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Darnell Mooney Settles Into a Modest Role to Start the Season
New York Giants wide receiver Darnell Mooney found himself occupying a modest role during Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. It wasn't a small role by any means, but it also wasn't enough to prompt fantasy managers to scramble and place a waiver claim for him. Mooney played 57% of the snaps in the season opener, catching two passes for 27 yards. He was nestled into the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind Malik Nabers and Malachi Fields. Given the youth and upside of those two receivers, Mooney is unlikely to pass either of them in the pecking order. In fact, he needs to continue producing at a decent level to fend off any sort of competition from Odell Beckham Jr. Mooney didn't handle enough snaps or targets in Week 1 to suggest that he should be a fantasy starter, but he's still a fine player to target on the waiver wire in deeper leagues with 14+ teams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Chimere Dike Could be Stuck in More of a Special Teams Role
The Tennessee Titans' offseason additions at the wide receiver position with Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency and rookie Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick have made it difficult for second-year pass-catcher Chimere Dike to have a big role on offense in 2026. That was confirmed in the team's Week 1 season-opening loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, with Dike playing just four offensive snaps (8%) while catching one pass for a seven-yard gain. The 24-year-old returned three kickoffs for 62 yards and a punt for a loss of five yards, so he was mostly involved on special teams. It did not help matters that Dike lost a fumble on one of his kickoff returns. Dike was behind Tate, Robinson, Calvin Ridley, and Elic Ayomanor to start his sophomore season, which is bad news for fantasy managers who have him rostered in dynasty/keeper leagues. The Titans had limited options in the passing attack last year, which thrust Dike into a bigger role than expected. He caught 48 of 74 targets for 423 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. Dike will likely need a couple of injuries ahead of him to make him even slightly interesting in fantasy again.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Darnell Washington the Clear TE2 in Pittsburgh Going into Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington stands out for his size at 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds. But in fantasy football leagues, he is not a big target on the waiver wire after the team's Week 1 season-opening win on Sunday over the Atlanta Falcons. The 25-year-old played 64% of the offensive snaps in the opener, with fellow TE Pat Freiermuth playing a team-high 73% of the snaps against Atlanta. Freiermuth had the much better day production-wise, too, catching all five of his targets for 46 yards and the only offensive touchdown of the game for the Steelers. Washington contributed two catches on his two targets for just 18 yards. He did not see a target until the second half as his minimum pass-catching role for the team continues. The former third-rounder from Georgia in 2023 had a career-high 31 catches on 43 targets for 364 yards and just one touchdown in 16 regular-season games in 2025. Washington is unlikely to become fantasy-relevant in two-TE leagues unless Freiermuth misses time with an injury. He is currently rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Time to Pump the Brakes on Cyrus Allen?
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen generated plenty of buzz throughout the offseason. A strong camp showing resulted in a variety of reports saying that Allen had earned the trust of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and was climbing up draft boards. There was legitimate speculation that he had soared as high as No. 3 in the Chiefs' wide receiver pecking order, behind Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. However, when the Chiefs finally put their offense on the field Monday against the Broncos, Allen's role was minimal. He played just one snap and failed to haul in his lone target. The one target is far less concerning than the one snap, as it shows that the Chiefs have absolutely no urgency to get Allen on the field. He ended up being fourth on the team in snap count behind Rice, Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton. He'll likely remain off the redraft radar as long as those three receivers are healthy, and even if someone gets hurt, he's still nothing more than a speculative add in deeper leagues. Dynasty managers should eventually get rewarded for their patience, but we don't see much upside in redraft leagues for the time being.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Roschon Johnson Not a Factor in Shootout Win
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson didn't touch the field on offense during the team's Week 1 shootout win against the Carolina Panthers. The Bears dropped 57 points on Sunday and gave 31 touches to their running backs, but Johnson was not one of them. Chicago exclusively used D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai out of the backfield in the win. This personnel decision proves that the Bears merely view Johnson as a depth piece to use in the event of an injury, and not someone who will carve out a standalone role week by week. This is discouraging, but not surprising. He had just two carries across seven games last year, and his fantasy stock has fallen every year since he entered the league in 2023. Even if Swift or Monangai got hurt, he would likely face an uphill battle to earn meaningful playing time. Johnson can be dropped in every fantasy football format.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Hunter's Falling Fantasy Stock Confirmed by Week 1 Usage
The Jacksonville Jaguars basically told us early in the offseason that wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, the second overall pick from Colorado last year, was going to be more of a full-time defensive back in 2026 than a receiver on offense. The 23-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner fell out of some 12-team drafts entirely as a result, and his fast-falling fantasy stock was confirmed by the fact that he played only four offensive snaps in the team's Week 1 opening-season blowout win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Hunter caught his only target for an eight-yard gain and carried the ball one time for three yards. On defense, he had one solo tackle on 29 snaps. Those who did draft Hunter cannot be very happy with his two touches, especially since the Jags put up a 34 spot in their season opener. The Jags have plenty of help in the WR room with Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder), so until further notice, Hunter will be far from standalone fantasy value in 2026. He will likely be dropped in many leagues, and he is rostered in only 15% of Yahoo leagues as of Tuesday evening.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Kaytron Allen Carving Out Role Despite No. 3 Spot on Depth Chart
Washington Commanders running back Kaytron Allen was able to carve out a role in Week 1, despite ranking third on the depth chart behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White. It wasn't the prettiest or flashiest performance, but his four rushing attempts for 10 yards ranked ahead of many other teams' No. 3 running backs in terms of involvement. It was very encouraging to see the Commanders carve out playing time (10% of snaps) for the rookie in the season opener, as it indicates that his role could only grow going forward. Managers in deeper leagues should consider adding Allen off the waiver wire now, because if his role continues to grow, there will be more competition to get him on fantasy rosters. There's a very real chance that the rookie's fantasy stock will never be lower than it is right now, so managers are advised to get in on the ground floor.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Oronde Gadsden an Impact Playmaker with Streaming Potential
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden had a relatively quiet Week 1 showing, but the track record from his rookie season in 2025 suggests that he could be a key waiver-wire target for managers this year. Gadsden ranked as the TE15 in PPR leagues with 49 catches, 664 yards, and three touchdowns last year, and most of that production came in Week 6 or later. However, there's a new obstacle in his path this year, and it's the depth chart. Gadsden fell to second in the tight end pecking order after the Chargers signed David Njoku in free agency. Njoku played a modest 55% of snaps in Week 1, but Gadsden's snap share was even lower at just 18%. The 23-year-old needs one domino to fall in his favor, and there's a chance that's the injury to Ladd McConkey (chest). The veteran wide receiver went down last week, leading to a void in the passing game. Gadsden has a great opportunity to step up with more volume in Week 2, ranking as a TE2 for fantasy purposes. He's definitely a riskier target, but the Syracuse product is a proven player who knows what it takes to produce at the NFL level. There's some deep-league streamer appeal here for Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders, especially if McConkey doesn't end up playing.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
JuJu Smith-Schuster Works Out for the Jets on Tuesday
The New York Jets hosted veteran free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) for a workout on Tuesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The 29-year-old is looking for another chance in the NFL after the Giants released him while he was recovering from a knee injury during training camp. He hasn't achieved fantasy relevance since 2022 with the Chiefs, but the Jets are interested in bringing him aboard. After all, they have an opening at the wide receiver position with Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle) diagnosed as week-to-week. The Jets worked out a few receivers, so it's not a lock that Smith-Schuster even gets offered a contract. However, at the very least, there's mutual interest from both sides. Any signing would keep Smith-Schuster off the fantasy radar in most leagues.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Ameer Abdullah Looking for Role in Crowded Backfield
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Ameer Abdullah carried the ball four times for 32 yards and had one reception for zero yards in a 34-10 Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns. Abdullah played just five offensive snaps, but he made the most of his opportunities with five touches in total. Abdullah played far behind Bhayshul Tuten (28 snaps) and Chris Rodriguez Jr. (23 snaps). Tuten led the Jaguars with 15 rushes for 66 yards, but Abdullah actually out-rushed Rodriguez on fewer attempts. Rodriguez finished the game with six carries for 23 yards. The Jaguars dominated the game from the start, and Abdullah benefited from the blowout with an efficient performance. Abdullah is currently rostered in 0% of Yahoo leagues and will continue to play behind Tuten and Rodriguez. For now, he is safe to leave on the waiver wire.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Joshua Palmer Makes the Most Of Limited Targets in Week 1
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer recorded a 34-yard touchdown reception that proved to be the game-winner for the Bills in a 36-31 victory over the Houston Texans in Week 1. However, while Palmer was able to make the most of his opportunities, he played a low-volume role. Palmer was targeted just twice in the season opener, and both came in the late fourth quarter. He played just 18 offensive snaps. In a game where Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen threw for 334 yards, Palmer's usage was discouraging. Palmer is currently rostered in 0% of Yahoo leagues, and while the secondary of the Detroit Lions was torn up in Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints, there is not much reason to add Palmer to your fantasy team right now ahead of the Week 2 matchup with the Lions.
Source: Pro Football Focus
Source: Pro Football Focus
Ben Sinnott One to Watch on the Waiver Wire
Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott did not record a single statistic in Week 1. The Commanders lost to the Philadelphia Eagles by a final score of 24-22, but Sinnott was a non-factor in the passing game. According to Pro Football Focus, Sinnott played 18 offensive snaps and 16 snaps on special teams. He played well behind Chig Okonkwo (hamstring), who had 39 offensive snaps, and John Bates, who had 34 offensive snaps. Okonkwo and Bates recorded two receptions each. Sinnott has amassed just 16 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns throughout his NFL career thus far, but he could have a slightly bigger role going into Week 2 action against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys if Okonkwo's hamstring injury keeps him out.
Source: Pro Football Focus
Source: Pro Football Focus
Noah Fant Building Momentum Heading into Week 2
New Orleans Saints tight end Noah Fant was targeted eight times in Week 1 and caught four passes for 33 yards and a touchdown. The Saints fell to the Detroit Lions 31-30 in overtime, but quarterback Tyler Shough put up 410 passing yards and showed he will spread the ball around. Fellow tight end Juwan Johnson recorded three receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown, proving further that Shough has no issue targeting tight ends. The Saints have a Week 2 game against the Baltimore Ravens, and while it is likely going to be a tougher matchup for Fant, he could be worth a roster spot for fantasy teams in need of better tight end play. Fant is available in every league, as he is currently rostered in 0% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Offer Much Streaming Appeal in Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a tough matchup with the New England Patriots in Week 2. Rodgers had a somewhat pedestrian performance in the Steelers' 20-13 season-opening victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He completed 24 out of 40 pass attempts (60%) for 221 yards and one touchdown. He did not throw an interception. Rodgers averaged just 5.5 yards per attempt and was sacked twice. The Patriots held the Seattle Seahawks to just 200 yards passing in Week 1, although Sam Darnold was injured early and the Seahawks had to rely on Drew Lock at quarterback. The Patriots also boasted one of the NFL's best passing defenses in 2025. Rodgers is currently rostered in just 10% of Yahoo leagues and can likely stay on the waiver wire for Week 2 in most formats.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Cole Kmet is Earning Deep-League Value
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet didn't have a major role in the offense, but he was able to have success during the season opener. Kmet caught two of his three targets for 35 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Carolina Panthers. Despite being behind Colston Loveland on the depth chart, Kmet made more of an impact than him on Sunday. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect that to happen weekly, but it's nice to see that Kmet is still getting involved in the offense. The Bears have two viable tight ends, so expect them to use them to their advantage. Kmet could be worth adding in deep leagues after a decent showing in the season opener.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jacoby Brissett is Gaining Traction After Strong Start
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett helped lead his team to an impressive win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1. Brissett completed 27-of-37 passing attempts for 277 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. He also rushed the ball six times for 14 yards during the upset victory. It looks like Brissett is picking up right where he left off last season. The 33-year-old has excellent chemistry with tight end Trey McBride, and it showed again on Sunday. The Cardinals will head into a tough matchup against the Seattle Seahawks defense in Week 2. Brissett could be a matchup-based streaming option, but he won't be an ideal choice for Week 2.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jack Bech has Stash Value After Scoring in Season Opener
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech made the most of his opportunities during the Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. He only played 27 of the 68 offensive snaps, but he made the most of his time on the field. Bech hauled in three of his four targets for 23 yards and a touchdown in the win. There is no clear No. 1 wideout in Las Vegas right now, so Bech has room to grow into the top option in Las Vegas. The 23-year-old probably won't be a viable starting option in 12-team leagues, but he's someone worth stashing in deep leagues and dynasty formats while he develops.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Mack Hollins Likely to See Expanded Role
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins stepped up in a big way during the season opener. Hollins was not expected to be a significant part of the offense, but he ended up being one of the lone bright spots. The 33-year-old hauled in four of his five targets for 51 yards in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He saw an expanded role in the offense once top wideout A.J. Brown (ankle) exited the contest. It sounds like Brown is going to miss over a month of action, which could lead to a bigger role for Hollins in this offense. Hollins will probably move into a starting role for the Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He could be worth stashing in deep leagues while Brown is out.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Marquez Valdes-Scantling Signing with Chargers
According to Jeremy Fowler, the Los Angeles Chargers are signing wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad on Tuesday. The veteran wideout was with the Dallas Cowboys during training camp, but he didn't make the final roster. He has bounced around the league in the past few seasons, but he could still provide depth to this roster. The Chargers could need another wideout with Ladd McConkey (rib) considered day-to-day right now. If he misses Week 2, Valdes-Scantling could be elevated to the active roster, but it's unlikely he'd do much during his first week with the organization. Fantasy managers can ignore MVS for the moment.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Jonah Coleman Still Worth Rostering as RB Depth in Deep Leagues
There was a lot of offseason buzz around Denver Broncos rookie fourth-round running back Jonah Coleman, despite the fact that the team also has J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey primed for big roles in their backfield in 2026. The 23-year-old from the University of Washington got off to a slow start in his regular-season debut on Monday night in the 31-10 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, playing just three snaps on offense and not seeing a single touch out of the backfield. He did return one kickoff for 27 yards on special teams. Coleman came in projected as Denver's RB3, but he was a distant third behind Dobbins and Harvey, with the Broncos abandoning their running game early on in KC. Denver has a lot of room for improvement on offense after an ugly showing out of the gate, and perhaps that means more involvement for Coleman alongside Dobbins and Harvey. The 5-foot-8, 220-pounder does not have any current standalone fantasy appeal heading into a Week 2 tilt at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he remains an intriguing deep-league stash for RB depth because of his power as a runner between the tackles. Coleman is rostered in 33% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Daniel Jones Merely a Superflex Stash Option at QB Going into Week 2
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones had a lackluster 2026 season opener in Sunday's Week 1 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, going 19-for-31 passing for 166 yards for one touchdown and one interception. The 29-year-old had one carry for a gain of four yards. Most of the production on offense came from star running back Jonathan Taylor, as Jones had a measly 5.4 yards per pass attempt. We will give the former first-rounder from Duke a pass, though, in his first game back from an Achilles tendon tear late last season while going up against a formidable defense in Baltimore. Jones was on pace for a 4,000-yard passing season in 2025 in his first season in Indy before his season-ending injury, so fantasy managers should not be so quick to completely write him off in 2026 as he continues to put his Achilles tear further in the rearview mirror. Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs on the road on Sunday Night Football probably is not the place to trust him in two-QB superflex leagues, but Jones is still a solid QB depth stash in those formats. He is currently rostered in 24% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
More News About Darnell Mooney
