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Matt Gay in the Lead in Kicker Competition in Vegas
The Athletic's Sam Warren reported that kicker Matt Gay is in the lead for the Las Vegas Raiders' kicking competition. Additionally, Gay was perfect during practice today, while undrafted rookie Kansei Matsuzawa doinked one off the right upright from 40 yards away but made everything else. The two are competing to replace long-time Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson. Gay enters camp as the favorite to win the competition because of his NFL experience. However, Matsuzawa has an opportunity to win the kicking competition if he can perform consistently on deep kicks. Over the last few seasons, Gay has struggled on 50-plus-yard kicks with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Buccaneers Not Happy About the Way Baker Mayfield Spoke About the Organization
ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are unhappy with quarterback Baker Mayfield's comments about the organization recently. This comes a day after Mayfield said he feels "disrespected" by his contract situation after trying to work out an extension with the team before training camp. However, the team has offered him a two-year deal worth slightly above $100 million, according to Schefter. Mayfield is heading into the final year of the three-year, $100 million deal that he signed with the Bucs in 2024. The 31-year-old wanted to get a deal done before training camp and will now focus solely on playing football. This could be Mayfield's final season with the Bucs, and it will be interesting to see how the situation plays out during the 2026 season.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Daniel Rodriguez An Underdog At UFC Belgrade
Daniel Rodriguez will look to extend his win streak when he takes on Uros Medic in the main event of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. In April, Rodriguez was released from a Mexican jail after being imprisoned for eight months due to an arrest at the border when he was caught in possession of marijuana. He was last seen competing back in July 2025, where he extended his win streak to three by beating Kevin Holland via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Rodriguez as a big underdog with a salary of $6,800.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Uros Medic Set For UFC Belgrade Main Event
Uros Medic will look to extend his win streak when he faces off against Daniel Rodriguez in the main event of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Known as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC, Medic has never gone the distance, with only three of his fights making it out of the first round. Medic was last seen in the Octagon in February at UFC Houston, where he extended his win streak by finishing Geoff Neal via first-round knockout. DraftKings sees Medic as a big favorite with a salary of $9,400.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Freddy Peralta Scratched From Scheduled Start on Friday
New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta has been scratched from his start against the Miami Marlins on Friday due to "interest in him picking up from contenders," per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. With the Mets currently 16 games under .500 and Peralta set to hit free agency at the end of the season, the veteran right-hander appears to be a near-lock to be moved at the upcoming trade deadline. Peralta has had a down year so far in 2026, recording a 5-9 record with a 4.99 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts across 113 2/3 innings (22 starts). However, the 30-year-old posted three straight 200-plus strikeout seasons from 2023 through 2025. He's reportedly drawn interest from a wide range of contending teams and could be in line for a strong close to the season following a change in scenery.
Source: New York Post - Joel Sherman
Source: New York Post - Joel Sherman
Navajo Stirling Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Undefeated prospect Navajo Stirling will try to remain undefeated as he faces off against former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in the co-main event of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Stirling was last seen in action in June at UFC Vegas 119, where he extended his win streak by finishing Ion Cutelaba via second-round TKO. Since signing with the leading promotion, Stirling has gone 5-0. DraftKings sees Blachowicz as the favorite with a salary of $9,000.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Cowboys Want to Get Jaydon Blue More Involved in Passing Game
Dallas Cowboys second-year running back Jaydon Blue has been a standout so far in training camp this summer and "continues to burn up the practice field with big runs," according to All City DLLS's Clarence Hill. Blue had two would-be touchdowns on long runs on Thursday and also saw a lot of run with the first-team offense, alternating with RB1 Javonte Williams. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team loves Blue's speed and "want to get him involved in the passing game" to take advantage of opposing defenses that are looking to take away receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens on the outside. "I think what we feel like we have in Jaydon when you're playing defenses that are trying to change the math and cheat to really elite receivers, which we have, there's usually a favorable matchup in that regard," Schottenheimer said. After a disappointing rookie year in 2025, Blue is looking like the favorite for RB2 duties in Dallas behind Williams and ahead of Malik Davis and Phil Mafah. At the very least, Blue is shaping up as the handcuff to roster if you also have Williams.
Source: All City DLLS - Clarence Hill Jr.
Source: All City DLLS - Clarence Hill Jr.
Shane McClanahan Headed to the Injured List Due to Back Issue
Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said that starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (back) will be placed on the 15-day injured list, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Topkin also reports that Neander characterized McClanahan's injury as "pretty minor" and that the team is hopeful he will only miss two starts. After missing the entire 2024 and 2025 seasons due to elbow and triceps injuries, McClanahan has managed to stay relatively healthy in 2026. Across 99 1/3 innings (20 starts) on the year, the 29-year-old has recorded a 9-6 record with a 3.09 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 91 strikeouts. McClanahan may not carry the same high-end upside he did before his extended battle with arm troubles, but he remains a quality source of ratios for fantasy managers when healthy.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Jan Blachowicz In Dire Need Of Win
Former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz will try to bounce back in the win column when he takes on undefeated prospect Navajo Stirling in the co-main event of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Blachowicz was scheduled for a rematch with Bogdan Guskov in Saturday's UFC, but Guskov was pulled to face Magomed Ankalaev this past Saturday at UFC Abu Dhabi. Blachowicz was last seen in the Octagon in December at UFC 323, where he fought Bogdan Guskov to a majority draw. DraftKings sees Blachowicz as the underdog with a salary of $7,200.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Rashee Rice Being Eased in After Knee Surgery
The Athletic's Jesse Newell reports that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is still sitting out live drills in training camp as he recovers from offseason knee surgery. Rice's absence has allowed young players like Cyrus Allen and Andrew Armstrong to get more run with the first-team offense early in camp. When everyone is fully healthy, Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton are the Chiefs' top three receivers, while Allen and recent draft pick Jalen Royals figure to be rotational players for depth at the position. The Chiefs are in no rush to get the 26-year-old Rice back into the fold, but the full expectation is that he'll be a full-go for the start of the 2026 regular season. Injuries and off-the-field issues have made him somewhat of a risk as a fantasy wideout, but when he's been on the field, there's no arguing that he has high-end upside as quarterback Patrick Mahomes' favorite weapon. The former second-rounder in 2023 from SMU had 938 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, but he played in a combined 12 games the last two years. If Rice can put in a full season in 2026, he has clear WR1 upside when it's all said and done.
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Marcin Tybura Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Marcin Tybura will try to bounce back in the win column as he welcomes Aleksandar Rakic to the heavyweight division on the main card of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Tybura is coming off back-to-back losses to recent signings, Ante Delija and Tyrell Fortune. Prior to those losses, Tybura was on a two-fight winning streak, beating Jhonata Diniz and Mick Parkin. DraftKings sees Tybura as a big underdog with a salary of $6,900.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Mets Setting High Asking Price for Freddy Peralta
The New York Mets are asking teams for a "top-100 prospect and more" in return for starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, according to Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. With the Mets currently 16 games under .500 and Peralta set to hit free agency at the end of the season, the veteran right-hander is one of the safer bets to be moved at the upcoming trade deadline. Peralta's value around the league may be at a relative low point, as he's recorded a 5-9 record with a 4.99 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts across 113 2/3 innings (22 starts) on the year. Still, the 30-year-old recorded a 2.70 ERA with a 28.2% strikeout rate across 176 2/3 innings in 2025. He may be one of the few available arms at the deadline who carries true high-end upside for contenders.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal
Aleksandar Rakic Set For Heavyweight Debut
Aleksandar Rakic is scheduled to make his heavyweight debut against Marcin Tybura on the main card of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Rakic finds himself in a tough spot as he's lost four fights in a row. His last win was back in March 2021 against Thiago Silva. Rakic was last seen in action in October at UFC 321, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Azamat Murzakanov. DraftKings sees Rakic as a massive favorite with a salary of $9,300.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Courtland Sutton Could See Load Management
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and the team will meet to discuss load management for certain players, specifically pointing to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Sutton is not injured, but the Broncos could limit his workload over the course of the season to keep him fresh for another potential postseason run in January. It comes after the Broncos gave up a first-round pick to acquire speedy receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason. The 30-year-old Sutton had his third 1,000-yard season (and second straight) in 2025, catching 74 passes for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season games as quarterback Bo Nix's go-to target. The former second-rounder in 2018 from SMU and two-time Pro Bowler may struggle for a third straight 1,000-yard season with Waddle in the fold and tight end Evan Engram potentially being more involved. Sutton should continue to be an asset in the red zone, but age-related decline and fewer targets have dropped him into WR3/flex territory in fantasy going into the 2026 campaign.
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Shohei Ohtani's Knee May Not Get Back to 100 Percent in 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter/starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (knee) may be battling discomfort in his left knee for the remainder of 2026, per Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to nagging knee issues. While he's continued to play nearly every day as the Dodgers' designated hitter, he has not attempted to steal a base since May 22. The 32-year-old remains one of the best hitters in baseball even while playing at less than 100%, as he's slashed .289/.394/.537 with 23 home runs, 65 RBI, 68 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 456 plate appearances. However, Ohtani's barrel rate is down to 16.6% after he posted consecutive seasons with at least a 21% barrel rate in 2024 and 2025. It appears that fantasy managers may have to get used to slightly muted production from Ohtani the rest of the way.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo & Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo & Fabian Ardaya
Robert Valentin Looks For His Second UFC Win
Robert Valentin will look to win back-to-back fights as he faces off against Dusko Todorovic on the main card of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Valentin was last seen in the Octagon in April at UFC Winnipeg, where he got his first UFC win by beating Julien Leblanc via first-round submission. Prior to that, Valentin was on a three-fight skid. DraftKings sees Valentin as the favorite with a salary of $8,500.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Dierre Hill Jr. Brings Explosive Element to Ducks' Backfield
Sophomore running back Dierre Hill Jr. got significant playing time as a freshman at Oregon, carrying the ball 75 times for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Standing 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, Hill has the perfect frame combined with explosive speed to really make a difference in the Ducks' offense entering his sophomore season. Hill is again expected to split the backfield with fellow sophomore Jordon Davison, but the two should see more work with Noah Whittington off to the NFL. It is widely expected that the Ducks will deploy a committee at running back, and Hill should have his fair share of work as an important piece of the puzzle.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Michael Soroka Set to Make Rehab Start on Tuesday
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Michael Soroka (glute) is scheduled to make a rehab start with Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, per John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Phoenix. Gambadoro reports that the team's plan for Soroka is for him to throw "around 50-60 pitches." Soroka has been on the 15-day injured list since late June due to a left groin strain. However, it appears he could be on the verge of a return to the big leagues if all goes well on Tuesday. The 28-year-old got off to a strong start to the season before the injury, recording an 8-3 record with a 3.07 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts across 82 innings (15 starts). Soroka does not profile as an elite source of strikeouts (23.7% strikeout rate), but he limits walks (5.1% walk rate) and power (0.66 HR/9). Once healthy, the veteran right-hander profiles as a steady innings eater for fantasy managers.
Source: 98.7 FM Phoenix - John Gambadoro
Source: 98.7 FM Phoenix - John Gambadoro
Charlie Becker to Break Out in 2026?
Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker came on down the stretch of the season last year during the Hoosiers' national title run. He finished the season with 34 grabs for 679 yards and four touchdowns, putting together his most productive games in big moments against the likes of Penn State and Ohio State. Becker returns to Indiana as a redshirt sophomore and is joined by Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh to form a dangerous tandem. While Becker did have some productivity down the stretch last year, he is set for a full-fledged breakout as a full-time starter in 2026 with Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. off to the NFL.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dusko Todorovic Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dusko Todorovic will try to win his second consecutive fight as he takes on Robert Valentin on the main card of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Todorovic was last seen in action at Noche UFC 3, where he bounced back in the win column by defeating Jose Medina via first-round submission. That was a much-needed win for Todorovic, who was prior to that fight on a three-fight losing streak. DraftKings sees Todorovic as the underdog with a salary of $7,700.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Ja'Kyrian Turner Set to Lead Pittsburgh Backfield
Sophomore running back Ja'Kyrian Turner is set to step into a lead role for Pitt this season after running alongside Desmond Reid in 2025. With Reid off to the NFL, the backfield is Turner's to lose. Standing 5-foot-9, 195 pounds, the young back carried the ball 140 times for 745 yards and seven touchdowns as a true freshman. He also caught 25 balls for 150 yards. Turner's most productive game came in an upset win over Georgia Tech when Reid was sidelined, in which he ran 21 times for 201 yards and a score. With that type of workload weekly, the potential is there for him to emerge as one of the nation's best running backs.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Out of Yankees Lineup on Friday
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (leg) is not in the lineup for his team's matchup against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Chisholm Jr. was pulled from the Yankees' loss to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday due to what the team described as cramping. To this point, there's been no indication that Chisholm Jr. is dealing with a more significant injury. The 28-year-old is slashing .224/.261/.384 with a 35.8% strikeout rate this season against left-handed pitching, so New York could simply be looking to get him out of the lineup against Cubs southpaw Shota Imanaga. Still, fantasy managers should monitor Chisholm Jr.'s status closely in the coming days. Across 405 plate appearances overall in 2026, Chisholm Jr. is hitting .224/.301/.407 with 16 home runs, 45 RBI, 53 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases. Even in a down year, he remains a high-end power/speed threat for fantasy managers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Matthew Golden Showing Out in Friday's Training Camp Practice
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden is making more noise early in training camp during Friday's practice, according to Ryan Wood of USA Today Sports. Golden skied to catch a pass from quarterback Jordan Love in the middle of the field for an 18-yard gain, which Wood says was the "best catch of camp so far." It didn't take long for Golden to top that with a 20-yard fade down the right sideline from Love. Cornerback Keisean Nixon had great leverage on the sideline, but Golden shielded him with his back and caught the ball over his shoulder in the same motion. It displayed "tremendous body control" and immediately became the new best catch of camp. With Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks no longer in town, the 22-year-old former 23rd overall pick out of the University of Texas has clear Year 2 breakout potential in the Packers' offense as a locked-in starter in three-wide sets next to Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. Golden only had 29 receptions for 361 yards and zero touchdowns in 14 regular-season contests, but he became the team's most consistent wideout late in the year, and he found the end zone for the first time in his career in the playoffs. His fantasy ADP figures to continue rising this summer as one of the more intriguing young pass-catchers in the league.
Source: USA Today Sports - Ryan Wood
Source: USA Today Sports - Ryan Wood
Georgia Tech to Add DeAndre Hopkins to Staff
Former NFL star receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who played for the Ravens just last season, is reportedly set to join Georgia Tech's staff for the upcoming season. Hopkins has a relationship with offensive coordinator George Godsey, and is expected to take on a role on the offensive staff. Fresh out of the NFL, Hopkins has never held a coaching role before but makes an interesting hire given his pedigree. He played at Clemson from 2010-2012 before being drafted in the first round, and amassed 13,295 receiving yards and 76 touchdowns in his career. Having such a successful NFL receiver around should certainly help boost recruiting pedigree for Brent Key's program.
Source: 247 Sports
Source: 247 Sports
Julian Sayin Up 10 Pounds Heading into 2026
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was a Heisman finalist in 2025, but that does not stop him from feeling like he has a lot to prove. Buckeyes' strength coach Mickey Marotti stated that Sayin is "the toughest player in the whole Woody," despite the reputation he gets for being smaller-framed. The redshirt sophomore threw for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions a season ago, and has reportedly gained 10 pounds and "feels faster." On Sayin, safety Jaylen McClain stated, "He's a lot more comfortable. Obviously, he had a great season being a Heisman finalist, but for him to come back with a chip on his shoulder as well, he feels like he has a lot to prove." The Buckeyes kick the season off against Ball State on September 5th.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Evan Engram Drawing Ample Targets Early in Training Camp
Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports reports that Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram is having a day in training camp practice on Friday, as he's been targeted multiple times with multiple catches during team drills, including a 50-yard bomb from quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Stevens adds that Davis Webb as the team's new play-caller "seems to be benefiting him a ton." Stevens added that Engram can "definitely" be a big part of the offense this year. The Athletic's Nick Kosmider writes that Engram has been "the standout" during the team's first 11-on-11 period in camp. The 31-year-old veteran TE also had a strong showing during mandatory minicamp last month, perhaps setting himself up to be a sleeper at the position in fantasy football drafts in 2026. Engram was a disappointment last year in his first year in Denver after head coach Sean Payton talked him up all offseason, ultimately finishing with a 50-461-1 line in 16 regular-season games. The Broncos have receiver Jaylen Waddle now, though, which could totally transform their offense and open up space for Engram to operate. RotoBaller has Engram ranked as only the TE34, but if he continues to impress during camp and gain the trust of Webb as a play-caller, his ADP could rise quickly as a TE2.
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Bob Chesney Says Nico Iamaleava is Growing as a Leader
New UCLA head coach Bob Chesney stated that he has seen marked growth in junior quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who is one of the few holdovers from the previous regime in Westwood. "This year definitely feels more comfortable. I'm comfortable at home. I feel better about it this year, mentally and physically," Iamaleava stated, settled in at UCLA now after his tumultuous departure from Tennessee. Chesney brought five coaches and 10 players along with him from James Madison, and stated, "Your quarterback needs to be your leader, and when you bring in an outsider, obviously, there's some friction that might occur at moments. Having [Iamaleava] already present in that community, in that school, all the things that come with it, I think he finally had a chance to just let his guard down and be like, 'All right, we got a program. We're stable now. Let's do this thing.'" The new coach-quarterback pairing will kick their season off on September 5th against California.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Shedeur Sanders to Start the Team's First Padded Practice
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is taking the first-team reps at QB in training camp practice on Friday, as the alternating practices with second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders continue, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. It means that Sanders will see the first-team reps for the team's first padded practice on Monday. As expected, the two QBs are splitting first-team work early in training camp. There is no clear leader in the quarterback competition this early, although Watson noticeably struggled the other day and threw back-to-back interceptions during 11-on-11 work. Head coach Todd Monken hasn't given a timetable for when he wants to announce the winner of the competition, but he did say he plans to play his starters in the preseason. We should have a better idea of who the leader in the competition is once pads come on. Watson has the experience over Sanders, but he also missed all of 2025 due to a torn Achilles tendon. Whoever wins the Browns' QB job will have a short leash and will be a low-end, low-upside QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
David Braun Says Chip Kelly Hire was "Transformative"
Northwestern head coach David Braun swung for the fences when the Wildcats brought in Chip Kelly to be the team's offensive coordinator in 2026. Braun stated, "There needed to be some form of transformative change, and the fact that he chose us is a reflection of what we're building." The Wildcats went 7-6 (4-5 Big Ten) last season, and have gone 19-19 in his tenure thus far in Evanston. Northwestern's offense has not been the strong suit over the last few seasons under Braun, and if Kelly can ignite a spark, the Wildcats could build something special. They will be relying on Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles, who has thrown for 4,116 career yards, to run the offense. Star receiver Griffin Wilde, who recorded 880 yards and eight touchdowns last season, should be the go-to target in the revamped offense.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Browns Think Quinshon Judkins "Can Play All Three Downs"
Cleveland Browns running backs coach Duce Staley said that RB Quinshon Judkins has "worked his ass off" to come back from his dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in Week 16 of his rookie campaign in 2025, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. "The sky is the limit ... I think that Q can play all three downs," Staley added. The 22-year-old former second-rounder from Ohio State is an emerging young RB, and although his fantasy ceiling could be limited by Cleveland's offense (especially their QB situation), Judkins is becoming a more attractive RB2 candidate for fantasy managers for what could be lots of volume. In 14 starts in his first NFL season in 2025, Judkins averaged only 3.6 yards per carry to finish with 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries. He added 26 receptions for 171 yards on 36 targets in the passing game. Judkins' fantasy ceiling could be limited with Dylan Sampson serving as the Browns' top pass-catching back, but it's clear Judkins' arrow is pointing up. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 22 RB for 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
