Mike Vrabel, Patriots Officially Agree On Multi-Year Deal
Jan 12, 2025, 10:05 AM ET
Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots officially agreed to a multi-year deal on Sunday for Vrabel to become the team's next head coach, according to sources. Vrabel becomes the seventh person to become the head coach for a franchise that he once helped win a Super Bowl as a player, joining Jerod Mayo, Bart Starr, Forrest Gregg, Art Shell, Jeff Saturday and Jason Garrett. Vrabel played linebacker in New England from 2001-08 and won three Super Bowl rings with the Pats. He also went 54-45 in the regular season and 2-3 in the playoffs, including a trip to the AFC Championship in 2019, as head coach of the Titans from 2018-23. Vrabel was the NFL Coach of the Year in 2021 and will replace Mayo, who was fired after going 4-13 in his lone season as the head coach. Vrabel's coaching career began in 2011 as a linebackers coach at Ohio State, his alma mater.--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
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Rhamondre Stevenson Loses Backfield Work in Week 2
Andersen Pickard
Andersen Pickard
Sep 21, 2026, 12:18 AM ET
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 43 yards on six carries during Sunday's Week 2 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also caught one of his two targets for three receiving yards. Stevenson's volume diminished this week with TreVeyon Henderson back in the mix. Henderson had 10 more carries than Stevenson and played 13 more snaps, revealing plenty of information about this backfield dynamic. Despite some expectations that Stevenson and Henderson would have relatively even snap shares, there was clearly a preference for the latter on Sunday afternoon. All signs point to a similar split in Week 3, dropping Stevenson outside the top-36 running back range for fantasy football. He can be benched in most leagues.--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
DeVonta Smith Looks Like True WR1 in Philly in Week 2 Win
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 21, 2026, 12:09 AM ET
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith was a disappointment in the season-opening win over the division-rival Washington Commanders, catching three of his six targets for 53 yards. It was his first game as the team's true WR1 in 2026 with A.J. Brown no longer in the picture. But Smith performed much more like a true No. 1 wideout for the Eagles in a near-loss on the road to the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. The 27-year-old had team highs across the board in catches (10), targets (13), receiving yards (117), and his first touchdown of the year in the 24-20 victory in Tennessee. It should have fantasy managers much more confident that Smith can reach a higher ceiling in the Eagles' new-look offense this year. In Week 3, Smith and the Eagles will travel to Chicago to take on a Bears team that might have just lost their starting QB for the foreseeable future. The Bears almost allowed a 40 spot to the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. Smith will be a must-start in fantasy football leagues next weekend.--Keith HernandezSource: NFL.com
Oronde Gadsden Finds the End Zone in Week 2 Loss
Wyatt McClintock
Wyatt McClintock
Sep 20, 2026, 11:49 PM ET
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden caught his two targets for 18 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's devastating 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The 23-year-old salvages his Week 2 outing by catching Justin Herbert's lone passing touchdown. However, Gadsden could see a slight bump in his fantasy value if David Njoku (knee) and Charlie Kolar (forearm) miss time. Both tight ends left the game early with their injuries and did not return. The severity of the injuries for Njoku and Kolar is something to monitor over the next few days. Through two games, Gadsden has caught all four of his targets for 50 yards and one touchdown. Gadsden has had a slow start to his sophomore campaign due to limited targets in a crowded offense. Gadsden and the Chargers will head on the road for the first time this season to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 3.--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
CeeDee Lamb Reaffirms His WR1 Status In Dominant Fashion
John Johnson
John Johnson
Sep 20, 2026, 11:43 PM ET
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb reaffirmed his star status against the Washington Commanders by catching eight of his nine targets for 153 yards and two touchdowns in his team's blowout win. The Cowboys crushed their divisional rival 37-20 behind quarterback Dak Prescott's four passing touchdowns. Lamb racked up 35.3 PPR fantasy points and looked a lot more like his old self. Last season, he was clearly hampered by the high-ankle sprain he suffered early in the year. It was enough to fool many into thinking that WR George Pickens had taken over the de facto WR1 role. But Lamb showed why he'll finish his career as one of the best wideouts in Cowboys history with one of his best performances as a pro. Lamb will yet again be a must-start, elite WR1 in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. They present a tougher defensive challenge, but No. 88 is one of the best pass-catchers in the NFL, and he'll be up to the task.--John JohnsonSource: ESPN
Tre' Harris Leads Chargers in Receiving Yards in Week 2 Loss
Wyatt McClintock
Wyatt McClintock
Sep 20, 2026, 11:40 PM ET
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Tre' Harris caught one of his three targets for 53 yards in Sunday's devastating 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old had the Chargers' top play of the day on a critical third down that put the team in the red zone. The 53-yard play was a glimpse of Harris' big-play upside he possesses. However, the Ole Miss product continues to operate as the team's WR3 behind Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. Through two weeks, Harris has caught four of his nine targets and has no touchdowns. He will remain an intriguing fantasy receiver in deep leagues but should remain off fantasy radars in standard-sized leagues. Harris and the Chargers will head on the road for the first time this season to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 3.--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
Ladd McConkey Guts Out Three Catches in Week 2 Loss
Wyatt McClintock
Wyatt McClintock
Sep 20, 2026, 11:38 PM ET
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Ladd McConkey (ribs) caught all three of his targets for 35 yards in Sunday's devastating 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old was questionable heading into the matchup with a rib injury he sustained after a hard hit in Week 1. McConkey wore a flak jacket under his uniform for extra protection. However, McConkey still took a dip in targets, likely due to his injury after being the focal point of the offense in the season opener. Through two games, he has caught eight of his 10 targets for 117 yards and one touchdown. Unfortunately, McConkey will be battling this rib injury for an extended period of time and will cap his fantasy ceiling moving forward. McConkey and the Chargers will head on the road for the first time this season to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 3.--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
Dak Prescott Dumps Four Passing TDs On Commanders In Week 2 Win
John Johnson
John Johnson
Sep 20, 2026, 11:34 PM ET
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott shook off the rust that plagued him in Week 1 to dominate the divisional-rival Washington Commanders at home. Prescott slung two touchdowns each to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson, racking up 279 yards through the air in the process. He added four carries for 26 yards on the ground for a fantasy football finish of 29.8 PPR points. The Commanders have long struggled on defense, with their secondary and linebackers being a particular point of weakness. Prescott confirmed his status as an elite draft pick in superflex and six-point passing touchdown fantasy leagues, and Dallas' offense hummed with efficiency. While this was one of their softer matchups, it was still encouraging from a season-long potential standpoint to see them work well. Next week presents a greater challenge against the Baltimore Ravens, though they'll get to play that game at home, which helps. The Ravens also just lost to the New Orleans Saints, so Dallas may be able to poke some holes in their defense. Prescott will be a QB1 in fantasy football for that matchup.--John JohnsonSource: ESPN
Keaton Mitchell Sees Six Touches in Week 2 Loss
Wyatt McClintock
Wyatt McClintock
Sep 20, 2026, 11:34 PM ET
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell had five carries for 24 yards in Sunday's devastating 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old also caught his lone target for 15 yards. Mitchell was one of Mike McDaniel's players he campaigned for during free agency; however, he has seen minimal touches translate into no fantasy success. Through two games, he has totaled nine carries for 33 yards and zero touchdowns. Mitchell has the speed and the explosiveness to be fantasy-relevant on limited touches, but he has yet to produce a carry over 12 yards. The East Carolina product should remain out of fantasy lineups in Week 3 as the team travels to Buffalo.--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
Omarion Hampton Has Bounce-Back Performance in Week 2 Loss
Wyatt McClintock
Wyatt McClintock
Sep 20, 2026, 11:30 PM ET
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton had 23 carries for 94 yards, a touchdown, and a fumble in Sunday's devastating 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The 23-year-old also caught both of his targets for 21 yards. After struggling in Week 1, Hampton bounced back with an 18.5 PPR-point performance that will likely place him among the top-8 running backs this week. Hampton saw a slight uptick in usage in the Chargers' passing game this week, which boosts his fantasy production for the rest of the season if he continues to get touches through the air. Through two weeks, Hampton has totaled 35 carries for 137 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The panic meter spiked for the Chargers after dropping their first two games, but Hampton can still be a valuable fantasy asset if he continues to get a lot of volume. Hampton and the Chargers will head on the road for the first time this season to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 3.--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
Justin Herbert Continues His Struggles in Week 2 Loss
Wyatt McClintock
Wyatt McClintock
Sep 20, 2026, 11:25 PM ET
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert went 15-for-27 for 192 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in his team's devastating 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert also had three carries for two yards while putting the ball on the turf three times, but it didn't result in any turnovers. The panic meter has spiked for the Chargers after dropping to 0-2 after being heavy favorites to open the year. To make matters worse, the team is gearing up to face the hardest seven-game stretch and likely will not be the favorite in a matchup until they face the New York Jets in Week 11. Through two weeks, Herbert is 32-for-54 (59%) for 401 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions, and is outside the top 20 quarterbacks in fantasy points. Herbert and the Chargers will attempt to get their season on track at Buffalo in Week 3.--Wyatt McClintockSource: ESPN
X-Rays Come Back Negative on Alec Pierce's Heel
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 20, 2026, 11:17 PM ET
X-rays on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce's injured heel came back negative on Sunday evening, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Pierce will be further evaluated on Monday. Pierce's left heel has been bothering him of late, and he looked to be in quite a bit of pain before leaving the Sunday night game early on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. In fact, Pierce had to be carted to the locker room and was quickly ruled out after that. Before leaving, he caught his only target for 11 yards, so he was yet again a disappointment for fantasy managers in Week 2. It is good news that X-rays came back negative, but it does not mean that Pierce will be ready to play in Week 3 against the division-rival Houston Texans next Sunday. Pierce is a big-play threat when healthy, but he has not really been healthy since having cleanup surgery on his ankle back in the spring. If he misses time going forward, Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren will be the biggest beneficiaries in the passing game. Veteran Keenan Allen could play a bigger role as well, but he is also facing a potential suspension for an off-the-field legal issue.--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Luther Burden III Continues Sluggish Start
Andy Webb
Andy Webb
Sep 20, 2026, 10:52 PM ET
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III came into the season hyped as a breakout candidate, but he's off to a slow start. Burden hauled in five receptions for 63 yards in the season opener, but he did worse on Sunday. The second-year wideout finished with three receptions on seven targets for 32 yards in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Bears also potentially lost quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) for a period of time, so that's going to impact Burden's value as well. The 22-year-old wideout is not trending in the right direction heading into the Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
Bryce Young is Brilliant in Week 2 Victory
Andy Webb
Andy Webb
Sep 20, 2026, 10:41 PM ET
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young tossed three touchdowns in the season opener and decided he wanted to do it again next week. On Sunday, Young and this Panthers offense had really no issues against this Atlanta Falcons defense. Young completed 23-of-36 passing attempts for 287 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the win. The 25-year-old tossed a three-yard touchdown to running back Chuba Hubbard, and the other two scores went to tight end Darren Waller. It's tough to believe that Young has nearly 650 passing yards and six touchdowns heading into the Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Young is going to be a popular waiver wire pickup after back-to-back three-touchdown performances.--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
Marvin Harrison Jr. is Held Without a Reception
Andy Webb
Andy Webb
Sep 20, 2026, 10:32 PM ET
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was hopeful for a bounce-back performance after posting a dud in the season opener. Somehow, Harrison posted a worse performance during this Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Harrison was held without a reception on one target during the blowout loss. The Cardinals were getting crushed in this game, and somehow Harrison still didn't get involved, even in garbage time. It's clear that quarterback Jacoby Brissett prefers his other options in Trey McBride and Michael Wilson. Fantasy managers should have little faith that Harrison is going to offer any significant value against the San Francisco 49ers defense in Week 3.--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
Jonah Coleman Makes a Splash in Week 2
Andy Webb
Andy Webb
Sep 20, 2026, 10:24 PM ET
Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman saw an expanded role in the backfield in Week 2. Fellow back RJ Harvey (hamstring) was inactive this weekend, which gave Coleman a chance to step up and prove himself. Coleman did a nice job filling in during Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The rookie back rushed 10 times for 39 yards and found the end zone for the first time in his career. Coleman also secured all three of his targets for 19 yards in the victory. J.K. Dobbins (hamstring) was forced to exit this game in the second half due to an injury. Coleman might find himself as the lead back heading into the Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The 23-year-old is going to be a popular waiver wire addition after this weekend.--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
Derwin James Jr. Suffers Broken Finger
Andy Webb
Andy Webb
Sep 20, 2026, 10:15 PM ET
Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Derwin James Jr. (finger) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. James suffered a broken pinky finger during the first quarter of Sunday's contest, per Kris Rhim. He recorded seven tackles before leaving the contest. It sounds like James wants to play with a cast on his hand moving forward. His absence from his secondary would certainly be a significant hit to the Chargers' defense. They certainly felt his absence during the second half of Sunday's loss to the Raiders. Tony Jefferson is a candidate to see increased playing time if James misses time.--Andy WebbSource: Kris Rhim
Demarcus Robinson Believed to Have Suffered a High-Ankle Sprain
Ryan O'Bleness
Ryan O'Bleness
Sep 20, 2026, 10:09 PM ET
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan believes wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (ankle) may have suffered a high-ankle sprain in Sunday's 35-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic. Robinson exited the game in the second quarter while the 49ers led the Dolphins 7-3. Robinson was spotted limping off the field, and he was taken to the locker room for further evaluation. The 49ers originally deemed Robinson questionable to return, but if the injury is indeed a high-ankle sprain, his status for Week 3 and moving forward is in serious doubt. Robinson finished his day with three receptions for 34 yards. The 49ers are already dealing with an injury to rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, who is on IR with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Mike Evans (hip) exited Sunday's game with a hip injury, but he is expected to be fine. If Robinson misses more time, and with Stribling already out, the 49ers will have to rely on tight end George Kittle, running back Christian McCaffrey, and wide receivers Evans (if healthy), Deebo Samuel, Jacob Cowing, and others.--Ryan O'BlenessSource: Vic Tafur - The Athletic
Steelers Plan to Pare Down the Playbook for Aaron Rodgers
Ryan O'Bleness
Ryan O'Bleness
Sep 20, 2026, 9:50 PM ET
Following a 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy hinted at paring down the playbook for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the offense, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. "If it's not clean, you cut the volume down," McCarthy said. "We're not clean on offense, so the volume's getting cut down. ... We've got a quarterback that could play with any volume of game plan, but at the end of the day, it's a team game." Rodgers finished Sunday's loss by completing 23 out of 39 passes (59%) for 187 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception. He was also sacked four times. The Steelers tallied just 235 total yards on the day and never led against the Patriots. Rodgers, a 42-year-old veteran and multi-time NFL MVP, plans to retire following the 2026 season. He can safely stay out of lineups and on the waiver wire right now.--Ryan O'BlenessSource: Mike DeFabo - The Athletic
Jaylen Wright Suffers Neck Injury Against 49ers
Ryan O'Bleness
Ryan O'Bleness
Sep 20, 2026, 9:42 PM ET
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (neck) exited Sunday's 35-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers with a neck stinger he suffered in the first half. The Dolphins designated Wright's status as questionable, but he did not appear to return to the game. Following the loss, Miami head coach Jeff Hafley said that he did not have an update on Wright, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Wright finished his day with two carries for 11 yards. He was not targeted in the passing game. As expected, De'Von Achane led the Dolphins in rushing with 20 carries for 74 yards, while adding three receptions for 19 yards. Ollie Gordon II saw three carries for seven yards and is the name to watch for a slight uptick in usage should Wright miss any time.--Ryan O'BlenessSource: Miami Dolphins
Alec Pierce Will Not Return Against Chiefs with Heel Injury
Ryan O'Bleness
Ryan O'Bleness
Sep 20, 2026, 9:27 PM ET
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) will not return to the Sunday Night Football Game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a heel injury he suffered in the first half, as the team downgraded him from questionable to out. According to James Boyd of The Athletic, Pierce was carted off the field and went back to the locker room. It appeared that Pierce was not able to walk on it. Pierce caught his lone target for 11 yards before exiting. The Colts will rely on wide receivers Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, and Laquon Treadwell, and tight end Tyler Warren, among others, while Pierce is out.--Ryan O'BlenessSource: Indianapolis Colts
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