggesting he is being drafted incorrectly by the market.

J.J. McCarthy wants to remain with Vikings after losing starting QB role, per @​SeifertESPN.

The source identifies Isaiah Likely as a viable target and a potential alternative to George Kittle within the current tight end draft tier.

The source prefers taking a swing on Dalton Kincaid over both Travis Kelce and George Kittle within the current tight end landscape, identifying him as a preferred target in that draft tier.

The source prefers the 'mystery box' upside of Quentin Johnston in the Mike McDaniel offense over the current market value of Courtland Sutton.

The source explicitly prefers drafting Matthew Golden over Courtland Sutton, placing Golden a full tier above Sutton in their current rankings.

Pat Bryant is currently not considered draftable in redraft leagues despite being viewed as a dependable player with excellent hands and potential to be a 'power slot' or intermediate receiver similar to Jauan Jennings. He is getting squeezed in the Broncos' depth chart due to too many other preferred options, including Marvin Mims.

The source is down on Courtland Sutton, ranking him as WR44 despite his WR37 ADP. He is being squeezed by the addition of Jaylen Waddle as the primary passing game pillar and the emergence of Pat Bryant, who is reportedly the best player in training camp. Sutton's snap share is at risk of dropping from near 100% to 80%, which would push him from a flex option to a bench player. The source prefers the upside of younger players like Matthew Golden or Quentin Johnston over Sutton.

Michael Pittman is used as a stylistic comparison for Denzel Boston, specifically highlighting his profile as a big-bodied 'volume hog' who excels on slant and underneath routes.

Alec Pierce is ranked lower than consensus (WR41/WR47 vs WR33 ADP) due to a severe left ankle injury requiring multiple PRP injections; he is still walking with a limp and may start the season on the PUP list. Missing the entire preseason is expected to lead to underperformance, and the source is no longer drafting him at his current ADP, which is near high-variance receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Brian Thomas Jr.

The source explicitly recommends Kenneth Walker III as a player to target in fantasy drafts.

The source is avoiding drafting Patrick Mahomes in fantasy leagues, citing concerns about the overall state of the Chiefs' pass-catching options.

The source questions the Chiefs' pass-catching hierarchy, noting that Travis Kelce is 37 years old and has been showing signs of massive decline. Additionally, he is placed in a tier of tight ends the source does not 'absolutely love,' preferring George Kittle at current costs.

The source expresses concern over Rashee Rice's outlook, citing a report that he may not reach 1,000 yards this season and noting a lack of visible improvement in his game, questioning his role as the primary pass catcher.

Cyrus Allen is a deep-league sleeper candidate who has impressed in training camp with separation skills and red-zone adjustments. While acknowledging the history of Chiefs camp hype, the source ranks him at WR67, significantly higher than his WR81 ADP.

Terry McLaurin's fantasy outlook is being negatively impacted by the loss of left tackle Larry Matunel for the majority of the season and a lack of stability at center and right tackle. While he is currently drafted as WR22, the source ranks him lower (WR27) and is betting against him repeating his past high-level production.

Cedric Tillman is falling down the depth chart, with the source noting that the team's rookies are leaving him 'in the dust' during training camp.

The source classifies Jalen McMillan as an established WR2 for his team, making him a target for the final rounds of fantasy drafts.

Rashid Shaheed is classified as an established WR2 for his team, making him a viable target for the final rounds of fantasy drafts.

Xavier Legette is struggling to separate on the depth chart and is currently dealing with injuries, which is clearing the path for teammates like Jaylen Coker to maintain an every-snap role.

Denzel Boston is a high-upside late-round target whose ADP is climbing (WR59 composite) due to dominant training camp reports. He is drawing constant praise for his catch radius and ability to win in the red zone, with some observers speculating he could lead the team in receiving. The source ranks him at WR57 and notes he is 'completely free' in drafts, comparing his potential impact to Drake London.

The source argues that if Justin Jefferson is drafted as the 11th overall player, the nine-round gap between him and the next Minnesota Vikings receiver is unjustified, implying the offense should be capable of supporting secondary pass catchers.

Deebo Samuel has been utilized in a running back role due to wide receiver injuries, but the source suggests he could eventually give way to rookies as the season progresses.

Christian McCaffrey is currently dealing with some soreness, which is noted as part of the 49ers' broader injury concerns.

The source notes Mike Evans is back at practice but highlights his history of missing approximately four games per season due to hamstring injuries, which could open up opportunities for younger receivers like Deshawn Stribling.

George Kittle is a high-upside target currently going 86th overall, while ranked 75th by the source. His ADP is expected to rise a full round once his Week 1 availability is confirmed. He is preferred over Travis Kelce and is identified as the most feared player in his tight end tier for his potential to 'windmill dunk' on the competition. He is also noted as returning from injury as part of the 49ers' banged-up roster.

The source argues Deshawn Stribling is undervalued, noting he is the composite WR61 but ranked WR52 by the analysts. He is expected to compete for the WR3 role immediately and potentially become the WR2 by season's end due to his size, speed, and blocking ability, which is critical for the Kyle Shanahan offense.

The source classifies Romeo Doubs as an established WR2 for his team, making him a viable target for the final rounds of fantasy drafts.

Jaylen Coker is an undervalued asset (WR56 composite) who operates in a full-time role. When playing over 66% of snaps, he averaged 9.5 PPR points, which would equate to a WR34 finish. He demonstrated high-end production in his final seven games, matching Jalen McMillan in targets while recording 410 yards and four touchdowns. He is viewed as an established WR2 for his team and is projected to rank inside the top 50 wide receivers for many weeks.

The source identifies Jaden Higgins as an established wide receiver two for his team and a viable option for the final picks of a fantasy draft.

The source notes that Kevin O'Connell expressed frustration with J.J. McCarthy's development throughout the previous season, leading to speculation that he may be traded, with the source comparing his potential situation to the Carson Wentz contract deal.

Jordan Addison is a significant value in fantasy drafts, currently being selected as the WR45 in home leagues while the source ranks him as the WR37/WR39. Despite his boom-or-bust nature, he offers WR2/WR3 production at a WR4 price point, supported by his history as the WR21 in 2024 and WR28 in 2023 despite inconsistent quarterback play. He is a viable late-round target in the WR3/WR4 range.

The source ranks Parker Washington as WR25-27, outperforming his composite ADP of WR32. He is projected to be a full-time player who stays on the field for both two-wide and three-wide receiver sets, with the source noting he led the team in targets and receptions from week seven onward.

The source ranks Christian Watson as WR23 or WR24, significantly higher than his current home league ADP of WR29. The optimism stems from his evolution into a primary target rather than a high-variance deep threat, evidenced by his out-route usage jumping from 7% to 35% last year, and his role as a go-to player on third downs.

Rams QB often received pressure from the Cowboys' defensive front during the joint practice and threw interceptions mixed in by Justin Barron over the middle. The source notes Bennett was still able to make plays down the field despite the consistent pressure, but the Cowboys' defense was legitimately affecting the Rams' quarterbacks.

Cowboys receiver was motioned into the slot to stress the Rams' coverage as a movable piece rather than lining up outside and running routes from the same spot. The day's biggest Rams coverage play came against Pickens when the Cowboys tried to throw a quick shot to him from the slot, but Quentin Lake recognized the play and stabbed the ball out of the air before running with it. This confirms Pickens was being used as a schematic weapon to create favorable matchups and force defensive adjustments.

Cowboys QB's mobility and ability to extend plays with his legs was a major weapon against the Rams defense, even when Los Angeles won individual coverage battles. Prescott's dual-threat abilities manipulated the numbers in the red zone, allowing him to find Ferguson in the back of the end zone multiple times. The source emphasizes that Prescott can turn a broken pocket into a positive play, and that his mobility remains a genuine structural problem for opposing defenses. Dallas created yards-after-catch opportunities with checkdowns and play-action leaks that tapped into his ability to extend plays.

Cowboys moved Lamb into the slot to hunt for favorable matchups against the Rams secondary. The source notes Dallas was actively using Lamb as a movable piece to stress coverage, forcing the Rams to adjust by moving Trent McDuffie inside and using Quentin Lake and Kamren Curl in increasingly versatile roles. This schematic approach created real problems for Los Angeles' defense, though the Rams' secondary ultimately limited explosive plays.

Lamar Jackson says he's "loving" having Trey Hendrickson on his team: "Just to have him on our side, man, and not have to face him twice a year... it's extraordinary. I dropped back, quick game footwork drop, and he's already in my face. He's a [game-wrecker]. It's ridiculous." (via @​SiriusXMNFL)

What if I told you Alec Ingold's 19 receptions equals Charlie Kolar's output over the last two seasons AND he was also brought in by Mike McDaniel as a featured piece of McDaniel's offensive system...

What if I told you Alec Ingold's 19 receptions equals Charlie Kolar's output over the last two seasons AND he was also brought in by Mike McDaniel as a featured piece of McDaniel's offensive system...

Mentioned this on @​RecepPerception pod recently but wanted to send a shoutout to my guy Jamie, who I met a couple years ago at the FF Expo, for this awesome Josh Downs t-shirt and illustration! He’s not on here but check out his site and IG below because he has a ton of NFL player shirts 👇

Trevor Lawrence is cited as having the same number of top-5 fantasy weeks (5) in the last two seasons as Kyler Murray, used as a comparison point for Murray's consistency despite injury concerns.

Justin Herbert is cited as having the same number of top-5 fantasy weeks (5) in the last two seasons as Kyler Murray, used as a comparison point for Murray's consistency despite injury concerns.

Dak Prescott is cited as having the same number of top-5 fantasy weeks (5) in the last two seasons as Kyler Murray, used as a comparison point for Murray's consistency despite injury concerns.

The source expresses interest in Terrance Ferguson as a TE with the potential to rise drastically in the ranks with one simple good usage data point in Round 12+.

The source lists Jerry Jeudy as a WR with a chance of getting traded and finding more opportunity in Round 12+, suggesting speculative upside.

The source lists Kayshon Boutte as a WR with a chance of getting traded and finding more opportunity in Round 12+, suggesting speculative upside.

The source notes Alvin Kamara (described as 'old man') is likely just one injury away from being an awfully enticing waiver-wire option in most leagues.

The source notes Nicholas Singleton is likely just one injury away from being an awfully enticing waiver-wire option in most leagues.

The source notes Kaelon Black is likely just one injury away from being an awfully enticing waiver-wire option in most leagues.

The source notes Jonah Coleman is likely just one injury away from being an awfully enticing waiver-wire option in most leagues.

The source highlights Mike Washington as a 'pretty, pretty, pretty great bench stash option' in Round 12+ and notes he is one injury away from being an awfully enticing waiver-wire option.

The source notes Isiah Pacheco is likely just one injury away from being an awfully enticing waiver-wire option in most leagues.

The source expresses interest in Kimani Vidal as a late-round handcuff with injury-away upside.

The source expresses interest in Keaton Mitchell as a late-round handcuff with injury-away upside.

The source ranks Brian Robinson as the fifth-favorite late-round handcuff to stash.

The source ranks Jaydon Blue as the fourth-favorite late-round handcuff to stash and again highlights him in Round 12+ as a 'pretty, pretty, pretty great bench stash option.'

The source ranks Ray Davis as the third-favorite late-round handcuff to stash and again highlights him in Round 12+ as a 'pretty, pretty, pretty great bench stash option.'

The source ranks Tank Bigsby as the second-favorite late-round handcuff to stash and again highlights him in Round 12+ as a 'pretty, pretty, pretty great bench stash option.'

The source ranks MarShawn Lloyd as the top-1 favorite late-round handcuff to stash, indicating strong conviction in his injury-away upside.

Rookie Demond Claiborne possesses enough big-play and pass-catching chops to potentially be a major hindrance to Aaron Jones's upside, suggesting meaningful role and pass-catching opportunity.

The source is skeptical of Aaron Jones paying off in Round 11, citing that Jordan Mason looked poised to handle a larger chunk of early-down work than last year, and rookie Demond Claiborne possesses enough big-play and pass-catching chops to be a major hindrance to Aaron's upside.

The source lists Travis Hunter as a last-round dart in Round 10, indicating a speculative deep-bench pick with upside potential.

The source ranks KC Concepcion seventh among WR preferences for Round 10.

The source ranks Rashid Shaheed sixth among WR preferences for Round 10.

The source ranks Jakobi Meyers fifth among WR preferences for Round 10.

The source ranks Matthew Golden fourth among WR preferences for Round 10.

The source ranks Xavier Worthy third among WR preferences for Round 10, indicating draft conviction.

The source lists Rachaad White as one of the best Round 10 targets among Washington RBs, with a slight preference for him over other Washington backs.

The source lists Kenny Gainwell as one of the best bets in Round 10 alongside Jordan Mason and Washington RBs.

The source calls Jordan Mason 'one of my single-favorite targets at cost regardless of position' and advises to 'run, don't walk, to the podium if he's still around' in Round 11, indicating exceptional draft conviction and value perception.

The source is skeptical Stefon Diggs will be available in Round 10, and ranks him second among WR preferences for that round, indicating strong draft conviction.

The source lists Jayden Reed among talented receivers skeptical to be available in Round 10, and later ranks him as the top WR preference for that round, indicating strong draft conviction.

The source is skeptical that Josh Downs will still be available in Round 10, suggesting he is likely drafted before this point.

The source is skeptical that Quentin Johnston will still be available in Round 10, suggesting he is likely drafted before this point.

Despite last year's injury/benching, Kyler has the same number of top-5 fantasy weeks in the last two seasons (5) as Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence. High-volume rushing QBs are cheat codes in fantasy: since 2016, 26 of 28 QBs (93%) with 100-plus rush attempts in a season finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in fantasy points per game.

Kyler Murray is highlighted as one of the source's two favorite late-round QB options in Round 9. Despite struggling in real life in recent years and last year's injury/benching, his fantasy upside hasn't gone anywhere. Even with last year's injury/benching, Kyler still has the same number of top-5 fantasy weeks in the last two seasons (5) as Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence. High-volume rushing QBs are cheat codes in fantasy: since 2016, 28 QBs with 100-plus rush attempts in a season finished as top-12 fantasy QBs (93%).

Jared Goff is highlighted as one of the source's two favorite late-round QB options in Round 9. Goff has smashed his ADP in four consecutive seasons since coming to Detroit and has ripped off three consecutive seasons with at least 4,500 passing yards (only six other QBs combined have achieved this). He has eight top-5 finishes in the last two seasons, trailing only Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Joe Burrow. The Lions are fully expected to be a high-flying offense with no problematic road game until Week 17.

Makai Lemon is described as a great talent who will probably have an awesome career, but a slow start should be expected given his ongoing hamstring injury in Round 9.

The source is dubious of Michael Wilson's breakout in Round 9, citing the history of receivers who achieved similar second-half turnarounds on dead-in-the-water teams as a cautionary precedent.

The source fades Courtland Sutton in Round 9, expressing skepticism about drafting him and characterizing the pick as contrary to the goal of making fantasy football fun.

Dalton Kincaid would probably be at least the TE5 if he were getting a full-time role this season, suggesting upside contingent on role clarification in Round 9.

Brock Purdy stands out as a fantastic value at QB in Round 9, offering legit top-5 upside at a low-end QB1 cost, making him one of the source's two favorite late-round QB options.

Kenny Gainwell is positioned as a cheaper alternative to Kyle Monangai in Round 8.

Jonathon Brooks is positioned as a cheaper alternative to Kyle Monangai in Round 8 and is also mentioned in Round 9 as an RB with a 'flex with benefits' profile that the source loves having on the bench.

Blake Corum is positioned as a cheaper alternative to Kyle Monangai in Round 8 and is also mentioned in Round 9 as an RB with a 'flex with benefits' profile that the source loves having on the bench.

The source considers Kyle Monangai's Round 8 price too steep and prefers cheaper alternatives like Blake Corum, Jonathon Brooks, or Kenny Gainwell straight up.

The source fades Travis Kelce in Round 8, characterizing expectations for big things from the veteran tight end in 2026 as wishful thinking and expressing skepticism at his draft price.

George Kittle offers the most upside from the QB/TE spots in Round 8, positioning him as a value target in that range.

Trevor Lawrence offers the most upside from the QB/TE spots in Round 8 and is also mentioned as a possible late-round QB option in Round 9 if he slid through the cracks, positioning him as a value target at multiple draft junctures.

Jordyn Tyson is identified as a next-best bet at receiver in Round 8, though the source expresses skepticism that he will still be on the board at that point, suggesting he may be drafted earlier.

Chris Godwin is identified as a next-best bet at receiver in Round 8 after Parker Washington, supporting the strategy of accumulating five WRs in the first nine picks.

The source has been targeting Parker Washington for three rounds and has finally reached where he is allegedly going in drafts, positioning him as a quality WR3 option in Round 8 to help accomplish the goal of accumulating five WRs in the first nine picks.

White is positioned as a solid target at cost in a lead-back role for an offense that finished fifth in scoring when Jayden Daniels was healthy; the source leans White over his peer thanks to proven pass-down ability, suggesting he will rise up the ranks in a hurry once he secures the lead-back role.

The source notes the Washington offense finished fifth in scoring the last time Jayden Daniels was healthy, providing context for the upside of Rachaad White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

The source notes Aaron Rodgers historically feeds his RBs in the pass game, which is relevant context for Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle in the Steelers backfield.

The source notes Stefon Diggs is now with Terry McLaurin on the same team, requiring McLaurin to split targets with Diggs, making Round 5 too early for McLaurin.

The source recommends acquiring Brock Bowers in Round 2, positioning him as a preferred tight end target early in the draft.

The source is not against taking Mike Evans in Round 6 as a WR option.

The source notes Caleb Williams is a higher-end QB option in Round 6 if you fancy a mid-round QB.

The source is all in on Justin Herbert as the priority mid-round QB target in Round 6. Herbert is one of just 10 QBs ever with multiple career seasons averaging north of 22 fantasy points per game, has a 5,000-yard passing season to his name, and posted a QB10 finish in fantasy points per game last season aided by a career-high 498 rushing yards. Better health from the offensive line and Herbert himself (broke his left hand in Week 13), combined with an improved scheme courtesy of new OC Mike McDaniel, should lead to bigger things. Vegas has the Chargers ranked 12th in scoring entering 2026, and Herbert's +1000 MVP odds are tied for the third-best in the league. The source is betting on one of the most physically gifted QBs that the Shanahan-McDaniel system has ever seen making the most out of an offensive environment filled with playmakers and a healthy offensive line.

The source notes Sam LaPorta is a mid-round TE option in Round 6 if you fancy a mid-round tight end.

The source notes Tucker Kraft is a mid-round TE option in Round 6 if you fancy a mid-round tight end, though earlier faded him in Round 5 due to price and injury concerns.

The source notes Zach Charbonnet has an increasingly optimistic recovery timeline, which makes Jadarian Price less attractive in Round 6.

The source notes George Kittle offers the most upside from the TE spot in Round 8.

The source notes Trevor Lawrence offers the most upside from the QB spot in Round 8.

The source recommends Chris Godwin in Round 8 as a next-best bet at receiver after Parker Washington.

The source recommends Jordyn Tyson as a top WR bet in Round 7 if going the receiver route, and later notes in Round 8 that he is someone the source is dubious will still be on the board, suggesting he may be drafted earlier than expected.

The source identifies Jacory Croskey-Merritt as a prime RB candidate in the muddled RB3 range (Round 7), noting both he and Rachaad White are solid targets at cost due to the mystery of the pecking order. The winner will be the lead back of an offense that finished fifth in scoring the last time Jayden Daniels was healthy.

The source identifies Rachaad White as a prime RB candidate in the muddled RB3 range (Round 7), noting both he and Jacory Croskey-Merritt are solid targets at cost due to the mystery of the pecking order. The source leans White thanks to his proven pass-down ability, as the winner will be the lead back of an offense that finished fifth in scoring the last time Jayden Daniels was healthy.

The source notes Chuba Hubbard is the incumbent starter in the Panthers backfield alongside Jonathon Brooks, with Brooks having rare takeover-without-an-injury upside based on how things went down with Hubbard and Rico Dowdle last season.

The source identifies Rico Dowdle as a prime RB candidate in the muddled RB3 range (Round 7), noting both he and Jaylen Warren are one injury away from assuming a legit-RB1-worthy workload. Both have flashed awesome real-life ability and figure to push for 12-15 opportunities per game, with Aaron Rodgers historically feeding RBs in the pass game.

The source identifies Jaylen Warren as a prime RB candidate in the muddled RB3 range (Round 7), noting both he and Rico Dowdle are one injury away from assuming a legit-RB1-worthy workload. Both have flashed awesome real-life ability and figure to push for 12-15 opportunities per game, with Aaron Rodgers historically feeding RBs in the pass game.

The source identifies Jordan Mason as a prime RB candidate in the muddled RB3 range (Round 7), noting RotoWire Projections have Mason leading the backfield one year after posting top-8 marks in yards over expected per carry and yards after contact per carry, with double-digit touchdown upside if the Vikings offense improves.

The source mentions Kenny Gainwell as a later-round option with reasonable flex-worthy standalone value and potential for more in a hero-RB build, fitting well with Steelers and Commanders RBs.

The source identifies Jonathon Brooks as a prime RB candidate in the muddled RB3 range (Round 7), noting he looks poised to work alongside Chuba Hubbard with rare takeover-without-an-injury upside based on how things went down with Hubbard and Rico Dowdle last season.

The source recommends Parker Washington in Round 5 as a quality WR option, and continues to target him through Rounds 6, 7, and 8, noting he is allegedly going in Round 8.

The source recommends beating leaguemates to the punch on Christian Watson in Round 5 as a quality WR option.

The source is fine buying the dip on Luther Burden in Round 5 as a WR option.

The source is fine taking David Montgomery in Round 5 as part of a hero-RB build strategy.

The source highlights D'Andre Swift as a Round 5 value, noting he has never finished outside the position's top-24 in PPR points per game during his career.

McLaurin has a concerning bust profile: top-24 ESPN ADP, offense ranked 16th by Vegas, and finished WR37 in PPR points per game in 2026. The source questions whether McLaurin will dwarf Chris Godwin and Stefon Diggs in targets, and later notes he must split targets with Diggs, making Round 5 too early for him.

McMillan has a concerning bust profile: top-24 ESPN ADP, offense ranked 26th by Vegas, and finished WR24 in PPR points per game in 2026. The source questions whether McMillan can overcome a QB who has struggled to reach 3,000 passing yards in each of the last three seasons.

Jefferson has a concerning bust profile: top-24 ESPN ADP, offense ranked 20th by Vegas, and finished WR32 in PPR points per game in 2026.

Egbuka has a concerning bust profile: top-24 ESPN ADP, offense ranked 18th by Vegas, and finished WR36 in PPR points per game in 2026. The source questions whether Egbuka will dwarf Chris Godwin and Stefon Diggs in targets, citing unclear volume and offensive upside compared to McConkey and Flowers.

The source ranks Flowers as Round 3 caliber and lists her as a top WR target in Round 4, citing clearer volume, talent, and offensive upside compared to other receivers in the range.

The source ranks Waddle as Round 3 caliber and a top WR target in Round 4. While Waddle appears on a bust-profile list (Offense: 21st, 2026 finish: WR29), the source explicitly states not being scared off by him due to entering an entirely new offense and situation.

The source ranks McConkey as Round 3 caliber and lists him as a top WR target in Round 4, citing clearer volume, talent, and offensive upside compared to other receivers in the range like Egbuka and McLaurin.

The source recommends taking Colston Loveland in Round 4 if you didn't acquire Brock Bowers in Round 2, positioning him as a preferred tight end value in that range over available running backs.

Hartitz fades Travis Etienne in Round 4, noting he could be in more of a timeshare than originally anticipated, positioning him as a less attractive option than Round 5 RBs.

Hartitz fades Cam Skattebo in Round 4, noting the available RBs in this range are coming off major injury, among other concerns.

Hartitz has Emeka Egbuka ranked as Round 3 caliber and highlights him as a favorite WR target in Round 4, positioned fourth among his Round 4 WR targets.

Hartitz has Zay Flowers ranked as Round 3 caliber and highlights him as a favorite WR target in Round 4, positioned third among his Round 4 WR targets.

Hartitz has Jaylen Waddle ranked as Round 3 caliber and highlights him as a favorite WR target in Round 4, positioned second among his Round 4 WR targets.

Hartitz has Ladd McConkey ranked as Round 3 caliber and highlights him as his favorite WR target in Round 4, positioned first among his Round 4 WR targets.

Hartitz suggests taking a long, hard look at Colston Loveland in Round 4 if you didn't happen to come away with Brock Bowers in Round 2; positioned as a TE alternative to early-round WR targets.

Hartitz fades Jeremiyah Love in Round 3, noting he's had a far easier time clicking with receivers than investing in Love, who is a great real-life talent but sadly exists in an offense expected to suck.

Hartitz fades Breece Hall in Round 3, noting he's had a far easier time clicking with receivers than investing in Hall, who is a great real-life talent but sadly exists in an offense expected to suck; however, notes Hall managed a top-6 season in 2023 by catching a lot of passes in a bad offense.

Hartitz fades Rashee Rice in Round 3, noting it's not as egregious as Round 2 Rashee Rice but he still has concerns about the player's profile.

Now-healthy Malik Nabers sits atop Hartitz's ranks for the Round 3 WR range, positioned as a borderline WR1 target alongside DeVonta Smith-Njigba.

Hartitz is cool with taking Josh Jacobs in Round 3 as the RIGHT RB option, but only if his legal situation gets smoothed out; conditional target with contingency.

Hartitz is cool with taking Javonte Williams in Round 3 as the RIGHT RB option, positioning him as a preferred target over other RBs in that range.

Hartitz managed to get Jared Goff in Round 13-14 in a recent draft of alleged fantasy experts, demonstrating the viability of waiting on QB in the late rounds as part of the 'Super Bowers' strategy.

Hartitz managed to get Bo Nix in Round 13-14 in a recent draft of alleged fantasy experts, demonstrating the viability of waiting on QB in the late rounds as part of the 'Super Bowers' strategy.

Hartitz fades McBride in Round 2, noting it's not the player but his sneaky-crowded, potentially league-worst offense (per Vegas) that could be starting a day-two rookie by the time fantasy playoffs come around.

Hartitz fades Achane in Round 2, noting it's not the player but his potentially league-worst offense that now has a scrambling QB who might be as inclined to check the ball down at the first sign of pressure.

The Chiefs have 43 million reasons to force-feed Kenneth Walker the football, positioning him as a Round 2 target with heavy usage expectations.

Josh Allen is in play at the Round 2 turn and also highlighted as a Round 3 target if you didn't go with Bowers in Round 2; part of the strategy to get a sure thing QB early.

Listed as a stud receiver in the Round 2 range; also highlighted in Round 2 as a motivated version joining forces with Drake Maye could be 'cinema,' noting he finished as WR11 in PPR points per game last year despite it being a down year.

Listed as a stud receiver in the Round 2 range alongside Drake London and A.J. Brown; part of the potential to get three top-25-ish talents inside the first three rounds.

Listed as a stud receiver in the Round 2 range alongside Nico Collins and A.J. Brown; part of the potential to get three top-25-ish talents inside the first three rounds.

Hartitz is down to clown with Bowers right around the mid-point of Round 2, calling him 'This year's JSN' and positioning him as a core part of the 'Super Bowers' draft strategy where you land a hero-RB in Round 1 followed by Bowers in Round 2.

Listed as a consensus top-4 overall player available in the 1.01-1.04 pick range, part of Hartitz's preferred draft strategy to land a stud receiver in Round 1.

Listed as a consensus top-4 overall player available in the 1.01-1.04 pick range, part of Hartitz's preferred draft strategy to land a stud receiver in Round 1.

Listed as a consensus top-4 overall player available in the 1.01-1.04 pick range, part of Hartitz's preferred draft strategy to land a stud RB in Round 1.

Listed as a consensus top-4 overall player available in the 1.01-1.04 pick range, part of Hartitz's preferred draft strategy to land a stud RB in Round 1.

Hartitz fades Jefferson in Round 1, noting he unfortunately might not be getting the sort of QB upgrade hoped for if training camp reports are to be believed, suggesting downside risk.

Hartitz fades Lamb in Round 1, noting his ceiling doesn't feel quite the same with George Pickens in town, suggesting reduced target share and upside.

Hartitz is awfully worried about the already banged-up Colts offense struggling mightily to match its early season 2025 production, making him a Round 1 fade despite being 'the man.'

Stands out as a 300-plus touch workhorse with an awesome offensive line in an offense that has been great more years than not; positioned as a Round 1-2 target alongside Saquon Barkley and Chase Brown.

Stands out as a 300-plus touch workhorse with an awesome offensive line in an offense that has been great more years than not; positioned as a Round 1-2 target alongside Chase Brown and James Cook.

Ian Hartitz's No. 1 RB at the muddled Round 1-2 turn; he has the fewest questions about his entire profile compared to other early-round RB options.

Vikings GM Nolan Teasley on Kyler Murray being named the starter: "I'm really excited about what Kyler can do in this system with this level of coaching. The system being a wide zone scheme that's gonna implement some keepers and use his athleticism, get him outside the pocket." (via @​SiriusXMNFL)

Selected as captain's pick in leadership draft; described as real and authentic without PR handlers or agents; noted for having sass and being himself; speed rated 96 in Madden; concern raised about digestive issues affecting playoff performance.

Selected as captain's pick in leadership draft; described as a big man you can literally get behind who will lead you into battle; noted as understated off the field, plays through injuries, and has players' respect in locker room.

Selected as captain's pick in leadership draft segment; described as a guy with confidence and swag who isn't afraid to talk trash; positioned as someone you want to follow and be around both on and off the field.

Positioned as a value buy-the-dip candidate; source thinks he could end up stealing valuable touches from Camara but still believes he'll be involved in passing game; positioned as value in Jaguars offense despite Camara competition.

Positioned as one of two Jordans the source likes alongside Jordan Tyson; part of Vikings offensive discussion as a player to target.

Mentioned as the last running back left in Vikings discussion; positioned as part of broader Vikings offensive discussion.

Going as 10th-round quarterback but could easily be taken alongside Drake Maye if he has a good year in Minnesota; positioned as individual favorite player; could see significant ADP rise if Vikings offense performs well.

Positioned as the player the source is most intrigued by and most convinced to take from Saints offense; described as a key player to target in the Saints breakout narrative.

Mentioned as part of Titans' deep offensive skill group; positioned alongside Carnell Tate and other receivers in the offense; part of broader discussion about Titans' talent depth.

Positioned as a player who will fall in drafts due to lack of excitement despite solid talent; not a player the source loves at cost but acknowledges he's the perfect example of a boring player who drops a round or two; hesitant to recommend solely because higher-upside players exist in the same range.

Fourth overall pick flying under the radar as not a top-60 fantasy pick; described as instantly a top-10 contested catch receiver in football; positioned as underrated rookie despite strong draft capital; will siphon some targets from Wanda Robinson but still valuable.

Positioned as a year-two leap candidate under Brian Dable's play-calling; described as a gunslinger with confidence and swag; the source notes he could perform similarly to Caleb Williams' rookie season with miraculous throws and improvisation, though his worst plays can be problematic; better prospect than Daniel Jones but tier below Menzies.

Mentioned as a potential action item in Atlanta's offense alongside Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts; part of the broader discussion about which Falcons skill players to target.

Described as 'back' and a key action item for Atlanta's offense; the source expresses confidence in Pitts' potential in the improved Falcons scheme with better offensive line play and coaching.

Positioned as a bet worth making in Atlanta's improved offensive environment with Bill Callahan as offensive line coach; the source is confident in London's production given the Falcons' offensive line upgrade and scheme improvements.

Expected to go number two overall in drafts; the primary action item for Atlanta's offense is whether to take him at pick one or focus on other Falcons skill players like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, or Marcus Mariota.

Johan Dotson is the Falcons' fourth passing option in an offense with nine first-round picks. While the speaker notes they always liked Dotson, having him as the number two receiver is concerning given the depth of talent ahead of him. His role is limited in this offense despite being a first-round pick.

Michael Penix Jr. is the backup quarterback for the Falcons but won't practice until early September, making Tua Tagovailoa the likely starter. The question of whether Penix and Tua are better than any quarterback Kevin Stefanski had on the Browns is debatable, given Stefanski's history with Baker Mayfield, Jacoby Brissett, Deshaun Watson, and others. Penix's left-handedness could be a factor in play-calling adjustments if he enters the game.

Tua led the NFL in passing yards two years ago and was still the 18th best quarterback despite that achievement. In 2023, his offense had Tyreek Hill with almost 1,800 yards and 13 touchdowns, and Mostert and Achane were both top-five in fantasy on a per-game basis. Under Kevin Stefanski's system, Tua is willing to do whatever the coach wants, unlike Deshaun Watson who had a power struggle over offensive philosophy. Tua will likely be the Falcons' starting quarterback, as Michael Penix won't practice until early September. He will complete a lot of passes in the Stefanski system, though the offense may not be fun to watch.

Kyle Pitts' performance last year, particularly the way he was running and moving around, was really encouraging. In a Tua-led offense that emphasizes quick passes and distribution, Pitts could receive significant PPR points. The Falcons have multiple first-round picks in their offense, and Pitts is part of a three-receiver core with Bijan Robinson and Drake London.

Drake London was wide receiver three overall in the first 11 weeks of last season before suffering a PCL injury that affected his performance for the remainder of the year. He looked like a dominant outside receiver in the first half of the season, but there is concern about whether Tua will throw into contested situations with London the same way he did with Tyreek Hill. There may be significant splits between Michael Penix and Tua at quarterback, with Penix likely not practicing until early September, suggesting Tua will be the starter.

Bijan Robinson is a top-two pick in the Falcons offense under Kevin Stefanski, who has led teams to 11-win seasons twice and won Coach of the Year twice. The Falcons have a strong offensive line with Bill Callahan, considered the best offensive line coach in the NFL, which raises the floor of the offense. If Tua plays, he will likely complete a lot of passes and distribute PPR points to Bijan, making him a strong value at his draft position.

TJ Hockenson is undrafted, which is understandable given his age and injury history, but he is in a contract year and represents a potential breakout candidate. He took less money after an ACL injury, which is typically a negative sign, but he now has a good quarterback in Kyler Murray after JJ McCarthy's tenure. Hockenson would be the single least surprising tight end to finish top 10 among all players outside the top 16, and it's notable that he is completely unrostered despite this upside.

Jordan Addison is sitting at 109 in ADP as the 44th wide receiver off the board, but his first two seasons in the league saw 900 yards and nearly 10 touchdowns per season on average. He had a down year last year for multiple reasons and is now back. If the Vikings offense is really good, Addison will be significantly better than the 109th player off the board. He is comparable to early-career Calvin Ridley opposite Julio Jones, benefiting from one-on-one coverage in the end zone while defenses focus on Jefferson.

Justin Jefferson may not be a first-round pick this year despite being the only Vikings player going inside the top 100 in ADP. He had one bad season with a terrible quarterback situation last year. If Kyler Murray works out and the Vikings offense is good, Jefferson could be a steal, as he will get the football and defenses will struggle to cover him. The Vikings are the only team with one player in the top 100 despite winning 14 games two years ago with Sam Darnold.

Kyler Murray is going after kickers on the Sleeper platform, making him a massive value at the quarterback position. He ran for nearly 500 yards two years ago, almost tying Josh Allen for the most among quarterbacks, and remains athletic enough to provide dual-threat upside. If the Vikings offense works well, Murray will get the ball to Justin Jefferson without issue.

Jordan Mason is the cheapest starting running back in fantasy; he doesn't get many catches, which is why he goes late, but he's likely to get twice as many carries inside the five as last year. A carry from the two-yard line is approximately seven times more valuable than a carry from the 19-yard line, making red zone touches the key metric. Mason is game-script reliant but could be massive value if the Vikings offense performs well this year.

Brock Bowers is cited as a key talent piece supporting the Raiders' potential offensive breakout under Clint Kubiak. The source expresses confidence that the presence of Bowers (alongside Gentie) makes it plausible the Raiders could be a top-10 offense by midseason, and notes that Kubiak's system is designed to maximize talent like Bowers.

Trey Tucker's fantasy relevance is contingent on the Raiders offense being significantly better than expected; if the team underperforms, Tucker will not be relevant, making him a risky bet outside the top two pass catchers.

Brock Bowers is a second-round draft pick in the Raiders offense and one of only two top-15 draft targets on the team; if the Raiders offense is merely average, Bowers becomes an incredible buy as the primary target funnel alongside Hyatt.

Jalin Hyatt is a first-round draft pick in the Raiders offense, positioned as a top-15 draft target; the Raiders' offensive upside is concentrated in elite talent like Hyatt, making him a core piece if the offense performs at average or above-average levels.

Kirk Cousins' upgrade over Geno Smith is marginal at best; the key question is whether 12-14 weeks of Kirk Cousins production is sufficient to sustain the Raiders' offensive upside, given uncertainty around durability and the team's low playoff odds.

Cousins is the starting quarterback for the Raiders; the source believes the Raiders will play Cousins until they think Fernando Mendoza gives them a better shot at winning, suggesting Cousins' role is secure in the short term but potentially vulnerable if Mendoza develops quickly.

The Raiders drafted Mendoza as the number one pick and Heisman national champion with an undefeated record; the source believes Mendoza will not play until he is better than Kirk Cousins, whether that means Cousins plays poorly, Mendoza plays amazingly, or Cousins gets injured; the source expects the Raiders to play Cousins until they believe Mendoza gives them a better shot at winning.

Horton was relied upon to catch a bunch of touchdowns for the Seahawks last year after the team traded DK Metcalf; the source uses Horton's role as evidence that the Seahawks' offense was expected to regress but did not, suggesting Horton filled a significant receiving role in the absence of Metcalf.

The Seahawks traded away Metcalf last year, which the source identifies as a major change that made the Seahawks' offense look like 'a deep thing' that needed Tori Horton to catch a bunch of touchdowns; the source expected the Seahawks to regress offensively after losing Metcalf, but they did not, suggesting the trade was a significant roster move that altered the team's receiving landscape.

The source notes that Rashid Shaheed is a better receiving option than what the Raiders have at wide receiver, positioning him as a stronger talent than the Raiders' current receiving group; this comparison suggests Shaheed's role and production potential with the Saints is more favorable than the Raiders' receiving situation.

The source notes that the Seahawks signed Kupp primarily for his willingness as a blocker and his intelligence in understanding the X's and O's on the field; Kupp's ability to motion and play anywhere in the offense, combined with his blocking and zone coverage knowledge, makes him valuable beyond traditional receiving production, suggesting his role is more about offensive versatility and scheme fit than pure target volume.

Clint Kubiak views Bowers as the number one receiver on the Raiders; the source emphasizes that Bowers is the focal point of the Raiders' receiving attack, with Jackson Smith-Njigba and other receivers secondary to him, positioning Bowers as the primary target in the offense.

Taylor is cited as part of the Colts' receiving group in the context of the Colts' unexpected offensive jump last year (described as 'one of the top 10 offenses of the 21st century' that 'nobody saw coming'); the source argues that coaching and quarterback changes can unlock massive offensive improvements, suggesting Taylor could benefit from similar offensive momentum.

Pierce is cited as part of the Colts' receiving group alongside Michael Pittman; the source uses the Colts' unexpected offensive jump last year (described as 'one of the top 10 offenses of the 21st century' that 'nobody saw coming') as evidence that coaching and quarterback changes can unlock massive offensive improvements, suggesting Pierce could be part of a similar breakout scenario.

Pittman is cited as part of the Colts' receiving group alongside Alec Pierce; the source uses the Colts' unexpected offensive jump last year (described as 'one of the top 10 offenses of the 21st century' that 'nobody saw coming') as evidence that coaching and quarterback changes can unlock massive offensive improvements, suggesting Pittman could be part of a similar breakout scenario.

Jalen Naylor, signed in free agency from the Vikings where he was their third receiver, is now going to be extensively the Raiders' number one receiver; has experience but limited upside in a receiver core anchored by Bowers and Gentry.

Dante Thornton is probably not a big factor in the Raiders offense.

Jack Besh hasn't done anything since being drafted in the second round last year; limited fantasy relevance in the Raiders receiver core.

Trey Tucker is a speed, deep threat and speed crosser threat who could be good on play action and downfield throws, but is a fine skill player or role player at best in the Raiders receiver core.

Brock Bowers might be the best tight end in football and possibly a top 10 pass catcher overall; elite skill player in the Raiders breakout offense with explosive playmaking ability in key situations.

Upgrade from Gino Smith at quarterback; Cousins represents a theoretical big improvement, though dependent on early-season form and health. Gino turned the ball over more than anyone last year except Sam Darnold, so cutting down turnovers could be a massive boon for the Raiders offense.

The Raiders are transitioning from Gino Smith to either Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza at quarterback, representing a theoretical improvement in quarterback play. This quarterback upgrade is a key variable in the Raiders' potential breakout offense.

Alvin Kamara is now positioned as the Saints' third-down back in the new offense, a reduced role from his previous usage. The Saints brought in Travis Etienne as the primary running back, signaling a shift in Kamara's offensive role.

Travis Etienne (formerly Travis ETN) is the Saints' running back alongside Alvin Kamara, but may not be perceived as an incredible bargain in drafts. However, as of mid-August, Saints players like Etienne are unlikely to become sexy draft picks and will likely be available at cost or lower, presenting potential value if the Saints' offense exceeds expectations.

Chris Olave is the Saints' number 12 receiver in ADP (third-round range) and is in his prime after signing a big deal. He's a proven weapon in Kellen Moore's fast-paced, pass-heavy offense that runs the fastest pace in the league (snapping every 27 seconds). The Saints' top-10 offensive line and elite schedule support his upside.

Jordan Tyson, the ninth overall pick, is a top-tier talent with elite athleticism; his only college knock was injuries, but from a talent perspective he might be the number one receiver in the class. He's going around ADP peers like Kyle Pitts, DK Metcalf, Tony Pollard, RJ Harvey, Marvin Harrison, Chris Godwin, and Rico Dowdle, but should be taken over all of them based on talent upside and fit in the Saints' fast-paced, pass-heavy offense.

24 hours from now Drew Allar will shock the world.

Rookie RB Jadarian Price (soreness) returned to the practice field after missing 5 practices and was with the starting offense during the Seahawks' walkthrough, per @​gbellseattle

Kyler Murray was named the Vikings' starting quarterback by Coach Kevin O'Connell, securing the starting role to begin the season.

Coach Kevin O'Connell announced that J.J. McCarthy will not be the Vikings' starting quarterback to begin the season; Kyler Murray was named the starter instead.

.@​RichCimini on Adonai Mitchell emerging as the Jets' WR2: "We all thought he was a throw-in to the Sauce Gardner trade. He's big — he's 6'2" — he's got vertical speed... He's had a good camp, complements Garrett Wilson really well... they think they got a steal from the Colts." (h/t @​MySportsUpdate)

.@​RichCimini on Adonai Mitchell emerging as the Jets' WR2: "We all thought he was a throw-in to the Sauce Gardner trade. He's big — he's 6'2" — he's got vertical speed... He's had a good camp, complements Garrett Wilson really well... they think they got a steal from the Colts." (h/t @​MySportsUpdate)

Cyrus Allen got defenders doing the worm 😭😭 [Quoted](

WR Luke Floriea was found open by QB Deshaun Watson on a successful one-minute drill that resulted in a game-winning field goal, demonstrating his ability to get open in high-leverage situations and establish rapport with Watson.

The source notes concern about WR Jerry Jeudy's drops in camp, stating 'I'm trying not to make a big deal of WR Jerry Jeudy's drops, but he seems to be having the most of them in camp.' A specific example is provided where Jeudy failed to haul in a deep ball from QB Shedeur Sanders despite tight coverage from CB Tre Avery, suggesting reliability issues that could impact his fantasy value.

WR Isaiah Bond made a diving catch on a deep ball from QB Shedeur Sanders in what the source calls 'one of the best plays of training camp.' The source notes that Bond's impact in camp continues to show up, and Cleveland has some targets who can really stretch the field if the quarterbacks can lay the ball out for them, positioning Bond as a deep-threat option with demonstrated ability to make contested catches.

QB Shedeur Sanders will start the third quarter against Chicago and the entire second preseason game against Buffalo, indicating meaningful opportunity in the QB competition. The source also highlights Sanders' strong camp performance, including a deep ball to Isaiah Bond on a one-minute drill that resulted in a game-winning field goal, demonstrating his ability to execute in high-pressure situations.

Head coach Todd Monken announced that QB Deshaun Watson will get the first preseason start this Saturday against the Chicago Bears. However, the source notes that Monken also confirmed Shedeur Sanders will start the third quarter against Chicago and the entire second preseason game against Buffalo, suggesting the QB competition remains open and Monken has not definitively settled on Watson as the starter.

Amon-Ra St. Brown is cited as a historical example of a player on a bad team who provided league-winning production in the back half of his rookie season, serving as a model for current late-round sleeper targets.

Terrence Ferguson is highlighted as a super young, high-priority sleeper target for late-round drafts (rounds 15+) due to his potential for league-winning upside on a bad team.

Pat Bryant is highlighted as a super young, high-priority sleeper target for late-round drafts (rounds 15+) due to his potential for league-winning upside on a bad team.

Dylan Sampson is highlighted as a super young, high-priority sleeper target for late-round drafts (rounds 15+) due to his potential for league-winning upside on a bad team.

Greg Dulcich is identified as a sleeper target who, despite being 26 and having missed significant time, has a chance to shine in a Miami offense that no longer features Tyreek Hill or Jalen Waddle.

Ted Hurst is highlighted as a super young, high-priority sleeper target for late-round drafts (rounds 15+) due to his potential for league-winning upside on a bad team.

Denzel Boston is highlighted as a super young, high-priority sleeper target for late-round drafts (rounds 15+) due to his potential for league-winning upside on a bad team.

The hosts jokingly dismiss the idea of having belief in CJ Daniels as a fantasy sleeper.

The hosts jokingly dismiss the idea of having belief in Jordan Whittington as a fantasy sleeper.

Erickson and D-Ro love Terrence Ferguson as a deep sleeper, noting his elite YAC ability and potential to serve as the 'next man up' in the Rams' offense if injuries occur. He receives Travis Kelce comparisons and is a strong last-round target.

Erickson identifies Pat Bryant (WR89) as an underrated sleeper who surged late last year. He is expected to push Cortland Sutton for the WR2 role in Denver, especially given concerns about the health of other receivers.

Erickson highlights Browns RB Dylan Sampson as a high-upside target for passing-down work, noting his elite rookie efficiency metrics (2nd in YPRR, 1st in target rate per route run) comparable to elite RBs like McCaffrey and Robinson.

D-Ro and Erickson both endorse Greg Dulcich (TE29) as a free-money sleeper, citing his top-12 per-route metrics from last year and his potential to lead the Miami passing attack.

D-Ro recommends Denzel Boston (WR60) as a deep sleeper, suggesting he and Casey Katsepzian should both be drafted as low-risk bench stashes to see who emerges as the Browns' WR1.

D-Ro highlights Ted Hurst (WR83) as a deep sleeper to draft based on talent, noting that the Buccaneers consistently draft receivers to compete with Jalen McMillan, making Hurst a high-upside stash.

Erickson identifies Trey Harris as a dark-horse WR1 candidate currently going outside the top 50. Harris profiles as the team's true X-receiver, with elite college metrics (5+ YPRR in SEC) and strong YAC ability. He is viewed as a potential alpha in the Chargers' offense.

JJ Zachariason advocates for Jaden Higgins (WR53) as a massive breakout candidate. In weeks 8-18 last year, he was 24th in target per route run and 38th in YPRR among qualifying WRs. He serves as a high-upside contingent play if Nico Collins misses time.

JJ Zachariason and Erickson discuss a strategy of drafting Brian Thomas Jr. as a 'buy-low' candidate for the second half of the season, specifically targeting a trade for him around week 8 or 9, anticipating he may be on a new team by then.

Erickson identifies Deebo Samuel as a screaming value at WR50, comparing his situation to Keenan Allen's return to a familiar system. While production may taper off late in the season, he is expected to be highly productive early on due to chemistry with Brock Purdy and his role in the 49ers' offense. He also gains contingent upside if Christian McCaffrey misses time.

Wan'Dale Robinson is a target at WR49 because he has secured 130+ targets in two consecutive seasons, a feat shared only by elite players like Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown. He showed growth in 2025 by expanding his usage downfield, ranking 21st among WRs in deep targets—more than Justin Jefferson and Puka Nacua.

Ladd McConkey is a fade at his current ADP because he lacks the target share, first-read share, and route-run efficiency to justify a WR2 price tag. He is being drafted as a high-end asset, but there is no clear path for him to outperform his current projection, whereas other players in his range offer more upside.

Quentin Johnston is a value at WR39 (101st overall ADP) as he is the true WR1 for the Chargers. When healthy (Weeks 1-4, 9-18), he led the team in target share, yards per route run, and red-zone targets, producing 13.9 PPR points per game. The market is over-drafting Ladd McConkey while ignoring Johnston's superior underlying metrics.

Bucky Irving is overvalued at RB23 (54th overall ADP) compared to Kenneth Gainwell, who is drafted 60 picks later. Irving has dealt with a 'myriad of injuries' since entering the NFL, and the massive ADP gap between him and Gainwell is unjustified given the potential for a backfield split.

Kenneth Gainwell is an 'auto-click' value at RB39 (111th overall ADP) because he is an efficient, pass-catching back who could realistically push Bucky Irving for the lead-back role. Gainwell ranked 4th in yards per route run and 1st in first downs per route run last year, and the team's offseason moves suggest they won't simply hand Irving 300 touches.

Kenny Gainwell is a target in the late rounds (RB39, 111th overall) as the potential 'new Rashad White' in Tampa Bay. He demonstrated high efficiency last year, ranking 4th in yards per route run and 14th in explosive run rate. He is expected to compete with the injury-prone Bucky Irving for backfield production.

Jonathan Brooks is a high-upside target in the 6th-7th round. Despite Chuba Hubbard's presence, Brooks is the more talented back and is fully recovered from his ACL injury (21 months post-surgery). The Panthers have explicitly stated their intent to use him in passing-down roles, making him a potential top-20 back by Week 4.

Tony Pollard is a screaming value at his RB29 ADP. Brian Daboll's history of leaning on a single workhorse back suggests Pollard will dominate touches over Tajay Spears and Nick Singleton. Pollard remained efficient last year (22nd in yards after contact per attempt) and benefits from an improved Titans offense and offensive line.

Luther Burden is currently dealing with an injury and will miss preseason, but is expected to be ready for Week 1. He and Rome Odunze are competing for value in the 5th-6th round range, with their ADPs beginning to cross as the season approaches.

Rome Odunze is a prime breakout candidate in his third season, drawing parallels to 2021 Deebo Samuel and 2019 Cooper Kupp. Despite injury-plagued efficiency last year, he showed high-value opportunity metrics (air yards, red zone targets). With DJ Moore's end-zone targets vacated, Odunze is positioned for double-digit touchdowns and top-12 WR upside in a high-scoring Bears offense.

Cam Ward is expected to elevate the Giants' offense, similar to Caleb Williams' impact last year. With Brian Daboll's offensive system, Ward is projected to raise the floor of the entire unit, providing enough volume to support pass catchers like Carnell Tate.

Carnell Tate is a high-upside WR3 with WR2 potential, comparable to Malik Nabers' rookie production. Despite pre-draft criticism regarding speed, Tate ranked 10th in yards per route run and 4th in receiving grade last year, while maintaining zero drops on a 14.6 aDOT. He is a superior target to teammates Wan'Dale Robinson and Calvin Ridley.

Fourth-round draft pick from 2025 NFL Draft listed on the fourth string of the Rams depth chart; the source notes this is not a ringing endorsement for the second-year player and expresses disappointment that he was not listed alongside third-string running back Ronnie Rivers, indicating a significant depth chart decline.

Listed as the second-string punt returner on the Rams depth chart behind Xavier Smith.

Removed from the punt returner role; Xavier Smith was listed as the starting punt returner instead, and Williams was not even listed on the second string, raising questions about his special teams usage and roster status.

Listed as the starting punt returner for the Rams, replacing Kyren Williams in the role; his assignment suggests job security in the special teams role.

Tight end nursing a quad injury suffered at the beginning of training camp; injury status affects his depth chart positioning and availability for the preseason.

Second-round rookie tight end placed on the second string of the Rams depth chart, behind the four returning tight ends listed on the first string, suggesting limited immediate role despite draft capital.

Listed as the likely starter at tight end for the Rams, though the team does not have a clear-cut favorite at the position and listed all four returning tight ends on the first string.

Third-string quarterback behind Stetson Bennett; the Rams are taking his development at a controlled pace rather than accelerating his progression. Simpson will likely get the bulk of preseason snaps despite the third-string designation, indicating the team is managing his development timeline carefully.

Listed as backup quarterback to Matthew Stafford on the Rams' first depth chart of the 2026 preseason.

Fourth-year running back Chase Brown recently sat down with Cameron Wolfe and Marc Ross of NFL Network, saying he believes that, after going up against the new and improved Bengals defensive unit, they can be a top-10 defense, possibly even top five. Brown's direct assessment of the Bengals' defensive talent level—based on training camp experience—suggests the offense will face a significantly improved defensive environment, which could impact offensive efficiency and game script.

Jeremiyah Love on HC Mike LaFleur: "He’s been allowing me to be myself, to run schemes that I like & that work for me. I like the run scheme. I think Coach LaFleur does a great job with understanding the players that he has & putting those players in positions to have success." (via @​nflnetwork)

you could draft Parker Washington in the 4th round and I wouldn’t think you’re crazy

PARKER WASHINGTON 📈

Shedeur Sanders will play second half of preseason game against Bears; scheduled to start next week against Buffalo; competing with Watson for QB1 role; focused on improving decision-making speed and progressions from rookie season; Monken's plan is for both QBs to play approximately one half each with two-minute drill opportunities to facilitate evaluation.

Deshaun Watson named starting QB for preseason game against Bears; hasn't played since October 2024 and needs game action against another team; competing with Sanders for QB1 role; will play approximately one half with opportunity for two-minute drill; Monken selected Watson for road game to avoid home crowd concerns and because Watson requires live football reps after extended absence.

Shedeur Sanders will play the second half of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Saturday as part of HC Todd Monken's plan to evaluate both quarterbacks equally. Monken stated the plan is for both Watson and Sanders to play approximately a half each, with the opposite assignment next week against Buffalo. Sanders expressed eagerness to test his improvement since his rookie season, focusing on getting the ball out quickly and improving his read progression and decision-making speed under pressure.

HC Todd Monken named Watson the starting quarterback for the preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Saturday. Watson will play approximately the first half, with Monken stating the plan is for both Watson and Sanders to play a half each to further the evaluation process. Monken chose Watson for the road game partly because Watson has not played since October 2024 and needs game action against another team, and because Monken had to select someone to start this week while maintaining the competition with Sanders. Watson expressed readiness for live football, saying "For me, it's just really being able to play live football against a different opponent" and that he is looking forward to operating in a live setting without coaches on the field.

J.J. McCarthy on not being named the starter: "A decision was made that was out of my control. Moving forward, it's about continuing to work hard, staying ready for when my number is called, and just doing whatever I can for the [QB] room and this team." (h/t @​alec_lewis)

The source views MarShawn Lloyd as having significant upside due to his size and speed, noting he has a clear path to the RB2 role behind Josh Jacobs.

The source identifies Dylan Sampson as a clear zero-RB target for fantasy drafts, though notes the team context on the Browns makes him a less exciting prospect to rely on.

The source notes that TreVeyon Henderson is currently repping as the RB2 while being drafted two rounds ahead of the starter, suggesting his current ADP is inefficient despite a 50/50 split.

Ladd McConkey is a target in rounds 3-4 for some analysts who believe he can ascend to a top-10 receiver role, though Chris Harris remains skeptical of the JSN comparison and McConkey's lack of outside-receiver explosiveness.

Parker Washington is expected to have a big year as the primary slot receiver in Liam Coen's offense, with the team clearly banking on him, though there are concerns about target competition from Brian Thomas Jr. and others.

Chris Harris believes Tetairoa McMillan looked awesome and was given significant responsibility early, showing he is ready to be an NFL team's number one receiver, despite concerns about the quarterback situation.

Chris Harris is skeptical of drafting Luther Burden at his current ADP due to a groin injury that will cause him to miss all of training camp, though he acknowledges the high-ceiling potential in Ben Johnson's offense.

Chris Harris views Zay Flowers as a WR1 and a fantastic player, praising his speed and shiftiness while noting that touchdown variance makes them a noisy metric to focus on.

Adam Aizer projects Devonta Smith to outscore Zay Flowers, citing a 17.1 points per game average in games without Dallas Goedert but with A.J. Brown, which is 2.5 points higher than Flowers' average last year.

Heath Cummings ranks Zay Flowers as his WR10, arguing he is already a proven commodity who finished as a top-10 receiver in a poor offensive environment. Cummings expects positive touchdown regression and a 15% increase in team pass attempts, projecting Flowers as a potential top-five wide receiver.

Jamie Eisenberg and Chris Harris are high on Smith, with Harris ranking him as his WR10 and willing to draft him in the second round. Smith has averaged over 16 PPR points per game in games without AJ Brown, and the analysts expect him to excel in an expanded role this season.

Chris Harris expresses concern regarding Tank Dell's recovery from injury, noting he would prefer drafting Jaden Higgins over Dell in the 100s. Harris suggests that while Dell is a 'nice story' and a leader in the room, he is skeptical about his ability to return to peak form and impact the ceiling of other Texans receivers.

Chris Harris ranks Higgins around WR40 and highlights his impressive rookie film, noting he moves like a smaller player despite his size. While capped by Nico Collins' alpha status, Higgins is a target in the 100-115 range of drafts due to his potential to be a high-level contributor.

Chris Harris notes that Williams showed significant growth from Week 10 onwards last year, moving beyond a 'situational deep threat' role to running intermediate dig routes and screens. While acknowledging potential target competition from Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, Harris views him as a strong fifth-round target with high-upside boom weeks.

These TEs are set to break out in fantasy this year 🔥 (via @​justinboone)

These TEs are set to break out in fantasy this year 🔥 (via @​justinboone)