NBC Sports Rotoworld
Rotoworld fantasy football article feed from NBC Sports
Latest publications
Failed to match 1 of 11 extracted NFL players
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
NFL insight extraction provider is not configured. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or CLAUDE_API_KEY, or explicitly set NFL_INSIGHT_AI_PROVIDER=openai/auto.
Latest player insights
Johnson finished as PPR WR67 in his 2025 rookie season, producing five double-digit fantasy-point outings as the offense navigated wide receiver injuries mid-season. He averaged 1.08 YPRR across the full season but averaged 1.27 YPRR during his productive Weeks 5-12 run, during which he scored five touchdowns. Johnson reportedly stood out at organized team activities and mandatory minicamp this year, competing for the open WR3 role.
The 6-foot-4, 206-pound third-round rookie is a candidate to assume the X-receiver void left by Mike Evans, which could make him the most natural fit in three-wide receiver sets given Egbuka and Godwin's alignment versatility. Hurst received praise from both the Buccaneers' beat and coaching staff this spring. He is a worthwhile best ball dart throw entering training camp and could offer the highest upside among the three competing WR3 candidates.
Tucker could retain his late-season role as a short-yardage and scoring-position specialist, though he would likely produce unreliably if this is the case. The source recommends treating him as a high-upside bench stash.
Gainwell, signed as a free agent, worked his way up to '1B' status with Irving during spring practices; offensive coordinator Robinson notes the two backs possess similar skill sets, and Gainwell could challenge for the starting role this summer or in-season. In his fifth NFL season with Pittsburgh, Gainwell broke out as PPR RB16. Including playoffs, his 77 receptions tie for third at the position. Among 32 RBs with 35+ targets, he ranks second in target rate (24.5%), seventh in YPRR (1.44) and catch rate (88.5%); among 45 RBs with 120+ rushing attempts, he ranks last in yards after contact per attempt (2.4) and first-down/TD rate (15.6%), with only 120 rushing attempts total, indicating elite pass-game efficiency but limited ground-game volume. Both Irving (5-foot-10, 195 pounds) and Gainwell (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) are undersized, making a committee approach sensible for the Buccaneers backfield.
McMillan, competing for the open WR3 role, suffered a preseason neck injury in 2025 that sidelined him until Week 15. Over the final four weeks, he ranked sixth in team targets (15) while leading the group with 2.14 YPRR. Dating back to his Week 11, 2024 bye, McMillan has averaged 1.75 YPRR and 16.8 percent target rate, creating an uneven receiving profile. At 6-foot-1, 192 pounds, he possesses inside-outside versatility but does not fill the X-receiver void left by Mike Evans.
The 2025 rookie WR was overall PPR WR3 in Weeks 1-5 but declined after September/October hamstring injuries, finishing as WR23. However, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson expects Egbuka, 23, to 'take huge, huge strides' in 2026. Egbuka reported feeling refreshed in June after taking needed offseason time and packing on lean muscle, positioning him to compete with Chris Godwin for the WR1 role. Fantasy managers should cautiously expect a return to form.
Godwin suffered a season-ending fibula fracture and ankle dislocation in Week 7, 2024, then returned Week 4, 2025 but was sidelined Weeks 6-12 with another fibula injury. His yards per route run dropped to 1.36 in 2025 from 2.36 in 2024. While he looked 'sharp' and 'smooth' at June OTAs, it is fair to wonder if he is best-suited to a complementary role at this point. He could end up as the team's top target earner, though finishing below Egbuka and another Buccaneers wide receiver is possible.
Otton finished as PPR TE22 last season, earning 80 of his position group's 84 targets. He is a best ball TE3 candidate. The source notes that Otton said Robinson's scheme involves 'a lot of play action,' which could benefit his receiving role given that NFL offenses averaged 7.76 yards per pass play with play action versus 6.72 without.
Irving enters 2026 as the de facto starter after foot and shoulder injuries sidelined him Weeks 5-12 in 2025. Pre-injury, he was overall PPR RB9 in Weeks 1-4, ranking fifth in rushing attempts (71 among 33 RBs with 35+ attempts), fifth in targets (19 among 15 RBs with 15+ targets), ninth in target rate (20.9 percent), third in YPRR (2.12), and tying for first in catch rate (100.0 percent). He underwent shoulder surgery in February, resumed practicing in June, and told reporters he will be 'good to go' for training camp. He finished as overall PPR RB34 last year.
Mayfield played through multiple injuries in 2025 (MCL/PCL sprains Week 2, foot/toe Week 3, biceps contusion Weeks 4-5, oblique Week 8, left shoulder sprain Week 12), averaging just 6.8 yards per pass attempt and 71.9 percent adjusted completion rate—both career lows in Tampa Bay—yet still finished as overall QB12. A bounce-back is expected with good health, positioning him as a mid-to-low QB1 candidate in 2026.
Smith's skill corps in New York is only a little bit better than what he had in Vegas, and his reality is that he will be leading a run-heavy attack with limited passing opportunities.
Smith led the league in interceptions (17) and sacks taken (55) in 2025, barely averaged 200 yards passing per game, and was a bad player in a terrible offense for a forsaken team, making his reunion with the Jets a questionable plan.
Davis can catch a pass but it's difficult to believe he will regularly do so at Hall's expense after the offseason's contract developments, with his 2026 upside being a future committee member only in the unfortunate event of a Hall absence.
Allen has bulked up to an absurd 250 pounds after his injury-shortened 2025, with the hope being to pound the rock on early downs and carve out a goal-line role, but this archetype rarely results in steady fantasy value and usually just hurts the backs getting vultured.
Despite the pessimistic offensive environment, Hall is a three-down talent who will be on the field for 70-75 percent of the snaps and probably the vast majority of the high-value fantasy plays.
Hall recently signed a three-year, $43.5 million extension and is coming off his first 1,000-yard rushing campaign, but his 2025 receptions took a major tumble for the second consecutive season, creating questions about whether he can rebound as a pass catcher and prevent Braelon Allen from carving out a goal-line role.
The 21-year-old first-round TE has 4.39 speed and is a refined route runner capable of chewing up man coverage, but the Jets' blocking, play-calling and quarterback play may not get him loose over the middle, making his near-term prospects those of a pop-up TE2 streamer despite boundless long-term upside.
Cooper enhanced his production significantly from 28/594/7 to 69/937/13 in 2025 and proved to be an after-the-catch force, but as the Jets' No. 2 wideout, he will be hard pressed to be a top-36 player on a weekly basis and projects as a WR4/5 who will likely struggle for more.
Mitchell had the best half-season stretch of his young career during his eight games with the Jets' quarterback carousel, including a 100-yard outing with Tyrod Taylor, and is going as a WR5/6 in fantasy drafts, making him a late-round freebie with upside outcome of WR4 status.
Being drafted in the WR20 range in summer ball drafts, that feels like a good target for reactivating re-draft managers despite his rough setup.
Wilson is coming off a season in which he missed time with injury for the first time during his four-year career and will be competing for looks with a pair of first-round skill players in a guaranteed run-heavy attack with a quarterback who is just about out of the league, making a breakout case impossible.
Kamara took a reported pay cut to remain with the Saints but faces uncertainty about his role in the backfield alongside Travis Etienne. The core fantasy question is whether Kamara can remain an effective contributor given Etienne's expected full volume in the Saints' backfield.
Free-agent addition Jalen Tolbert has emerged as the Miami Dolphins' early WR1 in the rebuilding wide receiver corps, signaling a lead role in the offense.
The source examines whether San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle can maintain his athleticism after rehabbing an Achilles injury that could limit his physical style of play; Patrick Daugherty and Kyle Dvorchak weigh the likelihood of him coming back to full form.
Tracy will challenge Skattebo for touches this season, but his fantasy value is highly dependent on Skattebo's availability. In six games played with Skattebo last season, Tracy averaged 10.2 opportunities per game and 37.8 yards from scrimmage; in nine games without Skattebo, those numbers jumped to 18.0 opps/gm and 89.0 YFS/gm to go along with 13.8 fantasy points per game. In his two seasons as a pro, Tracy has totaled 2,151 yards and 10 touchdowns and is one of 27 running backs to total 400-plus touches since 2024. He should be safely locked into the RB2 role and has strong handcuff appeal, especially as a reliable pass-catcher.
Nabers is going anywhere from WR17 to WR20 on fantasy platforms, which the source calls a nice discount for a player who has finished second at his position in expected fantasy points per game (18.3) and sixth in fantasy points per game (17.4) since entering the league in 2024. As a rookie, he totaled 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns, and posted an 18-271-2 line on 35 targets in little over three full games last season, including a 9-167-2 performance in Week 2 against the Cowboys. The uncertainty surrounding his torn ACL injury, which required two surgeries and he continues to rehab from, has created a buying opportunity for fantasy managers willing to buy the dip. Head coach John Harbaugh recently said Nabers is expected to be back 'one way or another' around the time camp starts, which aligns with the uncertainty Harbaugh has treated this injury with since arriving.
Rookie third-rounder Fields brings good size (6'5"/218) to the outside and could at some point push either Slayton or Mooney for snaps this season. He totaled 800-plus yards in back-to-back seasons at Virginia in 2023 and 2024, but saw his production drop (36-630-5) in his final year when he transferred to Notre Dame and found himself in a more heavy scheme. He still averaged a career-best 17.5 YPR in his lone season with the Irish. The source notes it's hard to imagine him making much of a fantasy impact this year and he'll likely open the season as a depth piece with a chance to contribute in the second half.
Dart averaged 22.4 fantasy points per game in 12 starts and finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in seven of those starts. He rushed for 487 yards and nine touchdowns on 86 carries, with 37.5 percent of his total fantasy points coming from the ground game. His 0.147 EPA/play ranked 14th among 34 quarterbacks (min. 300 plays), though his passing EPA per play of 0.098 ranked 23rd and his 42.5 completion percentage on passes of 10+ air yards ranked 30th. He finished with a 2,272-15-5 passing line and 63.7 completion percentage. The source projects him as a high-end QB2 in overall fantasy points per game (19.2) heading into this season, with potential to reach QB1 territory if he improves his passing game and stays healthy. However, Dart was chastised for reckless plays that led to five concussion evaluations in the 14 games he appeared in last season; his all-or-nothing style of play created exciting moments but also injury concerns, and banking on the ground game could prove unsustainable unless he can learn to better protect himself.
Likely figures to be in for a breakout campaign in 2026 after following Harbaugh from the Ravens to the Giants this offseason and finally having a chance to get out from under Mark Andrews' shadow. He totaled back-to-back 400-plus yard seasons with the Ravens in 2023 and 2024 but has averaged just 17.4 routes run per game for his career. For context, the per-game average for tight ends who ranked in the top 20 in total routes last season was 28.8. Likely should have no trouble surpassing his single-season bests now that he finds himself in a full-time starting role, and he's reportedly been a 'favorite target' of Jaxson Dart's this spring. The source notes it's too early to confidently project him as a TE1, but he has the upside to insert himself into the top-12 of the group, or better, if his enhanced role is as expected.
Singletary should again serve as the Giants' RB3 this season but has managed just seven top-24 PPR performances since joining them in 2024 to go along with 8.6 opportunities per game, indicating limited fantasy relevance in the backup role.
Mooney was acquired via free agency this offseason after being released by the Falcons with one year remaining on his contract. On a fantasy points-per-game basis, he has largely underwhelmed, with his highest FFPG finish coming in 2021 when he finished as WR31 with 12.9 FPPG. After going for 64-992-5 with the Falcons in 2024, Mooney fizzled out to 32-443-1 in 15 games last season. The source notes he could have some value in deeper PPR leagues, but there's not much to get excited about.
Slayton was re-signed to a three-year, $36 million contract last offseason but delivered disappointing results. He posted a 37-538-1 receiving line on 63 targets last season and averaged just 7.2 fantasy points per game. Since 2024, he has averaged 7.0 FFPG and has just two top-24 PPR games over that span. The source notes that with two years left on his deal, the Giants are all but certain to let Slayton continue in his role as a field stretcher who is seldom targeted, and fantasy managers can avoid him this season.
Skattebo is hoping to return to form after a dislocated ankle and fractured tibia in Week 8 ruined what was shaping up to be a strong rookie campaign. In eight games, he totaled 101-410-5 on the ground while adding 24-207-2 through the air and was on a 17-game pace to see 68 targets, which would have ranked eighth-highest among running backs. He finished as a top-24 PPR back or higher in all but one game and had three finishes inside the top 12. Removing Week 1 and Week 8 games, Skattebo averaged 20.7 opportunities per game, which was seventh-highest among all running backs. His hard-running style placed him in the top 10 in missed-tackle forced rate (21.8 percent) and he converted four of his eight rush attempts inside the opponent's five-yard line into scores. Early reports on his injury have been encouraging, with recent reports saying he should be ready early in camp and taking most first-team reps in minicamp. Coach Harbaugh said Skattebo was a 'top-tier back, and he's planning on playing that way this year.' Assuming he operates as the unquestioned RB1, Skattebo will start the year as a high-end RB2 with a chance to offer much more if his touches are similar to last year.
Austin joined the Giants on a one-year, $4.5 million contract this offseason. A former fourth-round pick of the Steelers in 2022, he has totaled 84 career receptions for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns but has never totaled more than 548 receiving yards in a season. He will likely man the majority of snaps in the slot but will have to battle for slot work with tight end Isaiah Likely, who has played 47.9 percent of his snaps from the slot and has two seasons with a slot rate over 50 percent. The source notes that like many Giants receivers not named Malik Nabers, Austin is another receiver who can be faded in fantasy drafts.
Shough took over in Week 9 and led the Saints to a 5-4 record after an 1-7 start, averaging 7.3 yards per attempt and 216.7 passing yards per game—1.1 yards per attempt and 40 yards per game higher than predecessor Spencer Rattler. Though his rushing ceiling isn't quite dual-threat territory, he added 186 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. A high floor makes him a worthwhile high-end QB2 for fantasy leagues.
The Saints signed Etienne in the offseason after he carried a heavy workload for the Jaguars last season, turning 260 carries into 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 36 receptions for 292 yards. A lucrative four-year, $52 million contract indicates Etienne will start and get the lion's share of the touches. Though Etienne is no Saquon Barkley and the Saints' offensive line is not the Eagles' offensive line, volume will elevate him into a productive fantasy season. Etienne is a fantasy RB2.
The Saints selected Delp in the third round of the 2026 draft as a tight end with impressive athleticism despite limited college production. He will compete with Juwan Johnson for targets but could possibly be a better NFL player than he was in college and may see more than just a limited role as a rookie. He is worth a dart throw in deep redraft leagues and is a good Dynasty stash target.
Johnson was the Saints' second-leading receiver last season, catching 77 of 102 targets for 889 yards and three touchdowns. The 29-year-old ranked No. 5 in routes run among all tight ends, landing in the top-seven for receiving yards, receptions, yards after catch, and yards per route run. He is a valuable target over the middle of the field and is a low-end TE1 heading into the season.
The Saints selected Tyson No. 8 overall in the 2026 draft. Coming out of Arizona State, he has a physical skillset and was a high-volume perimeter receiver in college. He caught 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine games last year, proving to be a quality separator when healthy. He projects to start across from Olave on the perimeter. Like Olave, Tyson comes with injury concerns after entering the offseason with hamstring issues. He is worth a shot as a WR3 in fantasy drafts.
Neal got a chance with both Kamara and Miller injured late in the season but suffered his own hamstring injury to end the season, limiting his opportunity to establish himself in the Saints backfield.