NFL Fantasy Football Podcast

The Houston Texans drafted Marlon Klein to serve as a true 'Y' tight end, with the expectation that his blocking ability will allow the team to reduce their usage of six-offensive-lineman formations.

Dalton Schultz is described as lacking the ideal run-blocking profile for the Houston Texans, which contributed to the team's reliance on six-offensive-lineman sets last season.

Jackson Hawes is identified as a game-changer for the Buffalo Bills' run game, with the team recording a 74.6% run rate when he is on the field. His presence as a true blocking tight end has allowed the Bills to move away from using a sixth offensive lineman.

The absence of AJ Brown from the Eagles' roster will fundamentally change the team's philosophy regarding how they push the ball down the field and emphasize their passing attack.

Jalen Hurts is transitioning into a new offensive scheme under coordinator Sean Mannion that emphasizes under-center play action. While the offense may initially rely on bootlegs that cut the field in half, the goal is to evolve into full-field play action concepts that allow Hurts to utilize his accuracy and athleticism to access every blade of grass.

The source makes a lighthearted comment about Caleb Williams leaving to play for Syracuse, referencing the Bears' new uniforms.

Lance Zerline expects Jadarian Price to take over the Seahawks' backfield, projecting him to approach 1,000 rushing yards with over 200 carries and near double-digit touchdowns, citing his elite talent and first-round grade.

Lance Zerline projects Fernando Mendoza for 11 to 12 starts this season, noting that while Kirk Cousins will likely start initially, Mendoza is developing faster than expected. He is not expected to be a major fantasy factor this year but could be by next season.

Allen Robinson has retired from the NFL on his 33rd birthday after an 11-year career, most recently playing for the Lions.

Sam LaPorta returned to practice after missing one week due to a hip injury sustained during the Lions' inner squad scrimmage; he appears to be okay.

Following the injury to Calvin Austin, the source speculates that a roster spot could potentially open up for Odell Beckham Jr. to make the team.

Calvin Austin was carted off the field during practice in East Rutherford, with John Harbaugh stating that the injury 'does not look good.'

Herbert is deeply immersed in the new offense, showing high dedication and ownership. He is frequently seen studying his notes, aiming to make the scheme second nature.

Taylor is noted as a tight end prospect JJ Zachariason was high on coming out of the 2025 draft, contributing to the Jets' 12 personnel potential.

Sadiq is part of a tight end duo that excites analysts, potentially allowing the Jets to utilize 12 personnel sets effectively.

The rookie from Indiana is highlighted as a catch option underneath who can contribute after the catch.

Wilson is identified as a primary talent in the Jets' offense, though there is speculation about whether he will be the clear favorite target for Geno Smith.

Hall is expected to be a key contributor for the Jets, with the ability to do damage both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield.

Smith looked sharp in his preseason drive, going 7-for-7 for 69 yards and a touchdown. While analysts remain cautious about his interception rate, there is optimism regarding the Jets' offensive talent and Frank Reich's influence.

Pierce missed practice but is expected to return later this week. He has been sidelined since off-season ankle surgery.

Evans missed practice due to a groin injury, following a quad strain the previous week. This continues an injury-prone trend for the veteran receiver.

Chase suffered a knee hyperextension during practice but stated he is okay and would have been able to finish the game if it had occurred during live play.

Walker missed Tuesday's practice due to a foot issue. While the injury is not considered serious, his absence is notable as the team prepares for their preseason finale against the Seahawks.

Mahomes is confident he will be ready for Week 1 following his December ACL surgery. He has participated in every practice rep during training camp, noting that his body has responded well and he has not needed to miss any time beyond preseason games.

Nick Chubb has officially retired from the NFL.

Malik Nabers is expected to play in Week 1, barring any setbacks, as he has returned to the practice field and shed his non-contact jersey.

Cam Ward has struggled in the preseason, failing to complete a pass over seven air yards in two games; while he is in a new offense under Brian Daboll, there is a need for more production soon.

Despite not catching a pass in two preseason games, there is no reason to panic on Carnell Tate; he has been dazzling in practice, and his lack of production is attributed to quarterback play rather than his own ability, with expectations that he will produce down the line.

Ty Simpson has looked impressive in the preseason, with the offense under Sean McVay helping him look like he is conducting a clinic from the pocket; his previous lack of experience was his biggest hurdle, but he is now performing well.

Ty Simpson is competing for the Rams' QB2 job against Stetson Bennett. Bucky Brooks notes that while Bennett is currently favored, Simpson has been impressive, showing a strong understanding of the system and mechanics. Brooks believes Simpson is a long-term prospect who will benefit from Sean McVay's coaching.

Bucky Brooks gave Fernando Mendoza a 'C' grade for his second preseason performance, noting he struggled against a better defense, had difficulty with tight-window throws, and threw a pick-six. While he is expected to graduate to the regular season, he is not anticipated to be the immediate starter over Kirk Cousins.

Jeremiah Love will miss another week of practice due to an ankle sprain suffered in the preseason opener. He will not participate in the upcoming joint practice with the Packers.

George Kittle has been officially activated from the PUP list by the 49ers as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles sustained in the playoffs last January.

Christian McCaffrey returned to practice after a two-week absence. He clarified that the time off was for maintenance and part of a planned ramp-up schedule to ensure he is fresh for the season, rather than related to his contract.

Michael Penix returned to 11-on-11 team work for the first time since his torn ACL last November. Head coach Stefanski is evaluating his status for the upcoming preseason game against Miami, noting that Penix has been eager to practice despite the transition from non-contact reps to full team drills.

Todd Monken has officially named Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback for the Browns. Bucky Brooks notes that the plan was always to start the veteran to get the offense going, and he believes Watson's talent fits well within the scheme's air-raid and spread concepts. Watson is supported by a better offensive line, playmakers, and running game than in his previous appearances.

Denzel Boston is a high-upside sleeper who is currently going undrafted in many leagues. Todd Monken is expected to utilize him similarly to how he used Mike Evans, moving him between the slot and outside. Despite the murky quarterback situation in Cleveland, Boston is expected to see more targets than anticipated.

Jadarian Price is a high-upside rookie for Seattle who has been working with the first-team offense during camp. Despite being banged up, he is expected to be a major part of the offense, serving as an explosive complement to Kenneth Walker.

Carnell Tate is a top rookie target who landed in a perfect spot with quarterback Cam Ward. The coaching staff is expected to lean into a vertical passing game, and Tate is viewed as one of the best vertical wide receivers from college football, making him an explosive play threat.

Najee Harris was signed by the Giants to provide steadiness to a run game that needs to stay on schedule. While he adds depth to a crowded backfield alongside Tracy and Singletary, he is viewed more as a player to note rather than a priority draft target for fantasy teams.