NFL Fantasy - The Athletic

Michael Salfino's first market share report of the year looks good for drafters of Bucky Irving, indicating his market valuation is favorable relative to his role and opportunity.

Michael Salfino's first market share report of the year looks good for drafters of Jalen Coker, suggesting his market valuation is favorable relative to his role and opportunity in Carolina's offense.

The source identifies KC Concepcion as a drop candidate, suggesting limited fantasy utility or playing time concerns warranting roster removal.

The source features Daniel Jones in an episode focused on drop candidates, indicating the quarterback is recommended for removal from fantasy rosters.

The source identifies MarShawn Lloyd as a drop candidate ahead of Week 2, suggesting insufficient playing time or fantasy upside to warrant roster retention.

The source identifies Mike Washington as a drop candidate ahead of Week 2, indicating limited fantasy relevance or playing time concerns.

Jake Ciely recommends Devaughn Vele as the fallback waiver wire option if Jalen Coker is unavailable, positioning him as a secondary target with similar appeal.

Jake Ciely identifies Jalen Coker as a priority waiver wire target, emphasizing this is the last chance to acquire him before he becomes unavailable; suggests immediate action is warranted.

Darnold is dealing with a 'very unique, soft-tissue injury' that the Seahawks say is short-term in nature; he is unlikely to land on injured reserve, though no firm timeline for return has been established.

Ja'Kobi Lane could miss extended time with a possible fractured wrist.

Zay Flowers is considered day to day with a hamstring injury.

Deshaun Watson's Week 1 performance was poor with few positives to identify, though he will get another opportunity in Week 2 as Cleveland's starting quarterback.

Brock Bowers walks unaided, indicating positive recovery trajectory and likely availability for Week 2 fantasy consideration.

Zay Flowers is day to day heading into Week 2, creating uncertainty around his availability for fantasy rosters.

Carson Wentz would likely get the start for the Vikings in Week 2 if Kyler Murray is not cleared from concussion protocol.

Murray remains in concussion protocol with uncertain status for Week 2 against the Bears; if not cleared, Carson Wentz would start.

Ben Johnson has unlocked Caleb Williams, and the Bears defense is porous, creating a fantasy environment conducive to strong offensive production and scoring opportunities for the quarterback this season.

Swift delivered a three-touchdown performance immediately after signing a new contract, demonstrating his versatility and ability to produce across multiple offensive roles; the source notes his mentality remains unchanged despite the financial reward, suggesting sustained production and consistency going forward.

Michael Salfino characterizes Josh Allen's Week 1 performance against Houston's stout defense as potentially his best outing, suggesting strong quarterback play and upside against a quality opponent.

Zay Flowers suffered a hamstring injury in the Ravens-Colts game and was questionable to return; this came after he delivered a career performance in the first half with five receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown.

The source suggests Cooper Rush replacing Tua Tagovailoa as the Falcons quarterback might even be an upgrade for Bijan Robinson; the fantasy fallout from the quarterback change is characterized as minimal, implying Robinson's role and opportunity remain intact or potentially improve.

The source suggests Cooper Rush replacing Tua Tagovailoa as the Falcons quarterback might even be an upgrade for Drake London; the fantasy fallout from the quarterback change is characterized as minimal, implying London's role and opportunity remain intact or potentially improve.

Cooper Rush took all of Atlanta's first-team reps Thursday and Friday despite having only one series with the Falcons' starters during camp, indicating he is the prepared starter with the offense.

The source discusses the fantasy implications of Jaxson Dart in the context of a revamped Giants offense, suggesting his role and opportunity are central to understanding the team's fantasy outlook going forward.

Cooper Rush is in line to start Atlanta's season opener against the Steelers in Pittsburgh if Tagovailoa cannot play, positioning him as the primary backup with immediate starting opportunity.

Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury and is uncertain for Atlanta's season opener against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, creating a potential starting opportunity for backup Cooper Rush.

The source recommends starting Jaxson Dart in Week 1, as indicated by the episode title highlighting him as a start recommendation.

The source advises caution with Kenneth Walker in Week 1 due to an unfavorable matchup against Denver.

The source cautions against starting Patrick Mahomes in Week 1 due to an unfavorable matchup against Denver.

The source recommends slotting Jalen Hurts into starting lineups for Week 1, indicating a favorable matchup.

Brad Evans identifies Jalen Coker as one of his five favorite value plays in Week 1; the source highlights him as a bench player in the vast majority of fantasy leagues with upside potential.

Brad Evans identifies Mike Washington as one of his five favorite value plays in Week 1; the source highlights him as a bench player in the vast majority of fantasy leagues with upside potential.

Henderson is listed out for the Patriots' season opener vs. the Seahawks. As a rookie in 2025, he rushed for 911 yards and nine touchdowns while catching 35 passes for 221 yards and another score, establishing him as a key offensive contributor before this injury setback.

Rome Odunze is listed as day-to-day for the Bears, indicating uncertainty around his Week 1 availability and potential fantasy impact.

George Kittle is on track to play in Week 1, indicating recovery from his injury and availability for fantasy lineups in the season opener.

The source argues that fantasy consensus views Patrick Mahomes as toxic in 2026, but this represents a contrarian opportunity. Andy Behrens disputes the prevailing skepticism, suggesting Mahomes will rack up fantasy points despite market doubt, positioning him as undervalued relative to his actual production potential.

Puka Nacua ranks among the top-300 fantasy football players in Jake Ciely's 2026 season rankings, positioned as a key draft target among elite receivers.

Jahmyr Gibbs ranks among the top-300 fantasy football players in Jake Ciely's 2026 season rankings, positioned as a key draft target alongside elite running backs.

Bijan Robinson ranks in Jake Ciely's top-300 fantasy football rankings for the 2026 season, positioned among the elite tier of players to target in draft season.

The source identifies Cam Skattebo as a potential bust candidate in fantasy football, suggesting a truly possible outcome for disappointing performance in the 2026 season.